by T N Lowe
“I hope you had a nice time Mr. Love and Miss. Miller and learned more about the birds on our fair island.”
“Yes, thank you again, Phillip,” Patrick says shaking his hand.
Patrick tried to talk me into playing hooky for the rest of the day, but I remind him I have to pull together a brand new training program for the new management staff that is coming in next week.
“Fine,” Patrick pouts. “You don’t need to worry about the training program. You just need to write down what you are already doing.”
“Thank you, honey, but I’m sure it's more complicated than that.”
“Okay, I’ll be in my office when you’re ready to go to dinner.”
Three hours later there is a knock on my office door, “Come in,” I yell.
“Are you ready for dinner? If we don’t leave now we’ll be late,” Patrick says from the doorway.
“Let me just save what I’m working on, and I’ll be ready.”
“Who are we eating with again?” Patrick asks.
“Martin, he is my mother’s oldest friend. He wanted to meet you and make sure you are good enough for me.”
“Well, then I guess I better be on my best behavior tonight,” Patrick says walking me to his car.
We park in front of Martin’s small yellow bungalow; Patrick exits the Porsche strolling around the car his khaki Dockers and cobalt blue button-down shirt hugging his muscular body. He opens my door with a knowing smile, “Like what you see?”
I blush knowing my boyfriend caught me checking him out, “You know I do,” I tell him as he helps me from the car. We walk hand in hand to the front door. Patrick is about to knock when I reach for the handle and open the door.
“You can’t do that,” Patrick hisses.
“I’ve been doing it since I was five, it’s okay,” I say pushing the door open. “Martin we’re here.”
“In the kitchen,” Martin yells back.
We navigate around the piles of old newspapers and law books through the living room and into the small kitchen; where Martin is stirring a pot of sauce, “Hi Martin,” I say as we enter the kitchen.
“Lena, I’m happy you and your new beau could make it,” Martin said turning around to hug me.
“Martin, this is my boyfriend, Patrick. Patrick this is Martin.”
“It is very nice to meet you; Lena has told me so much about you,” Patrick says shaking Martin’s hand.
“It’s nice to meet you too. I have to warn you I’m not much of a cook,” Martin tells us.
“I’m sure whatever you made will be perfect,” I tell Martin.
“Please take a seat,” Martin says combining the noodles and sauce then placing the pot on the set table. “So, Patrick tell me about yourself.”
Patrick clears his throat; he seems a bit nervous. “Well, I was adopted by two loving parents, Quinn and Brianna Love. My father is a Supreme Court justice, and my mom is a stay at home wife. I grew up in Virginia with two brothers and a sister. While working on my MBA, I started Kindred Corporation, when my younger brother Dylan graduated college I brought him on as the CFO. My older brother Liam is a lawyer at a large firm in Washington D.C. and my sister is at Georgetown law school.”
“Are all your siblings’ adopted too?” Martin asks.
“Liam is my parents’ only biological child. My parents wanted more children, but due to some medical problems my mom wasn’t able to have any more, so they adopted Dylan and me. When Liam was away at college and Dylan, and I were in high school they were contacted about adopting my sister, Rylie. She had health problems, and the agency had issues placing her, my mom couldn’t bear to leave her in the hospital alone. So she adopted her, she got the help she needed and is healthy now.”
“They are amazing people,” Martin says.
“They are. This is really good by the way,” Patrick says swallowing a bite of his spaghetti. “So Martin can you tell me embarrassing stories about Lena when she was a baby?”
Martin spends the rest of the night regaling Patrick with embarrassing stories from my childhood while I cowered in my chair pretending I’m not there.
♦ ♦ ♦
“Are you ready to go home?” Patrick asks as he pokes his head into my office.
“Let’s go to dinner,” I reply.
“Are you sure? We can order takeout and stay in. Whatever you want princess. Where would you like to go?”
“The lobster shack? It’s not fancy, but they have the best lobster in the state.”
“I don’t need fancy. I just need you.”
“Smooth, Love.”
“Thank you,” Patrick says with a chuckle.
Dinner at the Lobster Shack is perfect. Patrick and I talk like we’re old friends that have known each other for years versus only the few weeks we have actually known each other.
After dinner, Patrick drives me home and walks me to the door. As I’m unlocking the door, I gather all my courage and ask, “Do you want to come in?”
Patrick’s golden eyes grow wide in surprise but says, “Yes.”
I’m playing with the hem of my shirt as Patrick, and I sit on the couch in the living room. “This is a nice home, do you own it?”
“Yes my mom bought it when she moved here, and she left it to me when she passed. It’s paid off, so it’s one less thing to worry about,” I explain.
Patrick nods approvingly. “If you’re not ready, I can leave. We don’t have to do anything.”
“No, it’s not that. I’m just nervous because I like you and I want everything to be perfect.”
Scooting closer Patrick places his hand on my knee, “Princess it will be perfect because it’s us and we’re meant to be together. Just relax I’m not going to hurt you, unless...”
I wait for him to continue but he doesn’t, “Unless what?”
