Three of the walls are painted in a mural much like you’d see on his arms. The other wall opens up to the beach. His bed is large and done in white and blue patterns that you’d find yourself staring at for hours to try and figure out. I close my eyes and imagine myself on this bed, nestled deep in the comforter with Harrison’s arms wrapped around me. The windows are open with the wind blowing, bringing in the smell of sea salt.
I step in and trail my fingers along the large oak dresser that is stained perfectly. The mirror that sits on top shows my tired reflection, but also shows the bed. My imagination runs wild with Harrison standing before me, getting dressed for practice. I can watch myself trace his tattoos, burning each one into memory.
“This is beautiful,” I say, clearly stating my thoughts.
“It’s empty.” He steps behind me, but doesn’t touch me. My skin awaits his caress, yearns for it. Demands it.
“Why?”
“I haven’t found someone to fill it until now.”
“Yeah?” My voice breaks. If I was curious about where his head is, I’m not now. I turn, brushing against him. I take a deep breath before peering into his smoldering green eyes. He’s taken his hat off, much to my enjoyment.
He pulls his lower lip into his mouth and places his hands on my hips. “I’ve had this whole speech planned for when we got here and were alone, but I’ve forgotten it all. Seeing you in my room, my house where Quinn and I have lived until we moved to Beaumont, you have no idea what it means to me, or what it does to me.”
I push against him and smile. “I know what it does.”
He shakes his head and picks up my hand, placing it over his heart. “I want to share this with you and the girls. I know you’re thinking it’s too soon and maybe it is, but I don’t want lines crossed here, Katelyn. I want you to know how I feel. How Quinn feels.”
“I can’t move.” The words break my heart, but if he’s expecting me to leave Beaumont, I can’t.
“I’m not asking you to move. We could come here for the summer. Let the girls run on the beach until they’re so tired we have to carry them in. You can sit on the deck and read a book. I’ll cook our dinner on the grill. Life here is quiet with no expectations.”
“And Quinn, what will he do?”
“He’ll show the girls how to make the biggest sand castle and teach them to body surf. Everything that we have here, we want to share with you and the girls.”
“What about your sister? The one I didn’t know you had?”
Harrison moves my hair behind my ear and kisses my nose. “There’s a lot we don’t know about each other, but can learn. Yvie is a ballet dancer in New York City. She stays here when she’s home because I’m not here, but wouldn’t be here when we come back.”
The James family is beyond talented, and here they are mixing with my mundane family. The only talent I have is for screwing up something as simple as a tour. I know I’m not cut out for the showbiz life, but I’d like to fit into his.
“Can I think about it? I’d like to properly introduce you to the girls if we’re going to be serious — ” Harrison interrupts me with a deep searing kiss.
“You don’t know what those words do to me, baby,” he whispers as he grinds into me.
“Yeah, well I think you should show me.”
“My pleasure.”
Harrison picks me up and sets me down gently on his bed. He hovers over me and just when I think this is going to be wild and unadulterated, he surprises me by taking his time.
I startle awake and reach for Katelyn. The spot where she laid is empty and the sheets are cool to the touch. The moment I feel the wind tickle my face, I know where I’ll find her. I sit up and look out the open door. The sun has already set. I quickly look at the clock on my bedside table and realize we’ve slept the day away. This isn’t how I had planned to spend the day, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I sit up and watch her, well the back of her. I wonder how long she’s been sitting in the sand, staring at the ocean. I contemplate whether I should bother her or figure out what we’re going to eat for dinner. I chide myself for getting carried away earlier. I wanted to show her around, give her a tour, but having her in my room was a dream come true, and there was no way I could pass up the moment of having her in my arms. Having her in my bed is definitely something I plan to do again, repeatedly.
Slipping on my boxers and shorts, I make my way into the kitchen and hope my mom stocked up well. I suppose I could grow up and really start doing everything for myself, but it would be moments like this where I have to call for some type of food delivery and I really want to be alone with Katelyn before band business gets in the way.
The refrigerator is exactly as I expected it. “Thanks, mom,” I say out loud, because not only did she fix me up right, but she’s given me an idea. I take out what I need and start preparing. I move around the kitchen quickly for fear that Katelyn will come looking for me. Or is it hope? All I know I want to take this to her because she’s not expecting it. Just like I didn’t expect her to make such an impact on my life.
The sand is warm on my bare feet as I walk toward her. As I get closer, I notice that she’s wearing one of my dress shirts. It doesn’t even bother me that I know she went into my closet to get it. It’s sexy as fuck seeing her in my clothes.
I set down the plate of food I made and sit behind her. She leans against me, her head resting on my shoulder. I could live like this and be happy for the rest of my life. The only thing missing are the kids running around in front of us. They complete us.
I pull the wrap off the plate and pick up a piece of cheese and apple wedge. “I have something for you,” I say as I reach around her and place the offering at her lips. She doesn’t say anything. She just takes a bite and nuzzles into my neck. I get the feeling that something is wrong, but I’m afraid to ask her what. I’m not sure I’d like the answer if she told me that she doesn’t want to spend the summer here or if she’s starting to second guess us because of what I said earlier.
I take a few grapes off the vine and feed both of us, alternating between her and me. There are a few surfers out in the water, but for the most part, the beach is deserted right now, which is shocking. I’m not complaining. It gives us more privacy.