"Baby, baby, are you listening? Wondering where you've been all my life. I just started living."

Song: Adore You

Artist: Miley Cyrus

Halle, I...

I...

Harry's voice seemed to be caught in an endless echo trapped in my brain, the tentative and vulnerable tone of his voice torturing me more and more with the possibility of what he had been about to say. I desperately wished he had finished his sentence before he'd noticed the burning pancakes. Better yet, he would have ignored the charred breakfast and continued on anyway. Actually, even better, I would never have burned the stupid pancakes in the first place.

Those damn pancakes had been haunting me for days now.

The pancakes and the unfinished sentence that held so much promise but never was completed. The worst part out of everything was that I was almost positive I knew what he was going to say, but I hadn't gotten to hear the words. He hadn't said what I'd hoped he would say. He hadn't said that he loved me.

Not that it meant he didn't, but these days between that moment and now gave him the opportunity to think about it more and realize he didn't really love me. It gave him time to come down from the heat of the moment, to take a step back and realize that I wasn't the one he wanted to be with.

Again, I knew I was being irrational. Just because he hadn't said it or anything close to it in four days didn't mean he wouldn't say it eventually. My heart pounded in my chest at the mere thought of his beautiful lips forming the words, their meaning directed at me while his enchanting gaze burned into mine. It was all I could think about, all I wanted, all I needed.

No matter what he was thinking, these few days had given me time to really think about my feelings, and I'd reached the conclusion fairly easily. I knew if he were to say the words he'd been so close to saying, I'd say it back in a heartbeat.

I would tell Harry I loved him.

Even the thought of telling Harry that I loved him caused a massive reaction in my body. My heart pounded relentlessly, my breathing caught in my throat, and goose bumps rose on my skin. It was as if he were actually here, green eyes examining me closely while his palms trailed down my sides, their touch burning into my skin.

I longed to hear his deep voice say the words. It was like I could feel them on my skin, sitting on the surface as they melted into the layers and warmed me beyond belief. I could imagine the way his lips would feel on mine when he'd kiss me after saying it, and the way his thumbs would trail across my cheek. My insides already burned with the way he would look at me, his ever-burning gaze searing down to my toes.

But none of that had happened, despite my wishes. Each day that passed without any whisper of emotions made my dream seem farther and farther away. I didn't want to be the one to say it first because if he didn't feel it back, that would surely be the end of us. I'd rather put off telling him for a while than risk losing him, even if I felt stronger for him than he did for me.

I took a deep breath, shaking my hands by my sides as I stopped my pacing that I had been unaware of. I was overthinking everything, I knew. I had myself nearly convinced that's what he had been about to say, but in all reality I had no idea. My thought process was based on purely hypothetical situations with no evidence to the contrary of what I was thinking. I needed to just stop thinking about it before it started affecting how I was around Harry.

Harry, who had been so amazing the last few days despite stopping his potential admission. I'd spent every night of the weekend with him at his house, a fact that Maggie had been sure to tease me about when I finally came home late Sunday night. I'd laughed at her comment about how she was surprised I could still walk when in reality, I had to focus harder than should have been necessary on not wincing when I sat down.

Harry and I could easily go from playful and giddy to tearing each others' clothes off in about less than a second, a fact that we'd proven several times over the course of the weekend. I didn't specifically remember leaving the house, even though I know we did. We'd gone out to get some food at one point before hastily retreating to our little bubble and giving in to each other again.

It had been three days now since I'd spent the night with him, and my body was already feeling withdrawals from him. Not necessarily sex, but everything physical about him- the way his hands would tangle together with mine or the way his lips would press into my neck, the way he'd wrap his arm around me when we slept or how his leg would push between mine from behind, all of it. Even the gentle touch of his fingertips to my jaw was missed, and it'd only been three days.

I felt like I was losing my mind. I shouldn't be this attached to someone after such a short amount of time, but here I was with what felt like a half melted brain and a full heart.

