Adore [H.S.]

69

Can't Help Falling In Love - Ingrid Michaelson (Cover) (Recommended to listen during the second half of chapter)

"Like a river flows, surely to the sea. Darling, so it goes: Some things are meant to be." 

ISABELLA 

The rich smell of cinnamon filtered throughout the office. Green and red streamers hung from the ceilings, while balloons in the shape of snowmen floated in every corner. Miniature synthetic Christmas trees sat on tables and windowpanes. Men and women alike were wearing their most festive holiday sweater. Each hoping to win the coveted price of "Best Tacky Sweater". Shakin' Stevens' voice could be heard from an overpriced sound system, while couples swayed to the music. There was a group of women surrounding the punch bowl, gossiping away about the most recent office politics. There wasn't a sad face in sight. A direct effect of the holiday season. 

My boyfriend, of course, being the only exception.

I look over at Harry. His tall frame leaning against the door of my office, a plastic cup of beer in one hand and a glare on his face. "This sweater is too damn itchy." He whines, looking down at his own ugly sweater. He adjusts the red fuzzy sweater that sticks to his skin. His hands moving quickly to his neck to scratch it. "This is tacky as fuck. How did you get me to wear this?" 

He tugs the sweater out to get a better look. I was pretty proud of my find. After hours of searching through bins and racks of mix-matched items, in every thrift store in London, I had finally found the best works of art. His was a red wool sweater with green lacing the edges. Stitched across was a snowman and deer, white hearts printed all around it. "You look cute," I coo softly, leaving a kiss on the cheek. 

"Bullshit." He scowls, a ghost of smirk playing on his lips. I knew he was holding back his smile. 

"Don't be a grinch," I scold lightly. "I'll make it up to you. Later... alright?" I run my fingers along his collar towards the nape of his neck. 

"That's right baby. You better." He growls, taking me off guard by kissing me hard. He pulls back just as fast, only to lean in once again, leaving a soft kiss to my forehead. It takes everything inside of me to tame my beating heart. "I'll be sure to light you up." He jokes, motioning to my own sweater dress. I roll my eyes, unimpressed by his terrible pun. 

Instead of making a comment, I look down at the dark wool garment. It had three unity candles tied together by a piece of garland. Tartan stitching and flakes of yellow filled up the empty spaces on the black fabric. It wasn't as tacky as Harry's own sweater. It was still festive and danced along the boarder of tacky and classy. 

"This is adorable." He chuckles, flicking the reindeer antlers I had been wearing. I reached up, adjusting the headband. 

"I thought it went well with the Christmas festivities." 

"One things for sure, I'd let you guide my sleigh." He winks, smirking down at me once again. 

Shaking my head, I cover his mouth with my hand. "None of that. This is a work party," I warn him. 

"Alright, baby. Best behaviour." He mocks salute. Harry wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his chest. We swing back and forth to the music, our movements over exaggerated. He laughs in my ear. His playful attitude playing with my heartstrings. It wasn't very often that this side of Harry was shown in public. Usually it was masked by a grumpy scowl. 

We continue to enjoy the night. One of the seven nights left until I flew back to New York. After much thought and deliberation, it felt like it would be right for me to go home. I missed Natalia, even though it hadn't been that long since I seen her last. A part of me was also missing Ty. Before he left London, all conversations about our relationship had been avoided. It was a topic that needed to be addressed - regardless of how awkward it could be. He was my best friend, but Harry was my boyfriend. I was beginning to realize that boundaries were going to be needed in our friendship. Something that we clearly lacked.