From Paris to Forever Read online

  Strangely, and to his surprise, that thought did nothing at all for his mood or his libido tonight. There’s a first time for everything, I guess.

  Patrick’s intuition warned him that his older brother Todd had roped him into another one of his building schemes, and for “a friend”, no less. Todd continually searched for projects they could take on together, and when Todd said “together”, that meant he would provide the property and the upfront cash, and Patrick would provide the building expertise and the brawn. To be fair, this combination worked well, so he shouldn’t complain. They had made a substantial amount of money from this partnership over the last few years, and working together had the added bonus of bringing them closer. So fundamentally different, like chalk and cheese, outsiders doubted they were family, let alone brothers.

  Everyone acknowledged Todd took after his father, a politician at heart and businessman through and through. His brother could talk him into anything, with little effort. He preferred a more hands on, outdoor lifestyle. Using his hands and skill to build a house gave him a sense of accomplishment like no other.

  Manoeuvring through the horrendous Melbourne traffic took him a lot longer than he had anticipated. The thought of arriving late for an appointment with a client, more so this client, whom he had never met, raised his stress levels. First impressions were important.

  As he drove, he questioned Todd’s motives in offering his services for this friend of his. Preferring the windows open, the temperature climbed in the ute. It wasn’t only due to the heat of the day. Avoiding tramlines and kamikaze cyclists and manoeuvring through hook turns in the CBD took its toll. He normally avoided city traffic in peak hour. White-capped waves on the beach at Torquay called his name as he waited at the traffic lights. He could almost taste the salt water; almost hear the laughter of the surf junkies riding the waves around him.

  He gave himself a mental shake. Make time to surf on the weekend, buddy! He pulled up on the busy Beach Road and stepped out of his dark blue HiLux Ute. As he approached the front door he appraised the old house. Good bones.

  The front door opened as he climbed the porch steps, and a woman stepped out. He stopped dead in his tracks, one foot a step above the other. Now he understood why Todd had been so happy to help out with this renovation.

  Her sea green eyes bewitched him, held him captive. He could not move. The harsh sounds of the traffic and the squawk of the seagulls on the beach behind him all but disappeared. With his heart beating wildly, palms sweating, his mouth suddenly bone dry, he couldn’t even introduce himself, let alone have a conversation with this stunning young woman. His eyes left her face for the briefest moment, taking in the tall slim figure, long blonde hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, white tank top and paint-spattered blue jeans. Not afraid to get her hands dirty. Impressed by that thought, he returned his gaze to her lovely face. His eyes lingered on her lips as they quirked up in a smile. She ventured forward, her hand outstretched.

  On autopilot, he attempted to climb up another step, clasping the hand she held out in a firm handshake, and noticed she returned the pressure. His father always said a firm handshake was the measure of a man or a woman. Based on that premise, a strong, confident woman stood before him. One who looked a man square in the eye when she spoke. Their faces nearly level, his attention flickered between her eyes and her full lips as she spoke. He imagined how those lips would feel against his, how they would sound whispering his name. Immersed in this fantasy, it took him a few seconds to tune into the conversation.

  “ … You must be Patrick, Todd’s brother. He’s told me all about you. Although I have to admit you look nothing alike. If it wasn’t for the name on the truck, I would never have guessed. I’m Chloe, by the way.” She gestured to the truck on the street with the Baker Logo emblazoned on the door.

  He swallowed, peeled his tongue off the roof of his dry mouth, and ventured a greeting. “Hi Chloe. Yes, I’m Patrick. It’s a pleasure to meet you, although you have me at a disadvantage. You seem to know about me. Other than your name and address, Todd has told me nothing about you.”

  “That’s interesting, isn’t it? I wonder why?” Chloe frowned, looking perplexed.

  He had no answer to that question. Oh, a few wild ideas had popped into his mind, but nothing he could share with her right now. Come to think of it, nothing he could share with her ever. Content to stand and stare, he waited for Chloe to make the next move.

