H a r r y

"Let's go out."

Ellie stares at me with her doe eyes in confusion. She's sitting at my kitchen island with her laptop directly in front of her. She's practically living with me now. Almost all of her stuff is out of her boss's apartment and in my closet.

"You mean like a date?" Her eyes flicker back to her screen but an amused smile remains on her face. "I think we're a little past the dating stage, no?"

I cross over the kitchen and lower her screen just enough to miss her fingers. She mockingly sends me a scornful look but the twitching of her lips tells me she's about to break out into a smile any second. She's been smiling a lot more recently. I like that.

"No, I mean a small trip. My music video's going to be released soon and I thought maybe we could have some alone time before all hell breaks loose."

Focused, she looks down at her lap as she thinks. Her brows form a little v and her bottom lip is continuously being attacked by her teeth.

"A weekend trip wouldn't be so bad. I'm sure if I work from there Daff wouldn't mind."

I resist the urge to groan. Her work is really starting to piss me off.

She looks back up at me, eyes filled with curiosity, and all annoyance is wiped away. "Where would we go?" she asks.

Ah, this is the fun part.

"Oh, I own a small place near the beach. It's called Jolie Eau. It's private and the residence isn't even listed under my name so we won't be hounded."

Another contemplative look passes on her face before her lips twist into a wicked smile. Still sitting on the barstool, she twists so I'm directly in front of her. Her arms lace around my neck. Her eyes are bright, meaning she's down with the idea.

"So sun, sand, and sex? I'm in, baby!"

Laughing, I lean down to give her a soft kiss. I don't think she realizes how much her playful side squeezes my chest. I didn't even know I missed it.

"You're utterly adorable," I mumble against her lips.

"You too." She taps my cheek with her index finger. "I've never had beach sex. Is your place private enough for that? Or will I be on the cover of People magazine with my butt in the air?"

"Of course." Doing anything outdoors is always a risk but I'm willing to hire a hundred security guards if it means she'll have a smile on her face. And if we get to have sex on a beach. That's a bonus.

"Wait, this is so exciting!" she squeals into my ear. Why can't I step back? Why do I love hearing the sound even though it deafens me? "When are we going to leave? I need to pack my skimpiest bikinis."

"Baby, I've seen you butt naked. We can skinny dip for all I care."

"Yeah, but," she brushes her lips against mine, "I love when you take my clothes off for me."

Fuuuuck. She can't just say stuff like that and not expect me to take her right here and now.

Somehow I manage to be coherent enough to check my watch. "Whenever you're done packing. I'll just call the housekeeper and make sure the house is set."

"Housekeeper?" she squeaks.

I nod and kiss her forehead. "Don't worry, she lives in a separate unit so we'll have our privacy."

"That's not–" she hesitates then sighs. "Nevermind. Anyway, I'm going to just finish up looking over this contract and then I'll pack, okay?"

She turns back to her computer and I can't help but wrap my arms around her front, leaning my chin on her shoulder. She doesn't care that I'm basically snooping around – not that I'm looking anyway. I'm more focused on her.

How did I get so lucky?

Two hours later, the Rover is packed with duffel bags, and Ellie's sitting in the passenger seat, legs tucked under her. She's wearing a pair of black leggings and a hoodie that swallows her whole. It's my hoodie. I don't own a lot of them but she seems to love the ones I do have and I can't stop her, especially when she looks so adorable when she wears them.

Unconsciously I entwine our fingers and rest them on the center console. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her smile a smile that isn't meant to be seen.

Yeah, that cord wrapped around my heart? It's so tight that it's infusing with the organ. I think it's there to stay.

And that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

An hour later, we're pulling into the familiar house. I haven't been here since two years ago, when Mum and Gems came down to visit. I brought them here because I figured they'd enjoy it.

I'm just now realizing how stupid it is to go to the beach in the smack dab of December but Ellie doesn't seem to care.

Speaking of, when I glance over at her, she's fast asleep. As soon as I'm parked, I snag a picture on my phone.

I decide to let her sleep as I take in our bags. The housekeeper greets me with a kind smile and lets me know the fridge is fully stocked. I dismiss her for the rest of the weekend.

Ellie's still asleep when I come outside again. Very carefully, I unbuckle her seatbelt and carry her inside. As soon as we pass the threshold, I'm hit with an intense image. One that has to do with Ellie and me and our wedding day. My bride would be in my arms as I carry her over the threshold.

