A/N: Thanks as always for your feedback! Please read and review!

Chapter 11

One o'clock down at the quay.

Patrick checked the tiny hands on his watch again to be sure that it was still working. There were still two minutes left until Lizzie would be there and he found himself very restless, unable to stand in one place.

Worrisome thoughts clouded his thinking. What if Lizzie changed her mind? What if he'd come on too strong? For the past ten minutes he'd been pacing. He was almost tempted to light up a cigarette, but as he saw her approaching he breathed a sigh of relief.

Her chestnut hair was down, brushing delicately across her shoulders as she walked. A slender finger tucked a stray piece behind her ear. He admired the way her blue jeans clung to her as she walked. Her hands were tucked in the pockets of her brown suede jacket, and with a slight smile on her face, Patrick never thought she looked more beautiful.

Nervousness was written all over her face, and just the sight of him standing there waiting made her heart begin to pound. Lizzie felt a great many things at that moment. Excitement, anticipation, worry, fear, happiness, hope; she couldn't recall the last time she'd felt this way. As Lizzie made her way towards him she concentrated her focus on the busy surroundings in an attempt to quell the butterflies in her stomach.

Here they were, starting all over again. She hadn't thought it was possible to have a relationship with this man. Her mind and heart battled a war against the other…and her heart won. Lizzie decided that she would still hold on to her walls- what she had left of them- just in case.

"Hello," he greeted.

His eyes were warm as he took in the sight of her. Tall and strong he stood, dressed casually in jeans and a baby blue sweater. Lizzie wondered if she'd seen the last of his signature black leather jacket as she admired the tan corduroy one he was now wearing. Maybe it was because he was trying to disassociate himself with the stranger that he was when they first met. Whatever the reason was Lizzie didn't care.

"Hello, Patrick," she greeted with a smile, her hair blowing gently with the breeze. Right away she found herself disarmed by his virile presence.

"You decided not to bring Frankie, eh?"

In truth, Patrick wouldn't have minded spending another day together with the two of them. He'd looked forward to seeing the boy again, but he decided that he was going to leave things up to Lizzie. It was going to take a great deal of restraint on his part but he was determined not to push her away. She had agreed to see him again, and he was extremely grateful for that, so now the best course of action was to take things very slowly.

Lizzie looked shyly up at him, her eyes squinting from the sun. "Too soon."

With a nod his eyes darted around their surroundings. "Right…you choose. Where do you wanna go?"

She listened closely as he offered her many suggestions. She was quiet for a moment and the thoughtful expression she wore reminded him of Frankie's as he calculated what to do with their day.

A mischievous smile came across her lips just then. As he watched her reply, Patrick couldn't help observing the subtle way her lips formed the words. He wanted to grab her and feel those lips against his own again. He longed to feel their gentle warmth, and taste their sweetness. His arms hungered for her embrace and his hands yearned for her touch.

But, he reminded himself, it was too soon. He still had to earn her trust. It wouldn't be easy, he knew, but was willing to die trying.

"Who was that?" Ally asked as Marie hung up the phone and made her way over to him with a pleased smile.

Her eyes lit up and she planted a happy kiss on Ally's cheek. "That was Patrick. Apparently he will be joining us for our barbecue," she told him with a smile. Marie headed to the kitchen and opened up the refrigerator as Ally followed. "He said he had a surprise."

Ally leaned in and reached a beer. "It'll be good to see him again," he said with a smile.

He and Patrick had always gotten along very well. Ally's younger sister, Lynn, worked at the Greenock location. Lynn had introduced Ally to Marie one day at a party. Ally was pleasantly surprised how well he got along with his sister's bosses, especially Marie. Marie was so full of life, and lit up the room with her smile. He found that he was captivated by her. After spending some time with her and getting to know Patrick on a more personal level he was pleased to discover his easy going personality.

With a smirk, Marie shook her head as she watched her boyfriend open and close every single drawer in her kitchen. Finally she scooted beside him and grasped the bottle opener his fumbling fingers were in search of. "He sounded like he's back in the 'land of the living' again," she told him.

He laughed, "That's good news, em…the bottle opener, please?"

Marie stowed the utensil behind her back, her blue eyes glittering playfully. "What?" she asked innocently, scooting backwards away from the kitchen.

