CHAPTER 6 - AUGUST

_ TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT _

This city surprised me the second I stepped off the plane, and tonight, it's about to get even better. Lili, my partner in crime, helped to orchestrate this night out. She assured me she'd drag Patrick out of his cave; wouldn't you know it; she pulled it off. I've got my dancin' shoes on and ready to go. Now to find the stubborn man who I can't stop thinking about.

I made it through the gaggle of enticing women out on the sidewalk, I didn't miss their hungry eyes and whispers of delight at seeing this cowboy, but they aren't what I want tonight. I caught sight of my target, and he's looking fine as ever wearing a kilt. Spotting him near the entrance with his coppery hair mostly hidden under a gray beanie, my eyes immediately were drawn to his striking well-toned figure and crossed arms, and that continuous broody expression was hard to miss. Yet, there was a ruggedness that went beyond the scowl. There is something about a man in a kilt that stirs a hunger inside, and I'm fuckin' here for it.

The pulsating beat echoes through the neon-lit corridors as we step into Neon Envy . It's not my first time in an LGBTQ place, and from the moment I crossed the threshold, my cares were set aside as people mingle and dance to the beat of the music. It's absolutely electrifying. Glow sticks adorn everyone in sight and an employee pulls out a blue one for me from her big bucket. People have paint on their faces and clothing that glow under the blacklights as they dance around us without a care in the world. This is Neon Envy 's famed glow party, and it seems the whole club is alive and ready for a good time. Count me in.

[August] "This round's on me. What ya havin'?" I raise my voice over the thumping music as we make our way to the bar. His answer is instant and unsurprising.

[Patrick] "I'll take a whisky, neat." Whiskey straight up. My kinda guy.

[August] "I should've guessed that. Comin' right up." It doesn't take long before I'm back with our neat doubles and I hand him his glass then lift mine in his direction. "To tonight, wherever it takes us."

[Patrick] "Aye. Slàinte. [slan-je]." I repeat the sentiment.

[August] "Cheers." We eye each other as we sip the liquor and I don't miss the way he licks his bottom lip after.

Patrick may be hard to read, but that move spoke volumes. It's his way of telling me he approves of my pick of spirit. Glad I didn't disappoint him.

[August] "Can we take a picture together? My momma says she wants to live through my adventures. I can't disappoint her now." He shrugs but doesn't protest. Good enough for me. We are shoulder to shoulder as I snap the selfie. I type out, ‘Havin' a great time with a local' and as soon as I send it my phone starts blowing up from my entire family. Patrick notices the names on the screen and becomes defensive.

[Patrick] "Who is Elijah? And Duke? And Presley? – What the fuck? Are ye sending me out to other men?" I laugh nervously and bring up our most recent family photo to show him.

[August] "Haha, no. They're my brothers, see. Elijah is on the end holding our adopted sister Cori, there's me next to him, then Duke, Presley, momma, and my grandpappy." His eyes narrow like he wanted to be mad but can't find a reason to be. I'm off the hook.

[Patrick] "Yer lucky, cowboy. I'm not in the mood to kick yer arse tonight." He takes a sip from his glass to hide his smirk and my mind immediately conjures a scene of Patrick doing wild things to my ass, although, kicking it isn't one of ‘em. "Nice family ye have there." He states, bringing me back to the present.

[August] "Thank you. We are a lively bunch." I take a sip of my drink and enjoy the warmth as it slides down my throat. "You wanna find a table to park ourselves?" I ask. The crowd tonight isn't too terrible – wouldn't you look at that, one just opened up nearby. Patrick gave a small shrug, trying his best to hide how apprehensive he is. Where is the raging bull I met yesterday?

Lili sprang in beside us, her lively energy shifting the mood.

[Lili] "There ye two are." She wipes a stray lock of hair from her forehead and exhales, a sign she's been dancing.

[August] "We made it. No thanks to you." I tip my hat to her as a gesture of thanks.

[Lili] "Told ya I'd have him here." That bright smile of hers widens as she observes her friend.

