The state I'm in COMPLETED

Resort

We needed a break. Just the two of us, away from all the drama, the stress, the constant obstacles being thrown our way. Last week was a wake-up call—it showed me how fragile things could be, how we could go from confessing our love one day to avoiding each other the next.

So, I took Rose's advice and did something bold. Using the birthday money from my parents and grandparents, plus some savings from work, I booked us a weekend getaway at a luxurious seaside hotel. I planned everything—where we'd eat, booked couple's massages, even had my outfits sorted. This weekend was about us.

Now, all that was left was surprising Harry when he arrived on Friday.

"Will you cut it out?"

"Cut what out, Rosie?"

"Rosie? Really?" She rolled her eyes. "That stupid grin you've had all week. It's nauseating."

I couldn't help but laugh. "I can't help it! I'm happy. Harry has been so sweet, and after last weekend, we need some serious bonding time." I winked at her.

"Bonding? Oh, is that what we're calling it now?" She smirked. "By the way, this was my idea, so you better give me some credit. I can't take any more of your lovesick nonsense."

She reached into her bag of crisps, grabbed a fistful, and shoved them in her mouth all at once, crunching loudly right next to my face, knowing full well it would piss me off.

"Nope. Not ruining my mood," I said, shaking my head.

She chewed even louder, her face right up against mine, bits of paprika-flavoured crumbs flying onto my lap. "Awe you pithed off naw?" she said, mouth still full, struggling to contain her laughter.

That was it—I lost it, bursting into uncontrollable laughter.

"What are you two laughing about?"

Harry's voice pulled me back to reality, and I turned to see him standing in the doorway, looking so effortlessly hot in dark blue jeans, Ray-Bans, white Converse, and a fitted T-shirt.

Damn.

I hadn't even heard him come in, and now my carefully planned surprise was totally off guard. Still, I didn't care. I ran straight into his arms, making him drop his bag as he caught me with ease, lifting me slightly, his breath-taking smile lighting up the room. Then, just as easily, he set me down and kissed me softly.

"Oh, man. Here we go again." Rose groaned, rolling her eyes. "No consideration for the single friend who has been so for quite some time."

"Someone sounds jealous." I smirked, lacing my fingers with Harry's.

"Someone should get a room."

"I can introduce you to some of my friends," Harry offered, taking off his sunglasses.

"Oh, we are so doing that. As soon as you get back, double dates, group hangouts—the whole lot," she declared.

I froze.

Rose. My dear, not-so-bright best friend.

She had just ruined my surprise.

"Get back from where?" Harry asked, frowning in confusion.

Realizing her mistake, Rose panicked. "Uh—shit—I gotta go do something. Like... pee! Yep, totally gotta pee right now!"