The next thing Marie knew she'd been tackled and fell backwards onto her sofa as Ally ruthlessly tickled her. Loud howls and giggles escaped her as Ally fell on top of her, kissing her neck and trying to wrestle the object from her arm.

Finally he grasped the small silver bottle opener from her and held it up victoriously. With a raised eyebrow he gazed down into her eyes, and commanded seriously, "Never try to keep a man from his beer."

Marie gaped at him. "There aren't any men here, Ally," she told him, the corners of her lips turned up slyly.

Her response earned her more tickles, and her screams were so loud she thought Cindy next door might hear them.

A knock at the door distracted them, both looking up in surprise.

"See? You've done it now, Marie. Probably the neighbors came to complain."

"Oh shoosh," she smiled, pushing him aside, and stood up. Hurriedly she ran some fingers through her mussed hair and straightened her clothing as she headed for the door.

Her fingers braced the knob and she opened the door to find Patrick staring down at her, his lips forming a teasing smile, holding a large bottle of wine in his hands.

"Is this a bad time?" he asked her, hiding Lizzie behind him. "We can come back."

Marie's eyebrows were knit in confusion until she saw Lizzie pop her head out to Patrick's side. Her blue eyes flew open wide and octaves above her normal voice, Marie squealed, "Helloooo." She was bubbling over with joy and barely able to contain her smile.

Patrick cut in, winking to Lizzie, "Marie, I'd like you to meet Lizzie," he told her, gesturing from Lizzie to his puzzled sister. "Lizzie, this is my sister, Marie."

Lizzie smiled at Marie's bewildered expression and offered her hand to shake. Marie ignored Lizzie's gesture and pulled her friend into an enthusiastic embrace.

"Lizzie," she sang, holding her tightly, rocking her back and forth. "I've missed you so much!" As Patrick greeted Ally, she whispered to Lizzie, "What's my brother been drinking?" But unfortunately for Marie, Lizzie only giggled at her query.

Ally smiled politely to Lizzie as Patrick reintroduced them and shook her hand. But as the two hung their jackets he and Marie exchanged perturbed glances.

Marie quickly retrieved the wine from Patrick. "Wine?" she offered to Lizzie, as they made their way towards the kitchen.

With a smile, Lizzie nodded and watched as Marie deftly opened up the wine and poured two glasses. Gratefully she accepted the glass and took a rather large sip.

Marie lifted her glass to her lips, but then stopped. "Patrick?" she shouted coarsely, nearly causing Lizzie to spill. "Beer?"

"Of course," he shouted back from the other room.

Marie put down her glass. "Get yer arse over here and get it!" Marie yelled, pulling a beer from the refrigerator.

Patrick appeared in the entryway with a small smile and watched as his sister handed the beer to Lizzie to pass to him.

Lizzie nearly lost herself in his eyes as he smiled down at her. When she handed him the bottle their fingers touched, and for a moment it was though he'd delivered one of those jolts with his contact. It sent a shiver down her spine, and she felt a blush rising to her cheeks. He mouthed the words 'thank you' and she nodded, turning quickly back to her wine, taking a big gulp.

She found herself puzzled by her electric reaction to his touch. They hadn't held hands on the short walk over and she told herself it was silly that she should feel this way. It was as though he'd never held her in an embrace as they danced or even kissed her…briefly. Since Lizzie had arrived at the quay he'd made no attempt to touch her or hold her and she couldn't help wonder if she should be concerned. Maybe he was just being a gentleman, she thought.

"So how's Frankie boy doing?" Marie asked, removing the steaks from the refrigerator shelf. Actually Marie had about fifty questions floating around in her head, like bubbles waiting to burst. With calm restraint she reminded herself not to bombard her friend with too many personal questions. There would be time for that later.

"He's doing well…He-"

Lizzie was cut off by Ally's loud voice. "Marie, can you give me the bottle opener, please?"

With a roll of her eyes, she prompted Lizzie to continue.

"Frankie wanted to come today, but I told him-"

"Marie, bottle opener…please!" Ally's voice came across again.

Marie put her hand up. "Ignore him. Anyway…please continue," she requested.

