Chapter 17

Patrick understood that this moment shouldn't be happening. Not after the way he'd treated Michaela. Sure, he was working off his infraction, but cleaning wasn't enough to make up for the insulting things he'd said to her.

But Michaela wasn't the type to hold a grudge and because of that, he had her penned against the door, drowning himself in her body. She was wrapped around him in every way. Her fingers gripped him. Her legs held him. He realized that moments like this with her he felt tethered to the world in a way he hadn't in so long. Maybe ever.

He moved in her, with her, the pressure building too fast. He wanted to stay like this with her for as long as he could. But nature and need had they're own ideas. Each driving stroke nudged him closer to the edge.

She cried out, her body going taut and tight around him and that was more than he could bear. He had no choice but to let go, to fly with her. Together they rode through the storm until he collapsed against her, sure that the only thing holding him up was the door.

When he could feel his limbs again, he lifted his head, his hand cupping her cheek as he lifted her face to kiss her again. A mixture of emotions swirled in his chest. This moment, this woman, were perfect. Here, he felt alive even if off-center. But he was keenly aware that as much as he wanted to pursue this, he couldn't. Soon he'd leave and he'd be hollow again.

But he wouldn't think of that now. "Thank you for forgiving me."

She gave him a sated smile. "No problem."

When he was sure his legs would work, he pushed away from the door, pulling Michaela with him. He guided her to the bed, stretching out alongside her.

"What made you start taking late night swims?" she asked, her fingers pushing his hair from his brow.

He tilted his head, kissing the inside of her wrist. "I was hot and sweaty. And…I don't know. I suppose I felt like I was going through this vacation with the parking brake on. I decided to release it and take advantage of what I have here."

"You took advantage all right." She looked up at him and waggled her brows.

"I hope it's not a problem."

"Not at all." She nestled against him, her hand on his heart.

Another surge of emotion moved through him as he realized it was beating for her. He was falling for her. Hell, he was already there. It was his luck that he'd finally meet a woman who lit him up from the inside out and he couldn't have her. At least not for the long run.

He worked to push the irritation of that away. "Why did you come join me?"

"The temptation got the best of me."

"The cool lake?" he asked.

"The hot man."

His lips twitched up. He'd never have thought of himself as a hot man. It did his ego good that she did.

They were silent for a few moments, then she asked, "Where'd you go the other day?"

He knew her real question was why the change? "I saw Sydney for lunch."

"You two are best friends."

He brushed his arm up and down her back, enjoying the feel of her skin and the quiet intimacy of it. "We grew up together."

"And dated."

"In high school. I think our families would have liked us to be together, but there's no doubt that Mitch is the one for her and I'm happy for her." He added that last bit, so Michaela was sure he didn't harbor feelings beyond friendship toward Sydney.

"They're lucky to have found each other."

And to be able to be together, Patrick thought but didn't say. He didn't want to reveal too much of his feelings when they wouldn't matter. Even if Michaela felt the same, there was no changing their destinies.

"You're resigned to run the family business?" Her voice was tentative, as if she was worried about asking the question.

"I suppose resigned is one way to look at it. It really makes the most sense."

She lifted her head and looked at him. "But what about what you want?"

He tensed, not wanting to discuss his future. He just wanted to be in the moment. "I can't have what I want. But I'm okay with this decision."

She stared at him like she didn't believe him, but then lowered her head. "I might have the same situation if this place fails, or my parents sell it."

"Have you ever thought of marketing this place to groups? Or maybe events outside of the Fourth of July?"

"We're rustic. I'm not sure that would appeal when there's a large resort with all amenities up the road."

"Oh, I don't know." He turned so they were both lying on their sides face to face. "What about weddings?"

"We don't have a large or nice enough place for that. Or all the tables and chairs and stuff needed."

"What about family reunions? Or maybe company retreats?"

She started to open her mouth but then stopped, her brows furrowing as if she was considering his suggestion. "I don't know that companies would come, but family reunions, that could be something." She grinned at him, and he felt it deep in his soul. "You're full of good ideas."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

"I have another idea." He pushed her back, settling his body over hers.

