Deception - H.S

Chapter 97

Hope Whitlock

It's been three days since we found Harry. Three days since he came back to the safe house and three days of just talking and sorting things through, maybe a little bit of yelling as well. Harry couldn't stop telling me he loves me now that it was out in the open and honestly, neither could I. Despite all of that, there hasn't been anything sexual between us, we haven't even shared a kiss yet. Perhaps that is because we are both a little bit afraid of intimacy after everything that has happened.

Niall and I have spoken quite a bit as well and I guess I forgive him, I'm not entirely over it, god knows I could never fully get over everything that has happened but he has been trying and I appreciate that.

There is no word from my stalker, we think that maybe the fake death thing put them to rest but we couldn't be sure so there still has to be caution. However, the guys have all decided to go out for dinner and later go to a bar. They weren't planning on making a big comeback, it was going to be more along the lines of them going out more and if people notice, they now know the guys are still alive. I'm not sure if that's a good idea but it is their decision.

I was currently pulling on a fitting black skirt that sat on my upper thighs and a tube top covering my top half in an attempt to embrace my upper body like Harry always tells me to. I wasn't used to it but I was trying. I also know that Harry makes sure to wear a flannel when I'm wearing a cropped top, he never said it was for me but it is something that I have noticed. It's these little things that he does when he thinks no one is looking that makes me love him even more.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Harry gawking at me thinking I couldn't see him, his cheeks flushed slightly and I took the opportunity to play with him a little. I leaned forward towards the mirror, unscrewing the cap of the tube of gloss in my hand, arching my back a little while applying a thick coat of the gloss. I love knowing the effect I still have on Harry, it boosts my confidence to know that someone as loving and absolutely breathtaking as Harry wants me. 

Harry lets out a sharp breath, flicking his gaze to the ceiling by tipping his head back and closing his eyes to regain some composure. We both wanted to touch one another, especially after the little stunt I pulled on the couch but neither of us was initiating it.

I guess there was this uncertainty of taking a step that may be too soon. yes, we have had sex before but things definitely are a little different between us after what happened. I'm sure Harry is probably thinking about it being too soon to initiate anything sexual and the other part of him that thinks he doesn't deserve me is probably afraid of kissing me. How do I know this? Because I have very similar thoughts. 

"I'm ready." I spin around with a smile, a little excited about our outing. I tilt my head at Harry, who was now holding a black gift box, looking like he was about to throw up. "What's that?" I gave him a polite smile to ease him from his internal turmoil.

"Uh... your birthday gift..." His eyes flick to mine for a split second before fidgeting with the box. "I got it a while ago and then..." he trails off at the implication of why I never got it.

"You didn't have to get me anything." I was twisting my own rings in nervousness.

"It was your twenty-first, I wanted it to be special for you but I... I fucked up instead." He lets out a disappointed laugh, shaking his head. It warms my heart to know that Harry wanted to put in a special effort for my twenty-first birthday. Perhaps, it is because I am not used to having someone to care so deeply for me after my dad. Regardless, I love Harry for constantly caring.

"Do you still want to give it to me?"

Harry simply nods his head, making his way towards me to take my hand and place the box in my palm. "Why are you nervous?" I take his other hand, tracing circles on the back of his hand.