Fervor.

seven.

Vanessa's POV

After taking Harry up to my apartment, I made the decision to leave him to go grocery shopping. He didn’t even take a second to do anything else before dropping his body on my couch and immediately falling asleep. I also drove around, trying to give myself time to think and sort out my thoughts. And I took a long time, because it’s dark out now.

I’d be lying if I said my mind didn’t spend the entire time running with questions and ideas of curiosity about my new roommate, and co-worker. I’m very intrigued by this stranger whom I assumed I would hate, but now I want to kiss his pink lips. This is, obviously, only physical attraction. His personality isn’t…well, it just isn’t something I would want to be too close with. He’s annoying and undeniably weird with all his ransom attitude switch ups.

I roam around for a while, and finally convince myself that it’s okay as long as I keep my fantasies to myself and they don’t turn into actions.

Using my back, I push open the door to my apartment and make my way to kitchen to place the bags of groceries on the counter. I turn my attention to the living room, checking on Harry.

I freeze and gasp at the sight. He’s still asleep, but he’s stripped off all his clothes until all that’s left are his black boxer briefs. His right arm and leg dangle from the side of the couch, his body too big. The tattoos sprawled on his chest and left arm, plus the soft snores he releases every few seconds, make for a perfect combination. He looks so innocent and dangerous all at once.

I’m completely thrown off by the view, and it takes everything in my power to force my eyes to look away.

I let out a deep breath to collect myself.

It’s been a while since we ate at the Italian restaurant, so I grab pizza bagels and place them in the toaster oven; making sure to include a share for Harry. While I wait for the food to be ready, I clean the few dishes in the sink.

Without meaning to, the plates and utensils make a loud scratching and clattering noise, which result in Harry waking up. He groans and stretches before slowly strolling to the kitchen. I avoid looking at him, focusing my attention on the plates, and I hear him yawn.

“Vanessa,” his voice is groggy from sleep

“Hmm?” I finally bring my eyes up to him

He takes a few seconds to answer just as I finish cleaning the last plate, “While you were gone, I was thinking about this whole sharing apartment situation,”

I dry my hands and walk around the counter and he does the same thing, meeting me half way. Still, a couple of feet distance us.

“What were you thinking?” I ask, my eyes struggling not to stare too long at his chest, or go down any further…

“Well, I was thinking it doesn’t make sense for me to live here for free. So maybe we can split the expenses and-“ he suddenly stops. There’s a pause as he looks down, shaking his head, “Wait. I’m sorry” he mumbles while squeezing his eyes shut and I wonder what he’s thinking.

After a few seconds, he opens his eyes and gazes up at me “Do you want me to put on a shirt?” his tone is serious and not mocking at all

My eyes snap up to meet his. Was I that obvious? I cheeks flush for being caught in the very non-subtle act of staring, “Yes. No. Do whatever you want, I don’t really care.” my words are choppy as I turn around and make my way to grab the now ready pizza bagels.

I place them in two plates and hand one to Harry, keeping my eyes away from him. Standing by the counter across from one another, we begin eating in silence.