Patrick rushed to the closet and yanked his coat from the hanger.
“Where are you going?” Renee asked, moving over to the window to see for herself.
“He shouldn’t be out there like that, all alone in this snow. He could have a heart attack or something,” Patrick said, pushing his arm through his coat sleeve.
Renee stood, watching him. “I wonder why others haven’t gone out there to help him.”
“Who knows? But I’m going out there to help him.”
What a sweet guy. Not being afraid to get out there and put in hard labor was impressive to Renee. Being helpful seemed effortless for Patrick, as Renee had witnessed his willingness to assist people several times. It touched her heart that he was so concerned about the innkeeper that he would brave the elements to help him.
Renee rushed over to him. “Be careful out there, Patrick.”
Patrick kissed her lips quickly. “You sound like you’re sending me off to war, babe. I’ll be fine. I just thought I’d help Abe.”
“I still say be careful,” Renee said as they stared into each other’s eyes.
“I’d better get out there,” he said before planting one last kiss on her lips and walking out the door.
She hurried back to the window, watching, and a few moments later, she saw Patrick approach Abe, taking over the guidance of the heavy machine. Renee didn’t know if the two men would make any progress, as she noticed that the farther they cleaned the long walkway, the quicker the snow covered it back up. Maybe they should have waited until after the snow stopped before going out there.
Renee laid her hand flat against the cold windowpane, as if touching it would bring her closer to Patrick. Their connection seemed to be getting stronger each time they were with each other. She really was starting to care about him, no matter what he did for a living.
She liked him…a lot.
Chapter Twelve
Patrick took off his coat and leather boots at the door. If he’d known that the weather was going to be blizzard-like conditions he wouldn’t have worn his short black wool coat and thin leather boots. Despite his being unprepared, he couldn’t stand by and watch Abe try to clean off the walkways and entrance by himself.
Once they were back inside, Abe insisted that Patrick get warm by the fireplace in the seating area of the lobby before going up to his room. He sat down on the ottoman in front of the fire, removed his boots, and wiggled his toes to get them warmed up. Before long, Abe was back with two delicious, piping-hot cups of chocolate for both he and Renee.
Patrick wasn’t able to bring both the cups and his boots with him, so he took his boots upstairs and laid them by the door, then went back downstairs. Now, as he entered the room, he tried hard to steady two cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and open the door at the same time. He was happy he hadn’t knocked on the door, because once he entered the room he found that Renee had fallen asleep.
Not wanting to disturb her, he set the mug on the nightstand beside her, and then walked around to the other side and placed his mug on the table. He eased his body down onto the bed, watching her as the bed dipped from his weight.
Renee looked so peaceful asleep—it was his first time really studying her without worrying about her catching him. Her fine features were evident and her skin looked so soft, he wanted to caress her face. He was pleased when he’d overheard her tell her sister how much she trusted him. Just thinking about it, she never complained once about where they would be staying, she was only concerned about being left alone.
His gaze dropped to her lips, then to the green and blue plaid blanket she was wrapped up in. He hated that she’d fallen asleep, because he had hoped they would continue their conversation about her family once he returned. It would give him more insight into the things that were important to her. She was definitely not like the women he had come in contact with in the past, and that alone was a pleasant treat.
Picking up his mug, he sipped on his cocoa and sat quietly with his own thoughts. He felt Renee’s hand on his side. “You’re back,” she said, her voice groggy.
Shifting his body, he bent and kissed her forehead. “Yes, you can go back to sleep, if you want.”
“I tried to wait for you,” she said, “but I guess I was too tired.”
He kissed her again. “Rest then.”
“Are you going to come to bed?” Renee asked. “You don’t plan to sit up like that all night, do you?”
“No, I’m going to stretch out,” Patrick responded. He actually hadn’t known what he was going to do about his sleeping arrangements until that very moment. He just wanted to make sure that he didn’t offend her or take them being in such close proximity for granted.
Patrick stretched out next to Renee as much as he could on the small bed, his feet hanging right at the edge. He rested his hand in the empty space between them, then closed his eyes. He wanted so badly to reach for her, to hold her in his arms for the night, but he hesitated, slowly grabbing a handful of the quilt beneath his hand. The attraction and desire seemed to be there for the both of them, but he didn’t know how far Renee wanted to take their relationship without talking to her about it first. So making a move on her would be a risk, especially if she felt that he was pushing her to do something she didn’t want.
Patrick was content with his position on the bed. It felt good to be so close to her, but he wanted to be even closer—he wanted to be deep inside her. Just last night he’d had a dream about her calling out his name in the throes of passion. Tonight, he wanted to make that dream come true, but that would have to stay a fantasy for now. He’d have to settle for lying close to her on top of the covers with his clothes on.
Renee surprised him when she touched his hand. Patrick’s eyes popped open and he looked straight into hers. For a long while they stared at each other until he spoke.
