To Love a Way of Life by Natalie Hart Read Free Book Online

meat.
    “I can’t eat all that,” Patrick said.
    “You’ll have to find someone to share it with then,” Peter smiled at Emma.
    They were ganging up on her. They all knew what was going on. Maybe Patrick was more open about his intentions than Emma had previously realised.
    “Get him to cook you his Moroccan tagine,” Daniel said. “My father, a meat and two veg man for all his life couldn’t get enough of it.”
    “And that’s something I’m immensely proud of,” Patrick said.
    “I’d never have thought he could manage all those spices when he was sick.”
    Peter held Daniel’s arm. Something had changed in the atmosphere but Emma didn’t know what.
    “You’re doing well,” Patrick said as he rubbed Daniel’s back. There was a real fatherly look to him as he said it. Daniel put his arm around Peter and gave him a caring squeeze.
    “I have great support,” he said. “And with Emma down here now our business affairs won’t be a worry anymore.”
    “They shouldn’t have worried you before,” Emma said. “Peter is really good with them.”
    “That’s my man!” Daniel said.
    Emma started to assemble her things. She had begun to realise how cared for everyone was in Ballyhane; Patrick really looked out for Daniel and Peter and they seemed to care about him. They seemed to care about her too. She might have been nervous about staying here earlier in the morning but now she realised she could cope in this village.
    “Let me help you with that,” Patrick said as he started gathering the paperwork on the table.
    They walked outside and Patrick opened his driver’s door. Stan jumped up onto the cushion and then jumped over the backrests into passenger seats behind. He could tell Emma was now the main front seat passenger. Peter and Daniel stood in the doorway, Daniel with his arm around Peter, and just as Emma turned she saw him give Peter a peck on the cheek.
    “They’re good for each other,” She said to Patrick as they climbed into the car.
    “I’m glad for them,” he said. “Daniel needs support right now.”
    The conversation quietened as they drove away from the farmhouse. Then Patrick reached over and placed his hand on Emma’s thigh. He squeezed it and gave her a little shake, “So are you excited about your first clients?”
    Emma had to quickly catch herself from her thoughts. Patricks hand completely enveloped her thigh, his grip was strong and powerful, but his touch was tender and caring. She was thinking about nights with him just holding her.
    “I called them adorable,” she said. “Two hardy farmers.”
    “They are adorable, and so young.”
    Emma smiled hearing the word ‘adorable’ come from Patrick’s mouth. It was nice to hear that come from a manly man, someone strong and capable but still comfortable with calling things cute, and nice, and ‘adorable.’ He didn’t hide his tenderness behind his rugged exterior.
    When they arrived back at Patrick’s house Stan jumped and scratched at the door of the car.
    “I think being intimidated by Missy for a few hours has Stan looking for some escape,” Patrick said.
    “Do you want to walk him?” Emma asked.
    “Will you come with us?”
    “I think I will,” Emma said. The smile Patrick gave Emma told her everything she needed to know. Since she met him she was unsure what he thought of her, if this was just business, or if there was something more. But that look told her he cared for her, beyond commercial reasons.
    He wanted to spend time with her, he enjoyed being with her. Emma was getting hungry but her appetite dropped with that smile. She was filled by the care she knew Patrick had for her.
    Patrick grabbed a walking stick from the back of the car. “I don’t need it for walking, but it’s good to have in the countryside in case you need to poke at something and don’t want to risk your hands,” he said. “Biting critters.” He gnashed his teeth. This was a real playful side to Patrick, something she