I'd seen him over the last three days, but only briefly. We'd gotten coffee when we could, or he'd stop by my apartment for an hour or so before Maggie kicked him out so I would be forced to do my homework. The time I'd gone by his house and climbed into his bed while he was still asleep had been my favorite, because he'd curled his arm around me without a second thought and without being even fully awake. It was as if it felt completely natural to pull me against him, and it had made me feel so wanted, needed, and loved.

My heart warmed at the memory. A smile pulled at my lips as I remembered I'd finally be able to see him for more than an hour tonight. I had finished all my homework for the week and I didn't have class until after noon tomorrow, so I was hoping to finally get to spend the night with him again.

My phone buzzed in my hand, making me jump because I hadn't been aware I'd been holding it. A text flashed across the screen and I grinned even wider when I saw it was from Harry.

Harry: come over babyyy :)

A flash of giddy lightness flooded through me as I practically sprinted from my room and threw my shoes on. I shouted a goodbye to Maggie, who was in her room attempting to finish a paper and headed out the door, texting Harry as I walked.

Halle: coming :)

Harry: not yet ;)

I blushed as I read the text. Heat spread through my body, radiating from where he most liked to touch me at the thought of finally feeling his body again. I squirmed in my seat as I pulled on to the main road, my mind distracted by thoughts of what I'd be doing later. The haze that settled over my brain whenever Harry touched me was already starting to roll in as I stopped at a red light. A lazy grin fell across my face as I listened to the soft music flowing from my speakers.

It wasn't quite dark yet and there wasn't much traffic as I waited for the light to change. I glanced in my rearview mirror casually when headlights flashed behind me, my eyes drifting forward again before jerking back into the mirror.

Cold fear dripped through me, followed closely by confusion as I locked eyes with the dark brown gaze of Ben. My lips parted as a shaky breath fell from my lips as he continued to glare at me from behind the wheel of his car behind me. A flash of movement next to him jerked my attention to the passenger seat, where another wave of fear flooded over me.

None other than Miles sat next to him, a similar sneer on his face as he, too, glared at me in through the mirror. Both of them watched me with stony faces as a honk from behind them sounded, making me jump and causing my foot to press down on the gas. The green light glowed above me as I shot through the intersection, my mind reeling with fear and confusion as I drove.

Were they following me or was it just a coincidence? We were on the main road in a small college town, after all. The odds of them driving on it were pretty high. The next question that popped into my head, however, was not so easily explained away. How did they know each other? Were they friends?

In all the time I had known Ben, I'd certainly never seen or heard about Miles. Were they new friends, or was it just something Ben had never thought I needed to know?

I reached the corner I needed and turned sharply, trying to shake the fear and anxiety that persisted as the headlights from Ben's car illuminated the cabin of mine. My pulse increased when I saw them follow me around the corner.

My theory that it was a coincidence seemed less likely now as I took another turn that they followed. I was just down the block from Harry's house, but I suddenly was afraid to go there. I didn't want Harry to know about the trouble with Ben until I had come up with something to say to Ben to get him to leave me alone.

Ben was scaring me more by the day, and I didn't want Harry to be put at risk by knowing more than necessary. Besides, if I said anything to Harry, I had no doubt in my mind now that he would act. The thought of Harry getting hurt scared me more than Ben did, so I was determined to handle this myself.

Harry's house came into view now, and I could see the lights on through the open window. My internal debate of whether to stop or keep driving waged on as my eyes darted to the rearview mirror, the familiar headlights still reflecting in the glass. My body seemed to decide before my mind did as I turned sharply into his driveway.

Seconds seemed like hours as I watched their headlights approach and slow down to a drag, giving them enough time to both shoot me another hard look before driving away. There was no doubt in my mind now that they had followed me and that they knew exactly why I was here.

My blood seemed to run cold in my veins.

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes tightly and leaning my head back against my seat as I tried to calm my racing pulse. I needed to get myself together before I went inside, because Harry's uncanny ability to read me would surely give me away. After a few seconds of deep breathing and a few cautious glances behind me to make sure they were really gone, I climbed out of my car and slammed the door shut.

Harry opened the door before I was even halfway up the walk, his beautiful face appearing in the frame. He grinned at me as I walked up, my fear nearly disappearing now that I was with him.

