The St Patrick Series Book #1: The St Patrick Bride

Chapter Twenty: Sweet Deals

Christopher's POV
"Good morning."

The beautiful mess held the side of her neck tilting it from left to right. Her little sleeping area in the back of the van must have been uncomfortable. She looks tired. "Coffee first."

I obliged her request. I ordered an espresso for her. I opted for a macchiato. "Do you want cake,cookies or something with your coffee?"

"Just coffee. No talking." She has her eyes closed. Her baseball cap is pulled low. Is she trying to sleep on this bright morning on the side of a busy Manhattan steeet? I took in her casual look. I have seen Court in a dress only once. It was in Amalfi when she and Maria robbed the guests during Frank's party. It was a black dress without much to recall other than it sank really low at the back a little shy of the curve of her bottom. Her expected style is lose shorts, lose shirts and caps. It's nothing girlish. She almost wants not to be noticed..

I restrained myself from speaking. I kept planning how I'll have this conversation with him.

"Your order sir." A waiter brought our breakfast.

As soon as I pushed her cup towards her she opened her eyes and took the cup. It was a beautiful moment of silence watching her gradually waking up.

I stayed at the junkyard overnight. I didn't leave like she thought. I wanted to watch over her till morning. She's not spending another night in that place alone again. I don't care if she can swing a wrench. I won't be at peace knowing she's alone in the back of a van in a junkyard.

"Good morning." She smiled at me. I'm so in love that I think she has the most beautiful smile in the world. I can't get my silly heart to tell me why it chose Courtney. I just know there's something lovable about her that I can't resist. "I'm functioning at 50%.  Make your next set of words count."

"I love you." She fought a blush. I reached for her hands. "Do those set of words count?"

"It's the sweetest thing I have heard all morning."

Yet she won't tell me how she feels. She's so closed up that it's driving me mad! "Look at me. I love you Courtney and I want to make you an offer you can't refuse."

"What offer?" Her attention is piqued.

"If you agree to be my girlfriend," I almost said wife but if I do, she will freak out and take off. Commitment must scare her. "I'll give you any three things you want. Name any three things you want in exchange for being my girlfriend and I'll grant them."

"Are you seriously bribing me Christopher?"

"It's not a bribe. It's an exchange. What can I give you for your love?"

"Nothing." She frowned at me. "I don't want anything."

I noted the look of offense in her eyes. She should be tongue lashing me by now but she's not. She's quiet. It's uncharacteristic of her.

"I'll be honest with you. I also have ulterior motives. I don't want you to feel guilty for asking something from me."

"What are your ulterior motives Chris?" She narrowed her eyes at me. She reached for a cookie from my plate. I knew she would do this. I surrendered the whole plate.

"I want to make you my wife. When that happens," I dared not to mention a baby. "I get the St Patrick Group."

"Oh really? So you're offering me a contract."

"Yes. But in this contract, I happen to love you. And I hope you'll love me too."

"Terms?"

"If you say yes, I need you to start looking like a woman, not a tomboy. That style won't make the cut when I take you home to my parents."