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. 

As well, in a weird way, I missed my parents. Regardless of how tattered our relationship may be, they were still my mom and dad. I was not looking forward to any potential conversations that are bound to happen regarding my life here in London. Harry was sure to be a topic of interest if Natalia had anything to do with it. This was, in fact, the reason why I wanted Harry to come to New York with me. It would be much easier to tell my parents that, yes, I am living with my boyfriend of ten months. 

The party continues on all around us. My mind focusing on the beautiful man in front of me. He was having a debate with one of the fellow interns about modern day literature. Francis, a bright young guy who was working in the financial department. He was one of the only few friends I had made here. Ironically enough, he was also Denise's boyfriend. After sending a text to her to share the good news about my internship, she was quick to tell me that the world was a very small place and that her doting boyfriend worked there too. 

A soft grip on my arm shakes me from my thoughts. I turn around, only to be faced with my darling boss. "Izzy." Bea smiles softly at me, a Santa hat resting on her head. "May I speak with you for a moment?" 

"Um," I glance over at Harry, only to see that he is to preoccupied with Francis. "Sure." I answer her, with a small smile in return. 

"Great. This way," she leads me out of my group and towards a table where three men and a woman sit. Bea motions towards an empty chair, urging me to take a seat. I comply, sitting down beside the young woman. "Everyone, this is Isabella Maxwell. Our new intern." 

They each greet me kindly. I return their greetings with an awkward wave of my hand. Nerves flutter in the pit of my stomach. "Hello." I say to each of them, a forced smile on my lips. 

"Remember how I was mentioning in our recent staff meeting about the new branch I want to start up in Berlin?" Bea says, looking at me hopefully. 

"Briefly." I reply, nodding along. 

"This is the team that I am sending over to help start it up. They will be head of hiring the Berlin team as well as making sure the office is up and running to company standards. Now, the reason why I had you come over here to meet them was because I would like to have you join the team." She explains. I feel my eyes widen in shock. She wanted me to join the team? 

"It will only be for three months and living in an apartment that we would have set up for you. I think this would be a great opportunity for you to get a better hands on experience and understanding behind actually starting up a company." She continues to explain. She looks at me with excitement in her eyes. "It would also be paid."

I had found myself to be ridden speechless. This was an amazing opportunity, I couldn't deny that. An opportunity that I could only dream to be given. I don't say reply. The words getting caught helplessly in my throat. 

"When would we be leaving?" I manage to get out. 

"The second week in January; right after the holiday season." Bea answers quickly, a wide set grin on her lips. 

"How long do I have to decide?" The grin on Bea's lips falter slightly, but she quickly shakes it off. 

"I can give you the holidays to decide. January 2nd I will expect an answer, how's that?" 

"That will work, thank you." I look around the table, studying the faces of each person I could potentially be working with for three months. 

"We'll let you get back to the party then. Enjoy your night, Izzy." Bea encourages, sitting up in her seat. "By the way, your boyfriend is quite the hunk." She gives me a subtle wink, nudging me in the arm. 

"Yeah," I laugh. "He's pretty great." I thank them once more before excusing myself away. 

Walking back to where Harry stood with Francis. He was still completely engulfed in their debate, unaware of my brief disappearance. I walk up to Harry's side, sliding my way under his arm. He stops mid sentence to look down on me. A sloppy grin on his lips. "Where'd you go?" 

"Bathroom." I quickly lie. I didn't want to tell him about the extended internship. Not here at least, not now. This was not the time or the place to bring up something so huge. 

"Doll, it's called the loo." He jokes, a lazy smile spreading on his lips. His vibrant green eyes slightly red from the few cups of beer he'd consumed over the night. I laugh along with him, nudging him softly in the ribs. He feigns hurt, only to laugh it off drunkly. 

- 

Seven days have gone by and I have found myself at the end of the week, in mine and Harry's  room, surrounded once again by a chaos of clothes and suitcases. There were few things that I dreaded, packing finding it's rightful place at the top. As much as I enjoyed the end product of my tiresome, last minute packing, it was the act itself that I disliked the most. 

I lay against the messy sheets, exhaustion taking over every muscle in my body. The cold hits my bare chest, leaving a layer of fresh goosebumps. Moving languidly, I reach for Harry's shirt. Harry lays beside me. Noticing my struggle, he passes me his black shirt. The fabric is soft against my skin, the minty-musk scent of his cologne enticing every bit of my senses. 

Without hesitation, Harry tugs me closer. Our faces only inches apart. The heat of his breath touching my skin, warming every inch. The arousing events that took place only moments before replaying in my mind. I bite my lip. His watch on me doesn't falter, as he moves his hand to my cheek.The pads of his calloused fingers running gently over the soft skin, ascending towards the top of my head. His fingers threading slowly through my hair. 

