offshore | h.s

74

GENEVIEVE CLARK

As Harry holds me, something clicks, and a wave of embarrassment floods over me. I pull back a bit, just enough to look at him, my face heating up. "God, I... I can't believe I just fell apart like that. I don't want to go downstairs. I can't face everyone and explain..."

He shakes his head gently, keeping his arms around me. "You don't have to, love. You don't owe anyone anything right now." He lifts a hand to tuck a damp strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes warm with understanding.

I take a shaky breath, brushing my fingers under my eyes. "I just can't believe it. But... I can, too." A single tear slips down my cheek as I glance away, still trying to process it all. "God, Harry, what about Avery? What do I even say? Her dad..." I trail off, unable to finish, feeling the weight of it press down on me.

Harry reaches for my hand, his grip solid, grounding. "It's a lot to take in, Gen. You don't have to have it all figured out right now. And you're not alone. We'll get through this."

I nod, though the worry gnaws at me. He's right, it's a lot, and I can't bear the thought of Avery knowing, of her having to even think about this. But just being here with Harry, knowing he's here... it makes it a little less heavy.

After a beat, I glance back up at him, my voice barely a whisper. "What if... what if he wants to see her, Harry?"

He pauses, and I see the conflict in his eyes. Finally, he says softly, "Then we'll figure it out. Together." He lifts my hand, pressing a gentle kiss to my fingers. "You're not alone in this, G. You've got me."

Harry gently lifts my arms, pulling his soft shirt over my head and letting it fall into place. "Arms up," he says with a teasing smile, making me laugh despite everything. He helps me step into a pair of his boxers, and I can't help but feel a little safer wrapped in his clothes. With a reassuring squeeze of my hand, he guides me over to the bed, and we both climb in, the soft sheets comforting against my skin.

"Let's just have a quiet morning, yeah?" he murmurs, pulling me close. I nestle into him, resting my head on his chest as he kisses my forehead, my cheeks, and the bridge of my nose, peppering my face with sweet, gentle kisses.

Just as I start to feel a little lighter, Amber walks in, balancing a steaming cup of green tea. "You feeling better, baby?" she asks, her voice soft as she approaches.

I nod, a small smile creeping across my face. Amber leans down, wrapping her arms around me for a long hug. "I told the others you were just feeling a bit under the weather," she whispers, her tone soothing.

"Thank you so fucking much," I reply, pulling back to look at her. "I love you." I give her a grateful smile, feeling the warmth of our friendship wrap around me.

"Love you too," she beams before glancing over at Harry. "You okay, H?"

I turn to look at him, and my heart sinks a little. He looks exhausted, shadows under his eyes betraying the long night he's had. "All good," he replies, but I can hear the strain in his voice.

Amber studies him for a moment, then offers a soft smile. "Take your time. They've all gone for a swim if you want to join later."

I see Harry's eyes flicker toward me, and I know he'd rather stay here, just the two of us. "We'll figure it out," I whisper, hoping to reassure him. I reach for his arm and give it a gentle rub, feeling the tension in his muscles start to ease under my touch.

"Yeah, later," he finally says, leaning back against the pillows, his gaze never leaving mine. In this little bubble, I can almost forget the chaos waiting outside.