God, I can't wait for the day.

She stirs a little before snuggling into my chest. "I hope you're not a kidnapper," she mumbles sleepily.

"A little too late for that, yeah?" I don't even bother hiding my amusement.

"Hm."

I stop for a second and look down at her. Her soft skin, her pink lips, the way her hair brushes against my arm. The feeling of having her in my arms is overwhelming in the best way possible.

"Why'd we stop?" she whines, opening her eyes and staring up at me.

"I figured you'd want to see the house," I lie, gently setting her down on her feet. She sleepily wobbles – drama queen – and leans against me.

Then it happens.

Her eyes widen, taking in every glorious detail of the house, just like she does with any place. I think my favorite thing ever is seeing how she reacts.

The place itself isn't that magnificent. Whereas I'm more of a modern style guy, this place is cozier. I say that lightly. It's huge for sure, but also has a beach house look to it. It's a two-story house that's decorated in tacky colors, courtesy of mum. Honestly, I'd never buy anything like this but mum enjoyed decorating and it's growing on me.

"Wow," Ellie sighs, straying away from me so she can look further inside. I stay rooted to my spot. Suddenly I'm nervous. What if she doesn't like it? Does she think it's ugly? Why the fuck did I bring her here?

She walks painfully slow, her hand trailing the salmon color walls. She steps into the kitchen, stocked with modern appliances. It reminds me to make sure the fridge is stocked, so I do. I don't think I can sit still anyway.

Sure enough, there's an assortment of ingredients stocked in the fridge. Damn, she did well.

"Wow," Ellie says behind me. Before I can turn to face her, her slender arms wrap around my torso, chin digging into my back. "I love it. How come you've never mentioned this place before?"

"If we talked about all the things I own, we'd be here for a pretty long time," I joke.

Then she tenses her arms around me and I regret opening my mouth. Damn, I can be such a dick sometimes.

"Well, I'd be happy to have you list it out. I mean, we'll need it for our prenup."

Brows raised, I turn to face her. Much to my surprise, she isn't pissed at all.

And she said prenup. That implies we're going to get married.

"Hold on," I say, tipping her chin up. "Who says we're going to get divorced?"

Her eyes glimmer in amusement. "Oh, we totally will when you find out I'm only marrying you for your money."

"Here I was, thinking you only want me for my body," I grin as I swoop down and kiss her lips.

"Mmm, that too," she mumbles.

"What's mine is yours." I pull away but keep my hands on her face. My thumb brushes her lips in awe. The lips I can kiss whenever I want to. "Come on. Let's see the rest of our house."

"Hmm, our house," she hums, spinning around and starting her way through the house. "Maybe I'll ask for this after the divorce."

Before she can reach the bottom of the stairs, I wrap my arms around her from behind. "Stop talking about the divorce. We're not getting one."

"Sure, sure," she distractedly says.

Okay. She's obviously not listening to me.

Without wasting a minute, I throw her over my shoulder, eliciting a loud squeal. I carefully jog us both up the stairs, making sure not to make her nauseous.

"Okay! Okay! I'm sorry!" She giggles. I pause and am about to set her down when she opens her mouth. "You can have the house."

"Oh my God," I groan before continuing our journey. She cackles the entire way. I always knew she was a mini demon on Earth.

I open the door to our bedroom. She's too distracted by her own mixture of gasping and laughter to notice. Lightly, I slap her bum before dropping her on the bed.

She settles down, eyes going wide at the bedroom. As she drinks in every detail about it, I put our bags in the closet.

"Shit," she yells.

Fuck, is she okay?

Panicked, I run back toward the bedroom and exhale when she's sitting on the bed, unharmed.

"I didn't know you were this rich." She makes a sweeping gesture through the room. "Like, more than two properties rich!"

"I am," I chuckle as I sit down next to her. My heart warms when she naturally leans against my shoulder. "How are you doing? Are you okay?"

"Are you kidding me? I'm going to marry a freaking millionaire!"

Marry. She said marry. She wants this.

A burden I didn't even know I was carrying lightens my shoulders. What makes it even better is that she said it so casually. She's totally not freaking out about this.

Thank fuck.

