Chapter 16

Micki wiped the sweat from her brow, the sun"s relentless glare off the roof shingles making it difficult to focus on the dubious patch job before her. As she surveyed the aging roof, a familiar pang of concern tugged at her heart. The resort, her family"s legacy, was showing its age, and the endless list of repairs and upgrades were beginning to drown her. Micki tried to hold onto her optimism, but the reality of their financial struggles was making it difficult. She couldn't ever get ahead of the work that needed to be done, and slowly she was falling behind. The threat of the resort"s closure loomed like a dark cloud on the horizon.

Shielding her eyes, Micki spotted a familiar SUV pulling into the resort"s driveway. Dr. Patrick Andres. Despite her best efforts, she couldn"t help but feel a twinge of interest in his afternoon venture. Micki chastised herself for the involuntary reaction, reminding herself that he was simply a guest. Patrick had made it clear that he was here to sort out his own life, not to entangle himself in the complications of hers.

Too bad she hadn't been able to completely cut off the pull he had on her. Even after all the horrible things he'd said, she still found herself drawn to him. Micki shook her head, willing herself to focus on the task at hand. The resort needed her attention, not her wayward emotions.

Micki paused mid-repair, feeling the prickle of Patrick"s gaze from below. She glanced down. He stood at the edge of the ladder in his casual yet expensive clothes and dark sunglasses. He made her think of the men's ads in magazines. He could be selling sunglasses or maybe overpriced watches.

"Is everything alright?" She hoped her voice was pleasant, like the host she needed to be.

"No. Can you come down?"

She shook her head. "Gotta get this roof fixed. Mom is inside. She can help you with anything you need."

"I doubt it."

She frowned, not sure what to make of his words or the light tone with which he was saying them.

"I can come up." He gripped a rung and started up.

Micki wasn't sure their insurance would cover them if he fell. Even so, she was curious as to what was going on with him that would have him climbing up on the roof in humidity that made it feel over a hundred degrees in the shade, and even worse on the roof.

He reached the top, gazing down for a moment before looking over the roof as if he was trying to figure out how to navigate it.

"It's probably safer if you stay there." Last thing she needed was for him to roll off the roof and break his neck. "What do you need?"

He glanced around as if he wasn't satisfied with that answer, but then looked at her with a mixture of uncertainty and determination. "Michaela, I owe you an apology."

Her brows rose not expecting that from him. "Yes, you do."

His lips twitched upward. "I'm sorry."

Micki felt the tension in her body begin to unwind, replaced by a cautious sense of hope. A hope she tried to tamp down. Just because he was apologizing didn't mean anything. It couldn't mean anything. Her life was here and soon he'd be in New York.

"Okay."

He watched her for a moment. "I'm hoping you'll forgive me."

"Why?"

He glanced down and she wondered if he had a fear of heights. He returned his gaze to her. "I came down here thinking I needed to find my way. A new path. But the truth is, I know what I need to do, I've only been avoiding accepting it."

"What do you need to do?"

"I need to take my place in the family business."

She frowned. "Why? You don't want to do it."

He shrugged. "For the same reason you're on this roof. For family. And for me. I could live off my trust, but I'm not the type. I need work. I need purpose."

To Micki, his reasons weren't the same as hers. Yes, she was here for her family, but also because she loved where she lived and the business her family ran. He might like New York, but he'd been clear he wasn't interested in the business.

"The thing is, I have clarity now. I know what's to come. But I have a few weeks before I need to take that next step."

"What are you saying?"

"I"m saying that I want to spend my time here with you…These last few weeks of freedom, before I have to go back and take over the family business. If you'll forgive me, that is."

Micki"s heart raced as she processed Patrick"s unexpected words. Part of her longed to forgive him, to give in to the temptation of his offer. But the sting of his previous accusations still lingered.

"I appreciate your apology, I really do. But you hurt me – you made me feel like I was a?—"

Patrick winced at her words. "I know and I'm sorry."

"Then you called me a gold digger. Was that how you really saw me? Did you think I was spending time with you for financial gain?"

"No. Not at all. I was just…I was feeling vulnerable and incompetent and blamed you. It was wrong." The remorse seemed genuine. "You"re strong, and vibrant. I find you fascinating."

"Fascinating?"

He gave her a sheepish smile. "I suppose I'm not an enigma anymore."

She watched him, still uncertain about what he wanted. Just her forgiveness? Or was he wanting the fling they'd agreed to before he blew it all up?

Patrick let out a shaky breath, his gaze locked with hers "At the very least, let me make it up to you."

Micki felt the tension in her body begin to ease, but she wasn"t ready to let him off the hook just yet. "How, exactly, do you plan to do that?"

"I could help with Fourth of July preparations. I may not be much of a handyman, but I"m a quick learner, and I"d be more than happy to put in the work."

Micki tried to stop the mental image of Patrick, shirtless, fumbling his way through resort tasks. "I appreciate the offer, but our Fourth of July celebration is no small affair. It takes lot of work to pull it off."

"I'm at your service." His eyes twinkled with a renewed sense of determination. "Whatever you need, I"m here to help."

