Chapter 5
Ever since Harry and I started working together a month and a half ago, we've somehow fallen into a routine. Every morning, without fail, we meet at the same coffee shop for breakfast. From there, we head straight to the studio.
Somehow, in the middle of all those shared coffees and half-eaten sandwiches, we've grown closer. We don't just talk about work anymore—we talk about everything. Random thoughts, stupid jokes, even the occasional deep confession that sneaks in between bites of food.
It doesn't feel like I'm just his Music Advisor anymore. It feels... like friendship. Real friendship.
He's even started tagging along with James and me when we eat lunch with Stacy. The four of us together—it's chaotic, loud, and honestly, kind of fun.
Of course, Harry still hasn't dropped his favorite hobby: teasing me. Especially when it comes to how easily I blush whenever he tosses out one of his simple, casual compliments.
And damn him, he knows exactly what he's doing.
Right now, we're inside the studio. I'm sitting next to James, Carlo—our musical director—Anna, our producer, and three other staff members working on Harry's album. Harry is in the booth, recording his new song.
"So, what do you think?" I asked, glancing around at the team.
"I think it's good. I like the beat," Carlo said, nodding appreciatively.
"And the lyrics," Anna interjected, wiggling her brows and giving me a playful smile.
"Good," I replied, scrunching my nose slightly. "I thought it was too sappy and cliché."
"Well, I personally like the song," James said, patting my back. "It's not too sappy or cliché, Sammy. And Harry's voice complements the whole piece beautifully. Well done, you two."
"Thank you," I said, feeling a small flush of pride.
*****
By the time Harry stepped out of the booth, all the staff—including me, James, Carlo, and Anna—showered him with compliments.
After finalizing everything, James and the others decided to head back to their offices, leaving only Harry and me alone in the studio.
"Now that you've heard me sing the song, what do you think?" Harry asked, eyes locked on mine.
"It's good," I replied nonchalantly.
"Just good?" He frowned. "We worked hard on this song. Did you hear how I pour every word into it? I think it deserves more than 'good.'"
"Yes, I heard everything," I said. "And forgive me for not being a fan of love songs. I was just doing my job—mentoring and observing your work."
"Whatever. I like love songs. They express how you feel for someone. They show what true love means... and how to be in love," he said, his gaze intense.
"Sorry, but I don't really believe in love," I said flatly. "I've never been in love, and it's not going to change. Guys only want pleasure... hot, steamy sex... and then they leave."
"I have to disagree there, Sweet Cheeks," he said, leaning closer, his voice calm but teasing. "Not all guys are like that. Sure, there are players and idiots who don't respect girls, but there are still men who believe in true love—who wait for the right girl to make them happy."
"I honestly don't care," I said, trying to sound stern. "It doesn't change the fact that I will never believe in true love."
Harry opened his mouth, as if to argue, but then thought better of it. "Let's just forget we talked about this," I added quickly.
He paused, considering me, a smirk tugging at his lips. Then he leaned in slowly, his eyes locked on mine. "How about this," he whispered, "I'll show you what love means. I'll make you see that true love exists... and I'll make you fall head over heels for me."
I laughed, trying to mask the rapid thump of my heart. "Well, good luck with that, buddy. It'll take you forever."
"I'll take the risk." His face drew closer, our eyes locked. My heart raced uncontrollably, and I felt his breath fan across my lips. Inches apart, he murmured, "And if you do fall in love with me... I promise, I'll never ever let you go."
*****
After that... intimate moment with Harry, I felt completely flustered. Never in my life had I experienced a feeling like this. The way he said those words made me shiver.
"...And if you do fall in love with me, I promise I'll never ever let you go."
The words kept looping in my mind, and the butterflies in my stomach were taking flight like never before.
No, Sammy! He only said that to make you all gooey and— I scolded myself silently. Damn it. You're overthinking. And damn you, Harry Simpson! Damn you!
My spiraling thoughts were cut off by a knock at the door.
"Come in!" I called, trying to gather myself.
The door swung open, and Stacy walked in, her cheerful energy immediately filling the room.
"I heard the recording was great! Tell me all about it!" Stacy said, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Yeah, it was," I murmured, still blushing from the memory of Harry's words.
"You seem flustered. What happened back there? Spill everything, and don't leave out a single detail!" she pressed, leaning closer.
I told her everything. Every single detail. I even admitted the strange, unfamiliar feelings that had been stirring inside me lately.
"Holy shit! Can't you see? He's totally into you, Sammy. And I think you like him too. Finally! Love is coming your way!" she beamed.
"That's not true, Stace. You know I don't believe in that."
"Then explain why he said he'd never, ever let you go. Seriously, Sammy, has any guy ever said that to you?"
I shook my head.
"See? No man tells a girl he'll never let her go if he doesn't mean it."
"I don't know, Stace," I whispered, shaking my head, trying to fight back tears. "You know my past. I've lived my life knowing guys only want one thing—sex. They pay for pleasure and then disappear." My voice broke. "What if Harry's like that? What if he only said those words to make me fall... to take me and then dump me after? What if he's just playing with me? What if... what if..."
By the time I finished, tears were streaming down my face uncontrollably.
Stacy rushed to me and enveloped me in her arms. "Oh, Sammy. Shhh... Stop drowning in 'what ifs.' Just give him a chance. You'll never know if he's sincere unless you try. And who knows—maybe he is the one destined for you. Your knight in shining armor. Your Prince Charming. Your true love. You just have to take the leap."
I sniffled, hugging her back tightly. "Okay... I'll think about it. But I'm still not sure about true love."
I let out a shaky breath. I just hoped she was right. I didn't want to be some kind of... booty call again.
Oh, Harry Simpson... what are you doing to me?
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YOU ARE READING
Through the Dark
Romance"Sorry, but I don't really believe in love," I said flatly. "I've never been in love, and it's not going to change. Guys only want pleasure... hot, steamy sex... and then they leave." "I have to disagree there, Sweet Cheeks," he said, leaning closer...
