I was exhausted. I'd spent the day Christmas shopping, the first half shared with my mother up until we stopped for lunch. Then after we parted ways, I continued my hunt for the perfect gifts, checking off my list one by one. By six o'clock, I'd called it a day, pushing my door open with my shoulder as I struggled with enough bags to completely cover the foyer. I set them down with a sigh, shutting the door behind me and tip-toeing around the bags to get to my kitchen where I dropped my purse and keys. I took a gander back at the mess in the hallway, my eyelids heavy with fatigue. Making my way over, I grabbed only one of the bags, leaving the rest to be put away later.
Once in my room, I laid the bag on the bed, removing the dress I'd purchased for myself. It was a pretty deep crimson shade with a simple A-line hem, and it cost almost as much as all the gifts I'd bought put together, but it was totally worth it.
Harry was having a Christmas party.
Harry Styles and I had gone out a handful times. I wasn't really sure if you could say we were "dating". How many dates constitutes dating? One? Five? Seventeen? I never really knew the answer to that. He'd taken me to dinner a few times and to a party another, and we had a good time, at least I thought so. I just felt like it was too soon to tell how he felt about me. But I liked him. I liked him a lot.
This wasn't really a date though. This was a party he was throwing for all his friends and other people he knew. I would just be one of many to attend. Nevertheless, I was excited to be going, and this little red number I hoped would make an impression.
I hung up the dress on the hook that hung on the closet door, pressing my hand along the soft, silky fabric. I smiled to myself as I thought of Harry, the way his green eyes twinkled when he smiled and the way his soft lips felt against mine when he'd kissed me goodnight. I sincerely hoped he would kiss me again. Maybe even under the mistletoe? I chuckled to myself as I made my way back out into the hall, grabbing the rest of my bags and bringing them into the bedroom. Too tired to sort through them at the moment, I left them lined up at the foot of the bed and returned to the kitchen to get a bottle of water. That's when I heard my cell phone going off in my purse. I smiled when I saw Harry's name on the screen.
"Hi, Harry," I greeted.
"Hi, Rebecca," he said in a low tone. "How are you?"
"Tired from shopping all day, but otherwise I'm great."
"Good," Harry commented with a smile in his voice. "Just wanted to confirm that you're coming to my party tomorrow."
"Yes," I replied. "I sent the RSVP. Didn't you get it?"
"I did. I just wanted to double check personally."
"Oh," I grinned. "I feel special."
Harry chuckled. "You should. I'm really looking forward to seeing you."
I felt my cheeks stretch as my smiled widened. "Me too. Can't wait."
"See you tomorrow, love," he said softly before we disconnected.
I leaned against the kitchen counter with a sigh. He was looking forward to seeing me. Me? Or did he tell everyone that? Yes, that was probably it. He was always so cordial and charming. Still, as I went to bed that night, I couldn't help but be a tiny bit excited that he was glad I was coming.
— —
I'd been there a good thirty minutes and I hadn't seen him yet. Sure, the place was crowded to say the least, and he was only one face in a sea of many, but I'd started to get the feeling that my efforts in making sure my dress and makeup were perfect, and the fact that I'd taken a taxi instead of driving my own car so I wouldn't have to park so far and walk in heels, were all in vain.
After some mingling with strangers, and a few people I did know, I decided to make my way around the left side of the room to the bar. Before I could reach it, however, I felt an arm slip around my waist.
"There you are," he said.
I turned and smiled. "Here I am."
"Was beginning to think you weren't coming after all." Despite the sly smirk at the corner of his mouth, I reckoned Harry actually meant those words.
"I've been here for a while now, Harry," I teased, "you must've not been looking hard enough."
His smile grew as the tip of his tongue darted out to tap his lip. "I suppose not."
I returned his smile and gazed around the room. "Great party," I commented.
"It is now," he raised a brow and reached for my hand. "Come, I'll get you a drink."
I followed him to the bar which was set in the corner closer to the stage where a band played Christmas songs. I watched Harry as he ordered cocktails for us and then turned to look at the musicians who were currently playing a jazzy rendition of "Winter Wonderland". I twisted my hips slightly to the rhythm until I felt Harry's hand on my back again.
"Here, love," he whispered in my ear.
"Thanks," I said, reaching for the glass. As I took a sip, we made eye contact, his brows furrowing a bit, causing a crease above his nose before relaxing into a smile. Licking my lips, I smiled back.