“I really want you, Renee,” he said before pulling her hand up to his mouth. “I want you so badly,” he said, his gaze sweeping over her. He could feel his body hardening. He laced her fingers with his before moving his head closer to hers. “You are such an extraordinary person, Renee McClendon,” he whispered.
“You are too, Patrick,” Renee whispered in response, meeting his gaze.
“Let’s get you unwrapped,” he said jokingly. He wanted to make the moment a bit light to find out if she was really ready to cross this line.
Renee quickly removed her blanket and they both moved closer together. Renee covered them as best she could, their bodies flush, their lips mere inches apart. When his lips touched hers, he knew that this was going to be an unforgettable experience for them both. It would also change the dynamic of their relationship forever.
“Come here,” he said gently, pulling her into his arms to nestle against his chest. She felt so good. He kissed her hair.
His grip tightened around her as he gathered her as close as he could in his arms, desire coursing through his veins. Patrick moved his hand to the delicate nape of her neck, fingering the spot. He slid his finger down to the top of her silk blouse.
“We can take this nice and slow if you want, or we can just get right into it. My vote is nice and slow,” Patrick said.
Renee turned over onto her back and unbuttoned the emerald-green silk blouse from the top, but Patrick stopped her. “Let me do it.”
Slowly, Patrick released the buttons as he stared into her eyes. Suddenly he stopped.
“What’s the matter?” Renee asked.
“I don’t want you to regret what we’re about to do,” Patrick answered honestly.
Renee covered his hand, pulling it closer to her chest. “I won’t. I want this,” she responded, trying to help him finish the task.
Renee pushed herself up toward the head of the bed and removed her top. Patrick grasped the lacy edge of her ivory camisole, pulling it over her head and tossing it to the floo
r. Her delicate demi-bra was next to go, then he slid his hands over her bare stomach, as her fingers ran up and down his arms.
Patrick gripped her hips, sliding her back down to meet him, so that he could capture an already tight, dark, protruding nipple in his mouth. He heard her gasp as the chocolate tip slipped between his teeth. He cupped her bare breasts in his hands. She quivered beneath his touch, and it made him harder by the second. He wanted her badly, and from the way she reached under his shirt, seeking his warm skin, he could tell that she wanted him too.
The feel of her hands on his skin, seeking, exploring underneath his belt, down into the depths of his pants, was almost his undoing. She had to know what she’d find there from the way he reacted to her. In a minute, he’d definitely have to remove his pants, but he wanted to wait for her. His chest tightened with pride. He was in awe that she belonged to him, if only for that night. This time would be cherished forever.
Patrick needed to free his manhood so that it could stretch to its full length. He unbuckled his pants, pushing them down and tugging to remove them. He yearned to feel her hand curl around his thick, heavy length. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t ever hurt you, baby,” he said to her, his manhood throbbing at the thought of her delicate hand wrapped around it.
His pulse quickened as she took it, stroking gently. “Renee, if I don’t make love to you soon…” he said, his voice trailing off because her touch was making him lose all train of thought.
Patrick unbuttoned her slacks. “I think you’ve got on too many clothes,” he whispered, getting up on his knees in front of her.
Renee lifted her butt off the bed as Patrick pulled her pants and underwear down and off her body in one swoop. He couldn’t wait until he was buried deep inside her.
* * * * *
Renee hadn’t realized that she’d fallen asleep still sprawled across Patrick’s naked body. She’d done it now, making love to him for most of the night. She hadn’t had sex in so long, but it was well worth the wait. Yes, she had been out with several men, but she couldn’t see herself giving her body to a man who wasn’t worth it. Even with all of Monte’s sweet talk, she’d never had sex with him, which was a blessing after the stunt he pulled.
Renee stared at a sleeping Patrick, who was breathing deeply, his arm hanging over his head. He had turned out to be much more than she anticipated, so refreshing for her to be around because he wasn’t full of himself. His protectiveness, the attention she received from him, made her enjoy the time she spent with him immensely.
Sinking back against the headboard, she thought about what making love to Patrick would inevitably do to their relationship. He had graduated from being someone she hung out with to her lover.
My lover. Thinking the words didn’t surprise her because it felt right. Saying the words after what they’d just experienced made it real. Renee continued to study him as her thoughts went back to the way he’d made love to her last night. She had no defenses against him when he touched her. He was so passionate, so virile, and so male that they shared their bodies with each other easily.
He opened his eyes and stared into hers. “Good morning.”
Renee bent over and placed a wet kiss on his lips. “Morning,” she said, sliding down, resting against his chest, her leg thrown over him.
Patrick rubbed her back and squeezed her bottom. “Are you sore?”
Renee stretched, her nipples hardening again at the thought of why she’d be sore. “No, I’m fine.”
He kissed her forehead. “Good, because we went a while last night. And you were so tight,” he commented.
Renee rubbed his chest and let her fingers roam farther down, but Patrick caught her hand.
“Baby girl, do you want to mess with me this early in the morning? Don’t think I won’t tag that ass.”
Renee laughed at the way he spoke. She could see their relationship changing already.