  “Well, never mind. Let’s go through the house and I can tell you my plans. Oh, where are my manners. Let me get you a drink first. Todd mentioned you were providing quotes on the other side of the city today. You must be parched in this heat. I’ve just made some iced tea if you’d care for some?” She took a step back and held the front door open for him to enter.

  As he brushed by, the smell of paint did little to counteract the fragrance of exotic flowers exuding from warm feminine skin in such close proximity. His hormones stood to attention. Down, boys. In an effort to divert his libido’s attention he glanced around, his gaze following the carpeted staircase to the second floor. The landing was bathed in light, from a skylight window he presumed. She placed a hand on his arm, pointing out the direction of the kitchen off to the left. Her hand scorched his skin and warmed his blood. He attempted to focus on her conversation once again.

  “It’s not very well laid out, which is one of the reasons I asked Todd if he knew a good builder. The sun is on the back of the house in the morning. That’s why I want to relocate the kitchen. You know, build a deck, put in some bi-fold doors and have the kitchen opening out into the garden. I also want to take full advantage of the sunsets over the bay and build a veranda running across the front of the house. Hey. Listen to me, I’m waffling.”

  They entered a small cramped kitchen, made up of dark timber cabinets and formica benches. A dreary view through the window of the neighbour’s house greeted him on one side, and the fridge and a wall of cupboards on the other. At this time of day the sun had moved around to the front of the house. No doubt an overhead light would be necessary in the dark room, even in the middle of the day. Although very clean, all of the appliances looked well worn and outdated.

  She opened the large fridge and poured them both tall glasses of iced tea, adding some lemon slices and ice cubes to each.

  He took the glass gratefully, drinking half the contents in one swallow. Leaning back against the counter, he scanned the room around him.

  “I was hoping to make this room an ensuite for the downstairs guest bedroom since all the pipes are already here. Lay down white tiles and enlarge the window to brighten it up. What do you think?” She sipped her iced tea as she stood by the fridge. “Bring your tea and I’ll show you the two rooms I want to combine into one for my kitchen family area, with access to the garden.” She moved ahead of him into the hall. As she walked ahead of him, he observed her slight limp.

  He checked the structure by knocking on the plasterboard, identifying the load-bearing walls, and paced out the dimensions to relocate the features she described. She produced a sketchpad and he made rough drawings of the room, the positioning of the windows and sliding doors, the slope of the vaulted ceiling with the added bonus of skylight windows. They discussed decking and plumbing, talking convivially until his stomach rumbled loudly, interrupting their serious conversation. Chloe giggled. He glanced at his watch and realised the hour had flown by.

  “Hey, Patrick. Look at the time. I’m so sorry. By the sounds of it, you are obviously starving. I’ve kept you here far too long. You must have somewhere better to be tonight?”

  “No, it’s fine. I get caught up when I’m talking about a reno. It’s exciting when you can visualise the possibilities. You’re lucky. There’s a huge block of land to work with, and you’ve a clear idea about your vision of this place. It will be easier and quicker than most renos I’ve been involved with. Clear ideas mean quick decisions, and quick decisions mean we get the job finished on schedule. That’s as
suming you intend to hire me to do the heavy work?”

  “If your quote is reasonable, Patrick, I hope I can. You like my ideas, and that gives me confidence I am on the right track. If you could draw up a more detailed floor plan when you bring your quote, we can discuss what works, and what I can live without. Does that sound reasonable?”

  They walked towards the front door, stopping in the foyer. Chloe held out her hand to say goodbye. This time as their fingers touched, a slight jolt of electricity shot up his arm. The surprised look on her face told him she had felt it too.

  “It’s the cheap carpet.” She grinned. “Static electricity.”

  “Really? I thought it was my electric personality.” He smiled, his glance alternating between her full lips and her eyes sparkling with fun. He continued to hold her warm slim hand in his large calloused one.

  “You can let go now.” She didn’t let go of his hand and he didn’t pull away.

  The air buzzed with sexual tension. Neither moved a muscle. All it would take would be one step forward, from either of them, and then there would be no turning back.