He looked really handsome in a lustrous black suit, the first few buttons on his white shirt undone to reveal his chest, giving a peak of his tattoos and the ever present cross pendant that hung from his neck. But more than anything, I liked the way he was looking at me. A mix of desire like he was drinking me in, and friendly admiration. A warm feeling oozed through me down to my toes, and it wasn't just due to the alcohol.
"Are you ready for Christmas?" I asked him.
"Yeah," he nodded emphatically. "Finished all my shopping early so all I had to worry about was tonight. Then on Monday I'm flying home to be with my family."
"Oh, I bet you're excited about that," I remarked cheerfully, though I felt my heart plummet to my to stomach. Of course he was going to be with his family. Still, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. I'd sort of hoped I'd get to see him sometime during the holiday.
"Won't be gone long though," said Harry, interrupting my thoughts.
"Oh?" I raised my brows.
"Should be back a couple days after Christmas."
I smiled and nodded. So there was still hope...
The band changed it up then, starting in on a slow classic rock tune. I swayed my hips again, partly from nerves and partly because I liked the song. Harry noticed when I'd sipped the last of my cocktail through the straw, meeting only ice. He took the glass from me and set it down on the bar next to his.
"Do you wanna dance?" he asked me.
I beamed at him, nodding as I took his awaiting hand and followed him to the small area in front of the stage where other couples were dancing.
"So what are you doing for Christmas, Rebecca?" Harry's eyes focused on my face as he wrapped his arm around my waist. I felt butterflies in my stomach as we began to dance, one hand in his, the other near his shoulder, just above his chest.
"Well, I'll be with my mother on Christmas morning," I began, "and then I'm-"
"I'm sorry," Harry shook his head. "I just have to say this. I should have said it when I first saw you. But you look so beautiful."
I blinked. "Thank you."
"You look like...a Christmas angel," he commented low, a slight grin on his lips.
I felt a tiny giggle escape my throat and I knew I had to be blushing. "That's really sweet, thank you."
"You're welcome." Harry and I stared at each other for a minute until his chest rose and fell with a deep breath. "I'm sorry, I interrupted you. You were saying..."
My eyelids fluttered as I tried to remember what we were talking about. "Oh...um...Christmas morning with my mom, then we're going to my Aunt and Uncle's for dinner that evening. Lots of cousins and relatives, that sort of thing."
"Sounds lovely," he muttered.
I merely shrugged until Harry leaned closer. Releasing my hand, he brought his up to brush my hair off my shoulder. I quivered from the tiny gesture and for a moment I thought he was going to kiss me. But he surprised me by pressing his cheek to mine and inhaling.
"Mmm, you smell good too," he whispered.
In my head I was laughing. Why was he smelling my hair? But I didn't make a sound. Every nerve ending in my body felt like a frayed wire about to spark at any given moment. I stood frozen except for the almost nonexistent dancing we were engaged in. I felt Harry's arm pull me closer until my body was flush against his. His hand that had pushed my hair away was now on my neck while his cheek slid against mine as he shifted to look at me. His green eyes seemed to sparkle, reflecting the Christmas lights that decorated the room.
This time I knew he was going to kiss me. When he confirmed it by tilting his head, I instinctively slipped my arms around his neck. His lips were soft, his kiss equally tender. It was over much too quickly, but I didn't complain. I heard the band finish the classic rock tune, or perhaps it was a different one. I'd been too wrapped up in Harry to notice.
"Really glad you came," he finally said.
"Yeah?" I grinned.
Harry nodded, his eyelids heavy. I cleared my throat as the band began to play their next song. I recognized it right away, one of my favorites.
When the bells all ring and the horns all blow
and the couples we know are fondly kissing
Will I be with you or will I be among the missing?
I felt Harry's hands slide down my back, and with a sigh, I bit my lip and stared at his handsome face as the singer continued, seemingly reading my mind.
Maybe it's much too early in the game
Oh, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve?
Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
When it's exactly twelve o'clock that night
Welcoming in the New Year
New Year's Eve
"Harry," I said softly, prying my eyes from his to focus on his chest.
"Rebecca," he mimicked.
I gave a nervous chuckle, though I tried to sound nonchalant. "What are you doing New Year's Eve?"
"Well..." he began, "I'm not exactly sure yet."
I looked back up at him. "No?"
Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
I'd ever be the one you chose
Out of a thousand invitations
You received
Harry twisted his mouth to the side like he was pondering something. I waited with bated breath, but his next words not only cut me to the quick, but made me realize he hadn't been paying attention to the lyrics like I had been.
"I have a few things up in the air. A few different parties I've been invited to."
"Oh," I said, my face falling.
"And Jeff and Glenne might be having something too," he added.
"Oh."
Harry shrugged, oblivious to my disappointment. "Haven't decided yet."
"I see," I swallowed hard and averted my gaze. Sliding my hands down his shoulders, I muttered, "Will you excuse me?"
"You okay?" Harry inquired.
"Yes," I replied, finally looking at him. "Just need to go to the ladies' room."
"Oh, sure."
I barely waited for him to release me before I bolted for the bathroom. I'd just reached the door when I heard the singer sing the final refrain.
Ah, but in case I stand one little chance
Here comes the jackpot question in advance
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve?
— —
Rebecca, are you ok?
Are you ill? Did you leave early?
What happened??
I don't want to jump to conclusions, but if I did something, please let me know.
I'd stared at Harry's texts all night until I finally fell asleep. The final one had come through that morning, apparently before I'd even awakened. I wondered if Harry had stayed up all night.
With a sigh, I reluctantly replied.
You didn't do anything. I'm ok.
After crying for a few minutes in the ladies' room, I'd felt foolish. Other than perhaps the kiss, which was probably just a result of being caught up in the moment, I had no reason to suspect he would want to be with me for New Year's Eve. I was being ridiculous to assume and to cry over it. Wiping my tears, I snuck out of the bathroom to find him engaged in a conversation with a small group of people. I made my way around the bar to the exit and slipped out without him noticing.
I'd been home barely ten minutes when he texted me. I felt bad for not replying right away, but I was ashamed and humiliated, no fault of his. I had a bad habit of expecting people to feel the way I felt, and as a result I continuously got my heart broken.
This time, Harry surprised me by texting me back right away.
I thought we were having a good time. You left without saying goodbye.
I suddenly imagined Harry standing in the middle of the massive room, looking around for me, wondering what had happened. I felt a pang in my chest.
I'm really sorry. I just wasn't feeling well.
I'm sorry too, Rebecca. Are you ok now?
Yes.
I didn't know what else to say.
Good.
I guess he didn't either.
Feeling guilty, I tried to reassure him (or perhaps myself) with small talk (or, erm, text as the case was).
So you're leaving tomorrow?
Yes. Early. I haven't been to bed yet, was about to. So I can sleep all day.
Good plan.
He was quiet for a moment and I wondered if that was the end of the conversation. The pang in my chest had turned into a sour, nauseous feeling in my stomach. Now I really was ill.
Harry? I nervously texted.
I waited a few moments longer and didn't see the three dots come up. With a sigh, I dropped my phone on the bed beside me, plopping back onto my pillow. I stared at the ceiling, wondering what the hell I had gotten myself into. I liked Harry, a lot. And he seemed to like me too. But I'd made a mess of things. Now it felt like he was backing off.
As I wiped a tear, I suddenly heard my phone ping.
Sorry love, I was changing and getting into bed.
Oh God.
No worries. I blatantly lied. I should let you sleep.
Ok. If I don't get to talk to you, have a Merry Christmas.
I swallowed hard. Same to you.
Thanks x.
Well, I guess that was that. I was an idiot.
— —
Christmas was lovely, I had to admit. I'd thought I'd have to fake my way through the day, since I had yet to hear from Harry. I hadn't wanted it to bother me like it had. But my mother as usual made the day special, and being with the rest of my relatives proved to be just the medicine I needed for a heavy heart.
It wasn't until I'd excused myself to use my Aunt Margie's enormous upstairs bathroom so I could have a few minutes of privacy (and to check my phone) that I'd noticed Harry had texted me earlier.
Merry Christmas Rebecca x
I looked at the time he'd sent it which was over three hours ago. Damn. It was late in England now, nearly midnight. But knowing Harry, he was still awake. If not, he would just get my message the next morning.
Merry Christmas Harry. I hope you had a great day.
I was just leaving the bathroom when my ringtone startled me.
"Hello?" I answered when I saw it was Harry.
"There's my Christmas angel," he said in a low voice. "I thought maybe you'd forgotten about me."
"Um," I giggled, taken aback. I wasn't expecting that greeting. "No, I haven't."