"This is amazing." She falls back on the bed and spreads her arms out. "I'm so... happy. This place is beautiful. Thank you, Harry."

I grab her hand and kiss the skin of her knuckles. "Of course, baby."

"Seriously." She sits up and stares at our adjoined hands with a look I can't decipher. "I know we've been having these deep talks and they're so gross, but I really want you to know that you're it for me too. I promise I'll do everything in my power to keep your heart safe."

The mentioned organ squeezes tightly. All my love for this girl is seeping through my pores. God, I wish I could do something more for her. She's a freaking goddess and she doesn't deserve to be on the same level as everyone else.

"You've had my heart since day one," I whisper.

She kisses me, making me stagger a little. "I love you so much."

My, my. I think I quite like grateful Ellie.

"I love you."

"I know." She cheekily smiles before bouncing off the bed. "Now, come on! I want to explore the rest of the house!"

It amazes me that this is the same girl who fell asleep on the car ride here.

I pull her back down onto the bed and move the covers aside so we can both crawl in.

"I want to sleep," I mumble once she's in my arms. My nose skims the crook of her neck and the smell of vanilla brings me back home.

"But Harry," she whines.

"Look, we have all day today, and tomorrow morning to explore the place, okay? I just want to nap." She stops squirming in my arms. As an afterthought, I add, "And you won't be getting a lot of sleep tonight."

"You know what I just realized?"

"Hm?" I'm only half awake at this point. Having her in my arms gives me s pleasant sense of drowsiness.

"You're crazy."

I frown, my heart beating miles per minute. I can't see her face so I have no idea what's going through her mind right now. Has she finally realized I'm fucked up?

Shut up and be happy, you arse. She just told you she loves you.

"I mean that in a good way," she adds as if she can hear my thoughts. "Like, in an extraordinary way. You hired Daff just so you could get close to me. You flew in my sister from New York so we could reconcile. Hell, you flew us both down to Florida out of respect to my mother and you went through an entire dinner with her. You've done so much for me."

I smile. Every single muscle in my body relaxes. Thank God she's not leaving me.

"You've done a lot for me too. You were selfless when you thought I didn't want you. You saved my friends from living miserable lives. You quite literally talked me out from a pregnancy scandal." I pull her close to my chest. I wonder if her heart is beating as fast as mine is. "And best of all, you gave me a chance."

"I guess," she teasingly sighs. "Okay, okay. Now we're done with the sap. I don't like being all gushy."

"I know," I smile against her hair before planting a kiss on it. "I'll be sappy enough for the both of us."

Forever.

~

E l l i e

I admire Harry's back as he slaves over the stove shirtless. His skin is smooth and flawless. I want to lick it if I'm being honest.

"Hand me the strainer."

"Hm?" I distractedly hum as I continue to drool over him. Seriously, how did I get so lucky?

"Sweetheart," he laughs, turning around to expose his delicious frontside. I seriously can't decide which is better.

I finally manage to pry my eyes away from his lickable chest to his eyes. "What?"

His stupid smirk shows he knows exactly what's running through my mind but like the gentleman he is, he doesn't comment on it. He simply reaches around me and grabs whatever he was asking for.

"I'm sorry," I grin when his back is to me, not sounding sorry at all. "You're just so... hot. So frustratingly hot. It makes me want to stay in bed with you all day."

"Now you know how I feel," he throws over his shoulder.

I playfully roll my eyes and watch him cook. It's an entrancing sight if I'm being honest. How does he make cooking look sexy?

"So," I hop on the laminate kitchen island and swing my legs back and forth, "whatcha making?"

"Parmesan chicken and noodles. I hope that's okay."

I wave a dismissive hand even though he can't see me. "Of course it's okay. I wish you made something that takes longer though. Did anyone ever tell you that your butt looks amazing when you cook?"

"No, because I don't cook for anyone else." He throws me a grin over his shoulder before resuming the dish. My lips mimic his in unrestricted joy. He doesn't cook for anyone else! I'm a first for him, finally!

"Oh."

"Are you going to sit there and stare all night or are you going to do something?"

"I'm good," I grin at his back.

"El."

"Okay, okay." I throw up my hands in surrender and hop off the counter. Since I'm a hormonal girl, I don't even resist the urge to walk up to his bare back and plant a wet kiss between his shoulder blades. His muscles tense and man, it's a sight to see. "Where do you want me, boss?"