  He considered this as he held her hand in his, as he took in her slightly parted lips. This is a client you idiot, what are you thinking? The tip of her wet tongue swept across her bottom lip, moistening it, and his gut clenched in response. Oh, you’re gone, buddy. Just one step towards her, just one step between me and heaven in those lips. Would she taste sweet? Would she step back or would she allow him a kiss and then, what then? He could imagine himself falling into that kiss, being swept away by sensations. His stomach muscles tightened even more and intense heat surged through him heading south.

  At that precise moment his phone rang, vibrating in his breast pocket, breaking the spell.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  As Patrick drove off, Chloe closed the front door with trembling hands, turned and leant back against the solid wood for support. Closing her eyes she sighed, reliving the last few minutes in his presence. She loved the twinkle of mischief in his eyes as he held her hand. Butterflies ran riot in her stomach as she recalled the span of his muscular shoulders straining against the flimsy fabric of his T-shirt, and his lopsided grin as he teased her. When the phone rang, ending the moment, her heart had skipped a beat. Just her luck! When she opened her eyes, she noticed Truffle on the bottom of the stairs, head cocked to one side, a silent witness to the scene.

  “Oh my God, Truffle. Did you see that? Could you feel the electricity in the air? That guy has animal magnetism in spades. It oozes out of his pores. There was something going on there, for sure! I nearly made a complete idiot of myself and begged him to stay for dinner. Not that I have any dinner to cook, but we could’ve ordered takeaway.” She hugged herself, imagining his arms around her. “I really wanted him to kiss me. Damn it. He would’ve kissed me, I’m sure, if that phone hadn’t rung when it did. Have I scared him off by being all business? Or maybe I was too pushy? What do you think, Truffle? No, don’t look at me like that … I know I’m babbling.”

  She started down the hall in the direction of the kitchen, and stopped dead. But is this what I want? To fall into the arms of some gorgeous-looking young guy with a good body? No scratch that. A great body. Those muscles were rippling, his biceps were bulging, not to mention that cute little butt that was begging to be grabbed … Oh … calm down, Chloe, you fool. Just breathe, that’s it, just breathe. Listen to yourself! Maybe I just need to get laid. That’s all. It’s just hormones. Pheromones, that’s it. You fancy him. I’m not falling for a “hunk” in tight jeans and a tool belt … OMG … I bet he does have a tool belt … ha-ha-ha. You idiot, you got yourself going again!

  She marched off in search of a large glass of sauvignon blanc to cool down her overheated libido. Truffle scurried down the hall, prancing ahead of her, only halting when he arrived at his food bowl in the corner of the kitchen. “Yes, I know, it’s dinnertime for you too. I am too frazzled to cook. Maybe I’ll keep you company, and we can both have sardines for dinner. What do you say?”

  Patrick drove to Todd’s apartment cursing his luck. Frustrated, and with murder uppermost on his mind, he stepped hard on the accelerator and flew through the amber traffic light.

  ”Of all the times to get a bloody call from Todd.” My God she’s gorgeous. I wonder what would have happened if that phone hadn’t rung? Would she have let me kiss her? Nah. She wouldn’t be interested. Todd’s more her type. “What could be so bloody important it couldn’t wait until tomorrow?” Angry and impatient, he slapped the flat of his hand on the horn as a red Porsche moving swiftly through the traffic tried to cut him off.

  He rounded the corner and pulling the car to a halt, noticed his brother. Todd leant nonchalantly against the door of his car, which was parked adjacent to his apartment building.

  “Jump in, we’re late,” Todd snapped. He slid behind the wheel. In his peripheral vision, he caught a glimpse of Patrick folding his long body into the passenger’s seat, and securing the seat belt. He turned away, peering out the window, scanning the road for oncoming traffic. Spinning the car around, they headed back towards the city.

  “Late for what? What was so important you couldn’t tell me over the phone?” Patrick demanded.

  Todd seemed unperturbed by Patrick’s aggravated tone, obviously concentrating on easing into the busy traffic.

