Harry's POV

An annoyed voice wakes me suddenly and the first thing I notice, when I realise where I am, is that Chloe is attached to me in such a way that I certainly can't leave the bed even if I want to.

The second thing I notice is Beth rubbing her cheek after flinging Chloe's free arm off her face.

Ouch.

I reach out as best as I can around Chloe's head to offer some sort of comfort, rubbing her cheek to try and ease the sting.

It doesn't help.

I can hear how irritable she is just by her tone before she even turns her head and looks at me and then to Chloe, a confused frown on her face.

Then I remember that Chloe woke me during the night and not her.

"She had some sort of nightmare," I blurt out, offering an explanation for why Chloe's in our bed.

"She is a nightmare," Beth huffs in an annoyed voice.

"Heard that," Chloe grumbles and shifts so she's cuddling onto me tightly.

"Good," Beth replies, "wasn't sure if I was loud enough or not."

The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree with these two.

Though I'm not going to be stupid enough to point that out to Beth right now.

Beth lets out another sigh and throws the covers off before rolling out of bed.

I try my best to look at her with Chloe next to me without letting my tongue roll out of my head.

I could very easily get used to looking at this view every single morning.

She really does have a nice arse.

Beth suddenly turns around and I quickly move my eyes up from said arse to meet her gaze as she speaks to me.

I try my best to focus on the words coming out of her mouth rather than what I know she can do with her mouth.

Harold, it's only been a couple of days since you've had sex.

You need to chill out.

"Swimming," I reply and I instantly wonder what she's going to wear.

Beth gives me a funny look before she grabs her clothes and heads to the bathroom.

"Are you seriously going to shower before we go to the pool?" I ask.

"I just want to be clean before I go," she shrugs.

And I just want to bang you in the shower but that ain't likely to happen today.

"But you're going to go and swim in a pool?" I reply, hoping to change her mind.

"Well I don't want to turn up looking like I just rolled out of bed," she scoffs.

Again, not a bad look on you love.

"Pity," I smirk, "I like the 'just rolled out of bed' look on you."

"Children present!" her eyes widen as she glances at Chloe.

"I'm not a child," Chloe grumbles.

"You aren't?" I ask her.

"No," she replies, "I'm just a really young adult."

"Really?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Yep," she says, snuggling under the blankets.

"Well I suppose adults aren't ticklish then are they?" I counter before I start to tickle her sides, both of us giggling like crazy.

"Give! Give!" she eventually cries out and I stop with the tickling before we both lay back down gasping for breath.

I realise Beth has gone into the bathroom and I inadvertently begin to pout.

She's in there under the water.

Naked.

Wet.

Very wet.

"What are you thinking about Harry?" a voice says.

"Um...wet," I reply absentmindedly.

"What?" they say again and I realise it's Chloe.

"The water's wet," I blurt out.

Chloe looks at me like I've grown another head.

Well.

I kinda am.

"Uh...I was just thinking that I hope the water's wet?" I offer weakly.

Chloe just stares at me in silence.

"Well what else would it be Harry?" she asks like I'm a first-class idiot.

I...oh...shit.

"You're right of course!" I decide to give her a huge smile and try and deflect from my stupidity, "we should probably get ready to go to the pool as well don't you think?"

"Ooh yes!" she exclaims in excitement, "I'll go and tell the boys!"

She jumps out of bed and quickly runs around but suddenly stops, coming back over to me to give me a kiss on the cheek.

"Love you Harry!" she says before racing off again.

Well damn.

I lay there grinning like a fool before I hear the water shut off from the bathroom, giving me a reminder that I should also get ready myself.

It doesn't take me long and I've just about finished grabbing some essentials and throwing them into a bag just as the kids make their way into our bedroom.

"We're ready to go Harry," Chloe sing songs as the boys follow her.

"Harry I'm hungry," Jamie grumbles, "what about breakfast?"

"Got it covered," I reassure him, "we can eat by the pool."

"No way!" his face lights up like it's Christmas.

"Yes way," I reply.

It's then that the bathroom door opens and out walks Beth, looking beautiful as always.