His gaze on me does not falter once. The composed nature of his thoughtful stare brings a nervous, yet thrilling, pull to the strings of my heart. He was so close yet so far. I could feel the electric current that shot through my system whenever Harry was this close. My need for him burning down towards my core. 

"Beautiful." His raspy whisper sends the familiar shock to my heart. "Beautiful, beautiful girl." 

I look away shyly. Heat rushing to my cheeks instantly. The way Harry looked at me was the way he always did: like I was the most interesting thing he's ever encountered. He made me feel like I was exquisite. The love that shone effortlessly through iris's of emerald green. 

"I love you." I quietly say, the pad of my thumb running gently over his jawline. 

"Every day I fall more in love with you, Isabella Maxwell." He admits. His eyes focused on my own. The incessant fluttering of my heart continues on. 

"Me too." I tell him, my voice nothing louder than a whisper. 

 Harry takes my hands, bringing it up to his lips. He leaves warm kisses to each knuckle. Paying close attention to each one. The rough pads of his thumbs rub circles against the skin. It was silly how small my hands looked in comparison to his. Almost child like. Feminine fingers laced with masculine ones. His rings feeling cool against my heated skin. 

I lean in closer. My mouth brushing against his lips. The chapped skin tickling. Our hands remain interlocked in front, as our lips become attached to one another. The kiss is tantalizing slow, but filled with much emotion. 

Harry leans his head back, breaking the kiss. His eyes downcast, looking at my lips for merely seconds before he leaves one more haste kiss. 

"When I was six, mum had a new job." He begins to say. I remain still, taking in the rare snippet of his childhood. "Money was always tight, but it always got worse whenever the holidays came about. I remember being a complete brat, bugging mum about a toy I saw. A wooden train set with a bright red caboose. I remember thinking how cool it looked and how bad I wanted it. Of course, being a kid, I didn't realize how expensive it was. Mum cried when she told me she couldn't get it for me." 

Harry shakes his head, chuckling quietly to himself. "God, I felt like a dumb idiot. I told her it was okay and that I didn't need anything. But dear ol' mum promised that Father Christmas would deliver something great because I was a very good boy that year. I was a fucking brat, I don't know what she was talking about." He laughs once again. 

"What happened?" I ask. 

Harry let's go of my hand, bringing it to my side and under his shirt. It was an innocent action. His warm hand staying at it's place on my hip. His thumb kneading the soft flesh. "She bought it for me." 

My lips quirk into a knowing smile. "Yeah?" 

Harry chuckles to himself once again, "She worked extra shifts and bought it for Ben and I to share. An amazing woman, my mum is." 

"I'm glad you are seeing her this Christmas." I tell him. Harry nods knowingly, tugging my body closer towards him. 

"I've been thinking." He starts slowly, his eyes traveling back down to make contact with my own. "I know how much you wanted me to meet your family-"

"It's okay!" I interrupt, "Stay with yours. I know it's important to you." 

He shakes his head slowly, "I know. But I want to." 

I smile, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "What were you thinking then?" 

A grin emerges on his face. "New Years Eve. I'll come over to New York and spend it with you. If you want-"

"I want!" I quickly say, excitement flooding my body. "I really want that." 

Harry laughs, his head and back falling into the pillows. My body falls on top of his body. His hands not once letting go of my hips. "Oomph!" I hit my head on his chest, groaning lowly. "Jerk." 

Harry only laughs harder, his eyes screwing shut. I giggle along with him, unable to hold my laughter at bay. "Did you buy a ticket yet?" I later ask, once our giggles subside. 

"Mmm, I have not." He says. 

"You should do that soon."

"I will." He tells me. I give a small smile in return, shifting my body into a more comfortable position. My eyes begin to shut, exhaustion having it's effect once again. "Go to sleep baby girl." 

"Don't wanna," I whine. 

"Go to sleep," he says once more. "You have a busy day tomorrow. A long flight." 

"I can sleep on the plane. I want to have hot sex one more time." I grumble, my words slurring with sleep.

Harry chuckles. I could sense the smirk that was probably on his lips. "We will have as much sex as you want baby.... tomorrow. Right now you're going to sleep."  His hands reach down for the duvet, bringing it up to cover our cold flesh. I snuggle closer into his warm skin. His bare chest substituting as a pillow. 

"I love you." He reminds me one more time.

"Love you," I mumble back into his skin. "And your hot body." His chest moves as he laughs. However, with each passing moment, I become more delirious. My eyes falling shut as the vibrations of his beating heart lull me into a dreamy slumber.