CHAPTER 11 - AUGUST

_ MONDAY _

_ Gran is cheeky _

I wake curled around a warm, hard body; the untamed stallion I went home with last night. Patrick is still asleep beside me as gray morning light gently filters through the curtains. It's a rare sight to see him so at ease, his usual grumpy demeanor is replaced by the tranquility of sleep. His brow, usually lined with frustration or deep thought, is smooth, and his lips, often set in a scowl, are relaxed in a way that made him look almost boyish.

My eyes trace the line of his jaw, down to the strong curve of his neck, where a few wisps of coppery hair have fallen out of his beanie. I wonder why he hides his hair from the world? He's so different from the stubborn man I observed at his pub, or even from the vulnerable man I danced with at Neon Envy just a few hours ago. Seeing him like this, so calm, so unguarded, has my chest tightening with emotions I'm not entirely ready to name.

Memories of last night rush back with an intensity that has my skin tingling and pulse pounding. The sight of the hardy man in his kilt, standing near the entrance of the club, his eyes scanning the crowd until they land on me. That stubborn glare he gave me as I approached him, only after the gaggle of drunk women made their way passed me, I knew then he couldn't mask his jealous side. It found it rather adorable. His grumpy protests and apprehension as Lili and I pulled him to the dance floor, only to watch him come alive as we moved to the beat of the music. It was fuckin' stunning.

We danced, we kissed – God damn , the way he kissed me lit me up like nothing I've ever experienced. Then back at his home, we became a tangle of tongues and limbs, his hands roaming my body with power and urgency, our gasps and growls stoking our lust, and setting my heart ablaze.

You might say I've fallen hard for a guy I just met.

Holding him in my arms, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest under me, hearing his light snore, I'm lost in the best dream and never want it to end. The thought of returning to Wyoming, getting back to my life on the ranch and not having Patrick there in my bed or my home every night, just the thought of it feels like there is a one-ton brick pressing down on me. I know this was supposed to be one night between us, but my heart begs for more – more nights like this, more mornings waking up to this exact sight.

Lili's words from the other day at Tally's echo in my mind. She mentioned Patrick needs to get out more, to have fun, to experience life beyond the walls of his pub. She's right. I want to be the one to show him that world, to experience new adventures with him. I wonder if I could convince him to tag along with me to Scotland? I'd love to view the beauty of Scotland through his eyes, to meet his uncle and work on his farm, and just have fun. That's what this trip is all about.

I gently brush away a stray strand of hair from his forehead, feeling a rush of affection as he stirs slightly but doesn't wake. This man, with his stubbornness and his gruff exterior, he somehow found a way into my heart. We never established rules to our tryst, the silent understanding that this night was all we would have, however I'm not ready to let him go. I will get on my knees and beg him if I must.

[August] "Patrick," I whisper, my voice barely audible in the stillness of the room. He sighs a breath and hums lightly. "Come to Scotland with me."

He murmurs incoherently in his sleep making me chuckle. Maybe it's best if I ask him once he's fully lucid, or better yet, I'll offer to buy him breakfast first.

Patrick stirs after a few minutes, blinking until his gaze settles on me. I see the moment he registers where he is and who he's with, a slow sleepy smile spreading across his face.

[August] "Mornin' stud." I whisper, my heart skipping at the sight of his light blue eyes. "Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey."

[Patrick annoyed] " Ugh . How are ye this lively so early in the morning?" He flips his pillow over his head and growls at me.

[August] "It's a gift. Always been this way." I proudly state. He is not a morning person whatsoever. "Honestly, I'm surprised I slept in this late. I'm usually up before the sun." I grin to myself. "Then again, you had me up pretty late last night." My tone turns wanting. "If there were ever a contest for sucking cock, you sir, would win. Hands down." He moves the pillow away from his face. [teasing] "Ahh, there's that smile. What a sight."

[Patrick] "Fuck off." His comeback lacks hostility, and I'm glad I researched some of the Scottish lingo. It takes a bit gettin' used to.

[Patrick] "Morning cowboy." He says after a minute, his fingers lightly brushing my arm. "I like that yer still here."

[August] "There's nowhere else I'd rather be." I surprise him with a kiss, and it's slow and unhurried, what a proper morning kiss should be.

When he pulls back, I see the remnants of a smile lingering there.

