Fall

Chapter 24

I pulled my hair over my shoulder and looked into the eyes of my reflection. My light blue eyes, framed with long black lashes that had been cleaned of any makeup products. My cheeks were tinged pink, still heated from a couple minuted ago. My lips looked much more full and pink, probably from being toyed with Harry's lips.

Just the thought made my lips twitch into a smile and my face feel hot.

I pulled at the huge shirt I'd taken out to wear to bed that dropped to my thighs and covered half my arm. It had the words "Disneyland" scribbled across it in fancy letter and a silhouette of Mickey Mouse's head.

It used to belong to my father.

Him and I had bought matching ones when we visited the theme park.

Looking back on that day, it truly had been "The Happiest Place On Earth." I remember how much I laughed and smiled and just been happy.

I would give anything to relive that day again.

Or to just relive one more day I had with my father.

My cold feet pressed against the wooden floorboards as I made my way to Harry's room. I couldn't help but eagerly push open the door and peer inside.

My eyes widened, cheeks heating as I straightened myself up and tried to pull my eyes away, but Harry had seen me. He sent a smile in my direction while he pulled the drawstring on his joggers that slung low on his hips, the band of his black boxers peeking out the top.

I smiled back shyly and couldn't help but take in every part of him.

The lines of muscle that dipped into his boxers, the toned lines on his stomach, his defined peck muscles, his prominent collar bones, and all of the black ink scattered amongst it.

"Did you need something, Bree?" He chuckled, his chest and shoulders shaking.

I pulled my eyes up to his face and steadied myself on the doorframe, parting my lips but unsure of what to say. A few mumbled nothing's came out, causing him to laugh again. I composed myself before trying to speak again.

"I just, um, wanted to say, goodnight," I stuttered, noticing the way his eyes ran up and down my body.

This shirt was longer than any of his and covered more of me so I found no reason to wear shorts underneath it. I suddenly became conscious of whether he knew I was only in my underwear underneath.

He smiled and slowly strolled over to me.

"You know you don't have to sleep on that lounge, right?."

"I know but-"

"I have a perfectly good bed here if you want it," he smiled, gesturing to the King Sized bed behind him. The crisp white sheets had been tousled and pulled away, ready to welcome anyone about to sleep in it.

I brought my attention back to Harry as he lowered his hand from the direction of the bed.

"I know. I just..." I stared at his questioning face that displayed hints of concern. "I can't, yet. I'm sorry."

I found myself always apologizing around him. Was it a nervous thing?

His eyes lowered and his jaw tightened as he bit at the inside of his cheek.

"It's okay," he shook his head. "My doors always open though. If you ever want to-"

"Yeah, I know. Thanks," I smiled forcefully before shrugging. "I just need more time."

"Yeah," he nodded. "Take all the time you need. I understand," he answered sincerely.

I smiled glumly, looking at the floor before bringing my gaze back up to him, trying my best to avoid any more staring.

"Well, goodnight."

"Goodnight Bree."

We turned away from each other at the same time, me pushing at the doorframe, while he strolled back towards his bed. I started for the stairs and turned around just in time to see him standing at the foot of his bed, back muscles straining as he reached up with his arms and ran his hands frustratingly through his hair.

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I rolled over, pulling my eyebrows together while my hands fisted tightly around the sheets. My head rolled over again and again, my feet kicking at the blankets.

I let out a small groan and rolled my head back. I felt my chest rising and falling, my breathing rapid and uneven. I pushed the blanket off of my hot body. I could feel the beads of sweat dotted on my forehead.

I mumbled again, my lips parting and my eyes squeezing tightly together.

"H, Harry," I breathed out quietly.

It seemed like he was by my side in an instant. My eyes were still shut, but I could sense that he was there.

I felt his body laying down beside mine, pulling me closer to him. I tucked my hands up to our chests and felt his steady breathing and soft heartbeat against my palm.

My eyebrows relaxed and I allowed myself to still. I felt his fingers trailing across my forehead, his thumb swiping away the small drops of sweat.

His finger pushing away the small strands of hair that had fallen in front of my eyes and tucked them behind my ear.

I moved my leg absentmindedly until I felt it brushing over his. I let it fall in between his legs and used it to pull him closer to me.

I could feel the pad of his thumb brushing over my jawline, just under my ear.

His arm reached over me and pressed against my back, pulling my closer to him. I didn't think we could get any closer, but I soon felt my chest against his and legs tangled with his.

Together, our breathing was uneven and our chest pressed against each other at uneven paces. His arm wrapped around me went limp and he let it drape lazily over me protectively.

I felt the warmth of his lips pressing against my forehead. A short, sweet, chaste kiss.

Snuggling my head into the crook of his neck, his chin rested above my head.

I allowed myself to relax. It had only been a dream and this, this was reality. Lying here wrapped in Harry's arms, it was reality. The reality I had only ever dreamed of.

Harry let out a small breath as I relaxed into him and allowed myself to listen to the steady beat of his heart in his chest. He nudged his head a little further towards me and whispered something I wasn't completely sure if I had been awake long enough to hear.

"Let me take care of you."