Then There Was You

XXII

It's been three days since I broke up with James. And it's on the third miserable day that Henry calls me for the first time.
My heart jumps with excitement as I read his name on the screen.
"Hello," my voice sounds breathy, and very much unlike my own.
"Lara," his voice makes my stomach clench pleasurably, "How are you?"
The sound of his deep, soothing voice makes me realise how much I've missed him. How much I want him to be here right now.
A few seconds pass silently by before I respond- trying and failing to settle my emotions.

"I miss you," I blurt, "It's so awful here. I wish I had just stayed in Dublin with you."
"That bad huh?" His voice is playful, I can almost see him smirk at me.
"Worse."
This makes him laugh. The sound of it makes me forget my misery for a minute and I feel myself smile for the first time since coming home. It feels strange.
"I miss you too," his voice becoming quiet and serious. The longing in his voice makes a small, delighted shiver run through me. "When can I see you?"

I fret over his question for a minute. Not knowing how to answer. I wish I could say that I'd take the first flight to him now, but my mum would disown me, and I had work tomorrow.
I cringe at the thought. Work.
Me and James in the same room.
"Lara?" Henry's voice snaps me out of my nervous train of thought.
"Sorry," I say, remembering myself, "I don't know Henry. I can't leave just now. My mum is very, very angry with me, and I have to work tomorrow."
"You have another job already?" He asks curiously.
"It's my part time job," I explain, "at Costa."
"Oh cool."
"And Uhm... James is my boss," I add.
There's a long moment of silence and then Henry erupts into laughter.

Of course he would find this funny. I shake my head, pulling my phone away from my ear and let him laugh himself out.
"I'm sorry," he says, his voice straining, trying to hold back his amusement. "That's going to be awkward."
I roll my eyes.
"You don't say," I lay the sarcasm on thick.
"Why don't you just quit?" He asks simply.
"Because then I'd be poor."
"I'll look after you," he says seriously.
I roll my eyes again.
"Thank you," I reply, "But I like looking after myself."
"I know, but I would do a much better job," he says enticingly.

I had to admit, it wasn't such a bad thought. Having Henry look after me. I was almost tempted. But my better judgment kicked in just in time before I could agree to anything stupid.
"Seriously though..." his voice is soft again, "I know this wasn't easy for you Lara. And I'm sorry I've put you through this. But I promise, it's going to be worth it. When we see each other again."
My heart jumps excitedly at his words and I feel my skin heat.
"And it's going to be soon," he says confidently, "if you can't come to me. Then I'll come to you."
"What do you mean? You're still filming aren't you?" I ask bewildered, too scared to hope that I might see him soon.

"I have two days off this weekend. I'll get an early morning flight, book a hotel and you can meet me," his voice is certain.
My heart splutters nervously. Two nights with him, alone.
"Henry, it's too soon. What would I tell my mum?" I say frantically.
"Just lie," he says simply, and I can almost see the shrug that goes with his words.
"I'm not a good liar," I say meekly.
He chuckles at this.
"Good. But you'll either need to lie or tell her the truth. Either way, we'll be together this weekend."
His words send my thoughts into chaos.
"Okay," I gasp, licking my lips nervously. My hearts pumping in an odd rhythm.
"Phew," he says dramatically, "For a minute there, I thought you were going to say no."
"So did I," I say, chuckling quietly.

We share a laugh together but then the line falls quiet, and I can feel a new, exciting tension build in the silence.
"Lara?"
My whole body tingles.
"Mhhhmm?" I manage.
"I was trying to think of a way to say this without being rude but fuck it," his voice comes in a rush and I hear him take a deep breath. "Just be ready for this weekend. What I mean is, I don't want you to be unprepared," his voice is utterly captivating, deep and sexy. I'm holding my breath, listening intently, "I don't know if two days is going to be enough time to do what I want to do to you."
My mouth pops open in shock and I have to place my hand over my mouth, but I feel warmth pool at the bottom of my abdomen.
"I've been waiting so long to touch you Lara," his words are making my head spin and I can hear my breath coming faster and way louder than I'd like, causing my face to heat in embarrassment, "What I'm saying is; be prepared that I might not let you leave after the second day."

I don't know if his words are meant to be a warning or if he's trying to drive me wild. But either way, I'm definitely ready to be touched. I wish I could pull him through the phone and kiss him now. I sigh longingly.
"I just wish it was now," I manage, my voice a little hoarse.
He sighs at my words.
"I'll see you soon Lara," his voice full of promise and longing. Another pleasurable shudder goes through me, causing me to squeeze my thighs together- trying to dull the pulsing heat there.
"I'll see you soon," I say breathlessly.
And then he hangs up.

I let myself fall backwards onto my bed.
I look unseeingly up at the ceiling and then close my eyes. When I do, Henry's face fills my vision. Soon, I'll be able to touch him.
My body shudders in excitement. I keep my eyes closed and imagine the feel of his skin beneath my fingers. I imagine his mouth on my lips, my throat, my breasts. Slowly, I start touching myself in these places. Pretending that my hands are his. It feel so good.
I can only imagine how it will feel when he finally does touch me, and I have to suppress and moan.
Soon.
We'll be together soon.