"Good. 'Cause I haven't forgotten you either. Did you have a good time with your family?"
"Yeah," I replied. "Still going on actually. I'm at my Aunt and Uncle's. They'll probably be breaking out the board games soon."
"Did that!" chuckled Harry. "I won."
"You won what?"
"I don't remember. I just know I won."
I laughed at his cheery disposition, wondering if perhaps he'd had a few too many egg noggs.
"I miss you, Rebecca," he confessed. "Been thinking about you since I left."
Yep, he was definitely drunk.
"Um...you have?"
"Yep. Keep thinking of you in that red dress. Dancing with you. Kissing you. Really wish you hadn't left me that night."
Any other time those words would have made me melt like an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. But the way he slurred his words and the fact that he was across the ocean made his confession seem a little stale. I did however, notice how he'd said "me". Left "me" that night. I wasn't sure if it was a slip of the lip, but I caught it nonetheless.
"Harry, I'm-"
"I have something to ask you, Rebecca," he interrupted.
"Okay?" I sounded, my voice cracking just a bit.
"Can I see you when I get back?"
"Um, sure, I-"
"I have something I wanna give you."
"Okay," I barely managed to breathe.
"Right. Um," he chuckled. "I'm sorry, love, I've had a few glasses of wine."
"I kinda figured as much," I remarked, though in a teasing tone.
"You go have fun with your family. I'll call you, yeah?"
"Sure. Goodnight, Harry," I said.
"Goodnight, beautiful."
— —
Harry called me two days later. He'd just returned from his holiday and wanted to see me. Unfortunately, this time I truly was ill. Probably from being around all of my relatives on Christmas, I'd somehow caught a bad cold. Harry didn't hide his disappointment.
"Damn, I really wanted to give you your gift today," he pouted.
"Harry, you didn't have to get me anything," I said.
"It's not much," he conveyed, "I just wanted you to have it."
"Maybe I'll be better in a couple days," I sniffled into the phone.
"I'm gonna be really busy then, love," he remarked.
"Oh," I groaned. "I'm sorry."
"'s okay. I'll get it to you sometime. You just get well."
If I hadn't been coughing every ten minutes and my nose hadn't been pouring, I might've felt more disappointment as well. He'd gotten me something. A gift.
I told myself I wasn't going to think too much of it. In typical Harry Styles fashion, he could have just been nice. And I noticed he wasn't flirting with me like he'd been on the phone Christmas day when he'd been drinking, calling me his Christmas angel and all that. And he certainly hadn't mentioned anything about New Year's Eve. He'd said he was going to be busy in a couple of days anyway. No. It was probably best that I was sick.
— —
The next day after I'd managed to get out of bed and was in the kitchen in my robe making a cup of tea, my doorbell rang. Jumping, I clung my robe to my chest tightly and tiptoed to the door. My doorbell never rang. Peaking through the peephole, I saw no one. Still curious, I unlocked the door and opened it, only to see a small package on the floor. I picked it up and noticed it had my name on it, but no address, proving it hadn't been mailed but hand delivered. After looking both ways down the hall and confirming no one was there, I brought the package inside and set it on the kitchen counter.
Opening the box with my kitchen sheers, careful not to cut too deep since I had no idea what was inside, I pulled out another smaller box which was wrapped in colorful Christmas tissue paper. I took a gander inside the larger box to see if there was any card or note, but saw none. With great precision, I unwrapped the smaller box. As it moved it my hands, it felt light and heavy at the same time and when I finally set it back down on the counter, it made a sound.
A music box.
Ripping away the rest of the paper, I revealed a lovely rectangular wooden box with a simple cut-out of a moon and a music note on the top. I smiled as I ran my fingers over it before gently lifting the lid.
The tune, though familiar, didn't register with me at first. When it finally did, the music was over and my breath hitched in my throat. Lifting the box, I twisted the knob at the bottom to get the music to play again. I couldn't have stopped the tears if I'd tried.
The lovely music was in the tune of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?"
Harry'd said he had something he wanted to ask me. This was it.
As I wiped my eyes, I heard my phone chime with a text.
Did you get my gift?
I laughed out loud, though I wasn't sure why.
Yes.
And?
It's lovely. Thank you.
Rebecca!
Harry.
Do I have to ask you properly? I don't wanna do it in a text.
No, I liked the way you asked me. I just can't really give you an answer right now. I'm still sick.
Then we'll have to get you well.
