I fucked up!

I read Troy’s text once I get out from my shower and it’s indicative of one thing or person rather. . . Kaycee. I see Harry isn’t back from his workout so I don’t hesitate to ask if he’s far from the hotel. Troy insists we speak in person; says he’s desperate to get away. I figure Harry will text me when he returns and I agree to be down in the lobby around 20 minutes.

Unzipping my bag, I search for a quick fix, a slip-on dress and oversized black cardigan. I have enough time to detangle my hair and fetch my flats before heading out. On the elevator ride down, I bend over to inspect my shaven legs, but I’m stabbed with a sudden pinch in my lower stomach. The pain feels more like a cramp now, which wouldn’t be too surprising since I’m expecting my period; it’s past due actually.

Troy is standing with his arms crossed, staring into space; he looks frustrated. Something tells me he doesn’t want to sit down. I invite him to go for a walk around the hotel instead. He asks how I’m doing and I could open pandora’s box but things are under control now, he on the other hand. . . not so much.

“Now tell me about you, what happened?”

“We made the trip, Kaycee and I, and it-everything went amazing those first couple of days. Except, well, she was flirting with me and I thought we were getting closer. . . She kept fighting with Zac on the phone and one night she ended things. She wanted to go out to celebrate. . .”

“And?” I could sense Troy’s tension, leading me to believe the worst.

“We both drank that night. But I-I wasn’t drunk and. . . I thought she was serious, at least that’s what she swore-“

“Did you sleep together?” I slow down.

Troy’s countenance falls. He appears full of regret and guilt. Having recently come to the surface, I know exactly where his heart is.

“I’d take it back if I could . . . the following morning she said it was a mistake. That crushed me entirely. She left me broken, just like our friendship.”

“Have you talked about it? That could help, if you guys just-did you tell her how you feel about her?”

“Felt! She doesn’t deserve it, not anymore. She hooked up with some random guy and stayed with him for two days. I took off and been here since Monday.”

“Why didn’t you call or text me?”

“I-uh, heard about Harry . . . in the hospital. You sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

I nod.

“Some break, huh?” He smirks.

“There is something . . .”

I relay a brief summary of my health and the history that runs in my family, the women’s side. His eyes turn from anger to angst in a matter of minutes. We’re standing in the middle of a hallway that leads to the lounge bar, and while that looks like a great place to carry on our conversation, I can’t commit to that tonight.

“Does Harry know you’re this terrified?”

“He knows enough. Besides I could be the exception, even when my gut disagrees.”

My phone chimes and I smile. We’ve summoned him with our thoughts.

“Babe, where are ya? I thought you’d be in the room. . .”

“I’m downstairs talking to Troy,” I say as Troy whispers he’s going to leave.

“Troy? “ He pauses.

“Yes, but I can be up in 5?”

“Please, there’s somethin’ important I’ve to tell you.”

After hanging up with Harry, I give my friend a goodbye hug and remind him that things will get better. Time will make it better, but I’m unsure how things will unravel tomorrow once everyone’s back together. Come to think of it, I’m not ready to see Billy again either.

Slipping the card key in, I jump when Harry pulls the door wide open. He smiles his billion dollar smile and closes it right behind him, before I even have a chance to move. The cologne hits me before I realize he too has showered and slapped on jeans with a sweater.

“Follow me.” He grabs my hand and leads me back to the elevator.

Moments later we’re on the patio floor, but as we approach the main doors he abruptly turns me around. He tells me to close my eyes and is now guiding me with his hands still on my shoulders. Walking backwards isn’t a natural skill; I fear I’m going to bump into something until we come to a halt.

“Open your eyes,” he murmurs by my cheek.

A colorful display is spread across the wooden table. There’s a long plate of various fruits, a few ramekins of dipping sauce and a dark basket full of pastries. He knows the way to my heart . . . and stomach.

Harry leads my hips to sit on the bench and even folds my hands on my lap. My smile can’t be tamed as he wets the first strawberry in chocolate and taps my bottom lip. Even my eyes grin at him, watching him dip a piece of cantaloupe in the white cream next. Little by little I’m being fed one delicacy after another. The only thing I’m allowed to touch is the glass of champaign that is brought within minutes.

There’s a strum behind me followed by the introduction to And I Love Her. I nearly drool from my mouth when I gawk at Harry. Looking behind us, there’s two guys, one with an acoustic guitar and the other holding a small bongo. We gaze at the young musicians and I search for Harry’s hand to hold for the rest of the song.

I turn my whole body and listen to them play I Need You right after. Meanwhile Harry continues to tap my chin with his middle finger so that I may open my mouth for another tasty bite. There’s something different about the way he’s admiring me. I recollect the times I might have captured the same glance, but my memory’s hazy.

“Are you going to tell me the inspiration behind all this?”

“You’ve forgotten?” Harry pulls out his phone to show me the notification. “It’s been 2 months. . . still feels like more.”