"Mum, Harry said we can get breakfast at the pool!" Jamie yells, "at the pool! Breakfast at the pool!" he repeats.

"Heard you the first time chicky," she replies kindly, "exciting I know!"

Then her gaze falls on me.

And then down.

And then up.

I knew the yellow shorts were the best choice.

She narrows her eyes slightly at me as I simply grin at her.

I'm gonna pay for this.

"I've got everything we need love," I continue to smile innocently at her, "shall we?"

She takes my hand and follows the rest of us as we head on down to the pool.

~~~~~~

The smell of chlorine hits as we walk into the pool area and thankfully it's not too crowded yet.

I start to look around for a spot for us and head in the direction of a free table in the corner when my arm is yanked back.

I turn around and look at Beth, finding a rather horrified expression on her face.

I'm really confused because I have no idea what's made her look like that and I quickly look around but I come up with nothing.

She seems to finally snap out of her daze and looks at me.

"Uh...where should we sit?" she asks me, so I point to the area where I was heading.

"Perfect, great," she replies as she lets go of my hand and begins to quickly walk over.

I watch her and at the speed she's going I'm surprised she's not going to break out into a run.

I mean, I know it's a great spot and all.

But still.

Beth is in full mum mode as she organises chairs for us all, telling the kids to put their towels on each chair to save them.

And then the boys are off.

"Are you coming in Harry?" Chloe pipes up, grabbing my hand with hers.

Yeeeeeeesssssss.

"I will in a second, I might go and chase up a menu so we can order something to eat for breakfast," I say, "why don't you go and test the temperature down on the steps hey?" I suggest instead.

"Okay Harry," she replies and skips off to the pool steps.

I turn around to see Beth busying herself with the towels though really, how many times do you have to arrange one on a chair?

Apparently a lot, judging by what I'm seeing.

I don't think she's going to turn around voluntarily anytime soon so I clear my throat.

Nothing.

"Beth?" I call her name quietly.

I see her shoulders slump a little before she turns around to me.

"Yes Harry," she says quietly.

"Are you okay?" I ask with concern.

"Of course, why do you ask?" she blurts out.

Because I know you're not.

And I also know I have to approach this delicately cause right now she looks like a horse that's spooked.

"You just...looked like you were going to throw up before, to be honest," I say.

Oh way to go Harold.

Of all the things you could say, that's what you come out with.

"Oh that!" she laughs and it's rather forced, "I just thought I left my hair straightener on."

Uh.

"Beth, you left your hair curly today," I gently point out.

"Well I was going to but then I thought, why when I was going swimming! Silly me!" she laughs again.

Okay.

I know I should let this go but it wouldn't be right if I did.

"Love are you sure you're okay?" I venture to hold her by both arms and look at her with concern.

She sighs before answering me.

"I am," she replies, "just...a silly random thought crossed my mind...out of the blue..."

Oh my sweet girl.

But don't think you're getting off that easily.

"Nothing you think is silly or random sweetheart," I smile before kissing her on the forehead, "but promise me you'll tell me later?"

Actually, that's probably not gonna happen.

"Or promise you'll let me pry it out of you later then?" I say, almost smugly.

Good one Harold.

"Maybe," she smiles up at me before she starts to take a couple of steps in the direction of the service area but I move my hands from off her arms and down to rest on her bottom.

"Have I told you how much I like this on you," I can't help but whisper into her ear, "I mean, really, really, like this on you," I repeat, "and that I'm also dying to see what's underneath it."

I know I probably shouldn't but my hands move under her short dress and squeeze her thighs in appreciation.

Who am I kidding?

I just want to get her naked.

Beth pulls away from me, a blush covering her face as she gives me a playful slap across the chest before she walks over to the café.

I watch her walk away and let out a small sigh.

You've got it bad Harold.

I reluctantly peel my gaze away from Beth and turn around to focus on the kids in the pool, thinking I should try and be somewhat responsible.

They're happily splashing about but I decide to walk over and sit on the pool's edge so I can keep an eye on them.

