Always

Chapter 40

Thank you to everyone who replied to my little note on the last chapter!! You're all so supportive and wonderful and said you'd read if I wrote another story, so I think I will.  It won't be until after this one is done, but I'm excited to start it already :) x

As seven o’clock neared, I grew more and more excited.  I sat perched on the couch in my living room, legs bouncing up and down quickly in an attempt to distract myself from counting the seconds that ticked by.  Aside from the agonizing hour I had spent trying to decide what to wear and touching up my appearance, the rest of my afternoon had consisted of trying to keep myself occupied to help pass the time until I saw Harry again. 

A glint of sunlight caught my attention, drawing my eyes out the window where I was pleased to see Harry’s black SUV pulling into my driveway.  I felt relief wash through me, easing the tension I didn’t know I had been holding.  I guess I still hadn’t fully recovered from the last time he was supposed to show me his surprise. 

Jumping to my feet, I grabbed my phone off the table and ran out the front door, shouted a quick goodbye to my mother in the kitchen, and ran out the door, too eager to see Harry to wait for him to retrieve me.

I couldn’t help the ridiculous smile that stretched across my face when I saw him halfway out the door of his car, looking sound and healthy, almost all traces of the damage that had been done to his beautiful face gone.  He had changed since school and was now dressed in dark jeans, a grey t-shirt, navy and grey flannel, and a navy zip up hoodie.  His hair was tucked styled more neatly than it had been earlier, indicating he had probably showered.  He looked incredible. 

His full lips were pulled back in a smile, dimples forming on his cheeks as I rushed toward him and threw my arms around his neck.  He caught me easily, arms engulfing my waist as I pressed my lips to his.

“Hi,” I said after pulling back.  My heart beat a little bit faster at the proximity.

“Hiiiii,” he returned, an equally cheesy grin lighting up his face, green eyes glinting happily.  “Ready?”

“Mmhmm,” I hummed. “Can’t wait.”

“Good,” he said, kissing me lightly on the side of my mouth before releasing me, allowing me to skip around the car and get in. 

As he pulled out of the driveway, he reached across the seat to grab my hand, lacing his fingers through mine.  I smiled, feeling like my heart was positively glowing. 

“Not even going to ask where we’re going?” he asked, shooting me a skeptical look.

“Nope, ‘cause you’re not going to tell me anyway, are you?” I replied, knowing him far too well.

“Nope,” he smirked.

“Thought so,” I laughed.  “So I’ll just be patient and see whatever it is you have in store for me.”

“Well look at you, finally found some patience,” he chuckled.

I shrugged.  “I figured I haven’t behaved very well today so this is the least I can do.”

“Yeah, most girls don’t typically fight guys twice their size,” he said, squeezing my hand.

“Oops,” I smiled sheepishly.  “Still love me?”

“Ahh….” he said, baring his teeth and grimacing at me.  My mouth dropped open in mock indignation as I slapped the back of my hand against his chest.  He laughed and shot me an amused look.  “Of course, Joey.”