"Is that what is poking at me?"

"It is. What do you think?" He guided himself to her, already hard and pulsing with need.

Her legs wrapped around him. "I think it's a spectacular idea."

The next daysPatrick made a point to savor every moment. He was certain they'd become memories of a favorite time in life, and he wanted to make sure he seared the moments into his brain. Not just the intimate moments with Michaela, but all the moments. The work to prepare the cabins. The meals he started having with her parents. Making Fourth of July decorations with Tate. Tate"s infectious energy and Michaela"s playful banter kept Patrick engaged in the now, not thinking of the days and years of drudgery to come.

One afternoon, when they finished painting patriotic rocks, Michaela pulled out materials to make pinwheels.

"That looks hard." Tate pouted as Michaela explained the process.

"Luckily not's not hard."

As they worked, Patrick observed Michaela"s gentle patience and the way she encouraged Tate"s creativity. Her genuine care for her nephew touched Patrick, reminding him of the importance of family. There'd been a time when he thought he'd have a family of his own. Would it have been like this? Lovely summer afternoons making crafts? Activities along the shores of a lake? Late night skinny dips with his wife followed by slow love making?

"Look! I did it!" Tate held up his pinwheel, the spokes catching in the gentle breeze, causing it to turn. Michaela swept him into a hug, her laughter ringing out across the lake. Patrick watched, mesmerized by the tender scene, his heart swelling with emotion, a yearning for what he couldn't have.

"Can I make another one?" Tate bounced on the bench of the picnic table.

"Absolutely. How about you, Patrick?" Michaela smiled at him in that way that was a mixture of happy and flirty.

"I don't know if I can do it as well as, Tate here, but I'll try."

"I'll show you, Dr. Patrick." Tate jumped down from his spot and moved next to him.

He let Tate guide him until he had something close to a pinwheel.

"You did it too. Look Aunt Micki."

"Dr. Patrick is full of hidden skills." She winked at him.

She was doing it again. Being sexy when it wasn't the time. He cleared his throat and drank some of the lemonade he had with him.

They continue to craft and discuss the activities and games for the big event. He hadn't mentioned it to anyone, but he'd never done crafts or games for the Forth of July. He was sure his mother would think the whole thing was beneath her. He realized that his mother, a revered child psychologist who helped families didn't have the first clue of what really made families work.

When the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting the lake in a golden glow, Michaela turned to Patrick with a mischievous gleam in her eye. "I think it"s time for a swim, don"t you?" She toed off her shoes.

Patrick hesitated, memories of their previous intimate encounters stirring within him. He glanced at Tate. "I"m not sure that"s such a good idea."

"I wanna swim." Tate jumped down from the table. "I'll go get my suit on." He was off like a shot.

Michaela walked down the steps to the edge of the lake. "Come on." She stripped off her sundress, revealing a vibrant red swimsuit that hugged her curves. His breath caught in his throat as she waded into the water, diving under when it was deep enough.

Moments later, Tate was running across the sane, his youthful energy propelling him into the lake with a mighty splash. Patrick watched them, wanting to be a part of them and at the same time, feeling like he needed distance. How would he ever survive if he continued to find himself tethered closer to them?

"What are you waiting for, Dr. Patrick?" Michaela called to him. "The water"s perfect!"

Patrick realized that if he didn't grab on and live full throttle now, he'd have regrets. He pulled off his t-shirt and slipped off his loafers. He walked out into the cool water, feeling a sense of freedom he hadn"t experienced in years. Michaela"s infectious smile and Tate"s delighted squeals washed away the melancholy of his future. They swam and splashed until Lori called them in for dinner. Tate zoomed back to the house. Patrick wondered how the boy had so much energy.

As Michaela slipped her dress back on, she said, "Well, that was fun."

"It was." He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Thank you for this."

Her eyes narrowed as she tilted her head. "For what?"