Lizzie washed her hands and dried them with a paper towel as Marie marinated the steaks in a large glass casserole dish. "I told him next time would be-"

"Marie, the bloody bottle opener!"

"For Christ's sake," Marie shouted, her eyes filled with annoyance. Fiery blue eyes locked on his as she stood at the entryway and nearly shouted, "I don't bloody have it!"

Patrick shook his head in amusement as Ally and Marie went at it.

"Well, it's not over here," Ally declared, holding up Patrick's bottle, his face a picture of frustration.

Her blue eyes narrowed at Ally as he sat there like a helpless little boy beside her brother. "You had it last," she told him with a note of finality in her voice, promptly turning on her heels and heading back towards the kitchen.

Lizzie and Marie could hear the men shuffling around the flat in search of the god-forsaken utensil.

"Good God!" Marie exclaimed. "How many men does it take to find a bottle opener?" she joked, nudging Lizzie and returning to the steaks.

Lizzie snifted as she heard one of them muttering that he would open it with his teeth.

"Is that the only one?" Lizzie asked with an amused smile.

Marie nodded and leaned in towards Lizzie, her lips curved in a sneaky smile. "How many women does it take to find a bottle opener?" She bit her lip to keep from laughing as Lizzie shrugged her shoulders. In a smooth, quick motion Marie produced the bottle opener from her pocket with an animated smile. "One."

A slight gasp escaped Lizzie's mouth as she looked from the small, silver object to Marie.

Effortlessly, Marie opened up the bottle of wine again quickly refilling Lizzie's and her own glass almost to the brim.

With a satisfied smile Marie lifted her glass and whispered to Lizzie, "I'd like to make a toast. To… getting a head start on the boys."

Lizzie looked at her former boss fondly. As she watched Marie's beaming face, she realized how much she missed her. Carefully, Lizzie lifted up her glass to meet Marie's with a clink.

"Cheers."

The sound of the ladies giggling could be heard from Marie's back patio. As Ally tended busily to the steaks on the barbecue, Patrick couldn't resist checking up on Lizzie and his sister.

His brows knit in annoyance and he burst inside. "For the love of God, Marie," he said, looking down at the two women flipping through one of Marie's many photo albums.

Marie looked up innocently as Lizzie gazed at the photos on the page. "What?"

"Lizzie doesn't want to see this," he told her. Although in truth he didn't want her to see the old embarrassing photos from when they were kids. What was next, he thought sourly, home movies?

"Yes, I do," Lizzie replied with a smile.

"See? Yes, she does."

Patrick looked up toward the ceiling and sighed. "Marie, please," he asked in a half-frustrated tone. "Put them away."

Marie stood up, taking a sip from her glass and shooed him away. "If you're not going to join us, then leave."

He didn't move but continued to glare at his sister as she looked up challengingly at him.

"Off with you now," she urged. "If you don't leave us in peace, I'll set up the projector," Marie informed him.

A look of horror came over him. He knew his sister and she wasn't joking. His eyes settled on Lizzie just then. Her smile soothed him instantly and as he saw her happily look from photo to photo, he nodded in defeat. "Right." He turned and headed back towards the door. "Enjoy," he uttered.

"We will," the ladies chorused.

In fact, Lizzie was thoroughly charmed. She delighted in seeing their family pictures and Marie happily relayed the experiences. Lizzie was amazed at their parent's wedding photo. Marie resembled her mother greatly, from the color of her hair, to the liquid blue of her eyes. Patrick seemed to be the spitting image of his dad. Page by page, Lizzie was filled with enjoyment at the images and her eyes devoured each and every one.

"I'm going to check on Ally," Marie informed her, leaving Lizzie to explore their pasts on her own.

Patrick stepped back inside as Marie headed out. He stood before Lizzie as she flipped to the next page.

Lizzie could feel his strong presence. The unmistakable scent of his cologne filled her nostrils, tempting her with its balmy goodness. She resisted the urge to grab him and sniff him up and down. The right scent can do funny things…

His eyes seemed to pierce her, willing hers to meet his. Just the awareness that he was watching her brought a slight flush to her face. When Lizzie finally looked up at him she found him smiling, looking away. He looked embarrassed and the thought of it made her want to chuckle.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked with a humble smile.

"Very much," she replied reaching for her glass.

