Without You I Have Nothing Read Online Free

excuse not to join them.
    “I don’t think we’ll get any sense out of him until
he meets that girl,” Bob chimed in. “Come on you two, grab your glasses and
we’ll join them.”
    His broad shoulders edged their way through the
throng. “At least they’re from my company so we won’t seem too rude. Besides,
you both look too respectable this evening for them to recognize the ruffians I
know. Straighten your tie, Ted, and try to control yourself and don’t bore us
with figures.”  Leering in the direction of the girls, he licked his lips in
anticipation. “The figures we have in mind tonight are not found in your
ledgers.”
    Had they heard his words or seen his expression, the
girls would have fled, shrieking.
    “Still, all may not be lost. I’d rather have their
company than you two hoboes.”  Turning to Peter he ordered, “Get that lecherous
look out of your eyes and no bad language, either of you.
    “The blonde’s Karen. I’ve heard she’s a good sport
so she’s mine. I don’t intend to be cold in bed tonight. Peter wants
Jennifer... although heaven only knows why. Therefore, you, Ted will partner Ruth.
    “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Peter. Bet you a
dinner and show you don’t get far with that little icicle.”
    Peter towered over Bob as the answer rumbled out.
    “Done!”
    “Double the bet!”  Ted couldn’t resist the wager.
    “Come on... they won’t eat you.”  Bob tossed the
words over his shoulder as he continued to thread his way through the crowd.
    Hoping his friends would not embarrass him,
reluctantly Peter followed. Somehow, he knew this meeting would be crucial.
    Across the room, Jennifer was still agitated. ‘Men
call me the Ice Maiden, and worse. It makes me afraid to have a date. Just
because men take a girl out to a show or dinner, they think they have to be
paid. Why should I hop into bed with a complete stranger?’  Jennifer ended her
thoughts. ‘Often they don’t even offer a bed. Instead, it is the discomfort of
a car - clumsy and physical - sheer brute force and selfish lust. If men think
I am reserved, they are right, no matter the names they provide as an
alternative.’
    ‘The truth of the situation is that I want a man to
love and in return to be loved and treasured.’  She thought of her parents love
for each other that had withstood the test of 30 years and she longed for the
same life for herself.
    ‘I want a man to love and in return to be loved and
treasured. I want a relationship like my parents have and they have been married
for 30 years.’
    Jennifer was jolted from her thoughts by a familiar
male voice.
    “Do you mind if we join you?”  Bob leant over Karen,
placing his hand on her shoulder in a gesture of ownership. “I’d rather have
your pretty company than have to listen to these ruffians’ complaints about
their hard week.”
    Peter knew he was lucky Bob had made that first
approach, as he was aware his own words would not have flowed with such
practiced ease. Instead, he would have stuttered and stammered like a mindless
oaf. Overridden by his childhood trauma, his psychology degrees would not have
helped him cope socially.
    Unnoticed by Jennifer, Bob and his two mates had
arrived at their table and now Peter had caught the full reaction to her
thoughts. Looking up defiantly she found herself staring into two piercing blue
eyes - the same blue eyes that had been studying her from across the room. The
owner was hovering over her chair and someone was speaking.
    Obviously, he believed she was glaring at him. His
handsome, rugged face flushed and he began to apologize for intruding on her
night.
    ‘That’s polite,’ was Jennifer’s surprised reaction. ‘That’s
different. How can I explain I wasn’t annoyed with him?’  She rose to reassure
him, but it looked as if she was about to leave.
    Startled, Peter begged her to remain.
    “I'm sorry if we broke up your happy group.”
    “Tell us if we’re intruding and we’ll