[Patrick] "Don't let it go to yer head, lass." She playfully sticks her tongue out and ignores his jab.

[Lili] "There is someone at our table I'd like the two of you to meet." She points in the direction of the VIP area.

[August] "Lead the way, pretty lady." I get a good view of Patrick from behind as we weave through the crowd and it's now engrained into my noggin for life. As soon as we reach the table I see who is waiting there and I can't contain my excitement.

[August in awe] "No fuckin' way." Lili introduces the tall man standing at the VIP table.

[Lili] "Patrick and August, meet –

[August drawn out] "CJ - freakin – Dawson – Second season Wide Receiver of the Buffalo Bucks." I interrupt, unable to miss the six-foot-seven wide receiver with those entrancing crystal blue eyes, blonde hair, and bright smile wearing a navy-blue button down and form-fitting jeans. I'm star struck.

I accept CJ's hand in a firm grasp and will my brain to cooperate. Here comes the babbling buffoon who will drive this guy nuts if allowed. "I'm August, and might I say, I've been a fan of the Bucks my entire life and know talent when I see it. You sir, have a gift." My hand left his to casually rest in my pocket, all while my heart races a mile a minute. "As much as I wanted that win, I know the Bucks will bounce back."

We all sit in the U-shaped bench seating I notice CJ is rather comfortable in this setting; he's smiling at all the people in the VIP area as they ogle him, most having no clue who he is. Hell, I'm doing it right now. I can't help myself.

Patrick held up his glass and sent CJ a wave as a silent greeting.

[CJ casual] "Thanks for your support, August. We're going all the way this year!"

[August] "To the Super Bowl, baby!" I shout, confirming his statement. CJ smiles and nods in agreement getting a kick out of my energy. Lili steps forward.

[Lili] "I asked CJ here tonight to celebrate Tally's event raising one hundred and nine thousand dollars and counting for the Rainbow Youth charity." CJ's face says it all. As does mine.

[CJ shocked] "You're joking!" Lili just smiles. "That's fricken awesome! I can't thank you enough for all your support, and for Patrick agreeing to host it at Tally's Pub." Seeing as it was set at thirty thousand at half time yesterday, it's wonderful to see a community come together for something like this. Does the total reflect Lili's earlier words of saying she would double it? Either way, like CJ said, that's fricken awesome. Patrick, not a man of many words, offers a quick reply.

[Patrick] "I am honored to the charity, and I have to say, my first American football experience was quite a memorable one." Patrick glances my way with a slight smirk as he says it.

We spent the next few minutes talking about why he picked The Rainbow Youth as his charity and what it means to him, then we switched to CJ's stats, the relationship he has with his teammates, and what we might expect from the Bucks this year. I couldn't help but notice Patrick sitting next to me, intently watching the interaction. His scowl deepens, and he seems almost...jealous? Lili leans in and whispers something to Patrick that has one side of his lips lifting as he side-eyes me. Now I'm curious what all she said to him.

[August] "You'll bounce back next game." I reassure CJ as he takes a swig of his beer.

[CJ] "Yeah, man. We have a solid team. Just need to get our heads back in the game."

[August] "Get those lucky socks ready, CJ. I have a feeling this season is gonna be one for the record books." He chuckles and finishes the remainder of his pint.

[CJ] "I have a good feeling about this year. Lucky socks don't fail me now." CJ is originally from a small no name town in Connecticut and is in his second season with the Buffalo Bucks; he came from the University of Texas as a top contender for the NFL. His college stats broke records and flooded sports media non-stop. His name was everywhere. Sure, his rookie year with the Bucks didn't go as most would've hoped, but he and the quarterback Brian Woods have made great strides forming a brotherly bond, and if this year's preseason stats mean anything, it shows they've got what it takes to go all the way.

As we hit a lull in the conversation, CJ stood, excusing himself, mentioning he has a flight to catch tomorrow.

