Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

The next morning Lara rolled over to look at Harry sleeping next to her. She couldn’t help but feel sorry for him as she noted his pale skin and the dark circles under his eyes, the toll of the last few late nights clearly showing. He looked so beautifully fragile as he lay there peacefully sleeping, that she found herself holding her breath so he wouldn’t awake.

Lara didn’t know what Harry meant by making things better but she hadn’t had the strength to ask. The only thing she could focus on at the moment was the reception she was going to receive from Ben when she got home.

Once she opened the door of Ben’s apartment the first thing that caught her attention was a couple of empty vodka bottles on the coffee table. She sighed as she headed straight for her bedroom, relieved that he was nowhere to be seen. After a few minutes she ventured out to the kitchen to make a coffee only to find Ben sleeping at the kitchen table. He stirred when he heard her approaching footsteps, groggily lifting his head to look up at her.

“You’re upset with me.” Ben said after what felt like an eternity. Lara sighed as she gathered the empty glasses from the table and placed them on the sink.

“Say something.” He said and she finally looked at him. His usual impeccable hair now hung in his face, his eyes rimmed red.

“Yes I’m upset with you.” She said shortly.

“I’m just trying to make sure you don’t get hurt.” He said.

“You keep saying that to me… but I’m fine. Everything is fine.” She said although a little voice inside her head didn’t quite agree with that statement.

“Fine then have it your way.” He waved his hand dismissively. “I feel shit enough as it is.”

“Well, that’s what you get for drinking so much.” She said her voice softening as she switched on the kettle. “Do you want a coffee?”

“Fuck yes.” He said and they looked at each other, exchanging small smiles. As she waited for the water to boil she picked up the half full vodka bottle from the table in front of him, and emptied it in the sink. She snuck a look at him, half expecting him to stop her, but he didn’t even move a muscle.

“What would I do without you?” He asked and she shrugged her shoulders as she prepared his coffee. She sat down opposite him and softly blew on the hot coffee, when he gestured to the newspaper in front of him.
“See this yet?”
She craned her neck to read the headline.

New Love for Harry Styles?

It was accompanied by a candid photo of him deep in conversation with Paige at one of the events he had recently attended. She turned the paper around to read it properly.

Harry Styles is once again enjoying the single life, and has been spotted a record breaking four days in a row attending various events around London. On Tuesday night he was seen flirting with up and coming actress Paige Harrison, instantly sparking rumours that the two-


Lara stopped reading, and pushed the newspaper across the table. She could still see the picture of the couple, Harry’s head close to Paige’s ear as they spoke, a coy smile on her face.

“Let’s go out for a drink tonight.” Ben suddenly said. Lara gave him an unimpressed look and he shook his head. “I mean a cup of tea. Let’s go out for a cup of tea tonight.”

“Why?” She said, still feeling deflated by the picture she had just seen.

“Show him you’re not going to sit around waiting for him to come home… you need to show a little backbone Lara.”

Lara knew Harry was expected to attend a charity dinner that evening, and that Paige would also be attending. She also knew he expected her to be at his house tonight. But she couldn’t see herself returning there, nor could she face being cooped up at Ben’s apartment either.

“Okay.” She said pretending to sound reluctant.

The phone call with Harry was brief.

“So what time will you be here?” He asked.

“I won’t be coming over tonight Harry.” She said quietly.

“Why not?” His voice sounded uncertain.

“Because I’m going out.”

“Where?”

“For tea.” She replied without thinking.

“You’re going out for tea.” The words came out slow as if he didn’t know what to make of them.

“I just need to get out of the house Harry.” She said trying not to sound as if she were pleading.

“Okay, fine. Have fun drinking tea. I’ll see you when I see you.”

Later that night when Lara and Ben headed into town, she allowed Ben to place his hand on the small of her back as he led her to their destination. They stopped outside a teahouse and she looked over at Ben with surprise.

“I wasn’t kidding when I said tea.” He said with a smile.

