Resolution

Thirteen : Saffron

Thirteen : Saffron

Don't be surprised that 1D Day is in this chapter even though it's barely September. Lewl oh well. P.S read the author's note.

I felt the kiss all the way to my toes. It was short and sweet but it rocked my whole world. I felt like I was flying, as if I was soaring through the air unable to stop the turmoil raging around my body. I’d never felt this in a kiss before and I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not. The feeling was engulfing and I’d never experienced such intense emotion.

When Harry eventually pulled back, I was dizzy. I had to blink a few times before I could even begin to start breathing again. I took in one ragged breath but then Harry gave me such a dazzling smile that I choked up once more.

He rubbed a warm thumb over my cheek, brushing back the loose wisps of hair. My skin ignited under his touch.

“Wow,” he said.

All I could do was nod.

He chuckled quietly, a sort of nervous chuckle. “I’ve been wanting to kiss you since you got to New York.”

I bit my lip, unsure of what to say. I fantasized about it sure, but I never knew it would actually happen. I looked at him, my eyes roaming over every part of honesty on his face. "Me too," I murmured.

He smiled and leaned his forehead against mine, his green eyes glowing dully in the early morning darkness. It was then that reality came crashing back around me. I swallowed dryly and stepped back slightly. "I need to tell you something Harry."

Harry smiled contently. "It can wait, let's just enjoy this moment of calm."

He slipped his hand in mine and I shook my head. "But Harry it's important—“

"It's okay Saffron. There will be plenty of time." He began to walk, still with his hand in mine. "Let's enjoy each other's company before you go back to your hotel. I won't see you for a while because we're staying here for business."

I had no option but to nod. He smiled triumphantly and we strolled back through the streets of New York. As he chatted easily about his life, I felt like a fraud. A complete and utter, lying fraud who was keeping dangerous secrets from Harry. 

+   +   +   +

It was Tuesday and I was at work. Harry was still in New York, making and organising plans for 1D Day at the end of the week. We'd been texting but nothing to heavy, nothing to do with the kiss we shared.

The guilt over my secret was eating away at me but Darci convinced me I had to tell him person. But when was the right moment? The day after he arrived back in LA was 1D Day and then he had a concert the next day. Then barely a week later, Fashion Week started in New York. We were going to be such busy people over the next few weeks I wasn't even sure if I'd see him for some one-on-one time.

I was drowning in my own guilt the more I thought about it though. I'd kept such a heavy secret from Harry, his friends and his management team. All I knew was that Harry needed to find out from me and not somebody else or that was going to make it ten times worse.

Barbara had me working hard since we got back from New York. With the NY Fashion Week approaching, she had me organising seats at fashion shows, finalising interviews and all that jazz. It was frustrating because everything was at such a high demand. Then add to that the fact we still had the next issue to work on, my whole day was filled with work.

I barely had time to spend with Coral so on Wednesday night I made a point of making sure I was free to sit at the dinner table with her and dad. Everything was all right, everything was going smoothly as we ate the meal Maria had prepared. I'd remembered Harry's words and as much as it pained me, I was more than civil towards my father.