"Hmm?"

Ah, rendered speechless. My effect on Harry continues to surprise me daily.

Cheesing like an idiot, I pat him on the shoulder before making my way to the fridge. I scan the contents to see if there's anything I can prepare. If I help Harry with the pasta it's only going to be ruined. Instead, I stick to the basics: a cheeseboard. It only makes sense considering there's an assortment of expensive cheeses and yummy fruits stocked up.

I begin working on my masterpiece while Harry hums a song. I don't even think he realizes he's doing it which makes me smile even harder.

This is a dream, an absolute dream.

Slender arms spin me around and before I know it, Harry's got one of his hands on my waist and the other in my hand.

"Dance with me?"

"How can I resist?" I giggle as he spins me around. He continues humming the song from earlier and I finally recognize it as Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles.

My head tilts back from laugher as we make the kitchen our dance floor. He dances as majestically, as he does everything else, while I'm a mess, tripping over my own feet. Still, he doesn't mind. He carries on doing what he does best: stealing my heart in tiny pieces without me even realizing.

"Sing."

He gives me an open-mouthed smile before singing the lyrics. His voice matches the tone well and I find myself swooning. He doesn't sing for me often and I've just now realized that. It makes me wonder why. He has a beautiful voice. Well, obviously, considering he's a singer.

His eyes never break contact as his voice fills the kitchen. I'm locked in for life and I don't even want to leave.

He ends the song by pulling me against his chest. "I love you."

"You're a great singer. You should try to do that professionally."

"You think?" He raises an amused brow and kisses my forehead. "Maybe I should audition for American Idol."

"I think X-factor might be a better fit," I grin up at him. Something flashes in his eyes before he bends down to give me one of the sweetest kisses of my life.

"Come on, the foods getting cold."

Hand in hand, we take our food out onto the wooden deck in the backyard. Miles of beach stretches in front of us, shrouded by the lack of light. Still, the moonlight illuminates the crash of the waves.

Harry already has a blanket set up on the floor for us. I can't help but smile at him. "Are picnics our thing now?"

"Huh," he smiles, setting down the plates. "They could be."

I sit cross-legged on the blanket and he sits next to me, our knees brushing. "As long as you don't throw my underwear questionable distances." I throw him a dirty look. "By the way, you still owe me a bra."

"I've bought you like fifty bras," he points out, referring to when he decided to buy me a new wardrobe. He has a point. He replaced my favorite bra and bought me more in an assortment of colors.

"Yeah but..." I mischievously smile at him. "I was thinking more along the lines of lingerie."

His breath catches in his throat. "Oh, really?"

"Mhm." I pop a grape in my mouth and look at the water. He's probably going to need a minute to recompose.

"You know," he whispers dangerously close to my ear. It makes me shiver. "I've had this one dream about you."

"And?"

"And you were dressed in a virginal white garter set."

Now I'm the flustered one. The combination of his low tone, hot breath, and the vision in my head makes a heat spread between my legs.

"And?" I swallow regardless of my dry throat. I'm pretty sure my voice is the epitome of longing right now.

"And I fucked you in a dressing room."

I suck in a sharp breath as the image fills my mind. Us cramped in a tiny room, our bodies moving with need but being forced to be quiet. People around us, not knowing the sin we're committing. God, that would be so fucking hot.

"Oh my God," I groan as I turn my head and smash my lips to his.

Without hesitation, one of his hands curls in my hair while the other unzips my jeans. He sticks his fingers into my underwear and I gasp.

"W-what else did we do?" I ask breathlessly as his fingers merely skim my entrance.

God, I'm so wet. It's pathetic how easily I'm turned on.

"We did it against the mirror and watched ourselves." He nibbles on my ear at the same time his finger flicks my clit. A loud moan erupts through me and I immediately bite my lip to silence myself. He brushes my hair away from my face and smiles. "No need to be quiet. There's no one here for miles, baby."

With his hands still in my jeans, he begins working his magic. My back arches when enters three fingers in at once. Instinctively my hips buckle toward him.

"That's it, baby," he groans, adjusting his fingers to the rhythm of my hips. "And then I undid your garters with my teeth."

"O-oh?" I pulse around his hand.