“Unless this is your first time.”
“What? No, it’s not my first time, but it has been a while.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll go slow,” Patrick says before crushing his lips to mine.
Embolden by his words and kiss, I take Patrick by the hand leading him upstairs to my bedroom. Closing the door behind us, I strip out of my clothes as fast as possible. I don’t know why I’m rushing I just know I need Patrick and I need him now. Patrick must feel the same way because he is pulling his clothes off at record speeds too. Our mouths meet in a teeth clacking kiss, our hands roaming each other’s bodies. Before I can register what’s happening Patrick has me in his arms and places me on the bed.
“Patrick, I need you,” I pant.
“I know princess, me too,” Patrick replies climbing up my body pressing kisses as he goes. When he reaches my lips, he kisses me gently then sits back to roll a condom on. He enters me slowly and my god he is bigger than any other man I’ve ever been with. “God, you’re perfect,” Patrick tells me his voice husky as he finds his rhythm.
“You are amazing,” I moan.
We spend the rest of the evening tangled together in my bed.
♦ ♦ ♦
The next morning I wake up cold and alone, was it all a dream? But I can still smell his body wash and cologne on the sheets. After using the facilities I go downstairs, maybe Patrick has an early morning meeting. But when I round the corner to the kitchen, I find Patrick dressed in his rumpled pants from yesterday cooking breakfast. “Whatcha doin’?” I ask.
Patrick turns from the stove top with a huge bright smile, “Cooking my perfect girlfriend breakfast. I was hoping to surprise you with breakfast in bed,” Patrick tells me after kissing me good morning.
I look over his shoulder to find him cooking eggs and bacon, “Is the coffee ready?”
“It is.”
“You are the perfect boyfriend. Have I told you that?”
“No, but you can tell me every day from now on.”
Kissing him one last time, I move further into the kitchen for a cup of coffee, while Patrick plates the food and moves to the dining table. As we eat, I as
k Patrick when the new management team will be arriving.
“I think their flight lands at ten then they’ll check into their rooms. I think we have a meet and greet scheduled for three this afternoon. Tomorrow you will give them a tour of the resort and start their training.”
“What do you need me to do today?”
“If you can double check their rooms, make sure the requested items are in there along with a training packet please. If you can also ensure all of the managers, even those not on duty today know to be present at the meet and greet this afternoon.”
“I can do that,” I reply taking our plates to the kitchen and putting them in the dishwasher. I look over at the microwave to check the time and cringe, “Crap, I need to shower and get dressed, or I’ll be late for work.”
Patrick wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my shoulder, “Don’t worry princess; I have some pull with the boss.”
I giggle, “Patrick I don’t want special favors because I’m dating the owner.”
“I know sweetness. Let’s take a shower then we can stop by my house for a change of clothes.”
After a longer than necessary shower, Patrick drives us to his house where he changes into my favorite charcoal gray suit. He also has a duffel and garment bag. “Umm, what is that?” I ask not because I don’t know but because I want to hear him say it.
“I think you know, princess. I’m sleeping where ever you are. And I would invite you to stay here with me, but Dylan is also staying here.”
“Why is that a problem? The house is huge.”
“You would think it would be big enough for three, but Dylan is a slob with no concept of personal boundaries. I’ll wait till we’ve been dating for at least six months before I subject you to him.”
“He doesn’t seem that bad,” I laugh.
“Oh that is because he thinks of you as an employee; once he finds out we’re dating you’ll become of one the family, and he doesn’t have to behave himself around you,” Patrick explains as we enter the car and pull out of the driveway.
By noon the new management team has arrived and we are enjoying lunch with them at the Lobster Claw. They all seem nice and excited to start their new positions. After meeting the new team I can see why Patrick chose them, they all have skills the resort has been lacking for years. While we eat Ben asks me about the island and the best neighborhood to live. He can’t wait to find a house so he can move his wife and three boys to the island. Monica and Brian are two new shift leaders and are also engaged, they thought moving to Bar Harbor would be perfect for starting their new lives together.
After lunch, we move our group to the ballroom for the meet and greet where all the managers are there to meet the new staff. As I scan the room to make sure everyone is in attendance, I see a mixed review about our newcomers. Patrick assured me no one would lose their job, and I’ve tried to reassure everyone, but there are still those who don’t believe. As the meet and greet continues more staff joins us, meeting their new bosses, but overall I think this is a success.
After an hour I step away to my office to make sure I’m ready for tomorrow, I have a feeling Ben will give me a run for my money and I want to make sure I have all the latest figures when he asks for them. As I’m running the report to show our current revenue, my office door opens.
“Here you are,” Patrick says stepping inside.
“Sorry, I needed to run an up-to-date report for Ben; I know he will test my knowledge.”
“I know you are overly prepared for tomorrow and will blow Ben’s mind with all your knowledge.”
“Thank you, but you are bias.”
“Only because I’m dating the smartest woman in Maine,” Patrick says moving around the desk and offering me his hand. “Let’s finish the party then we’ll go home.”