[CJ] "Thanks again for everything, Lili. I'll be sure to stop at Harbor's Edge after our next home game. I can never resist Ford's Tex-Mex enchiladas." He pats his belly, no doubt thinking about the food. It's something I'd for sure eat. "Great talking to you, August. Maybe I'll catch you at a game sometime."

[August] "I sure hope so." My lie tastes bitter on my tongue. Unfortunately, I don't have high hopes for getting to a game back in the states. The ranch has so much to do this winter, and I still need to hire a foreman. Ain't no way I'm getting time off for a long while after this.

[Lili] "It was great to see you again." Lili also stands. "I'll be right back. Going to walk CJ out and get some air."

As they depart, I finally have a moment alone with Patrick. I felt his eyes on me the entire time CJ was here, although his expression remained unreadable. I leaned in close, curious to learn what had him so quiet.

[August] "What's on your mind, Patrick?" His gaze is pinned to the spot where CJ sat, his throat working as he sips his whisky.

[Patrick] "Just observing." I smirk, not buying it for a second.

[August teasing] "Is somebody jealous?" He swirls the contents of his glass, and I discover a resting raven tattoo spanning the length of his inner forearm. More secrets yet to be unveiled.

[Patrick] "Jealous? Don't be daft." My lips brush against the shell of his ear making his breath hitch.

[August determined] "I'm gonna tell you somethin'. You're the only man here I'm attracted to." Patrick's tough exterior softens just the slightest, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

[Patrick] "Is that so?"

[August] "Damn straight." I confirm and pull back enough to study his eyes. "CJ's a good guy – but he's not you." Patrick ran his tongue along his teeth seeming to mull over my admission, his expression unwavering.

[Patrick] "Aye, well, it's hard to compete with a football star. I'm just a nobody." His gaze hardens as I stare him straight in his mystical blue eyes and take his hand.

[August] "You don't have to compete with anyone. I came here for you tonight. Just you." For a moment, the noise and chaos of the club fades away, leaving just the two of us in our little bubble. Patrick squeezes my hand, his eyes holding mine as he comes to a silent agreement.

[Patrick] "Yer quite the smooth talker, cowboy."

[August] "Right you are." I smirk and stroke my thumb across the top of his hand. "I have my lasso at the ready. [throaty] What's it going to take to get you in my bed tonight?" His brow cocks, but that isn't his only tell. There's the slightest pink in his cheeks that has nothing to do with the alcohol.

[Patrick] "Yer bloody fuckin' bold, too." Releasing my hand, he surprises me when that hand cups my jaw in a firm grip, his lips so close to mine. "But it's gonna take more than that to convince me." His growl paired with that accent has my cock taking notice. I want more.

[August] "I'm up for the challenge."

As his hand releases me I couldn't help but admire the way his hungry eyes gave him away even through his stubbornness. He won't be able to resist me for much longer. With the liquid courage seeping into my veins, I decided it was time to shift the rhythm.

[August] "How 'bout a dance? Show me those moves of yours, Scotsman." He scoffs.

[Patrick] "I don't dance."

Before I can respond Lili rushes to our VIP area and stands in front of us. "Enough sittin' around, you two. Get yer arses to the dance floor!"

[Patrick] "Not happening, lass." Patrick protests, crossing his arms and not planning to move from his seat.

[Lili] "Did ya ferget? Ya still owe me a dance from my wedding. Yer not getting off that easy!" He downs the rest of his drink and sets the glass down in defiance, yet he compliant enough to anything this woman demands.

[Patrick] "And here I thought I could save meself from being known as the bampot on the dance floor. [Sigh] Fine. Let's get this over with." Funny, I expected Mr. Grumpy to pitch more of a fit.

[August] "Stick with me and you'll be just fine, Scotsman." I assert, taking his hand and intertwining our fingers. And you know what? He didn't pull away.

We follow her to the dance floor next to a group of her friends, a woman dancing in between two men, one of which I recognize as the doorman I flirted with at Tally's. These must be the American partners he mentioned. The way their hands explore, bodies grind against each other, I'd say this a just a preview of one hell of a night to ‘come' . Pun intended.