"Mhm." He nuzzles his nose in my hair as I squeeze my eyes shut. "But we kept those on. I only ripped your panties."

"Oh my God," I moan as I practically grind against his skilled fingers. My head falls back as I feel myself on edge. "Fuck, I'm close."

"And then you rode me on the tiny chair they had, your breasts in my mouth."

"Fuck fuck fuck."

"Baby, I need you to come," he groans, breathing getting heavier. "I need to know I can make you come with only my fingers."

My hips slowly roll over his pumping fingers as I reach my high. I scream out an animalistic moan as my body slackens against Harry. Without missing a beat, he kisses me through my orgasm and I relish the taste of his lips on mine.

"I want to try something," he mumbles against my lips.

"Please," I whimper. If he asked me to jump off a cliff I would.

He pulls away and tugs my sweatshirt over my head. I oblige even though I might die of hypothermia. My bra follows, then my jeans and underwear. Suddenly I'm fully exposed under him while he's fully clothed. Normally I'd feel self-conscious, but it's nearly impossible to when he looks like he's worshipping my body with his eyes alone.

"Lie down," he instructs. I do as he says, my back against the plush blanket.

He picks out a strawberry I cut for the cheeseboard and bites off half of it. He leans forward and kisses me. Very carefully, he holds the piece between his lips and I suck on it, juice getting everywhere. He emits a throaty groan and sits on his knees as I chew the fruit. Call me crazy but food tastes a million times better coming from Harry's mouth.

Using the other half of the strawberry, he puts it between my breasts. I gasp from the cool sensation.

With awestruck eyes, I watch as he takes the end of the strawberry between his teeth and slowly trails the fruit down my body, circling my breasts. He reaches my sex and lets go of the fruit.

Then he takes the pointy end and dips it in my vagina.

"I'll come back for that," he grins before crawling up my body. He kisses me and smiles. "Tasty."

Then, agonizingly slow, his tongue follows the trail of the strawberry, licking up the juices. The cold from the fruit and the heat of his tongue has my body tingling in ways I've ever experienced.

He gently bites down on my nipples. I gasp and squirm. He pins both of my wrists with one hand above my head without a second thought and continues his trail down my body.

He takes his time, sucking, licking, biting. All I can do is watch in an amazed pleasure. Every once in a while his eyes meet mine and the feeling's just as overwhelming as the orgasm itself.

"I'm letting go how. Behave," he warns as his hand frees my wrists. "Spread your legs."

I do as he says and moan when his teeth nip at the strawberry. My hips buck to meet him halfway. He lets out an impatient sound from the back of his throat and uses use hand to push my hip down while the other rubs my thigh.

"Patience, El."

Easy for him to say! He's not the one squirming.

"Harry, I need you now," I hurriedly whisper.

He takes this the wrong way. His head dips between my legs and his tongue skillfully begins exploring every crevice inside of me.

As much as I enjoy the sensation, it's not what I want. I tug his hair enough to make his head pop up. "No. I want you inside of me."

After all, it's not fair I'm about to have my second orgasm of the night while he hasn't had any yet.

He kisses the inside of my thigh before fully pulling away. I've never seen a man pull down his pants as fast as Harry does right now. It would be amusing if I wasn't writhing with need.

He hovers above me, never breaking eye contact when I grab his cock and squeeze. He emits a low groan and bends down to kiss me just as I push it inside.

He lets out a string of curse words as he thrusts into me with a fierce hunger. Could you blame the guy? I'm sure he's had a case of blue balls ever since we came outside. Well, ever since I came outside.

Heh.

As one hand supports his body weight, the other touches every inch of my body. The softness of his fingers is a major contrast to the animalistic way he's pounding into me. And since there's no one within a mile radius, his sounds are even louder.

"Baby, baby, baby," he strains as his lips skim the skin on my jaw. "I'm so fucking close."

Finally, I allow myself to release the budding tension. I feel his dick throb inside of me as he hitches a breath and adds his fingers to the mix once again, adding extra pleasure to my orgasm.

"Don't come yet," I manage to croak out as I ride out my high once again. He can barely hold it together by the time I'm settled down and I feel bad. Almost urgently, I force him to pull out and sit down.

Without wasting a minute, I wrap my swollen lips around his cock. He looks down at me with an intense look in his eyes. Then I lick his tip and his eyes close from the feeling of it all.