[Patrick] "Do ye have'ta get goin'? Or can ye stay the day?" He's still trying to shake off sleep, but I like that he doesn't want this to end just yet. I sigh and roll to my back and stare up at the ceiling, playing this off to get him guessing.

[August] "It's my last day in London then tomorrow I travel to Edinburgh." With a smile, I turn to him. "You have me all to yourself today."

[Patrick] "All day, ya say?" His eyes blaze with wicked ideas. "What do ye say we start with food? There's a café not far from here. They have the best scones and pastries."

[August] "Sounds great." Little does he know I'm already conjuring ways to bring up the idea of him accompanying me to Scotland. "I'll buy breakfast." He protests.

[Patrick] "Fuck no. You bought our whisky last night. I'm buying breakfast." I chuckle at us sounding like my parents bickering over something mundane. I choose not to put up a fight.

[August] "You have yourself a deal."

***

After a session of good morning blowjobs, we take separate showers, mainly due to his stall being way too small to fit the two of us. Turns out we are close enough in size, so Patrick lent me a pair of dark jeans, a black Tally's Pub shirt, and a fresh pair of socks. Although things were a little tighter than I'm used to, his hungry stare said he likes me in his clothing. I like wearing his clothing.

Once we are presentable, we make our way to the London city streets and in minutes we arrive at a small café with a sign displaying Wonderland Tea Time .

As we enter the quirky café, the scent of fresh baked goods and spices hits my nose, my belly growling. I need to replenish all the calories I lost. The interior takes on the theme of Alice in Wonderland with black and white checkerboard tiles on the floor, the walls are different colors with painted pictures from the book, and the mis-matched décor completes the vibe. It's definitely not a place you'd find near me, but my sister would find this so cool.

For a Monday, there are only two other customers currently dining, and it's a welcoming calm in the otherwise disordered backdrop.

I notice Patrick tense beside me, his eyes set on one of the customers. Turning, I find a beautiful elderly woman, say mid-to-late sixties with long light reddish blonde hair, sitting at a table near the window. He turns away and curses under his breath, but the elderly woman spots us.

[Gran Scottish] "Patrick! What a lovely surprise!" The woman interrupts his idea to flee. Her accent is like Patrick's, maybe from a different region of Scotland, but her age also adds a bit of finesse and wisdom to her. "And that man is quite the bonnie lad in that cowboy hat." I grin, liking her already. Patrick growls next to me. I give him a nudge forward and send her a wave in recognition. We're not getting out of it, best to play along. Patrick's tone is low and agitated toward me.

[Patrick] "She is going to read into this more than what it is." I place a hand on his shoulder.

[August] "Hey, don't worry about it. We know what this is between us." I smirk and lower my voice. "We're just two guys getting coffee after amazing blowjobs."

[Patrick loudly whispers] "Shut yer gob, will ya!" I laugh as he cups a hand over my mouth and leans in to whisper. "I'd rather not have a stiffy in front of my old music instructor." His scowl says he would like to punish me for making that comment. He is so readable when he's flustered. His hand moves away from my face, scowl still in full force.

[August] "I like seeing you blush is all." He starts to protest but instead huffs in frustration and gives a gruff, ‘let's go'. We head over to the lovely lady who is proudly boasting a ‘cat ate the canary' grin having watched our interaction. Just like my momma, this woman is going to see right through me.

[Gran] "Lovely to see ye, dear boy. Who do ya have with ye?"

[Patrick] "Hey, Gran. August, this is Lili's grandmother June." He gestures my way. "Gran, August is a friend visiting from the states."

[August] "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am." I offer her my most charming smile, but her scowl rivals Patrick's as she scolds me.

[Gran] "Ach, none of that ‘ma'am' nonsense." she winks playfully and relaxes in her seat. "Call me Gran. Now, sit with me. I'm curious as to why Patrick has never mentioned ye before now."

[Patrick] "Dinnae pester him, Gran. He's just a friend." Gran waves him away, completely ignoring him and seeing right through the word, friend .

Not wanting to get on her bad side, I take a seat while Patrick asks what I want to order. He huffs when all I order is a black coffee with two sugars and a, ‘surprise me' for food.

As soon as Patrick is out of earshot, Gran has her snappy questions at the ready.

[Gran] "So, August. What has brought ye te London?" Her gray eyes are dead set on me as she sips from her tea cup, a smirk hidden there. It isn't evil, this sweet lady doesn't look like she'd hurt a fly. But she sure does love fishin'. Now I know who Lili learned from.