It's then I notice that Beth is having a conversation with a couple of young women, but I'm not entirely sure it's a friendly one.

The women seem to be glaring at her but Beth has a smile plastered on her face so I'm not exactly sure.

But then she walks off and I let out the breath I didn't realise I was holding in.

I'm not sure who I was more worried for then; what the women might have said to Beth or what she might have said back.

I know I wouldn't want to cross her.

I turn my attention back to the kids, earning the occasional cheeky splash from them, but my attention, as is everyone else's, is caught by some sudden nearby screams.

I almost think it's someone drowning when I spin around but all I can see is the two women who were talking to Beth earlier now floundering about in the pool.

And Beth walking away from them with a small smirk on her face.

Oh my naughty girl.

I hoist myself up onto my feet and walk over to meet Beth at the table, my eyebrows raised as I wait to hear her side of what I assume is going to be a story.

"Before you start, they said some not very nice things about my arse," she says, raising her chin as if she's daring me to question her actions.

But not if they've said some nasty things to my girl.

"Anything else?" I ask as I glance over at the women pulling themselves out of the water and then back to Beth.

"They called me pudding," she pouts.

I'm sorry...what?

They called her pudding?!

Oh that's priceless.

That's a few weeks' worth of material right there.

"Nothing wrong with my little pudding," I say as I pull her to me and cuddle her close, "I adore your wobbly bits love," I give her a kiss to cement my point.

"Ewww," Jamie says as he walks up and grabs a towel, Nick and Chloe right behind him.

Beth ignores Jamie and instead hands him a menu, shutting him up straight away.

The kids choose what they want and within a few moments our orders are taken, water bottles given to us and all with minimal fuss.

Bless those that don't make a big deal when I'm eating out somewhere.

No sooner has the girl that's taken our order disappeared as do the kids.

Think it's time we hit the pool.

"Fancy a swim?" I ask, hoping Beth will agree with me.

"Hmmm..." is all she says.

Right.

Time to pull out the big guns.

I move my chair closer to hers placing my hand on her thigh.

"I really do want to see what's on under this," I whisper in her ear as my hand moves closer to the inside of her thigh.

"Alright, alright," she slaps my hand away and stands up from her chair.

And here we go.

She takes in a breath and removes the dress she's wearing over her swimsuit and throws it on the chair.

Sweet holy mother of all that is Jesus.

If I could, I'd have her straddle me right now, leaving the swimsuit on but pulling the front down and just slipping it to the side so I can...

Ease up there Harold.

Remember where you are lad.

"Fuck you're gorgeous," is all I manage to breathe out.

Smooth Harold, real smooth.

For the second time this morning, Beth begins to blush furiously.

"Swim?" she says nervously as she points to the water.

"Sure thing puddin," I reply cheekily as I follow her towards the pool, turning around to face me once she's in the water.

"What's this 'puddin' business?" she narrows her eyes and scoffs.

"You're my puddin' and I'll happily eat you whenever you'll let me," I lean down and whisper in her ear, "or not."

Beth bites her lip and looks coyly up at me and I know she's thinking exactly what I'm thinking.

The last time we slept together.

"I can't wait to repeat what we did the other night..." I say.

"Well your birthday is coming up," she shrugs.

It is.

It is.

"What did you have in mind?" I ask eagerly.

"Better get your mum to babysit," she replies before she disappears under the water.

No.

Wait.

She suddenly pops up on the other side of the pool, a grin on her face.

I follow her lead, diving under the water and making a beeline straight for her, grabbing her legs so that she lets out a cute little squeal.

I'm about to dive for her again when something, or rather someone, hits me with full force, sending me flying.

I retaliate and lift Chloe out of the water and throw her into the air so that she lands with a huge splash.

Then it's on for young and old.

I'm so engrossed with winning a splashing fight with the kids that I don't notice that our breakfast has arrived until Beth calls out to let us all know.

The kids scramble out of the pool so quick you'd think someone had peed in it.

Beth starts to follow them but I have other ideas and I reach out and grab her around the waist, pulling her close until I have her back against the wall of the pool.

