Piper ~ H.S

~Fourteen~ *

***Edited in October 2022***

A/N: I felt like doing a triple whammy update for this book, so I did :p lol

The rest of the reception seemed to go by like lightning for Harry & I. While everyone else was busy dancing and having a grand old time, the two of us didn't move from our table except to get more punch or go to the bathroom – because we just talked endlessly throughout the night. It was only a matter of time before I started feeling as if we were the only two people in the room. And I was loving it.

By the end of the night, I'd almost completely forgotten about who Harry was to the rest of the world. To me, he was just like any other kind gentleman you'd meet at a friend's wedding – a gentleman who you find yourself just...clicking with. Not once was there ever an awkward silence between us – our conversation just flowed freely and easily. He just felt like such a good friend once the reception was over.

When everyone was finally tired of partying, Caleb and Libby stood by the door and warmly thanked us all for coming. When it was my turn to exit the venue, they both kissed my cheek and once again expressed how grateful they were to me for saving their wedding – to which I responded with a smile and a warm reminder that no thanks was necessary. And it really wasn't – especially because of how much me and Harry had bonded during the night. Because of that...it really should've been me thanking them.

The conversation remained lively between Harry & I during the 30-minute drive back to Worthing. We talked about absolutely anything that came to mind – and I couldn't help spending every moment of the ride silently relishing how good it felt to have someone new to talk to – a man who truly was kinder than any other man I'd ever met. A patient man who listened carefully to any story I wished to tell, and consoled me whenever I needed it.

By the time he'd finally pulled into my driveway, it was already nearly midnight – and yet the last thing I wanted to do was lay down in bed and sleep. I didn't want to say goodbye to Harry. I didn't want this time with him to end. 

However, just when I finally uttered a soft 'goodbye' and prepared to climb out of the car, Harry made the decision to climb out with me and walk me to my door – much to my surprise and delight.

"You're not planning to make that two-hour drive back to London tonight, are you?" I asked him as I took my keys out of my handbag.

"Oh, God no. I might fall asleep at the wheel," Harry replied with a chuckle, "no, I...I'll find a hotel or something and stay there for the rest of tonight, and then get ready to leave for London first thing."

"Oh, good," I sighed in relief, "if you decided to make the drive tonight, I'd be up all hours fretting and wondering if anything was gonna happen to you."

"Is that so?" Harry smirked at me, "How sweet. I feel loved."

I giggled. "Yeah. You should feel loved."

I unlocked the front door and stepped into the house – turning around to face Harry once more and leaning against the doorway as I smiled at him.

"So..." I began slowly, "you're off, then?"

"I guess I am," he nodded, "you don't happen to know the where nearest hotel is around here, do you?"

"Erm..." I bit my lip, "...no. Unfortunately, I don't. I've never had to stay in one," I shot him an apologetic look.

"Ah," Harry nodded again, "well...it's alright. I guess I'll just drive around for a bit. I'm sure I'll find a place eventually."

I nibbled at my lip once more – unable to stop worrying about whether he'll get lost, or that he won't even find a hotel that's actually vacant – and he'll end up spending the night in his car.