"This." He couldn't think of the words to explain how he was feeling. Instead, he went with instinct, leaning in, unable to resist the temptation of her lips.

She met his kiss, which was quick but potent. "I like how you say thank you."

He smiled. "Maybe later I show my thorough appreciation."

"You can count on it."

The resort buzzedwith excited energy as guests began to arrive for the Fourth of July festivities. Patrick hadn't seen so many people or the level of activity needed to ensure their enjoyment since he'd arrived. Michaela and her family worked tirelessly to ensure everything was in order, greeting each visitor with warm smiles.

Logan and Tate arrived earlier, and Logan was helping Michaela set up the games, while Tate was busy distributing pinwheels to guests.

Mitch and Sydney arrived with their son Brian. Mitch and Brian were in the water first thing with Mitch tossing the giggling toddler in the air. Sydney sat in a chair along the beach watching her family with love.

She looked back, catching Patrick's attention from where he stood on the deck. She waved him down. "Come sit with me."

Patrick joined her on the beach, bringing her a pinwheel from Tate and a glass of lemonade.

"Glad to see you"re getting into the spirit of things." Her tone suggested she was aware of his situation with Michaela. Of course she would. It was her idea he live a little.

Before he could respond, Lexie, Drake, and their twin boys and young daughter joined them.

"Can we swim, mommy?" One of the boys asked.

"Let's get sunscreen on you?—"

"Daddy already did that," the other boy whined.

"Did he?" Lexie looked up at Drake. "You're always one step ahead."

He winked. Patrick felt a pang of envy.

"We have refreshments," Michaela called from the deck. Behind her Chelsea and Jagger with their daughter and Kaden who was Jagger's nephew…no, Patrick remembered. Kaden was GW's son, who was Jaggers grandfather. That made Kaden Jagger's uncle. Was that right?

"Looks like the fun has started with out us," Jagger said carrying his daughter down the steps.

"Can I go swim with Ollie and David?" Kaden asked of Lexie and Drake's twins.

"Sunscreen first," Chelsea called.

"I should invest in sunscreen," Patrick murmured.

"You could invest in this place," Sydney rubbed her belly where her and Mitch's second child grew.

"They wouldn't take my money."

She shrugged. "It would give you something to do besides what you don't want to do."

If only, he thought.

Sydney gave him a disappointed look. "Why do you insist on sacrificing your happiness? I know you like her. I've never seen you look so relaxed and happy."

Sighing, Patrick ran a hand through his hair. "I do like her. A lot, actually."

Her eyes widened, clearly not expecting his confession. "So, what's the problem?"

He glanced over to where Michaela was laughing as she helped guests with cornhole and soccer golf. The ache in his chest was almost more than he could bear. "Her life is here and mine is in New York. I can"t ask her to give that up."

Sydney placed a comforting hand on his arm, her expression understanding. "But Patrick, you don't have to go back to New York."

He shook his head. "I do. My parents need me to take over the company. And then there"s Julia..." His voice trailed off, the guilt digging in deep as it always did. She had no one except him.

"And what about you?" Sydney's voice was sharp. He couldn't blame her. Julia nearly ruined her life. She had no sympathy for her former friend. "You can"t keep sacrificing your own happiness for her. Or for your parents, for that matter."

Patrick opened his mouth to protest, but Sydney raised a hand, silencing him. "Listen to me, Patrick. You deserve to be happy. And if that happiness is here, with Micki, then you need to embrace it. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about here. You have to grab onto love and happiness while you can."

"I... I don"t know if I"m in love with her." The words were hallow. The yearning in his soul told him he was head over heels in love with Michaela.

Sydney smiled knowingly. "I think you do, deep down. And I think you"re afraid to admit it, because it would mean choosing a different path."

Patrick opened his mouth to deny it, but what was the point? But it didn't change their situations.

"I have a duty. I can't abandon my family."

Sydney's expression was one of distaste. "You"re not abandoning them. You"re choosing to live your own life. If you're parents and Julia cared one-tenth of how much you care for them, they'd support your love for Micki. You"ve done enough for them, now it"s time to do something for yourself."

