Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

Perhaps she was dispensable to Julian and his cronies, but she wondered how indispensable she was to Harry. She tried to take a step back and examine their relationship but found herself at a loss. She had succumbed to him in every way, and yet she wondered if she had managed to steal into his heart too.

Lara found herself staring at him one early evening. He had arrived home only half an hour earlier and he was now in the bathroom. She heard the shower being turned on, so she settled on the bed and opened her book.

A short time later he emerged naked as he dried his hair with a towel. He dropped the towel to the floor and began to rifle through his wardrobe. Lara’s eyes followed him around the room, and couldn’t help but admire how comfortable he was with his body. He glanced her way once, but she quickly averted her eyes and returned to her book. A few minutes later he had pulled on a pair of dark blue jeans, and a casual scooped neck T-shirt. He pulled on his Chelsea boots that looked like they had seen better days, and rustled around his drawer for a beanie which he stuck in his back pocket.

He suddenly turned to look at her, noticing that her full attention had been on him the entire time, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Are you planning on reading that book all night?”He asked.

Lara shrugged and half smiled at him.

“Want to come with me?” He asked.
She shrugged again and he took her hands to pull her up.

“Come on… get dressed.”
Lara awkwardly stood by the wardrobe before pulling out a pair of skinny jeans.

“I like those on you.” He said approvingly. She smiled before choosing a long loose top to match with it. She looked up to see Harry shake his head.

“Why do you hide away your body?” He asked. He leapt up and peered into the wardrobe before pulling out a clingy black top. “You have a beautiful body and you can wear whatever you like.”

He handed her the top and fell back on the bed. When it became clear that he was waiting for her to change, she stepped out of her sweats, quickly slipping into the jeans, almost tripping over her feet. She looked up to see Harry hide a smile.

“You’re so cute Lara… but I’ve kind of already seen you without your clothes on.”

She ruefully smiled back as she took her time slipping off her t-shirt. She could see Harry watching her with a sly smile on his face and although she waited for him to pounce, he did not move.

They arrived at Harry’s friend’s house soon after, and Harry put a protective arm around her as he led her up the steps. The party was in full swing by the time they had arrived with music playing loudly over the hum of people who milled around in groups.

“Small get together?” Lara asked to see Harry shrug and smile. His eyes darted around the room until they rested on a couple and he tipped his head toward them, beckoning Lara to follow.

“Hey guys.” He greeted them warmly with a hug. “Jake and Gemma, this is Lara.”

“Ahh the infamous Lara.” Gemma said with a smile.

“More like the phantom.” Jake joked as he greeted her with a quick embrace.

Harry began to chat with them, keeping his arm around Lara. She half listened as they continued to joke and laugh and she noticed how they watched her when they didn’t think she was looking.

Lara wondered if she measured up to the person that they expected Harry to be with. She was shy, awkward and quiet at the best of times.

What made her think Harry would want to be with her for real? What did Ben see in her, why had he chosen her?

She tried to keep a neutral face but these thoughts kept swirling around in her head and she knew she must have looked deep in thought.

She happened to glance around the room, and could see people surreptitiously eyeing their group.

It didn’t take long for her to figure out why. Their attention was solely on Harry: there was no doubt that he seemed to stand out from everyone else and she couldn’t help but stare at him too. Maybe it was the way his eyes shined when he laughed or the intense look on his face when he listened to someone talk, Lara couldn’t put her finger on it, except to say that he almost had a glow about him and that it was hard to tear your eyes away.

“You okay?” Harry suddenly asked. “Want me to get you a drink?”

He let go of her arm without waiting for an answer and walked to the other side of the room, leaving her with his friends, who now regarded her politely. A couple of people joined their group and she was introduced to them, but her eyes followed Harry. He was stopped every few steps by people who wanted to speak to him, and he greeted everyone warmly but was finally stopped by a pretty girl who held his attention.

He seemed relaxed and happy as they laughed, his entire face lighting up. She placed her hand on his arm and Lara felt her heart sink.

This was how it was going to be. If it was going to be for real, she would have to deal with this- all the time. She saw Harry glance at her and their eyes locked together. The beat of the music timed their gaze; a loaded moment full of unsaid words and pent up emotion.

Lara found herself politely excusing herself from the group before heading out the door. She ended up on the pavement, the cool air hitting her warm cheeks as she gulped in a few quick breaths.

“Lara, where are you going?” She heard Harry’s voice before she saw him.

“Nowhere.” She said suddenly feeling awkward.

“She was just a friend Lara.” He said.

“Who?”

He gave her a pointed look as though he clearly didn't believe her.

“Lara.” He said, and he placed his hand on her cheek. “What’s wrong?”

“Harry.” She began. He looked at her expectantly, the intense look back in his eyes, his brow slightly furrowed as he waited for her to continue.

“What is it?”

“Harry, I think I love you.”

Notes