Ok
I have to go now. But was that a yes?
Yes.
*
For the second time that day, my doorbell rang. This time it was nearly 7PM and I was watching TV with my feet propped up on the recliner. And this time, when I looked through the peephole, someone was there.
"Harry," I said when I opened the door, covering my mouth with my handful of tissues. "What are you doing here? I'm sick."
"I know, I brought soup." Harry held up the covered pot that I just noticed in his hands.
"You didn't," I sighed.
"I did," he nodded before walked past me purposefully into my kitchen.
I watched as he set the pot on the stove and turned on the burner. Then he turned to me.
"Do you have a ladle?" he inquired.
I just stared at him,
"Big spoon? Ladle?" he gestured.
"Oh," I shook my head and pointed to the utensil carousel. "Yeah, right there."
Harry nodded and grabbed the ladle, lifting the lid off the pot with his other hand. He stirred the contents, his tongue peeking out of the corner of his mouth.
"Have a seat," he ordered, pointing toward the small kitchen table.
I obliged, taking the seat nearest me so I could still look at him. He found the utensil drawer quickly, pulling out two spoons.
"Bowls?" he asked me.
I pointed to the cabinets next to his head where he retrieved two bowls and set them on the counter. Then he scooped up the soup with the ladle and filled one bowl at a time, setting one in front of me, and the other across from me.
"You're eating with me?" I looked up at him.
"Of course. What would you like to drink?"
"Water's fine," I said softly, pointing at the refrigerator. "There's bottles in the door."
Harry grabbed two bottles and sat down across from me at the table. I continued to stare at him as he blew on his hot soup.
"What?" he finally asked.
"I just...I don't know what to say."
"Don't have to say anything," he smirked. "Just eat. Get better so we can go out for New Year's."
I smiled at him, lifting my spoon.
"Harry, I-"
"Shh. Eat."
We ate in silence for a good ten minutes. I watched as his tongue darted out of his mouth with each bite, as if to test the temperature or taste before allowing his spoon to enter. I found it cute and endearing, and caught myself beaming at him a time or two.
"So I have a question now," I said, finally breaking the silence and setting my spoon in my bowl.
Harry looked up at me, licking his bottom lip. "Alright."
"Where exactly are we going? For New Year's I mean."
Harry's lips grew into a smile, his dimples dipping in his cheeks. "Ah. Well, that's actually another reason I came by." I watched as he pulled something out of his back pocket. Three somethings actually, and he laid them on the table in front of me.
"Those are what I've been invited to. Take your pick."
"Me?" I widened my eyes.
"Yeah," he nodded. "Whichever sounds like something you'd like to do. I want you to choose."
I continued to glare at him before inspecting the invitations. Two were very swanky Hollywood parties, held at some of the most glitzy and glamorous hotels, the third at the home of his friends Jeff and Glenne, whom he'd mentioned before. I swallowed hard.
"Or..." Harry added, "we could just stay here."
"Here?" I echoed.
Harry shrugged. "We don't have to go to some fancy party, Rebecca." He placed his forearms on the table and leaned forward. "I just wanna be with you."
I sniffled, grabbing the tissues from my pocket to wipe my nose. I felt horrible, and not just from my cold.
"I'm an idiot," I declared, looking down at my lap.
"What do you mean?" asked Harry.
"I...I wasn't ill that night, Harry. I left early because...I thought you weren't interested."
"Why on earth would you think that?"
Finally lifting my head, I saw Harry's expression of confusion on his face. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"That song...started playing when we were dancing. I thought it was a sign or something. So I asked you what you were doing for New Year's Eve. And you said you didn't know."
Harry raised his brows. "I know."
"I thought...I thought that meant you...oh, I don't know what I thought it meant." I shook my head, feeling more and more like a fool.
"Rebecca," Harry grinned. "What more can I do to prove I like you?"
"Huh?" Great, now I even sounded like an idiot.
"I asked the band to play that song. I requested it specifically to be played while we were dancing."
"You...you did?"
"I was planning to ask you, but you beat me to it. It caught me off guard, so I had to play like I didn't notice the song. When you left for the bathroom, I got a plan B."
"Plan B?"
"I uh...asked the band to play "The Lady in Red" when you returned. I was gonna ask you then. But you never came back. I looked all over for you."
I hung my head in shame. "I'm so sorry," I muttered.
"Please. Don't apologize, love. I should have just asked you when you mentioned it. But...to be honest, I kind of got the feeling you were backing off."