He glanced back at Michaela, his heart swelling with possibility.

"I need to help Michaela," he said standing.

"Think about what I told you."

When it came time for the main event, Patrick joined Michaela on the other side of the lake. He worked alongside her to set off the fireworks, watching as the vibrant bursts of color in the night sky over the lake elicited delighted gasps from the crowd.

"We work well together," Michaela said as they walked back toward the main beach once the fireworks show finished.

"We do." He took her hand, not caring if her family or anyone else saw them. All afternoon, Sydney's words reverberated in his brain. As he felt the warm night air around him, the lapping of the water on the lake, cicadas chirping, and the hand of the woman he loved, he felt a profound connection to this place, to these people. The laughter of the children, the camaraderie of friends – it all seemed to seep into his bones.

Patrick"s gaze drifted to Sydney, who was snuggled against Mitch, their son Brian nestled between them. Her words from earlier that evening echoed in his mind, challenging him to confront the truth. Could he really walk away from this? From the sense of belonging he'd finally found, from the undeniable pull he felt toward Michaela? A part of him longed to stay, to embrace this life, to let go of the burdens he carried for so long. The thought both thrilled and terrified him.

Yet, the weight of his family"s expectations and his sister"s fragile condition loomed heavily over him. Could he truly abandon them, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness?

Patrick"s gaze drifted back to Michaela. The way she effortlessly navigated this world, the way she had welcomed him with open arms, it all spoke to a depth of character he admired, that he yearned to know more about.

Patrick"s gaze drifted upward, taking in the endless expanse of stars that twinkled overhead. It was a sight he had long taken for granted. Michaela had helped him appreciate them.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"Just taking it all in."

Her shoulder brushed against his as she tilted her head back to gaze upward. "It"s breathtaking, isn"t it?"

Patrick nodded, his eyes lingering on the serene lines of her profile. "It's amazing."

Michaela turned to face him, amusement in her eyes. "Dr. Andres finally sees the stars."

The use of his formal title felt like a reminder of the distance that still lay between them. Patrick swallowed hard. "I came here for answers, but…" How could he explain what he was thinking? What was in his heart? How could he tell her that he saw the answers in her eyes?

Michaela reached out, her fingers gently brushing against his arm. "You don"t have to have all the answers, you know. Sometimes, it"s okay to just... be."

As he gazed into Michaela"s eyes, the warmth and acceptance he saw there, the unwavering support, it called to his very soul. Perhaps, for once in his life, he could choose his own destiny, rather than succumb to the expectations of others.

I love you. I want to stay with you.The words sat on the tip of his tongue.

She smiled up at him almost as if she was expecting him to say the words. He opened his mouth. The shrill ring of his cell phone shattered the moment.

"Sorry." Patrick extracted the device from his pocket, his heart sinking as he recognized his mother"s number. "Hello?"

"Patrick, oh, thank goodness I reached you," his mother"s frantic voice crackled through the line. "It"s your father, he"s in the hospital. You need to come home, right away."

Patrick"s grip on the phone tightened, a sudden wave of panic washing over him. "What happened?"

"It's his heart. They"re running tests…all that doesn't matter right now. We need you home. The business needs you. Tonight, Patrick." She hung up the phone not waiting for an answer.

Glancing up, he found Michaela"s concerned gaze fixed on him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. In that moment, he was torn – the duty he felt toward his family, the responsibility he had always carried, clashed with the newfound sense of peace and belonging he had discovered here.

"I have to go." The words felt like sawdust on his tongue. "My father is in the hospital. I need to be there."

Michaela"s expression softened, and she gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "Of course, Patrick. Go, be with your family. We"ll be here when you get back."

The words hung in the air, a subtle implication that this was not goodbye. She was telling him that he had a place here, with her. God how he wanted that.

Guilt gnawed at him as he kissed her and headed to his cabin to pack. He knew but was too cowardly to say that once he left, he'd never be back.