[August] "I traveled here for the NFL football game and ended up hearing about the watch party at Patrick's Pub." She sets her cup down and nods.

[Gran] "Aye. The Buffalo Bucks. I've heard of ‘em, Lili's husband is quite the fan. There are quite a few strapping young players on the team." I laugh and agree with her. Gran is a force to be reckoned with, full of sass and wit. She's my kinda people.

[August] "Speakin' of Lili – She's quite the matchmaker." Gran's smile widens at the mention of her granddaughter.

[Gran] "That she is. Lili mentioned days ago she'd be helpin' Patrick fer the game – she's been searching fer a strapping young lad to get him out of his pub." Her gaze turns wistful. "Seems fate found just the person to make it happen." She cocks a knowing brow. I can't hold back my smile.

[August] "I hope you're right." I tap my fingertips on the table and glance at Patrick chatting with the cashier. "A birdy told me Patrick hasn't had a vacation in a while." My eyes shift back to Gran. "I leave for Scotland tomorrow and was thinkin' of askin' Patrick to come with me."

[Gran] "I think that's a brilliant idea." She takes the hand I have resting on the table. "I've known Patrick since he was just a wee laddie. Dinnae allow him scare ye off. He's a stubborn one, but his heart is mighty."

[August] "There's no chance of him scarin' me off." I confirm with confidence. "I deal with stubborn animals on the daily back on the ranch. Patrick is mostly harmless. Who knows, I might have him tamed by the time I leave." Gran laughs.

[Gran] "I like yer spirit, cowboy." I nod and give her hand a squeeze then release it just as Patrick sets our cups on the table, the cashier behind him with our scones on individual plates.

[Patrick annoyed] "Ooh, I dinnae like the sound of that. What is going on here?" Patrick takes his seat next to me as the cashier sets the plates down and leaves. "Is Gran talking nonsense about me? Dinnae deny it."

I chuckle at his distrust, although I can see these two have a great relationship.

[Gran] "Nah, none of that. I was just telling August if he were a little younger, I'd have a go at ‘em." Gran winks and I damn near choke on my coffee as I laugh. Patrick's shock is evident.

[Patrick] "Bloody Christ, Gran! Haud yer weesht!" Gran fanes innocents as she smirks over her tea cup.

[Gran] "What? He's quite the handsome fella, is he not?" Patrick shifts uncomfortably in his chair as his face reddens.

[August] "Face it. You think I'm good-lookin'." I bring the hot cup to lip lips and eye Patrick. "You're not so bad yourself." I take a sip of my coffee as he eyes me with a devious smirk.

[Patrick] "Gran, how was yer recent holiday?" He's deflecting, but I can see right through it, as does Gran, but she allows it.

We devour our scones as the conversation flows easily. Gran fills us in on her trip into New York city after Lili's wedding and all the hunky men who flirted with her along the way. I aspire to be just as spunky as Gran when I'm her age. She asked if I had any siblings, so I brought up the picture of the family and showed it to her. While she scrolled through my family album on my phone I told them how we own a five-thousand-acre cattle and horse ranch outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming near the border of Colorado, and how the land is now in its third generation of ranchers. By the sound of things, it keeps him busy, and is something he is passionate about. Reminds me of growing up on my Uncle's farm – the memories reminding me how happy it made me, and how I'd never want to leave.

Gran offers to take our picture with my phone and I'm surprised to note he didn't grumble about it. Another photo sent to the family group chat with the caption, ‘Alice in Wonderland café' , then I pocket my device.

As I down the remaining contents of my cup, I decide it's time to bring up Scotland.

[August] "Patrick." I start in, my heart pounding in my chest at the chance he will not want this. I've gotta take that chance. "What would you say about spending a few more days with me? Wanna go to Scotland with me?" I pause and let it sink in. "Think about it. You could be my personal tour guide." Patrick tenses beside me.

[Patrick] "I dinnae think –"

[Gran] "Away with ye now." Gran interrupts, her voice firm. "Life is too short to wonder. Have fun with August. He clearly makes ye happy, even if ye have a short time together. I have'ne seen ye smile this much in ages."

After a minute Patrick sighs, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips through his scowl.

[Patrick] "If it gets ye and Lili off my back, I'll take the damned holiday."