After his hurtful words and sudden retreat, she found it difficult to fully trust his sincerity. Yet, the vulnerability etched across his features was hard to ignore.

"Alright," she relented, maintaining skepticism. "If you"re serious about helping, there"s plenty that needs to be done." She mentally ran through the long list of tasks that needed handling.

"We need to test the lake water. Sand is being delivered in a day, and it will need to be put along the beaches," she began.

"Tell me how, and I'll do it."

"We need cabins to be serviced to make sure they're ready for the guest coming that weekend."

"Give me a clipboard and I'll do it."

She couldn't stop her lips from twitching up at the image of him with a clipboard. "There is shopping and cooking and decorating."

"Which needs to be done first?"

Despite her lingering doubts, Micki couldn"t help but be impressed by his eagerness. "Start with the family cabins. Make sure the floors are swept, the beds are made, and clean towels are available. I'll get you the keys."

"Consider it done. What else?"

"How about we start with that and see how it goes."

He grinned. "You don't think I can manage it?"

"I think you grew up with a maid."

"I did, but since I moved out on my own, I've done my own cleaning and cooking."

That surprised her.

"Let me change and I'll meet you at the first cabin."

"Alright." She watched as he descended the ladder, doing her best to keep his eagerness to help from softening her to him. For all she knew, he'd once again feel overwhelmed by country life and tell her to take a hike again.

Micki finished the roof patch and climbed down. She grabbed the family cabin keys from the kitchen where her mother was busy baking.

"Where you off to now?" Lori asked as she put a tray of chocolate chip cookies in the oven.

"Dealing with the family cabins." Micki headed out the back and down to a storage shed under the deck where she pulled out cleaning tools and products. She found Patrick at the first cabin in jeans and a T-shirt that fit way too nicely across his chest. She tried to ignore his pecs as she handed him the keys. "Sorry, no clipboard, but there are paper and pens in the cabins. You can make note of what is needed. Here are cleaning supplies." She set them on the front stoop.

"Consider it done." He took the keys, his fingers brushing hers. Like memory yarn, her body sizzled.

"Mom will have cookies and drinks at four. We can see how far you get."

He set the broom in front of him, leaning on it toward her. "Oh, ye of little faith."

She shrugged.

"I bet I'll so such a good job, you'll offer me a job. That would take care of my problems."

Micki hated how much she liked that idea. It was silly. "We can only afford penance pay."

"I imagine I'd have to work for years to pay penance." Again, his eyes shone with regret. "I am truly sorry, Michaela."

The way he said her name did things to her that shouldn't be going on. "I've got to get back to…" She couldn't remember what was on her list.

"See you at four." He picked up the supplies and went to the front door.

She watched him until he disappeared into the cabin. What happened during his trip today? Whatever it was, she liked the fact that he was in better spirits. It would make these last weeks go easier if she wasn't walking on eggshells around him.

She returned to the lodge to help her mother with afternoon chores. Lori bustled about, as she always did whether they had guests or not. Her father sat at the table, going through their Fourth of July decorations.

"What's Dr. Andres up to now?" Lori asked as she looked out the window toward the cabin he was cleaning. "Is he moving into another cabin?"

"He's paying penance."

Lori arched a brow. "Oh?"

Micki realized she was on the verge of revealing too much.

"What for?" her father asked.

"He was a little rude after the four wheeling. He apologized and offered to help. So, he's cleaning the cabin."

"I don't understand that man." Her mother looked out the window again. "He's here for R and R. Why is he working? Why does he care about being rude? It's not like we haven't had rude guests. None offered to work because of it."

Michi shrugged innocently. "I don't know. He's probably bored. He doesn't do anything."

"Well, I"m impressed with how much he's helped out around here," Joe remarked. "Most men of his ilk would look down on hard labor. I'm wondering if he's taken a shine to you, Micki."

A flush creeped up her neck, suddenly self-conscious. "Why would you think that?"

"Why else would a young man of his stature want to clean? To impress you."

She shook her head, even as the thought of Patrick trying to impress her boosted her ego. "He"s just trying to make himself useful." She hoped her tone sounded casual.

Lori paused in mixing more cookie batter, wiping a stray strand of hair from her brow. "You've been spending an awful lot of time with him, Micki."

Micki shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting between her parents. "He"s a guest. I"m just making sure he feels welcome and that he has what he needs to enjoy his stay."

Joe took a sip of his tea. "Well, he"s certainly got a good work ethic, even if he is a little out of his element."

She had to agree. The awkward, reserved man she had first encountered had slowly begun to shed his layers, revealing a man burdened by guilt and duty, certainly not something she'd expect from a man of his ilk, as her father would call it.

"I think being here has been good for him." She still couldn't be sure what this new incarnation of Patrick meant or if it would last. But maybe, just maybe, she'd be interested in enjoying the last few weeks of his stay.

At four, Patrick arrived at the desk for his tea and cookies. Micki served him, but because she wasn't quite ready to accept this new version of him, she excused herself to take care of other resort chores. That didn't mean she didn't occasionally look out the window to see what he was doing. Each time, he was talking affably with her father or Tate.

