I Love It: 10 Intense Stories to Keep the Passion Alive (Shameless Book Bundles 6)

by Saffron Daughter

  She broke off and stood to avoid the temptation. Her legs were like jelly, goosebumps broke out on her neck taunting her with the memory of his tongue and he just sat there – cocky grin and all. “Okay, time to go.” When he pinched her on the arse as she turned to walk to the door, she scolded him, “No more hanky panky, Mister.”

  “Sorry, I just couldn’t resist. You have one fine looking behind, Miz Gallagher.”

  “Why, thank you. If there wasn’t a risk of your head not fitting through the door, I’d tell you the same.” She cocked her hip and held the door open for him.

  He walked past her, but stopped before making it all the way through and turned. Reaching up with one hand, he brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Seriously Cate, I do like you. I watched you the other day and I saw a genuine person who loves what she does. And after tasting your work tonight, I also know you are amazingly talented. I really hope I can convince you to give us a chance.”

  With one last gentle peck on her cheek, he walked into the night, leaving her defences crumbling in his wake.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Driving along the narrow, winding roads that took her into the heart of wine country in the Hunter Valley, Cate switched off the air conditioning and wound the windows down. With the fresh country air blowing through her hair and filling her lungs, she soaked in the beauty that was all around her. Although it was a hot spot for weddings, she rarely made the two hour drive to deliver cakes. The place was perfect for relaxing girlie weekends, romantic interludes and grand functions - like her friend Olivia’s wedding was guaranteed to be.

  Cate turned off the main road and slowly made her way up the gravel driveway to The Old Mill. The position alone would make this restaurant stand out. Panoramic views of the vineyards and the Brokenback Range as its backdrop made it spectacular, but it was for their world class food that had made Cate suggest it when Olivia was looking for a venue. Walking into the reception centre brought a smile to Cate’s face when she saw the neutral colours of white and silver mixed with bold accents of purple, teal and hot pink. Definitely Olivia’s style, traditional with splashes of eccentric colours.

  When Cate had answered an ad for a flatmate in a suburb closer to the city, she found herself not only an amazingly colourful apartment, but also a friend for life. Olivia had held her hand when Paul had dumped her and thankfully taken her back in and encouraged her when she had the idea for the Cakery. Placing the last cupcakes on the tower under the top square cake, Cate watched through the glass as Olivia ran across the courtyard dressed in a satin robe and curlers with a champagne glass in her hand.

  “You sneaky bugger, you didn’t tell me you were dating Patrick Garrett!” Olivia burst out before gripping her arm and planting a kiss on her cheek. There was no fake air kisses for them.

  Cate’s mouth fell open in shock. “What? I’m not.”

  “He rang me earlier in the week and told me he was your plus one. Lucky for you, I’ve practically known him all my life so I said okay.” With one last squeeze, Olivia dropped her hand and walked around the cake. “The cake looks divine, sweetie.”

  She was going to kick him. Swiftly in the balls. As much as she loved Olivia, if she thought they were a couple, most of Sydney would think the same thing.

  “He’s a real sweetheart. You guys are just perfect for each other. When Philipe and I get back from Tuscany, we should double date.” She grabbed Cate in a fierce hug. “I’m so glad you’re getting out there again. Paul is scum and you’re so much better off without him. I can’t believe I didn’t think of introducing you to Patrick before.”

  “Considering you were the one who introduced me to Paul, I don’t think I would have been on board with that.” Olivia stepped back and winced. “I don’t know what’s happening with Patrick yet, he seems like a nice guy, but I don’t think I’m cut out for the high flyer lifestyle.”

  “Honey, I just want to see you happy again.” She leaned in for another hug, before jerking back and looking out the window. “Oh God, that’s my hairdresser. I better go and finish getting pretty.”

  “You’re as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside, so you’re radiant already.”

  “Naawww, you’re going to make me cry.” With one last hug, Olivia turned and weaved through the tables out of the restaurant.