[August] "Keep your eyes on me and let your body do all the talking. Show me what you're made of." Patrick shot me a look that said, 'I'm only doing this because she made me.'

[Patrick] "I can't- "

[August] "Yes you can. Don't think about it. Just move."

Just as Usher's Yeah! ends, Niall Noran's Slow Hands blasts its opening beat, making the crowd on the dance floor cheer as more join in, packing us in tight. There were so many people on the dance floor Patrick and I had no other choice but to face each other, the three inches in height I had on him was just enough to keep my hat from bumping his head. His hand tightened around mine, fear flashing in his eyes. I note this about him and wordlessly convey, ‘eyes on me' as I press our hips together then lean down to his ear to give him a bit of guidance.

[August] "Just move with me. Feel the music and sway your hips." I lock eyes with him and have no plans to look anywhere else. My free hand goes to his hip as we begin moving in time with the beat.

It doesn't take long before the intensity of his stare has me entranced, like a moth to a fuckin' flame. My body has a mind of its own as we begin grinding together, chest to chest, lips so close, but we are fighting off our desires. The lyrics tell our story to a T; I want to take him home, take my time with him, spend all night learning his body, and in no way will I be able to stop it. I want him so damn bad.

My lips find his and the second they touch; my body ignites like a wildfire in July. Patrick's lips are soft and that beard stubble of his glides along mine flawlessly, then his hand cups the back of my neck just hard enough to tell me who is in charge. He just needed a little push, is all . I feel him hardening against my thigh, making me moan then his tongue is in my mouth, and I'm gone. He's devouring me right here for all to see. Let them watch, I'm not opposed to a little voyeurism now and again.

The song is nearing its end as Patrick pulls back breaking our kiss, a crease forming in his brow as the crowd disperses. Your Song by Elton John takes over the speakers and I sway us gently to match those slow dancing around us. His grip on me tightens.

[Patrick urgent] "Don't move." He stresses, our bodies still melded together as we recover from that momentous first kiss.

Fuck, that was hot.

[August] "What's wrong?" Is he worried about what others caught us doing just now? I bet half of the crowd was doing something similar. His lips graze my ear then his bites the lobe.

[Patrick] "If ya move, my kilt will turn into a tent." He sucks in a deep breath then releases it slowly. "Give me a minute."

[August laughter] "That's one tent I wouldn't mind taking shelter under." His forehead lands on my shoulder as he groans.

[Patrick] "Yer not fuckin' helpin'." I allow him to calm down, needing to get my own body under control. I'm glad I decided on wearing jeans tonight. After a few seconds he removes his hand from my neck and steps back, his eyes expressing his hunger, and no doubt mirroring my own.

Suddenly, my hat is gone from my head making me spin around and seek out the culprit. No one touches a rancher's hat. I relax a bit when I notice Lili placing my hat on Patrick's head over his beanie.

[Lili] "He's all yers, cowboy." She winks, and I wonder if she knows what it means when you put on a man's hat.

[August] "Yes he is." I tilt my head and kiss him for a second time, a smirk on his lips as he removes the hat and uses it to shield us from Lili's prying eyes. She giggles and mentions how adorable we are.

Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money introed over the speakers. Breaking the kiss, our breathing is quick and hungry, an intense surg of lust hanging in the air.

[Patrick breathless] "I think it's time we get outta here."

[August] "You took the words right out of my mouth." I kiss him lightly, our breaths mingling as he sets my hat back on my head. "Your place close?" His answer is instant.

[Patrick] "I'm right down the way." Hell yeah. No need to take the tube to get to my hotel room.

[August] "Take me home tonight, Scotsman?" He eyes me with wicked intent, that smirk of his meaning just about anything.

[Patrick] "Yer in fer a wild ride cowboy. I'm not holding back."

[August] "Good. I want you to give me everything. I came for the full package." If I only have one night with this man, I'm going to make our time together unforgettable.

I'm gettin' lucky tonight with none other than the hottest Scotsman in London. With his hand in mine, we bid Lili a rushed goodnight and race out of Neon Envy.