  “How did it go? Do you think you can help with Chloe’s extension?” Todd focused on the road ahead, waiting for Patrick’s answer.

  “You kept that quiet, didn’t you? She’s really something.”

  “Kept what quiet?” Todd started straight ahead, stony-faced.

  “Oh, don’t play dumb, Todd. You know very well what I mean. Plus, you obviously have been discussing me. I felt like a moron. She knew about me and I had no idea who the hell she was, or what the hell she is to you, more to the point.”

  “Chloe is nothing to me, other than a friend, Patrick. I advise you to rein in that temper. You’ll spoil your dinner.”

  “You expect me to believe there is nothing going on between you and that beautiful creature? You, Todd Baker, man about town, who seduces every long-legged beauty you come in contact with who takes your fancy. You must think I’m an idiot. “

  Patrick waited for a cutting retort. Todd was famous for winning arguments with his sharp tongue and quick intellect. None was forthcoming.

  “That means she’s fair game. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, bro!” Patrick noticed the speed at which they were travelling. “Hey slow down … do you want to tell me where the hell we’re going?”

  Todd’s jaw clenched, his cheek muscles twitching. “First of all, I am not the Baker brother who seduces every beautiful woman I see. I leave that pleasure to you, my friend. Secondly, to answer your question, it’s Samantha’s birthday tomorrow. She’s working late, and we’re going to pick her up from the office before she leaves and take her to a pre-birthday dinner. She won’t be expecting it, so it will be a surprise. There’s a change of clothes on the back seat for you. Since you look reasonably clean and are wearing jeans, I suggest you at least change into the shirt and jacket. We’ll be there soon.” Todd pulled up at the lights.

  Patrick quickly unbuckled his seat belt, yanked his T-shirt over his head, tugged the crisp white cotton shirt off the hanger and covered his tanned bare chest. Working and exercising outdoors has its benefits in the warmer months. Patrick checked out his reflection in the mirror and pulled up the shirt collar. He slid his arms into the silk lining of the butter-soft black leather jacket. Being a similar size, Todd’s wardrobe was a perk Patrick enjoyed from time to time.

  “Buckle up. I don’t want a fine.” Todd drove slowly through the intersection.

  “Do I get to keep the shirt and the jacket? It looks good on me.”

  “You’re a funny guy, Patrick. Just drop them off at the office in the next few days. Samantha will make sure the shirt is dry-cleaned.”

  Todd swung the car into a parking lot behind the office
building.

  Samantha had been delighted with her pre-birthday surprise. Dinner accompanied by two of her favourite men didn’t happen often. She looked with affection at one brother then the other. Their different personalities intrigued her. Through the day at work Todd was all business, and Patrick was cute and cheeky, very tongue-in-cheek whenever he dropped by the office, a real larrikin. Bring them together, however, they were equally funny guys, telling jokes and one liners and entertaining their audience. They appeared to understand one another with very few words, were completely relaxed in each other’s company. Patrick brought out the big kid in Todd with little effort.

  “Well, thank you both, this was a lovely dinner. I had no idea you were planning to surprise me. It worked out perfectly. Malcolm is still in Perth until tomorrow morning.” Samantha reached over and placed a hand on theirs, giving them a squeeze.

  “Is he planning something tomorrow night for your actual birthday?” Patrick squeezed her hand in response.

  “Yes. He’s made a booking for dinner at Rosetta’s at Crown Complex. I’ve wanted to go there since it opened.”

  “Well, drink up and I’ll take you home. Your car will be fine at the office. Get a taxi in to work tomorrow. I am sure Malcolm will be happier if I make sure you get home safely.” Todd left the table to take care of the bill.

  Samantha finished her flute of champagne, happy to accept the offer to be dropped home.

  Patrick slid back into the front seat of Todd’s car. Samantha waved goodbye then turned and shut her front door,

  “That was a pleasant evening, wasn’t it?” Todd eased into the traffic.

  Patrick folded his arms over his chest and turned towards Todd.