  Cate did one last check of the cake before grabbing her bag from her car and heading to her luxurious room. She didn’t take the time to enjoy the view or the spa bath. Instead she was thinking about Patrick. And, the feelings of conflict he’d created.

  He made her want him, in a strong sexual way, but she found she liked just being around him because he made her smile. Was that enough to jump in with both feet in the dating pool again? Mostly, she was pissed he’d forced the decision on her instead of giving her more time.

  She’d wanted to take things slow, but now he had all but publically announced that they were screwing like rabbits. The most frustrating thing was that the devil on her shoulder was all for a sex fest and getting her hands on the rock hard body she’d felt under those clothes. On the other shoulder, the angel had her thinking she should cut him off at the pass, she didn’t need someone who was going to rush her.

  She tried a nice hot, calming shower to get her in a better head space. She was here to celebrate the wedding of two people who were destined to be together forever. Happiness Cate had thought she’d had once. Confronted with the prospect of it again was bringing up all of the emotions she thought would only ever be distant memories. At least when she thought of them now, they didn’t rip her heart out and leave it bruised, so…maybe that meant she was ready to move on.

  She plugged in her straightener and tapped her foot waiting for it to heat up. Grrrr. Damn the man for making her so confused.

  She applied her makeup, and ironed the few creases out of the paisley wrap dress she’d brought. Now that she knew Patrick was coming, she wished she’d brought something a bit more revealing to tease him. Make him a fraction uncomfortable, like he was making her.

  Her hair was determined not to co-operate, so she gave up. Luckily it looked just as good twisted up and pinned in place. A rhythmic knocking sounded on her door. Letting her frustration show on her face, she threw open the door.

  “Surprise,” he said sheepishly, rocking back and forth on his black dress shoes, hands in his tuxedo pant pockets.

  The effect of angrily crossing her arms was somewhat diminished by the fluffy bathrobe, but she gritted her teeth. “I’m so mad at you right now.”

  “I know. I meddled a bit. But, in my defence, I did give you fair warning about my stalkerish tendencies.”

  He’d pulled out the heart melting puppy dog eyes. She tried to hold onto her ire, to remember he’d tried to manipulate her, but seeing him standing there had her heart tripping over itself and she wanted nothing more than to throw her arms around him.

  “I’m not going to let you rush me with this. I still need time and if you’re not okay with that, you can turn around right now and go back to Sydney because the answer is flat out no.”

  “Cate, I just really want to spend time with you. Get to know you, let you get to know me. I thought this was a really romantic move until I was cruising up the Pacific Highway and had time to think. If you want me to go, I will and I won’t bother you again. But, come on. You’re stunning and I’m not so shabby myself, how bout we rock this party?”

  She smiled as she sighed. “Okay. Come back in half an hour and I’ll be ready to go.”

  His face lit up and he grinned. “Great. You know she ordered the butterscotch cake with the caramel icing, right? I just had to get me some of that.”

  She laughed as she slowly closed the door. “You’re an idiot.”

  The back of her head landed with a thud when she collapsed against the door. She looked to the heavens for some guidance and just hoped she wasn’t being an idiot for wanting that man against her better judgement.

  *****

&n
bsp; Huddled in the back of the reception, Cate chatted to Patrick as they waited for the bride and groom to arrive after their beautiful ceremony. They were seated at a table filled with Philipe’s relations who only spoke French, somewhat limiting the conversation, which didn’t bother Cate in the least. She was thoroughly enjoying the wonderful wine, delectable canapés and charismatic man at her side.

  “I bet they’re wondering if the cake tastes as good as it looks. Should I tell them it melts on your tongue and it tastes like a slice of heaven?”

  “Stop it. They probably understand English, you know.”

  “So, I shouldn’t say the sauce is best served from the neck of a beautiful wom—”

  She elbowed him in the side while smiling at the other guests. “They’re discussing Philipe’s wine import/export business.”

  He leaned away from her with an incredulous look on his face. “How do you know that?”