Chapter Eight
Two Months Later
The weather has turned cold making me trade my walking shoes for my old 1999 Toyota Corolla; it sputters and clunks but eventually, it starts and I drive the two minutes to work. The resort is running smoother since Patrick brought in his management team. It wasn’t without growing pains, but I think we have worked out all the kinks now. “What are your plans for your days off?” Ben asks as he walks me to my car.
“Staying home and watching movies. Patrick is out-of-town so I thought I would catch up on some me time.” Patrick and I agreed that while we will not be too obvious at work, we thought it was important to tell Ben about our relationship. “Are your wife and sons excited to be moving to Maine?”
“They are. I told the boys about the trails you showed me and they can’t wait to go. And my wife can’t wait to have her own me time away from the boys. They can be a handful sometimes.”
“I can only imagine. When do you close on the house?”
“Next Friday. Hanna and the boys will be here Saturday.”
I thank Ben for walking me to my car then drive home. Following the driveway to the garage behind the house, I park in the garage then walk the stone pathway to the back door. Unlocking the door, I find Patrick sitting on the couch watching TV. “What are you doing here?” I ask crawling into his lap, kissing him until we’re both breathless. “You’ve been gone too long,” I say against his lips.
“You’re right princess, two weeks is too long to be away from you,” Patrick agrees kissing me again.
“But I thought you weren’t coming back till next week.”
“Lucky for me the Resort Inn in Oregon didn’t need much work,” Patrick tells me. “Which is perfect because I have a big favor to ask you.”
“Sure, what is it?”
“My parents want me to come home for a party. They are boring affairs, and I would love it if you would come with me, and my parents want to meet you.”
“Y-you want me to meet your parents? “
“Yes, they are great people and will love you.”
“You want me to go to a fancy party with you? I have nothing to wear.”
“That’s not a problem; we can go shopping when we get to Washington D.C.”
“Who is the party for?”
“One of my parents’ friends is announcing his intent to run for the presidency.”
“Wait, you not only want me to meet your parents you also want me to meet a presidential candidate?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not sure. I don’t want to embarrass you. I don’t know how to act at an event like that.”
Patrick takes my face in his large hands, “Princess, you could never embarrass me. Just be yourself, and everyone there will fall in love with you and hate me for being the luckiest SOB there because you are all mine.” Patrick brings our lips together then carries me to bed to make up for lost time.
After a very vigorous lovemaking session that leaves both of us satisfied and spent I ask Patrick, “When do we have to leave for Washington D.C.?”
“Today is Tuesday, and the fundraiser is Friday night, we’ll leave Thursday.”
“How long are we staying?”
Patrick rolls on his side to face me, “The resort is doing well, and all the new employees are trained. I spoke to Ben, and he told me he has no need for you right now. If you want, let’s take an extended vacation. I’ve checked your record; you haven’t taken a day off since your mother’s funeral.”
A vacation sounds nice, but what about work and the house? Who will watch over my house and make sure the bills get paid? “I’m not sure an extended vacation will be workable. I have no one to watch my house or pay the bills while I’m gone. What if something happens to my house or at the resort and I have to come back?”
“My family has a property management company we use to care for our house here in Bar Harbor. I will call them and have an account started for you. They check on the property daily and manage any bills. As for the resort, tourist season is ending soon. Ben and the other staff are more than capable of handling any situation that arises if they have questions they can call.”
“Okay, I guess. I mean if you think everything will be fine without me, I’ll go,” I say tentatively.
“Good because if you didn’t say yes, I would kidnap you. This will be good for you, and you will love D.C., just wait.”
“I’m not so sure, I’m a small-town girl.”
“Yes, but you also have a love of history and D.C. has the best museums, ones you can lost in for days.”
My joy must show on my face because Patrick chuckles at my childlike delight. “Will you take me?”
“Of course. I’ll show you every inch of D.C. if that is what you want. Haven’t you figured it out yet?”
“Figured what out?”
“How much I care for you. I would do anything to make you happy.”
“Good, because I care a great deal for you too.”
Wednesday I pack my personal belongings, I know Patrick said I would come back to work after our vacation. But I want to take my personal items home in case someone wants to use the space while I’m gone. I trust everyone who works at the resort, but these items have sentimental value and I would hate for them to be damaged by accident.
Before taking my box to the car and leaving for the night I stop at Patrick’s office, he’s on a conference call and scribbling notes. When he sees me, he puts the call and mute and rounds his desk to give me a kiss. “Are you leaving for the night?”
“Yeah, I need to take this home,” I say lifting the box, “and finish packing.”
“Okay, be careful, and I’ll see you later tonight.”
Leaving Patrick to finish his meeting I put the box of stuff in the back seat and pull away from the Resort. Everything is fine until I try to stop at the first stop sign. The brakes are not working. I frantically stomp on the brake pedal trying to make the car come to a stop, but nothing happens. I see a car coming from the opposite direction and pray the car will stop. But as the car comes closer and closer, the driver honks their horn trying to get my attention.