Later that evening, after dinner, Micki headed to her room, looking out over the moon's glow on the lake. The door to Patrick's cabin opened, and she watched from the shadows as Patrick emerged. At first, she was taken in by the fact that he wasn't wearing a shirt. What was he doing?

He strode to the end of the deck and dove into the water. When he surfaced, he shook the water from his face and then lay back, floating in the water. A part of her yearned to join him, to feel the cool caress of the water and the heat of his body against her skin. But Micki held back, her gaze transfixed on the man who remained an enigma to her.

The following day, he again helped her around the resort. She started to feel like Princess Buttercup and Patrick was Wesley, who'd look at her with knowing as he accepted his task. The only thing missing was him saying, "As you wish."

That evening, she found herself drawn to watch his cabin, her eyes searching the darkness for any sign of movement. Sure enough, Patrick emerged, and without hesitation, he slipped into the lake once more. Micki started toward the path, but stopped, chastising herself for her growing attachment to him.

On the third night, Micki could no longer ignore the pull. As Patrick dove into the water, she made her way to the dock. She perched on the edge, dangling her feet over the side and watching as Patrick surfaced, his dark hair slicked back from his face.

"You were right," he said when he saw her.

"About what?"

"The water is great at night."

Had she said that to him? "It took you long enough."

"Will you join me?"

Oh, how she wanted to, but she was still skittish about this incarnation of him. How long would it last?

He floated in the water, looking at ease. Finally, he swam toward the dock. "I won't touch you if that's what your worried about."

She frowned. "Why not?" Once the words were out, she inwardly kicked herself. He didn't need to know that she missed his touch. "I mean?—"

"I want to earn your trust again, Michaela. Or at the very least, your forgiveness."

He seemed so sincere. Or maybe it was her hormone short circuiting her common sense. She stood, stripping down to her bra and underwear. She figured it was like a swimsuit. Besides, it wasn't like he hadn't seen her naked.

She slipped off the dock and into the water, submerging entirely, relishing the coolness on her hot and bothered skin. As she surfaced, she felt Patrick's eyes on her.

"Hi." Patrick smiled. There was something about the earnest, sweetness of it that had all her inhibitions melting away.

"Hi." She had so many questions about why he'd been so rude and what had changed his attitude. But as their gazes held and the tension built, the questions faded away. For long moments they stared at each other, their smiles growing wider, the distance between them growing narrower. She wanted to jump into his arms. To kiss him. But he said he wouldn't touch her.

"I forgive you."

Patrick reached out and traced the line of her jaw with his finger, his touch feather-light. "Thank you."

Her heart raced as Patrick"s fingers grazed her cheek. His touch was gentle, almost reverent. She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch.

"Michaela?" His fingers brushed along her lips, sending tantalizing sizzles through her body.

"Hmm?"

"Can I kiss you?"

Her eyes opened to find him inches away, his gaze on her lips. "It looks like you still need to work on reading women."

"Perhaps you'll teach me."

"When a woman is this close, savoring a man's touch, then yes, you can kiss her."

"Good to know." His eyes shone with amusement.

She arched a brow. "You can start anytime."

He laughed and then tugged her close, fusing his lips to hers. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders as she gave into the kiss. His warm, slick body molded to hers and need built to excruciating levels.

"Did you once say something about skinny dipping," he murmured against her lips.

"I did, but?—"

His hands gripped her backside, pulling her against his erection, sending her thoughts scattering.

"But?" He sucked on her lower lip.

"Skinning dipping is for…ah…swimming."

"Right."

His lips trailed down her neck. She was heating up.

"Not sex…" She wrapped her legs around him.

"Sex in water is bad?" He kissed the top of her breasts.

"In a lake…or ocean…infection…" God, she couldn't think straight.

"Where do you suggest?"

She might have suggested the dock, except she couldn't figure which was riskier; splinters or her parents seeing. "Your cabin?"

"I hope I can make it." He tugged her toward the dock.

Micki climbed out first, hurrying to his cabin. Patrick was right behind. The moment the door closed behind her, she was pressed against it by a solid wall of man whose hands seemed to be everywhere at once.

His fingers expertly unclasped her bra, his lips were immediately on her nipple sucking.

"Patrick!" She gripped his head, as the most sensual sensations flooded to her center. "Now, now, now…" Micki tugged down his swim trunks. "God, I'm burning up."

He tried to pull her panties down, but they were plastered against her skin. Instead, he pulled her leg up over his hip, and tugged the panel of her panties to the side. Then he was there, the head of him slipping just inside.

A long moan escaped her lips as the feel of him slowly filling her elicited the most delicious sensations.

He let out an explicative through his own groan. "Michaela." His hand tilted her head up and he captured her lips again. His tongue swept into her mouth, assailing her as he moved inside her. She held on to him as she lost herself in him.

In the recesses of her mind, a warning bell clanged as she realized that this was more than a physical connection she felt for him. She didn't know Patrick well. He'd only days ago hurt her. But there was something about this man that touched her deeply. His vulnerability. His kindness. His generosity. Even his imperfections. As she neared the crest, pressure building, she knew when she finally went over, her heart would follow.