  “Son entreprise va tres bien et ils se rendent de nouveaux vignobles quand ils vont a la Toscane.”

  “Wow. I don’t care what you just said because that was the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard.”

  She felt the heat of a blush steal over her face as her embarrassment grew. “I told them that Philipe’s business was going well and that they will be looking at vineyards when they’re in Tuscany.”

  “So you speak French? And you call me a snob. I can speak two languages, English and bad English.”

  “I thought you are a stock trader. Don’t you have accounts in different countries?”

  “I deal with the numbers, not the clients. Apparently that’s my forte, not customer relations.”

  “Gee, I wonder why?”

  They laughed at the speeches and toasted the new bride and groom before Patrick pushed back his chair and offered her his hand. “Come on, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

  Cate was intrigued enough that she didn’t question him, just put her hand in his and let him lead her over to another table filled with older, finely dressed people. He stopped behind the chair of a lady in her seventies or eighties, putting a hand on her shoulder, effectively stopping her conversation.

  “Patrick? I didn’t know you were going to be here.”

  Kissing her on her cheek, he mumbled something that sounded like “neither did I.”

  “I’d like to introduce you to someone. Grandmother, this is Cate Gallagher. Cate, this is my grandmother, Elizabeth.”

  Grandmother?

  “Pleasure to meet you, dear, and please do call me Betty. Do you know the bride and groom, or did this ragamuffin just drag you along as his date?”

  She knew she was doing it, but she couldn’t stop her best trout impersonation. The words just weren’t in her brain, but Patrick stepped and saved her.

  “Cate’s a friend of Olivia’s, and she’s also the creator of the very delicious wedding cake.” He crouched so he was eye level with the older woman. “It’s actually on the date thing that I need your help. See, Cate won’t be my girlfriend because she thinks I’m a trust fund snob who is up himself. Want to share some of the embarrassing stories about me as a child to prove that I’m a half way decent guy?

  With an excited gleam in her eye, she rubbed her arthritic hands together in glee. “Oh, this is going to be fun. As for missing dinner last week, now that I see why, you’re forgiven. Now, grab that chair over there for Cate and go and get us some champagne.”

  Patrick jumped to obey and that’s how she found herself hearing how he’d spent most of his childhood dressed up like Little Bo Peep courtesy of his sister. The photo’s had surfaced at his twenty-first birthday and hadn’t been seen since, but Betty assured her she had some hidden away for a rainy day.

  “Carolyn begged her parents for more children so she could have a flock and complete the ensemble,” Betty said with a sigh.

  “And no one is more thankful than me that they were satisfied with their pigeon pair.”

  Patrick shifted on the chair he’d taken across from her and Cate avoided his gaze when she couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “Couldn’t you have told her about when I stole Dad’s car or something? I wasn’t wearing a dress for that one.”

  “You asked for embarrassing stories, not the favourable ones.” Sipping her drink and sending a cheeky wink Cate’s way, Betty continued. “Patrick was ten years old when Carolyn had her tonsils out. He was so worried about her, fussed over her constantly. Then while no one was looking, the cheeky bugger took his father’s new car for a spin. His parents heard him pulling out of the garage and were furious and, of course, worried out of their minds. They rang the police, but the little bugger was back before they could find him.”

  Cate turned her attention from Betty to a chagrined Patrick who suddenly found his shoes fascinating. He actually looked uneasy with what Betty was saying. Definitely intriguing to see Mr. Cool getting a bit hot under the collar.

  Betty patted his hand. “He’d driven down to the shop to buy ice cream for his sister to make her feel better.”

  Cate melted as she imagined Patrick as a little boy looking out for his sister. His blush gave away that being seen in that light clearly made him feel slightly uncomfortable, making Cate want to hug and assure him. She would have loved to have brothers or sisters who shared such a great relationship like him and Carolyn, to have a brother who obviously cared so much.

  “Of course, Patrick being Patrick brought an ice cream for himself as well and convinced the shop manager to drive him home so they didn’t melt.”