"Open your eyes," I demand. Usually I'm not one for eye contact during sex but I have this desperate need to see his eyes when I make him come. To see that I really do help him with something.

He does as I say and I can tell he's straining to. I take his entire length to the point where I feel it touching the back of my throat.

Thank God for no gag reflexes.

"Oh my god," he groans, throwing his head back. "Ellie. I can't not come with you fucking looking at me like that."

I take his length a few times. Eventually his hand grips my hair like reigns and he guides my head at the perfect tempo. I make sure to add a mixture of teeth and tongue flicks to really set him on edge.

It works beautifully. Before I know it, he's tensing under me. "Gonna...come..."

The warm liquid enters my mouth as I tease his tip with my mouth. His entire body relaxes underneath me. When I look up, I see him staring down at me with that intense look again that I feel my heart swell.

It feels nice to be looked at that way.

"I'm never saying anything bad about this house again," he mutters under this breath as I lick my lips and pull away. His hand forces me to his mouth. "I can taste myself through you."

Fuck. How is something so weird, so attractive when he says it like that?

Then my stomach grumbles and ruins the moment.

He pulls away, eyes wide with a sheepish expression. "Fucking hell, we didn't even eat."

I laugh as I tug on his shirt. He gives me a weird look as he pulls it over his head but never questions me. I take it and throw it on, allowing it to cover all temptations. Then I slowly put my hands on his shoulders, dragging them down under they reach his chest.

"I love your body," I grin as I trace my fingers through every crevice. He shudders beneath my touch.

"The foods probably cold," he gulps.

"Thank God I love cold food," I reply, looking down at his lower half. "Maybe put some clothes on so we don't go at it again like horny cavemen?"

He bursts into a sexy laugh and cups my cheek as he slowly kisses me. "Yes, ma'am."

He dresses his lower half and then forces my hoodie back on to me, claiming I'll die of hypothermia, while he gets to sit out with his chest all exposed.

"Did you know you're the only one who gets me to laugh after sex?" he says out of the blue when we're eating our cold pasta and sipping on warm wine.

"Really?" I hum.

He nods and averts his gaze. "Yeah. Most of the time I felt shitty afterward."

"Oh." My heart does a weird drop/fluttering combination. On one hand, I hate the fact that he was so miserable but on the other, I love how he doesn't anymore, with me.

"Yeah." He runs his fingers through his hair, which is thoroughly disheveled thanks to my grabby hands. "It's refreshing to love post-orgasm just as much as the sex itself."

I smile, deciding that I should live in the moment just as he does. He's happy right now, no need to dwell on the past.

"Good to know I make for good pillow talk," I tease as look to the ocean. Now that my eyes have adjusted to the dark, I can see the faint line of where the water meets the sand. Straight ahead though, the ocean's like an abyss of darkness that stretches on for miles.

The thought of that once scared me, but now I feel nothing but safe.

"So, you excited for your music video to come out?"

"Nervous, really." He lets out a puff of hair and wraps his arm around me. I rest my head on his shoulder. 

"You shouldn't be. Everything went amazing. The models looked great and I'm sure your fans will love it."

He mumbles something under his breath that gets carried away by the wind. Based on his expression, I wasn't meant to hear anyway.

We sit in thoughtful silence for a few minutes before he breaks it again. "You trust me, right?"

"Yes," I laugh but realize how nervous it sounds. Why does he keep asking me this?

"Good. Remember that," he mutters before kissing the top of my head. I'm too tranquil to even question him right now. My belly's filled with good food and I've just had beach sex. Life's good right now.

My eyes feel heavy all of a sudden. I nuzzle into his shoulder and close my eyes, just for a second.

