Matrimony | H.S.

Chapter 22

☆☆☆

HARRY

We had just stepped into the apartment. I dropped her bag right next to the door and helped her out of her coat. Then I couldn't hold it back any longer. I gripped her waist and pulled her toward me, gently. She braced herself with her palms on my chest, but she didn't push me away.

I stared down into her eyes. "Hi."

Her lips twitched. "Hi back. I'm angry at you."

"I know." She was annoyed with me because I hadn't let her take a quick look at Around the Corner.

Before a protest could leave her tongue, and I didn't doubt it would, I slipped mine into her mouth and stole her breath, again being gentle. Her fingers slowly curled in and she fisted my sweater in her hands. Slowly easing the kiss even more, I sucked her tongue into my mouth and then just let myself have little nips at her lips so she could get her breath back. I knew she was still having trouble breathing through her nose.

"I kinda like it when you're angry at me."

Her closed eyes slowly peeled open. "That didn't make it any better."

I let go of her and she swayed a little. "I imagine it didn't. Too much turtle?"

"Just the right amount of turtle, actually, but I'm not forgetting about the fact that you didn't let me take a quick look at my place."

She seemed to be loving picking a fight with me, and when it frustrated me to no end, she seemed to enjoy it even more. I just enjoyed every minute I got to spend with her.

I decided to change the subject. "What do you think about changing out the roses for something more green and Christmassy? It's that time, isn't it? It's going to be December soon."

She stayed put in her spot and I watched as her eyes got big then she lifted her hand up to her nose.

My adrenaline spiked and I was right back next to her, holding her face up for my inspection. "What's wrong? What's happening, Rose?"

She lifted her hand up and made me wait another full ten seconds. "I just learned how not to sneeze."

I swallowed and my sluggish heartbeat picked up again. "You're gonna be a difficult patient, aren't you?"

"What? What did I do?"

I couldn't stay away from her or keep my hands and lips off of her for too long, it seemed. I walked back and cupped her face, pressing a lingering kiss on her temple.

"Come on, let's get you off your feet. Can you walk upstairs?"

"Do you have work to do?"

"Yes."

"If you can work in the living room, I'll lie down on the couch and keep you company. I'll be quiet, promise."

Instead of heading for the stairs, I guided her toward the living room and helped her lie down on the couch.

"Okay?" I asked when I noticed she was a little breathless.

"Yeah, I'm fine. How is it that I feel so tired after one car ride and then coming up in an elevator?"

"Other than walking up and down the hospital corridors, you didn't move much the past week, and you had a major surgery. This is normal. You stay here while I go get a few pillows to keep your head raised and something to cover you up."

I bent down at the waist and touched her lips with mine.

Her eyes were partly closed, her lips curved up. "By the way, I can't believe the word Christmassy came out of your mouth."