[Gran] "Good lad." She pats his hand, and I want to pump a fist, get up and dance at hearing his agreement.

[Patrick] "Only if Lili is willing to watch me pub." Patrick backsteps.

At the way Lili went on the other day about her mate being well overdue for a vacation, I'd say that's already taken care of on her end.

[Gran] "Lili will not balk one bit about you taking time off, she told me herself." He stands from his chair and I follow suit. "She will want the two of ye to have a grand time."

[August] "We will, I'm sure of it." I wink at her. Patrick's body relaxes as he side-eyes me.

[Patrick] "Sound's like we're headed to Scotland." He pauses, his attitude turning proud. "Jokes on ye, I'm a terrible tour guide." I laugh and clap him on the shoulder.

[August] "We can figure it out together then." I counter-act his stubbornness and I feel validated when Gran backs me up, mentioning it's fairly simple to navigate the area. Patrick huffs an annoyed breath and checks his phone, his entire demeanor softening when he does.

[Patrick] "Lili asked if I'd stop by the Pub. I'm going to grab her a toffee pudding." Without another word he heads to the counter.

The more time I spend with this man the more I'm beginning to understand his personality. Sure he plays the part of being hot and cold, but through the grumpy cover there is a softie, and I'm going to find it.

[August] "It was great meeting you, Gran."

[Gran] "Likewise, dear." Her stare is observant with a whole heck of a lot of sass. "Enjoy yerselves. If ye need bail money Patrick has my number. Do everything I would do, and more ." As I said before, I like her.

[August] "Yes ma'am." I grin and nod then tip my hat to her. She objects and stands.

[Gran] "Yer not leaving without a hug from me. Simple as that." Not one to turn down a hug, I happily oblige, that is, until I feel her hand squeeze my ass cheek.

[August] "Hey now!" I jump back real quick, her grin wide and no remorse in her eyes.

[Gran] "I see now why Patrick likes ye." Her eyes run up and down my body. "I have'ne had me a cowboy yet. I may have to travel to the states soon and feed my appetite."

I sputter, completely lost for words at this point. Sure I've had my fair share of older women hit on me, but she's the first to be handsy. Sheesh . I'm ready for a drink after that.

[Patrick] "Ready to go?" Patrick asks, missing the encounter. I nod and Patrick gives Gran a hug then we bid her goodbye.

As we step out into the comfortable mid-morning air, I try to forget the last few minutes of our time in there as I instead allow a sense of excitement bubble up inside me. I glance at Patrick, who is smiling despite himself.

[August] "Are you serious about spending more time with me?" I begin, not able to get a read off him now. "I don't want you to feel pressured – we can go our separate ways after - " My back hits the wall and his lips are on mine, right there for those passing by to witness. He breaks the kiss and pulls back far enough to meet my eyes, his excitement evident.

[Patrick] " Three days . Three more days with ye after today." His eyes alight in fascination. "I may never have an opportunity like this again. As ye have stated – I, too am in fer the full package deal." Neither of us can contain our excitement as we quickly kiss then he backs away. "Let's get goin'. I need to drop this off to Lili then ye need to go to yer hotel room." My face falls.

[August] "Why do I need to do that?" I'm confused. He just said he's coming with me to Scotland. That grin of his turns wicked.

[Patrick] "I want ye in my bed again tonight before we travel." "It's a long way to Scotland, and I cannae keep my hands off ye fer that long." I grin at how blunt he's being.

[August] "Guess I should get my stuff then."

[Patrick] "Tally's first." He commands. "Care fer some of my famous Shepherds pie?"

The scone I had is not nearly enough to hold me over. My stomach growls at the prospect of having some hearty food. I can't contain my smile.

[August] "I could eat." I eye him up and down. "I'll still be hungry afterwards. – [cunning] I'll be ready dessert later." He leans in close, his whisper gruff and filled with need.

[Patrick] "I want cowboy fer dessert." I chuckle and rest my hands in my pockets, my thumbs hooking through the belt loops.

[August] "Then we better get to eatin'. As my momma says – no dessert until you finish your meal."

[Patrick] "Maybe I'll make ye wait until after ye return from the hotel." He says with determination.

[August] "Looks like we're gonna have to suffer a little while. No dick for a few more hours; Ooh, the horror ." I tease. His look says he's up for the challenge.

Little does he know, I'm not going to make this easy for him. Let's see who gives in first, shall we?