Page 73 of Come to Me

Micki woke to an empty bed. Disoriented, she glanced around thinking maybe last night was all a dream. But she wasn’t in the guest room at Sydney’s apartment. She was in Patrick’s bedroom. She rose from bed, and finding his shirt on the edge of it, she put it on, inhaling the scent of him. She wondered if he’d notice if she stuffed the shirt in her purse and took it home. She rolled her eyes at her silliness.

The scent of coffee lured her to his kitchen. He stood shirtless, looking out the window sipping coffee. As she entered, he turned and smiled. “Good morning.”

She took in the sculped beauty of his chest. “It sure is.”

In an instant, she was in his arms, and he was kissing her until her toes curled. “I love the way you ay good morning.”

He nipped at her bottom lip. “I love you…in my shirt. Very sexy.”

For a moment, she thought he was telling her he loved her. She hid away the disappointment that he wasn’t.

“Want breakfast? I’m sorry it’s not a full southern special, but I have eggs.”

“Coffee is fine for now.”

He went to pour her a cup. As he handed it to her, his phone rang. He cursed but answered it. His gaze held hers as he listened. “Yeah. I’ll handle it.”

He gave her an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I need to go to the office for an hour or so.”

“Even the boss can’t play hooky.” She smiled supportively.

“I only need an hour. Will you stay? You can make yourself at home. When I get back, I can take you sightseeing?—”

“Is that a euphemism for sex. If so, yes.”

He laughed and then gave her a quick kiss. “Cold shower for me this morning.”

She wanted to tell him he didn’t have to do that. She could help him out, but the sooner he dealt with business, the sooner he’d be back. She’d have that time to figure out if she could let the dream of running her resort go so, she could be with him…if he wanted her.

Once he left, Micki pulled out her phone and texted Sydney to let her know she was fine. Sydney probably knew that, but it was polite to inform her. Micki also shared that she planned to spend the day with him.

Sydney texted back with a few eggplant emojis that had Micki rolling her eyes. Then she said:

Please make him happy.

God how she wanted to.

After texting Sydney, Micki drank her coffee, gazing out the window, her mind racing with the possibilities that lay ahead. With Patrick by her side, perhaps a life in the city wouldn't be so daunting after all.

She was considering taking a shower and getting dressed, when there was a knock at the door. She planned to ignore it since no one would be there to see her.

“Ms. Kincaid.” A woman’s voice echoed through the door.

Micki frowned. The woman didn’t sound like Sydney or her friends. Who else did she know in New York who’d know her?

She opened the door a few inches and peeked through. “Yes?”

The woman shoved on the door, pushing Micki back.

“Hey—”

“I’m Dr. Isla Andres.” The woman’s tone was condescending. As if her introduction was also saying she was better than Micki.

It took Micki a moment, but then she realized who the woman was. “Dr. Andres. Patrick’s mother. It’s wonderful to meet you.” Micki greeted her warmly, hoping to disarm the prickly woman.

Ushering the older woman inside, Micki noted the disapproving sweep of her gaze. She realized she was still in Patrick’s shirt.

“Excuse me a moment.” Embarrassment flushed her cheeks. “Let me get dressed real quick.”

---