"Har-" she begins but my mouth is instantly on hers, stopping her from even finishing my name.

Her legs automatically wind around my waist, and she grinds against my groin ever so slightly, but it's enough to elicit a reaction from my cock.

"Sorry," I pull away before I lose what little sense of control I have left and rest my forehead against hers, "been wanting to do that ever since you walked out of the bathroom.

"S'okay," she says in a breathless voice, "hungry?"

"Not for food," I reply.

"Sorry to interrupt but could we have a photo with you please Harry?" someone startles us both and we look up to see a couple of young teenage girls looking hopefully at me.

You have got to be kidding me.

"I'll meet you over there hey?" Beth gives both me and the girls a dazzling smile before manoeuvring

out of my grip and swimming over to where the kids are.

Hey...uh...what?

I lean up on the pool ledge and give the girls a small smile as they take a few selfies before politely thanking me.

Their mother walks up and thanks me as well before she gently shoos them away and they walk off squealing as quietly as they can.

"Lovely family you have there," she says.

I look up at her.

"Oh they're not..." I begin but stop as I look over at Beth and the kids.

I turn around and look back up at the woman.

"They are, aren't they?" I find myself agreeing.

Because they are.

They are my family now.

She thanks me again before following her girls.

I chuckle to myself at how cute the girls are before I begin swimming back over to Beth and the kids.

And the same two women from earlier.

As I exit the pool, I catch on to what they're saying to Beth.

And my blood starts to boil.

"Of course she wouldn't be eating anything low in fat," the taller one says.

"Pudding for the pudding, right?" the shorter one agrees.

I'm horrified as I look at Beth and see the expression on her face.

"Beth what's going on here?" I interrupt, no longer wanting to expose Beth to these women any longer, though I'm sure she can handle them perfectly well without me.

"Oh Harry!" the taller woman gushes, "I'm such a fan!"

"Really?" I raise an eyebrow, "always happy to meet a fan."

Beth's mouth drops open in shock.

"Especially one that that's respectful to my girlfriend," I continue as I move smoothly in between them and throw my arm around Beth's shoulder before staring at both the women.

I notice the shorter woman can't look me in the eye anymore.

Good.

"Oh absolutely!" the taller woman continues, "I was just saying-"

"How much of a pudding she is?" I finish for her.

The shorter woman lets out a gasp and looks at her friend, a horrified and embarrassed expression on her face.

"I...uh...well..." the taller one stutters.

"I think we're done here," I finish, deciding I no longer wish to waste anymore of my time on these nasty women.

I give them both a glare before I turn around and guide Beth to her seat, "come near her again and I'll have you escorted off by security."

The taller woman goes to open her mouth however she's stopped by her friend who grabs her by the arm and pulls her away, telling her to stop.

I make my way over to Beth and sit down next to her before picking up my knife and fork.

"How's your crepe?" I ask, a mouth full of eggs, "looks pretty good."

"Oh...I um..." she stammers as she continues to stare at me.

I know exactly what's going through that pretty little her head of hers.

I see her swallowing as tears form in her eyes.

"Hey, it's alright love," I whisper, trying to lighten her mood, "I'll never knock back a bit of pudding!"

It has the desired effect and she laughs at my words as a couple of tears fall down her cheek.

"Love?" I lean over and kiss her shoulder before leaning my chin on it.

"He just...he would never...really defend me," she says, "not that he didn't love me, just...he didn't like to hurt anyone else's feelings," she explains, "he hated being in the middle, that's all."

I know love.

I know.

"It's just nice to be defended for once," she shrugs.

"See now this is the damsel in distress I needed yesterday!" I say loudly, making her laugh again.

"Oh Harry!" she wipes away at her eyes.

"Oh love," I wrap my arm around her shoulders, "I'd do anything for you," I say before licking my lips, "and for a bite of that crepe," I smirk.

Beth holds her fork up ready to defend her meal.

"I think not," she declares, "eat your eggs."

We continue eating and chatting before we finally finish breakfast and head back into the pool.

Well the kids head back in voluntarily, I end up throwing Beth into the pool.