“Before you say anything,” Patrick started, “I know that I don’t usually speak to you this way, but after I had your ass all in the air last night, I think we can get past that,” he said before giving her a wink.
Renee tried to stifle a laugh, but every time she glanced over at Patrick, he’d wink at her.
Pulling away from her, Patrick rolled over and sat up on the side of the bed. “I hope the roads are clear; I need to get you back home.”
“Don’t you have to get to work?”
“No, remember, I don’t work on Sundays,” he said, then looked at her exposed breasts. “Unless you need me to, because I’m ready to put in some work.”
Renee shook her head at his attempt at sexual innuendo. She swatted at him. “Boy, go and check outside.”
Patrick got up from the bed and walked over to the window, pushed back the curtain, and peeked out. “Wow, there is literally snow everywhere.”
Renee jumped up. “We’d better get out of here then.”
“Not so fast. Let’s be sure that it’s safe and then we can get some breakfast before getting on the road,” Patrick suggested.
“I guess you’re right,” Renee said, remembering that they were safer at the inn than on the snowy streets.
“If it makes you feel any better, maybe you should call your sister to tell her that we’re still here.”
“I don’t have to do that until I’m sure we have to stay.”
“We may not have to stay, so let’s take a shower and get dressed,” Patrick said, walking back over to her.
Viewing him full frontal, Renee kept thinking that a man shouldn’t look as good as Patrick. Watching him walk in her direction conjured up a lot of images that would definitely be X-rated if she shared them.
“Is that shower big enough for the both of us?” Renee asked.
“I haven’t checked, but I’ll tell you one thing, if we get in the shower together, it will probably be lunchtime before we’re ready to eat anything,” Patrick said, reaching out to playfully pinch her right nipple.
Renee hit his hand. “Stop it, Patrick.”
“Stop it, Patrick,” he mimicked.
One thing about being around him, Renee was always laughing. She got up and noticed her clothes strewn all over the floor. “I’d better pick up my stuff since it’s all I have. Maybe we should go down and eat with the others.”
“Let’s just hurry, clean up, and get our clothes on.”
“You can take the bathroom first,” Patrick offered. “I need to make a phone call.”
“I hate washing up when I don’t have clean underwear.”
“We’re leaving soon, I promise,” Patrick assured her.
Renee left him to make his phone call and hoped they would indeed be back in the Windy City before nightfall.
While Renee was in the bathroom, Patrick checked in on his father. He should have called last night, but he wanted to make sure that Renee was comfortable. He promised his father that he would return sometime today. Staying at the Country Inn reminded Patrick of his family’s business. The holidays were just around the corner and he didn’t want to start the New Year without a plan.
His relationship with Renee was another concern. Making love to her last night shifted the dynamics of their relationship. He didn’t just want to bed her, but have a real relationship. He enjoyed being around her and it seemed as though she was made just for him. His one regret was allowing her to believe that he was only a chauffeur. He should have told her the truth from the beginning, but because of his past experiences, he was so used to protecting himself.
Patrick picked up his boxers from the floor and slid them on. He walked over to the window and looked out. Staring at the snow-covered ground, he continued to turn over in his mind thoughts of how to approach the subject.
He figured there was no need to beat himself up about not telling her. He would just have to fix it. Once she came out of the bathroom he’d tell her
the truth, because she deserved it. They needed to talk about where their relationship was headed anyway.
He walked back over to the bed and sat down.
“Patrick, is something wrong?”
He hadn’t heard Renee calling him, he was so deep in thought. He glanced up at her, seeing the concern in her eyes, and held out his hand. “Come over here, baby, so we can talk.”
Renee strolled the short distance from the bathroom door to the bed and sat down next to him.
Patrick wanted to close the small gap between them, so he moved closer to her. He wanted to feel her thigh against his. “I don’t want us to pretend that nothing happened between us last night.”
Renee dropped her head and then gave him a sidelong glance, clasping her hands together in her lap. “I’m not ignoring it. Actually, I’ve thought of nothing else this morning.”
Patrick frowned. “Why didn’t you say something to me?”
“Sex can be an awkward subject, because men don’t see situations like this the same way women do. Taking a chance on exposing my feelings to you is not something I wanted to tackle right now. What if you didn’t feel the same way?”
Patrick could hear the tremble in her voice, and he never wanted Renee to be afraid to share her feelings with him. He reached for her hand, lifting it to his lips. “But you can never know how the other person feels if you don’t talk about it. Your feelings are your own, Renee. No one can change the way you feel, so I wouldn’t judge you for it.”
“I want to know where I stand with a person and not be thinking one thing when the reality is just the opposite. I would be so embarrassed,” Renee said, removing her hand from his grasp.
“Do you want me to tell you how I feel first? Would that make you feel more comfortable in telling me how you feel?” Patrick asked.
Renee stood. “I think things are moving pretty fast,” she said, as she walked over to the window. She turned around. “I’m not too sure what to do about it.”
A Husband by New Year's Page 13