Chapter 11
The sun peeking through my window woke me early, its warmth dragging me out of a restless sleep. I rubbed my eyes, still exhausted from everything that happened last night. Memories of Harry comforting me and holding me close made my chest tighten... in a good way.
Speaking of Harry... where was he?
I swung my legs out of bed and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. When I stepped out, the smell of pancakes, eggs, and bacon hit me. My stomach rumbled, and I followed the scent down the hall.
In the kitchen, I found Harry wearing my candy-colored apron, spatula in hand, flipping pancakes. He looked... adorable. My lips curved into a smile as I walked closer.
"What are you cooking?" I asked.
He jumped, hand flying to his chest. "Holy shit! Don't sneak up on me like that, Sweet cheeks! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" His eyes widened in mock horror when he saw me laughing.
"Your face... it's priceless! I can't breathe!" I said, laughing so hard I had to hold my stomach.
"Seriously, Sweet cheeks. That's not funny! If I die from a heart attack, you'll be the first person I haunt, and I'll scare the crap out of you!" He huffed, pouting dramatically.
"You'll be a cute, pouty ghost if that happens," I teased, reaching up to pinch his lips.
"Let me remind you—a guy like me should not be referred to as a cute, pouty ghost," he shot back with a mischievous wink. "Irresistibly hot ghost will do."
I rolled my eyes, chuckling at his comeback.
"So... pancakes, eggs, and bacon for breakfast? Yummy!" I clapped my hands.
"Yes! And orange juice. No coffee today," he added, sliding a glass toward me with a grin.
*****
The breakfast Harry made was amazing—he could really cook, I had to admit. Having him here for breakfast felt... different. Intimate, in a way. I've only ever shared morning meals at home with Stacy and James, and now Harry was the first... the first to sit here with me, sharing a simple moment like this.
I couldn't explain why I trusted him so easily. There was something about Harry that made my heart feel at ease, as if I could finally exhale after holding in so much tension for years. He had this way of calming me when I was stressed or down, making me smile when I was angry, and laughing with me effortlessly—even at the silliest things.
When I was with him, it was like butterflies erupted in my stomach without warning. Every brush of his hand against mine sent tingles running through my body, making me shiver unexpectedly.
What did this mean? Was this... liking him? Falling for him?
"A penny for your thoughts," I heard Harry say, his voice teasing.
"Oh... sorry. I was just thinking," I replied, flustered.
"About what? About me?" His green eyes sparkled. "Well, you don't have to. I'm already here."
I blushed. "I knew it! Just... I hope it's not dirty thoughts. I mean, my body is to die for, but you don't have to make it obvious."
"You cocky bastard!" I exclaimed, rolling my eyes. "I was just... thinking about the time you're leaving," I added quickly, lying.
"Getting rid of me already, are you? Can't resist me?" he teased, and I couldn't help laughing.
"Whatever," I shrugged. "I was just thinking of ways to get you out of my house."
"Ouch, that hurts, Sweet cheeks," he said, clutching his chest dramatically.
"I actually need you to go back home, take a shower, then come back and drive me to Milkshake City. I'm craving Candy Fudge right now."
"Are you asking me out?" he asked, half-amused, half-confused.
"Nope," I said, popping the "p" in 'nope'. "I just want you to drive me to Milkshake City so I can buy Candy Fudge. That's all." I added, letting a hint of sarcasm slip in.
"Fine, fine," he laughed, standing up from the chair.
*****
When we got to Milkshake City, Harry looked around with an amused expression.
"Is it your first time here?" I asked, noticing his slightly confused face.
"Nope," he said casually. "I grew up drinking milkshakes here." He scanned the room, observing everyone inside like he was on high alert.
"Then why do you look so confused and amazed? And why are you staring at everyone like you're examining them?" I teased.
"Well," he said, walking ahead of me toward the counter, "I've been out of the country for a few months and didn't have time to come back. A lot has changed—the couches, the tables... even the girl at the counter looks different. And, to answer your second question, there might be paparazzi here, so I have to keep an eye on everything."
As we approached the counter, the girl behind it smiled brightly. "Hi! Welcome to Milkshake City. What can I get you?"
"Hi! Two Candy Fudge, please," Harry said.
The girl's eyes widened. "A-are you... Harry S-Simpson?" she stuttered.
"Yes, I am," Harry said smoothly, smiling at her.
"I'm a fan!" she beamed, and Harry just smiled back. She glanced at me, then at Harry, then back at me. "Are you two... together? Like a couple?" she asked.
"No."
"Maybe."
We said it at the same time.
"What?" she asked, blinking in confusion.
"I'll let you know when she says yes," Harry said, giving me a playful wink. I felt my cheeks heat up and rolled my eyes.
I reached for my wallet, but Harry held up his hand. "Nuh-uh. I'm the guy. I should pay."
"But I asked you to come with me, so it's my treat," I protested.
"No way. I'm the guy here, so I'll pay. Just don't protest—you're bruising my ego."
Guys and their egos.
"Fine," I sighed, defeated. "I'll go find us a table."
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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...
