Harry's POV
I couldn't help but flirt back at Melanie; her wit and charm was enchanting. I glanced across the table to Sophia; her eyes set in a concrete glare and lips pursed in aggravation. Despite her undeniable fury, I was quite enjoying myself- enjoying knowing that her feelings towards me were strong enough to cause that sort of reaction. I guess I was indirectly testing her. Male prerogative, you might say. "So Harry, tell Melanie about your year in China" Sophia's mum intervened, grinning enthusiastically in my direction.
"Oh please do", Melanie chirped, running her fingers through her long blonde hair as she set her deep gaze upon me. "I love Chinese culture." "Me too", Sophia quickly interrupted, forcing a frustrated smile in my direction, in addition to the sharp knock upon my shin that her foot gave me. "Yes darling, but Melanie used to live there. I'm sure her and Harry have a lot they could talk about, eh you two?"
I could see Sophia's jaw trembling as her mother spoke, and it was only then that I realised I'd taken it a little too far. I was past playing mind games; I wasn't the immature teen that I once was. However I'd now got myself trapped in a conversational sandwich between two empowered women; not to mention the very angry one currently sitting opposite me.
I felt uneasy as all eyes rest upon me; my palms fast becoming clammy and mouth dry, no matter how much water I poured down my throat.
The tension was all too much.
"Would you excuse me, I just need to use the bathroom", I smiled politely, quickly shifting back in my chair and excusing myself. Thankfully, by the time I got back they'd already moved on to another topic. When I spotted dessert lying on my plate, I grinned immensely: Sophia's mum was a master at desserts- probably the Italian genes, I thought.
I tried to catch Sophia's eye every once in a while, smiling warmly and somewhat reassuringly. She'd pretend to be sulking, but I could tell from the way her lips twitched and eyebrows rose exaggeratedly, that in fact, she wasn't mad at me.
Just to be sure, however, I swiftly avoided anymore obvious remarks or questions that were thrown at me; simultaneously brushing my toes against Sophia every once in a while. As dinner finally drew to an end, Melanie's dad offered to drive me home; which I happily accepted. We got dressed and were stood in the foyer, when suddenly Mrs. Manza piped up. "Oh Harry, I almost forgot! Will you be joining us at the Great Ormond Street Charity Fundraiser this weekend? Your parents must be coming as well!"
"Since it's sponsored by our firm, I'm certain they will be, eh?", Sophia's dad suddenly joined in, earning a nod from Melanie's. "I uh..dont know to be honest."
"Well it would be lovely if you would! We'll all be there- including Melanie, who'll keep you company!" I rubbed the back of myneck nervously, quickly and subtly adverting my gaze to Sophia. "The roast is always very good.", she finally said; answering my silent question whether she'd be there.
"But I'll talk to my parents!", I added happily.
Everyone laughed enthusiastically and we turned to the door,when all of a sudden I announced I'd forgotten some notes in the living room. "I know where they are!" Sophia said, hurrying back inside behind me. "You're lucky you're so unbelievably hot, or I might be mad at you right now for being such a flirt", Sophia purred into my ear, sliding the palms of her hands over my jumper and to my shoulders. My whole body shuddered at the combination of her delicate touch and soft voice in my ear. I turned my cheek towards her, nibbling on my lip as her body remained pressed against my own.
"I was not flirting" I whispered, mouthends curling upwards into a smirk, knowing full-well that it was just one of my innate characteristics.
"Oh shush" Sophia laughed, pressing her lips to mine, savouring our last moments together.
"Sophia. Stop. It. Now." I spoke between soft kisses, unable to repress my grin as she refused to part her lips from mine. Finally, I managed to prise myself from her; massaging her fingers between my own as I looked deep into her eyes.
"I'll text you, okay?" I smiled, pushing a stray strand of chocolate brown hair from her face.
"Text me something fun" she winked; the apples of her cheeks rounding as she broke out into a cheeky grin.