****************************

They returned home a couple of hours later with Ben retiring to his bedroom. Lara was lolling around the living room when she heard the sound of her phone beeping.

Are you home? I’m downstairs…

Lara looked twice to make sure it was from Harry before she almost jumped off the couch.She tried to compose herself before calling him to invite him upstairs. A soft knock at the door sounded soon after and Lara opened the door to see a smiling Harry on the other side.

“Hey.” He kissed her cheek before walking in. He looked around as though he expected Ben to pop out of nowhere before he turned to face her.

“How did you go tonight?” She asked

“I bet it wasn’t as exciting as your night.” He said with a smile. “Going out for tea and all… sounds like you’re really living life on the edge.”

Lara playfully punched him on the arm, and he pretended it hurt.

“Is that why you’re here at midnight? Just to make fun of me?” She asked.

“Nah, I was on my way home and just wanted to ask you something.”

Lara stood there expectantly before he spoke again.

“Liam’s having a little party at his house on the weekend. Just a few friends, nothing big.” He paused to clear his throat. “You want to come with me?”

“Are you asking me out on a date?” She asked trying to suppress a smile.

“I guess I am.” He said with his trademark smile that reached his eyes and made his dimples stand out prominently.

“Well then, I’d love to.” She said trying to sound confident even as she was trying to ignore the doubt that gnawed at her. She still didn’t feel entirely uncomfortable with his friends, let alone parties, but she realised she had to push past that fear, otherwise what chance did they have?

“So…” He said, glancing around, “Where’s your bedroom again?”

He grabbed her arm and pulled in her the direction of the nearest door.

“Harry, that’s Ben’s bedroom.” She whispered, struggling to get out of his grasp. He placed his hand over his mouth in pretend shock.

“Well lead the way then.” He said holding her around her waist.

“Harry no.” She said although she couldn’t help but feel a thrill at his touch.

“Okay then right here will have to do.” He sat on the couch and pulled her from the edge of her jeans until she stumbled into his lap. He manoeuvred her legs so that she straddled him, her hands resting on his shoulders.

“What are you doing?” She asked.

“Having my way with you.” He muttered before placing his hand behind her head and bringing her lips to his. She kissed him back and felt his hand reach under her top to unclip her bra. His hips lifted slightly and she felt him harden against her, as she instinctively let her hips grind against him too. The sound of heavy breathing filled the air as they kissed deeply, until she self-consciously pulled away.

“No we have to stop.” She whispered. “He’s inside.”

“So?” She could feel him smiling against her neck.

“So you shouldn’t be here.” She pushed him away,
but not before his lips branded hers again.

“Okay, okay, I’m going.” He said finally. Lara tried to catch her breath as he stood up with a lazy smile.

“Thanks for nothing.” He said looking down at his crotch. Lara couldn’t help but smile as she all but pushed him toward the door.

“I’ll pick you up on Saturday at about seven.” She heard him call as it swung close.

She stood there for a moment gathering her thoughts before Ben’s door opened.

“Has he gone?” He asked.

Lara nodded feeling slightly embarrassed, her hand automatically reaching up to smooth down her hair.

“See what happens when you tell him you don’t want to see him?” Ben asked.

The chase, Lara thought to herself. Harry loves the chase. Ben was right.

“I don’t think you should go.” Ben’s voice broke into her thoughts.

“Were you listening to us?” She asked angrily.

“Well I heard the knock on the door. You’re lucky I didn’t interrupt.” Ben snapped.

“That’s because you were too busy eavesdropping.”

“So sue me.” Ben shrugged his shoulders. “You were making out on my couch in case you forgot.”

Lara turned to leave but was stopped by Ben grabbing her wrist.

“I said I don’t think you should go.” He said stonily.

“Well I am going and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Lara shot back.

“Not if I tell Julian about you and Harry sneaking around, you won’t.” He squeezed her wrist until she whimpered.

“You wouldn’t.”

“You want to try me?”

Notes

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