  With that they all laughed and story time drew to a close. They continued their conversation while the bride and groom cut into the top cake and had photos taken of them feeding each other cupcakes. Patrick made sure everyone at the table had a taste and she watched as he winked and said hello to everyone he knew. Or even some he didn’t for that matter. That’s when it hit her.

  He was charming, and he knew it. He used his glossy veneer to steer things his way, that she knew first hand, but how many people saw just that? He wasn’t just a man with steel backbone that chased after what he wanted, but a caring, sensitive man underneath? Well, she’d caught a glimpse and she liked what she was seeing.

  “Well, it’s time for this old hen to roost and let you spring chickens dance the night away.” Patrick sprang up and offered his arm for support. After taking his arm, Betty leaned down and patted Cate on the shoulder. “It was lovely to meet you, dear. Do what you can to keep this one on his toes, and I’ll call in and see your café the next time I’m in town. Goodnight.”

  Cate bid her goodnight and got lost in her thoughts as she waited for Patrick to return from escorting Betty to her room. All the while listening to a woman who she was wishing she’d had as a grandmother, she’d watched as Patrick laughed and played along. It was wrong that she was judging him by someone else’s behaviour. Paul and Patrick were practically chalk and cheese, and the things they did have in common didn’t define Patrick as they had done with her ex.

  Patrick walked back into the room and set the butterflies fluttering in her tummy when he only had eyes for her. The DJ announced the bride and groom’s first dance, and Patrick’s hand on her lower back guided her to the side to watch as the happy couple swayed to Tony Bennett. The next song started as he took hold of her hand and led her near the dance floor, pulling her close.

  “Finally. Right where I’ve wanted to be.”

  “Me, too.” Cate confessed in a whisper.

  “Really?” Pulling back slightly, his face portrayed his hopeful expression.

  She moulded her body against his again and smiled. “Really, really.”

  She felt him relax and he started moving them with the music. He definitely had all the right moves on the dance floor, which led her to think about his moves in the bedroom. Which made her hot, bothered and needing more than the friction that their bodies rubbing together on the dance floor was creating.

  Cate wanted this. The happiness, the joy and the beginning of
a lifelong joining of two people in love. The only way to get it was to open herself up and take a chance. Reaching up on tiptoes, she leaned in and whispered in his ear, “You’ve convinced me.”

  A look of confusion came over his handsome face. “Hmm?”

  “I said you’ve convinced me. I can honestly say this has been one of the best nights that I can remember, and it’s thanks to you.” Pleased that she now had his full attention, she went on, “I’m constantly smiling whenever I’m around you and I’m not going to deny I can’t wait to see you naked.”

  “I believe that can be arranged,” he whispered against her lips before kissing her sweetly to seal the deal. He pulled her into his arms again, dancing them out onto the floor as everyone joined the bridal couple. Every move, every time he brushed against her, she wanted to rip off his suit and take him right there. Her world was reduced to every brush of his chest against hers, his hand sweeping up and down her back. When he pushed his thigh in between hers, she thought she’d melt in a puddle right there. He’d yet to make a move to go back to one of their rooms, and the anticipation was making her skin come alive in sensation.

  Her nipples were rock hard, poking against the lace of her bra and dress to rub against the stiff material of his suit jacket causing pings of desire straight to her core. She groaned and wanted to grind herself down on his thigh and amp up the pleasure. The bulge in his pants told her he was just as affected, so why wasn’t he pulling her off the dance floor and to the nearest bed? Or even in the state she was in, to the nearest private place to get their hands on each other?

  He moved one hand down to her arse, before sliding the other up under her hair to grip the back of her neck. He leaned in next to her ear to whisper. “Go and grab your bag.”

  Gulp. She moved on wobbly legs around the tables to retrieve her bag and took her room key from it. At the door, Patrick removed his jacket and draped it across her shoulders, followed by his arm tucking her firmly against him. His consideration was shining through, but it was desire, not the cold that was making her shiver.