"Just don't disappoint me," I sleepily mumble before everything goes black.

~~~

"Good morning, beautiful," Harry grins, inches away from my face. Normally I'd jump from the scare but I'm used to this by now. Living with Harry – and I mean actually living with him – usually results in him smothering me as soon as I wake up.

Not that I mind.

I stretch out underneath him and smile. "Morning. Did you carry me upstairs?"

"Yes." He swoops down for a quick kiss. "Come on, we only have half a day here and I want to swim in the ocean at least once."

My brows raise in amusement as I look up at him. It's funny how I don't even care about my appearance around him anymore. "You do realize the water's going to be freezing."

"So?"

I playfully roll my eyes as I sit up. "You can go swimming and I'll admire from afar."

"We'll see about that."

The challenging glint in his eyes makes me nervous. Before I know it, I'm being swept into the shower. Surprisingly Harry doesn't offer sex but that doesn't mean his hands aren't all over me.

I dress in a loose sundress and immediately regret my choice once we slip outside. The harsh December breeze all but blows me away. Goosebumps form on my arms and a shiver rakes through my body.

But Harry looks so happy in his swim trunks that I can't possibly dampen his mood.

"Have fun!" I wiggle my fingers as I set down a beach towel in the sand and set my book on it. He dramatically huffs before running to the water and diving into a wave. Even though I have entertainment, I'm suddenly enjoying the view much more.

I stare at him for a good twenty minutes, partly wondering how he hasn't gotten hypothermia yet.

"El! Come in! The water's fine," he yells over the waves.

I sigh and put my book down before approaching the water. I stick my toe in and shriek. "It is not! It's freezing!"

"Once you get in you'll be okay," he tells me as he comes closer. For a moment all my thoughts disappear. It's a total Baywatch scene, the way his shorts hang dangerously low on his hips. Water droplets glisten on his chest, trailing down to his abs and then even lower.

I only snap out of it when he shakes his hair, water getting all over me.

"You ass," I laugh.

He grins and puts his wet hands on my waist. "Come on. Swim with me."

"No thanks," I snort. "I don't want to die from hypothermia."

He rolls his eyes and before I can even process it, I'm hanging over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Harry! Harry! Please, it's so cold," I yelp as he takes us further into the ocean. "Put me down!"

"Okay," he responds. For a second I'm caught off guard. Why is he agreeing so easily?"

And then he puts me down. Straight into the water.

Let's just say I'm the epitome of a shivering fury when I reemerge.

"You. Asshole." I hiss through chattering teeth. Fuck it's freezing.

And my dress! It's ruined now!

Harry's cheeky smile falters when he sees the absolute rage in my eyes. He attempts to swim away but I'm one step ahead of him.

I jump onto his back and wrap my arms around his neck. His step falters but he quickly stabilizes us before we can plummet back into the water.

"I'm going to kill you," I growl in his ear.

He only nervously laughs. Good.

He carries me back to the shore like a gentleman and I let him. It's only when he sets me down on the semi-warm sand does he down.

"You're shaking."

"No dip, Sherlock," I moodily grumble as I grab my towel and book from the sand. I'm not going to dry myself off. He deserves the wet floors in his house.

"El!" he calls out from behind me. I pointedly ignore him and make my way inside.

God, the warmth inside feels so good against my freezing skin.

"El," Harry repeats, following me inside. He closes the back door behind him and follows me upstairs. "I'm sorry."

I grunt in response and put my stuff down before digging through my clothes.

"Babe, you're shivering," he reminds me. I can't help but roll my eyes. What did he expect? He dropped me into an ice-cold ocean.

He gently grabs my hand and leads me to the bathroom.

"Jesus, you're practically blue," he says as he starts the bath. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"Oh, really?" I sarcastically drawl.

His lips quirk in the slightest. "Shocking, I know. But you can't expect a man to have thoughts when you look like that." He gives me a once-over in my dress and his eyes darken in lust.

Men.

While the tub fills up, he takes my hands in his and warms them up by rubbing them. "I'm sorry. I'm an idiot."

"It's fine," I sigh and he lights up like I've just given him the world. He acts as if I can legitimately be mad at him. Hell, he can kill my whole family and I'd probably forgive him right after the funeral.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure you're completely warmed up by the end of this," he winks.

Oh God. I'm still sore from yesterday.

"We have to leave soon," I remind him.

He laughs. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Ellie. I just meant hot chocolate and blankets."

"Sure."

He checks the water temperature. Once he's satisfied, he peels my wet dress down my body and follows with my underwear, his gaze not once leaving my eyes. It's one of the most intimate moments of my life.

We take a bath together, once again nothing sexual, just intimate, and it reminds me of a few months ago when I showed up at his place after my apartment had flooded. He took care of me, comforted me. He put me over everything else.

I'm so fucking lucky to have him.

~

Hehe, here's your cute vacation scene!