“We met on the 21st, that’s right.” I smile deeper. “Thank you. I love this, all of it.”

The young men finish with the soft acoustic of The Scientist and I’m still staring intently into Harry’s gaze. The lights around us shine brighter as the night’s completed its transition. The waiter offers to bring the rest of our desserts to the suite. Harry thanks them and shakes hands. The morning’s bitterness fades into yesterday and I’m smitten with a longing for closeness.

We reenter our room and the sting of time reminds me Harry should go to bed soon. Tomorrow he’ll be distracted with a full schedule and I’ll be waiting for the next task from Calvin. Harry unlaces his boots and pulls his sweater over his head. I prefer when he wanders about bare chested. And even more so when he peels the thick layer of black skin he calls trousers. He’s so quick to shed unnecessary clothing.

“Tonight was perfect except for one thing. . .”

Harry turns and cocks his head, he’s intrigued as he squints an eye. His half-grin creates the truest dimple and he saunters in my directions to reach for my hand. Placing my palm on his shoulder he cradles my waist and our bodies begin to sway in unison. His eyes beam with life and love, convincing me of his sincerity. There’s no remnants of guilt or shame, proving his innocence.

“Tell me what I’ve missed.”

“You didn’t sing to me.” I bat my lashes.

“That I can do.”

I entangle my fingers behind his neck and play with a few soft curls. His head falls back a tad and a tired moan escapes him. His lazy smile breaks open when he sings the first verse to old favorite.

"Look at the stars, look how they shine for you and everything you do. . .” He sings and pauses to hum. “I came along, I wrote a song for you . . .” Harry boomerangs his brows.

“You did and I loved it.”

“Your skin, oh yeah your skin and bones, turn into something beautiful. You know, you know I love you so. . . you know I love you so.”

I’m swept away by his voice. With nothing but silence to accompany his serenade, yet nothing more is needed.

"More."

My head seeks his chest, listening to his racy heart. I smile, surprised by its rhythm. We have the company of one lamp and a comfy unmade bed only a foot away. Harry sings the verses of his choosing, the ones that suit him, and I breathe them in like a love letter. In one swift move, Harry pulls back and gives me a twirl, then he spins himself.

His playful side peeks through. Humming replaces the lyrics and I join in as we continue to waltz. I let my cardigan tumble to the floor and kick off my shoes. Harry tries to pirouette and loses his balance on the third attempt, the rolls on the ground. I’m too busy giggling before I come to his rescue but the cramp hits again when I bend over.

Discreetly, I turn around to rub over my sensitive abdomen but I hear the commotion of Harry climbing to his feet.

“What is it? What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. Nothing, it’s just cramps.”

“Aww, I’m sorry. Can I do anythin’?”

“It’s nothing. I’m fine, really.”

The curve on his lips isn’t one of happiness but sympathy. The hours aren’t merciful and it’s time to settle into bed. Our eyes are glued to each other’s reflection as we brush our teeth. Harry turns off the lights and joins me in bed. My eyes are making out his face while my hands pat his face, coloring in his image.

“I like this happy ending,” Harry says, tapping my nose.

I lift my head to kiss his fingertip and I can finally see his smile. What a reward! Harry’s eyes look dark with a mystic clear ring around those large pupils. His skin looks grey and his mouth a darker shade. I watch him lick them, then return to his kind grin. I feel his thumb caress my cheek and comb over my brow. Led by impulse, I sit up to remove my dress and unlatch my bra strap.

The first touch of his hand on my back sends a shiver that translates to warmth. He touches me knowing I’m his and that there’s safety here. He glides up to my shoulders, now sitting behind me, and begins to rub my sleepy muscles. Long fingers cover so much terrain yet they are strong and thoughtful. A few kisses sprinkle over the top of my back and I give in to him.

We lay back and I nuzzle in between his arms, bare chests pressing together and my fingertips outlining his tattoos. This is the farthest I ever want to be from him. I’m about to drift but before I do, my mouth seals over his. Tender kiss after kiss, we linger like this till our lips run out of will. But we’re stubborn, so we last for as long as we can.

Notes

A/N: Chapter Playlist

And I Love Her - The Beatles

I Need You - The Beatles

Yellow - Coldplay

---

So I have exciting news! I'm taking the next step to prepare one of my stories into a manuscript. I've chosen TMHTK and hope to work on Next Life later on as well. I will never abandon Hey Jude though.

I've been doing a bit of story hoping and I've been discovering some great author's on here. When you have a chance check out their pages: @BloojayLove and @belleblue unique style in Blue.

Shout out to both old and new readers @Tierra_Cooley , @LivinLikeHarry , @moooooo , @Maccie , @stylesgirl0201 , @cheese0918 and @mmcdade . . . thank you for being the heartbeat to this story with your lovely comments :)

Have a great day, and I hope you enjoyed the "filler" chap. ;) xoxo