"When?" I asked.
"Well," Harry hesitated, "the next day for one. When I texted you. I felt like something was wrong, not just that you were sick. But I was so bloody tired, I needed to get to sleep. Otherwise I would have just called and we could have talked. That's why I was glad when you finally texted me back on Christmas. I really wanted to talk to you."
"You were drunk, Harry," I scoffed.
"I was," he chuckled. "But I still meant every word I said. I missed you and I was thinking of you the entire time I was gone."
I blushed, looking down at my hands.
"I also wanted to make sure you were willing to see me when I returned," Harry continued. "I'd found that music box and I was really excited to give it to you. I reckoned that was the perfect opportunity to ask you out for New Year's Eve."
"I..I guess I'm not good at taking hints."
Harry laughed. "I guess not. 'Cause I thought I gave a lot."
I leaned my elbow on the table and rested my head in my hand. "I um...have a bad habit of reading too much into something. I suppose I was afraid of being wrong or disappointed. So I told myself you were just being nice. Even when you invited me to your Christmas party."
Harry's eyes staring directly into mine. "Rebecca, you're the person I cared the most about seeing at that party."
I widened my eyes. "Really?"
Harry smirked. "Yes. Do you think I called anybody else personally to make sure they were coming?"
If it was possible to still be breathing at that moment, I had no idea how I was. I felt the tears well in my eyes again so I threw my head back and quickly wiped them.
"I'm a first class moron," I muttered, my eyes shut tight.
"No you're not," I heard Harry say. "A little too cautious, maybe? But not a moron."
"I've just made a mess of everything," I cried. "You're so amazing, and while I got this idea in my head of kissing you at the stroke of midnight, you were thinking the same thing apparently, but I had no idea because I was getting ahead of myself while you were being romantic and I fucked it all up and-"
"Rebecca," said Harry, while I rambled.
"Then you got me that precious music box and came and brought me soup and you're so sweet, Harry, oh my god-"
"Rebecca!" Harry nearly shouted over me.
When I opened my eyes, he was staring at me, a look on his face that I couldn't quite read. My chest heaved with heavy breaths as I watched him rise from his chair and walk around the table to me. Then he surprised me by holding out his hand. Blinking, I took it and stood next to him as he pulled his phone out of his other back pocket. I watched as he tapped the screen a few times, then placed it on the table. The music began to play as Harry wrapped his arms around my waist. I smiled shyly when I recognized Ella Fitzgerald's voice come through the little speaker.
When the bells all ring and the horns all blow
and the couples we know are fondly kissing
Will I be with you or will I be among the missing?
"Harry," I whispered as we began to sway.
Maybe it's much too early in the game
I sighed, sliding my hands up his arms to his shoulders. Harry's eyes sparkled just as they had that night at the Christmas party. I, however, probably looked like death warmed over and was suddenly conscious of my makeup-less face and oversized t-shirt.
"You're so beautiful," declared Harry.
"No," I shook my head. Harry merely nodded in response. Then slipping one hand from my waist, he lifted it and slid it under my ear as he continued to gaze into my eyes.
Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
His lips were on mine before I could protest. His other hand was now on the other side of my head as he cupped it gently.
"Harry," I whined between kisses. "Harry, I'm still sick. I don't...want you to get...what I have..."
"Shut up for a minute, Rebecca," he growled against my mouth. "I'm tryin' to be romantic."
With a slight giggle, I surrendered. Harry continued his soft kisses, leaving a trail across my cheek before pressing his against mine.
Ah, but in case I stand one little chance
Harry crooned in my ear, singing along to Ella.
Here comes the jackpot question in advance
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve?
Lifting his head, he looked at me with the greenest, most sincere eyes I'd ever seen. His thumbs massaged my jaw for a moment or two before he spoke.
"So what do you say, love?"
The song had ended, but I felt like my body was still dancing.
"I say I want nothing more than to be with you. Wherever it is."
— —
I looked at myself in the mirror one last time. Harry had texted to say he was on his way. After our little dance in the kitchen, we'd decided together to attend Jeff and Glenne's party. They were his friends after all, and the atmosphere, though still somewhat fancy, would probably be a little more relaxed and informal. Plus, Harry had made a good point that their house had a lovely patio and we could step outside if needed, unlike at a stuffy hotel ballroom. Personally, I thought he was just thinking of more ways to be romantic. I wasn't about to fight him on that.
