Don't Stand So Close (completed)

Chapter 21*

Harry had booked reservations at a restaurant near Malibu that was very popular. We wanted to celebrate being open with our relationship - no longer in hiding. We would risk being seen by people we knew but now it didn't matter. This was happening. We were a couple and people would find out.

I wore my super cute flowy bright colored flower dress that was a bit short. The front was very low cut, showing major cleavage, and fitted at the waist, with sleeves that were fluttery. I paired it with red pumps. Harry was wearing a sheer white button up, barely buttoned, tucked into green trousers and black loafers. He always looked so effortlessly handsome. It felt so good to get dressed up and step out together somewhere busy. Somewhere public. Together.

We were seated near the back of the restaurant by the wide-open floor to ceiling windows that allowed the breeze to catch us every now and then. We shared a bottle of wine and dined on seafood and salads and finished with dessert and a cocktail (just for me, Harry was driving so he didn't want any more to drink). I realized as we were eating and chatting and flirting with one another that no one in the restaurant cared about us at all. No one was giving us dirty looks for being a couple, no one was making snide comments, and no one was judging us. Harry and I could just gaze at one another and stay in our own little world together, but now in public and without any lingering doubts or concerns over us.

A half bottle of wine (maybe a little more than half, Harry was generous with pouring for me when he saw I needed more) and a cocktail later I was a bit tipsy. As we were waiting for the check, I told Harry about the cheesy pick-up line that Carter used on me (his astronomy out of this world line) and we laughed over how ridiculous it was.

"I knew he was up to something with how close he was standing to you." Harry laughs out. And then, as if remembering something suddenly, Harry perks up and leans in, "Fuck. Nearly forgot. I, uh, got you a birthday gift and because we weren't really seeing eye to eye at that time I never gave it to you. Wanted to show it to you tonight. See what you think about it..." Harry gives me his most gorgeous smile, dimples and all and then bites his lip as the waiter shows up with our check, which Harry promptly takes and thanks the server.

"Ooh, sounds interesting. Gonna give me any hints as to what it is?" With my legs crossed, I swing my top leg back and forth under the table and when I feel the toe of my pump touch Harry's leg I slow down my movements and rub his shin under the table with my leg. Harry stretches his legs out further to give me better access and he just smiles up at me before looking back down at the check and pulling out his wallet.

"The only hint I'm gonna give you is that it has to do with something we've mentioned a few times. But that's it! It's a surprise!" He laughs when I tap quickly at his leg, sliding up just a little to tease, but not too much because we're in public.

"M'kay. Fair enough." I plant my feet and lean over the table a little to see what the cost of the meal was and Harry covers it with his hands and looks around casually before speaking, "Yeah, it is fair. Birthday gifts are meant to be surprises."

After Harry gets his card back we make our way out of the restaurant, Harry's arm is draped over my shoulder and I'm leaning in to him with my arm around his middle. Anyone who sees us knows we're a couple, especially when Harry dips his head down to kiss my nose and then my lips while we wait for the valet to drive his car up.

"Mmm... baby... you taste like an expensive cocktail." Harry hums and then gives me another soft kiss to my lips and it makes me tingle. His lips on mine in public has me feeling like the main character in a book or in a romantic movie. As we're both looking at one another we hear a female voice call Harry's name. We both look in the direction of the voice and a beautiful woman is walking over to us. Long brunette hair in waves over her shoulders, a crisp little black dress that hugs her slender body with little cut-outs on the side to really drive the point home that she's fit. Tall black stilettoes, red lips, and bright smile.