One Plus One

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Harry almost dropped his keys in his haste to open his front door. Both of our shoes were kicked off before Harry dragged me towards his bedroom. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down to my level. As soon as our lips met his tongue traced my bottom lip. I allowed him in, we were desperately feeling for each other. Harry let out a groan when I began to kiss his neck. I found a spot where his jawline met his neck and brushed my lips over it. When I heard his low hum, I pressed my lips against it. Harry's hold on me tightened, a sign of the rush I was giving him. I began to suck at the skin then grazed my teeth over it. I kissed the area again before pulling away and staring at it in satisfaction. Harry cautiously raised his hand up, brushing his fingers tips over the mark, wincing at its sensitivity.

"Oh, I see." he spoke lowly.

Before I could register his movement, he'd swept me off my feet, cupping my thighs and forcing me to wrap my legs around his waist. Our lips meshed again as he carried me over to the bed. We were forced to part when I took hold of his t-shirt tugging it up and pulling it over his head. My fingertips drew over the ink on his chest, tracing the shape of the swallows. He took my stillness as an opportunity to bury his head in the crook of my neck, no doubt to return my earlier favour.

Light kisses were peppered along my jawline until he reached the exact same spot I had on him. I let him continue, longing to feel his soft lips moving against my sensitive skin. Once he was satisfied he repeated exactly what I had done, but harsher, making me push my hands against his chest. Harry soon pulled back, displaying a smirk.

"Now we match."

"I think the one I gave you is better."

"Do you now? Maybe I should give you another one then."

I pressed my finger to his dusky pink lips before he could go any further. I then dropped this hand to the buckle of his belt and tried to undo it, but Harry grabbed my wrists, stopping me.

"Marlie, you don't have to."

"I know. It's alright."

I was trying to convince myself as much as I was him. Even though the heat of our situation gave me some courage, my hands still shook, my nerves still being obvious. My heart pounded as I began to unbuckle his belt. The shaking of my hands made it difficult but I pushed on until it was undone. I took a deep breath before unbuttoning his jeans but before I could reach for the zipper my body froze, being unable to continue. Harry sensed it.

"Marlie?"

His voice snapped me back. My hands reached for his zipper and I swallowed hoping my earlier courage would continue. My fingers touched the cool metal but instantly let go again and I shifted off Harry's lap, throwing my head into my hands.

"I can't do it." I said, pathetically.

"Marlie, it's ok."

"No, it's not. I can tell. You want me to."

"Of course I want you to, but when you're ready. Trust me, ok? I'm not going to force you to do anything."

Harry took hold of my hands and pulled them away from my face. I lifted my eyeline to his and caught sight of his beautiful smile.

"I'm willing to take it slow."

"Ok." I mumbled, embarrassment beginning to take over.

Harry noticed the heat rising in my cheeks by the redness beginning to reside there. He smirked as he moved strands of my hair behind my ear.

"You're so cute." he teased.

"Stop it." I giggled as I batted his hands away.

*****

NEXT DAY

"Ok, so the piece was good. It needs a few tweaks here and there but it should be fantastic in the showcase. Well done, Marlie." said Craig.

I thanked him and rejoined the rest of the girls at the back of the room as the next one went to perform her solo piece for a Craig. The rest of us remained quiet as we watched her twist, turn and leap in front of us. I was in a trance watching. It wasn't until I received a hard slap from Lily on the arm that my focus was broken. I clutched my arm as I turned to Lily who then pointed up to the door. Harry smiled at me through the window, waving. I waved back and was shouted at by Craig as a result. Craig marched over to the door and I tried to communicate with Harry to tell him to move but it was too late. Craig swung open the door revealing Harry looking very awkward.

"Can I help you?"

"Uh, can I speak to Marlie for a second please?"

"Is it life or death?"

"No."

"Then it can wait. She'll be finished at five."

The door was swung shut in Harry's face. I looked at him apologetically through the window. The annoyance was evident in his eyes. I tried to mouth an apology but Craig was quick to halt it with his terrifying death stare.

I had to endure said stare for the remainder of the rehearsals. I knew Craig didn't like interruptions but I didn't invite Harry. He came of his own accord the question as to why had been playing on my mind for the past two hours. When I pulled out my phone, I had a message from Harry.

"From : Harry

I can't take you home today, angel. Alesha isn't well, I'll see you tomorrow .x"

To be quite honest, I was glad. My embarrassment from the night before had yet to subside. I'd made myself feel so awkward. A part of me really wanted to go through with it but the fear of what Harry would think seemed to stop me.

I walked home listening to my iPod and braced myself for another torrent of anger when I walked through the door. I tried to make an escape up the stairs before Jaz could say anything but she was stood at the top of them, spoiling my plans.

"I don't believe you." she started.

"Leave it out, Jaz. I don't want to hear what you've got to say."

"You and Harry? It won't work."

"It is working. He cares about me, which is more than I can say for you."

"You think he cares about you? He cares about getting what he wants out of you, Marlie. Nothing more."

"That's not true."

"Isn't it? Ask every other girl he's slept with. He gets them to trust him and then uses them."

"No. He doesn't. And I'm not going to listen to any more of your shit. I don't have to take it."

I began to pound up the stairs. I neared her and she stopped me from moving any further, digging her hand into my shoulder to keep me from moving.

"Let go of me."

"Marlie, listen to me."

"No, Jaz. You listen to me. For the first time in three years, I can say I am really happy. Why can't you just accept that? Or is your guilt from what you did too much for you to handle?"

Jasmine's eyeline fell to the floor, evidently finding the carpet more interesting than our intensifying argument.

"So I suppose lover boy is taking you to our school reunion party in a couple of weeks."

"Yeah." I bluntly replied.

"I bet he can't wait to see Jamie."

Every muscle in my body tensed. Jamie was going to be there. The tone in Jaz's voice only amplified the tension within the small space we were standing. I had a sick feeling growing in the pit of my stomach as she finally let me past. I fled straight into my room and slammed the door shut behind me. Something was bound to happen,mans thought of what could chilled me.