I'd still been under the weather for another day or so, but finally trudged through the next day so I could go shopping for something to wear. Harry had said he'd love to see me in that red dress again, but I'd told him he'd already seen me in it, and most likely anybody else who had seen me at the Christmas party that would also be at this one, including Jeff and Glenne. It was too soon for repeats, I told him.
So this time I'd chosen a short gold sequined dress with a sexy black mesh section down the front. I had to admit, I looked pretty and felt amazing in it. I stepped into my black heels and twirled around, smiling at myself just as I heard the doorbell. Grabbing my matching clutch, I answered the door excitedly.
"Oh!" I exclaimed when I opened it. I hadn't been prepared for what I saw before me. He was so handsome, he took my breath away. "Wow."
Harry nodded. "Wow, indeed."
It was only then that I noticed he was eyeing me up and down, taking me all in.
"My God, Rebecca," he swallowed hard before puffing out a huge breath. "Just when I thought you couldn't get more beautiful..."
I felt the blood literally flush my face at his compliment. I suddenly felt hot and weak in the knees.
"Thank you," I barely whispered.
Locking the door behind me, I took Harry's hand and walked with him out to the awaiting car.
— —
I couldn't remember the last time I'd been so happy. Jeff and Glenne were absolutely wonderful people and such gracious hosts. After an hour or so I was already feeling right at home, and even told them I wanted their house (teasing of course, as though I could ever afford it). They both told me I looked beautiful, and once when I excused myself to go to the restroom, I turned to see Jeff pat Harry on the shoulder and heard Glenne say I was lovely.
When I returned, Harry beamed at me, sliding his arm around my waist.
"Thank God," he sighed in my ear.
"What?" I stared at him incredulously.
"Was afraid you'd run off again."
"Harry!" I scoffed, but I realized he wasn't joking. At least not entirely.
"I'm sorry," I said softly. "I swear that's not happening tonight."
"Good," he grinned. "Are you having a good time?"
I nodded emphatically. "The best." Then I leaned forward and gave him a peck on the lips.
Harry didn't leave my side all night except to use the toilet himself. He enjoyed introducing me to people, which made me feel appreciated, and I enjoyed seeing him happy and loose.
We took a stroll outside on the patio that was glowing with strings of lights. It was heavenly with the California breeze keeping the night cool, but not too cold. I stood by the railing looking out while Harry stood behind me, his hands on my hips as he nuzzled his face in my hair and down my neck.
About twenty minutes before midnight, the champagne started to get passed around so that everyone would have a glass to toast with.
"Rebecca," said Harry, raising his glass, "before the ball drops, I wanna make a little toast. To you."
"To me?" I smiled up at him.
"To us," he corrected, sliding his other hand down my arm until he captured my hand in his. Then clearing his throat, he continued. "Thank you for coming with me tonight."
"Thank you for asking me."
Harry's smile grew as he squeezed my hand. "You were my Christmas angel...if only for a bit..."
I looked down until Harry released my hand to lift my chin.
"Now you're...I'd say New Year's Eve angel but it doesn't make sense and honestly...you're even better than that."
For once I was totally speechless.
"Twenty seconds!" I heard someone call out.
Harry sighed. "To you, Rebecca. And hopefully...to us."
Not taking my eyes off his face, I clinked my glass with his and took a sip.
"To us," I finally echoed, lowering my glass.
"Ten! Nine!"
Harry's dimples dipped again as he took my glass from me and set it next to his on a nearby table.
"Six! Five!"
He grabbed me once more by the waist, pulling me flush against him, like he had when we were dancing. I immediately wrapped my arms around his neck so that my face was merely inches from his. I felt his breath as he counted along with everyone, though not loud enough for me to hear.
"Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!"
His mouth was on mine before I finished saying year. He kissed me deeply like his life depended on it, and probably mine as well. I let my fingers tangle in the curls on the back of his head as I melted into each kiss. I could hear cheering around us, but it all sounded far away. There was only Harry and me, our lips, our tongues, our moment.
When our mouths finally separated, Harry continued to stare at me until a slow grin spread across his face.
"Happy New Year," he murmured.
"Yes," I nodded, my fingers grazing his cheek. "Very happy."
A/N: ...and that's it for me for 2016. Although this year has not been the best, I hope you've enjoyed the ride with me and Harry. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and I'll see you in 2017!
All the love, Courtney x