And the Desert Blooms by Johansen Iris

Author:Johansen, Iris [Johansen, Iris]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Man-Woman Relationships, Woman Rock Musicians, Contemporary, General, Romance, Women Rock Musicians, Islands, Fiction, Love Stories
ISBN: 9780553592306
Publisher: Bantam
Published: 1985-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Pandora slipped from the back of the chestnut horse and flipped the reins over his head. “Let’s stop here for just a minute,” she said over her shoulder as she ran to the edge of the cliff. She stood there, her eyes eagerly wandering over the scene below. “If you don’t mind, that is,” she added politely.

“Would it make any difference?” Philip drawled as he swung off Oedipus and strolled over to join her at the edge of the precipice. “I’ve seen that look on your face before.”

“Just for a little while.” She dropped down on the ground and crossed her legs tailor fashion. “You’ve seen all this before, but it’s the first time for me.” Her gaze traveled eagerly over the carefully terraced slopes of green and brown that encircled the valley below. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“It’s more than that,” Philip said quietly. “It’s productive and life-giving. When the oil is gone it will still be here furnishing grain and a livelihood for thousands of families. It took four long years, but we’ll have a good harvest this fall.” His expression was suddenly alight with eagerness. “Do you realize what a miracle is happening here? One pure, crystal drop of water and the desert blooms.” His voice deepened with intensity. “It blooms, Pandora.”

“I’m glad. You’ve worked very hard for that harvest.” She felt a sudden rush of love for him. He cared so much, worked himself into exhaustion for the people in his province. How could he possibly think he was lacking in the capacity for emotion?

It was only in his personal life that he forbade warmth and caring. For the last two weeks she had been permitted past his defenses, and she had been filled with a delight that was close to euphoria. They had talked and listened to music. Taken long walks on the estate and in the bazaar. Ridden together, eaten together. She had even made the supreme sacrifice and had taken a stab at learning mah-jongg, a game that Philip was practically fanatical about. He had been surprisingly patient and, given a hundred years or so, she might even begin to like the damn game.

But none of it really mattered. All that mattered was the laughter and warmth between them. How wonderful it was to stand on equal footing with him at last. No longer a child or an enemy, but a woman he treated with surprising respect.

“What are you smiling about?” He sat down beside her, drawing up his knees and linking his arms loosely about them. His gaze of mock suspicion was fixed on her face. “I’ve learned through the years to be wary when you’re particularly pleased about something.”

“I was thinking that you’re not nearly the chauvinist you pretend to be,” she said lightly. “And that pleases me very much. I think you have more appreciation for women than you think.”

“I have an appreciation for a certain few of your sex. I wouldn’t want you to think I lack in discrimination. For instance, I find there are several aspects of your character that are admirably masculine.

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