His face turned away again as she turned her attention to one of his baby pictures.

"Do you know what I'd like more, Patrick?" she asked and his eyes met hers again. She patted the seat next to her. "Sit with me."

A warm feeling came over him just then replacing the humiliated one that still left a yucky residue. He sat beside her, his leg just barely brushing against hers.

A giggle came over Lizzie as she looked upon an old picture of baby Patrick laying nude on a blanket; bare bottom exposed.

He simply shook his head. "I'm gonna kill Marie."

"Are ya kidding, Patrick? These are the cutest pictures…" she told him, her brown eyes engaging him. "You were a right cute baby."

Her smile was infectious and he let his eyes fall over the photos. With a smug smile, he agreed, "True."

Lizzie nudged him playfully and pointed to one of the pictures. "Who was this older woman holding you right there?"

Patrick cleared his throat. "That was my nana. She was the kindest, sweetest lady you would ever meet. She passed away shortly after I began college." He felt a lump form in his throat at the memory of his late grandmother.

She scooted closer to him, dropping one side of the album on his leg. With a nod she continued turning pages, smiling and giggling at certain photos.

He sat there next to her and suddenly everything felt right to him. He couldn't explain how or why but it was almost like the feeling of déjà vu. Her smile enchanted him, and the look in her eyes as always, drew him in.

The sound of her laughter was like music to his ears and suddenly he didn't mind that it came at his expense. Soon the embarrassment began to fade and he realized he was happy. Patrick was happier than he'd been in a very long time.

Two glasses of wine later…

Will he kiss me?

Lizzie was feeling no pain as Patrick walked her home. The alcohol served to only intensify her attraction. They talked and they laughed. She felt as light as air and she was unaware if what she was laughing at was even funny.

With every word that he spoke, she found herself mesmerized by the promise of his lips.

Will he kiss me?

She babbled on like an idiot about her past jobs, about her mum, about Frankie and delighted in the way he seemed to hang on her every word.

The sparkle in his eyes made her legs feel a little wobbly and his grin only drew her attention back to his full sensual lips.

Will he kiss me?

Lizzie almost tripped as they stepped on the sidewalk in front of her building. I shouldn't have had that fourth glass, she thought remorsefully. He offered his arm to help steady her, then withdrew when she was balanced again.

They reached the door and Patrick halted. Lizzie was puzzled as he took a hesitant step backward.

He wasn't going to walk her up. All day Patrick had restrained himself. As much as he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her good and long, he refrained. She was standing before him, her brown eyes melting his heart.

It was like déjà vu again, he thought, as they were only inches from each other. They stood in front of her building. Gazing longingly into the depths of her eyes, he waged a battle within his mind once again.

If only he hadn't kissed her that time, and pursued Lizzie after he'd ended things with Gretchen, he wouldn't have to earn her trust. He wouldn't have to wait to touch her, or kiss or hold her hand. He wouldn't have to endure the painful, torturous temptation of feeling the softness of her lips on his. He wouldn't have to worry that his actions would scare her away. If only...

This was his second chance, he told himself. He was determined not to blow this one. So he stood before her, his hands tucked in the security of his jacket pockets, his resolve strong but seeming to lessen with every second.

He pulled his gaze away from her eyes, clearing his throat, and trying to snap himself out of the spell. "So, tea here tomorrow?"

He's not going to kiss me.

Lizzie blinked as he backed away another step. She looked away in disappointment but smiled. "Here, six o'clock," she nodded.

"Six o'clock," he affirmed softly. "I can't wait."

An awkward silence passed and he made no move to leave.

Maybe it was the mild flirtations they'd shared throughout the day. Or perhaps it was the giddiness from truly enjoying herself. It could've been the dizzying scent of his cologne. Or even the four glasses of wine…

Lizzie threw herself at Patrick, pecking him on the lips.

It was only a split second. Her heart was pounding and as Lizzie realized what she had done and witnessed the surprised look on his face she felt the need to run as quickly and far as possible. Red from embarrassment, she felt painfully sober at the realization that he had made no moves today. He hadn't even tried to hold her hand and here she was throwing herself at him like some horny teenager. In a flash she'd entered her building leaving him staring after her.

And what she didn't see were his arms reaching out for her as she yelled goodbye.