One Winter Weekend

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

T he next day, Emily was seriously considering cancelling their dinner to hide under the covers and order room service, but Patrick had called to confirm he’d be picking her up, and she knew she wouldn't - couldn't - do it, the moment she heard his voice.

The drive to his apartment was a quiet one.

They were both obviously feeling the tension from their heart to heart the night before, and Emily had no idea how to remedy it.

She couldn’t take her words back, and she couldn’t change the facts either. The sooner they accepted that the better, wasn’t it?

Patrick’s apartment was modern and fresh, the walls and cupboards all painted white, with dark wooden floors throughout. The fixtures were modern stylish, and very contemporary.

“Did you decorate this place yourself?” Emily couldn’t help questioning, as she saw the colourful decorative cushions on the couch. It really was the quintessential bachelor pad.

“No,” Patrick said with a chuckle. “It came already decorated when I moved in. Part of the company package.”

“I wish I had such a company package,” she replied, as she continued to look around, albeit somewhat furtively.

“Feel free to take a tour. I have nothing to hide,” Patrick offered, as he opened a bottle of red wine and left it to breathe.

“You sure the ghosts of girlfriends past won’t come out to get me?”

He chuckled. “I’m pretty sure I had those demons exorcised a long time ago.”

Emily wandered around his apartment slowly, taking in every nook and cranny. He kept it exceptionally neat, which was a surprise, considering how messy his childhood bedroom used to be.

“Maybe he has a maid,” she mused.

“Yep. She comes in on Mondays,” his voice chimed from behind her, making her jump.

“You almost scared me to death,” she admitted, with a hand to her chest.

“I wouldn’t want that,” he stated, stepping closer. “I’m still planning on convincing you that you and I can work.”

Her heart danced a little. “Patrick, I thought I already explained –”

“Yes, you explained why you thought we couldn’t work, but you haven’t yet heard the reasons I think we can.”

How she wanted him to be right, that there was some way they could do this, but something told her it was impossible.

Couldn’t he just enjoy the time they had together here now and not worry about anything afterwards?

“I let you go too easily before. I’m going to make it difficult for you this time,” he said, stepping towards her and closing the space between them.

Every synapse in Emily’s brain began to fire as Patrick’s hands sought her arms gently, his thumbs stroking her exposed skin as a gentle tug drew her closer.

She shouldn’t let this happen. She should push him away and leave, go back to the hotel and not answer any of his calls.

There was only one problem with that though. She didn’t want to, couldn't resist. Despite her protests, Emily knew she wanted what was about to happen.

His face drew closer and her heart quickened even more, until all she could hear was the sound of it drumming in her ears.

She licked her lips involuntarily in anticipation of the moment when his would meet hers, yet still she was nervous. She hadn’t kissed a man in a couple of years. She hadn’t kissed Patrick in over ten.

Could you forget how? Emily didn’t have long to wonder though, as seconds later, she felt Patrick’s mouth on hers.

His lips were gentle, asking, not demanding and Emily willingly gave in. She returned his kiss with equal tentativeness, allowing herself to relearn the feel of him after all these years.