"Hi," I said, smiling widely. His arms wrapped around my shoulders, tugging me into his chest while mine found their way around his waist. My cheek pressed into the warmth of his chest and I immediately felt safe.

"Hey," he returned, releasing me from the hug and ducking his head to kiss me. He meant to just give me a peck, but my hands rose to cup his jaw and hold his face against mine. I held him to me, desperately missing the feel of his mouth against mine and the way his lips folded perfectly together with my own. His long fingers wrapped around the sides of my hips as he tugged me closer.

His kiss melted away the little lingering bit of cold that had managed hang on in my veins, fire quickly replacing where the dark had lurked. My hands slid down from his face to rest on his chest as I pulled back, dropping back down to the flats of my feet after standing on my toes to reach him better.

"Someone missed me," he said with a smug grin. I blew out a soft laugh.

"Shut up," I shoved him lightly, my hand never losing contact with his chest. His hand rose to clasp over mine, bringing it to his lips once to press them against his palm before turning and tugging me inside.

He shut the door behind us before pulling me down the hall to his room. I followed him without argument, pleased when he flopped down on the bed and pulled me with him. His arm wound around my back as he tugged me onto his chest, my knees resting on either side of his hips as I laid on top of him. My elbows rested on either side of his head to hold me up while his hands settled on my back, his fingers shifting slowly over the thin fabric of my shirt.

I felt so content lying here with him, feeling his hands and body against mine while he looked up at me happily.

"How are you?" he asked simply, his eyes on mine. I focused sharply on not giving myself away.

"Good, and you?" I asked, dropping my lips to press against his chest lightly before looking back up at him.

"Perfect, now," he said quietly.

"Sap," I teased, my grin widening nonetheless.

"Heyyyy," he sang, narrowing his eyes playfully at me. I grinned at him in adoration as I took in how much I loved seeing him like this. A sudden idea struck me, and I bit my lip as I considered asking him if he knew that Ben and Miles were friends. Or, at least, knew each other.

I had just decided it wouldn't be a good idea when he caught the subtle change in my expression.

"What?" he asked gently. His thumbs circled at my lower back and one of my hands moved to pet through his hair. I opened my mouth to speak but stopped myself, trying to decide if this was a good idea.

"What, Hal?" he pressed further, his eyebrows pulling together slightly with concern now.

"Did you know..." I paused, rephrasing. "Are Ben and Miles friends?"

He stiffened beneath me, the mention of both of their names making him tense. "Why?"

His voice was sharp as he spoke, clearly not happy to be discussing them when I'd only been here for a few minutes.

"I saw them together," I told him. He blinked, his gaze hardening more.

"When?"

"Um, tonight," I answered.

"Where? What were they doing?" he pressed further. I swallowed, not liking the interrogation feel to this conversation.

"They were just driving together but I thought it was weird."

"Driving together," he repeated flatly. He sounded skeptical, which confused me.

"Yes, driving together."

He was quiet for a while, his mind clearly buzzing behind his beautiful face.

"Harry," I said gently, hoping to soften his suddenly hard tone.

"What?" I flinched at his harsh tone.

"Did you know they knew each other?" I asked. My eyes searched his intently for any sign of deception even though we'd promised not to lie. A promise I was barely skating by in obeying.

"No, I didn't," he said, sighing. His eyes didn't flinch from mine, and I got the feeling he was telling the truth.

"Okay," I said.

"Why are you so concerned about Ben, Halle?" he asked suddenly. I got the feeling that was the root of his issue. I blinked, surprised by his apprehension.

"I'm not," I said simply, shaking my head slowly.

"Really? 'Cause it seems like every time you see him, something starts to eat away at you," he said carefully.

He was right, but not for the reason he thought. There was something eating away at me with Ben, but it was fear, not lingering feelings for him like I suspected Harry thought.

"No, Harry, there's nothing with Ben," I said earnestly.

"Nothing?" he said sharply. I watched him incredulously. Where was this coming from?

"Nothing!" I said, my voice raising a little in exasperation. "I don't want Ben. I want you."

He didn't say anything as he stared at me. I couldn't help but notice his hands had stopped their careful patterns on my back and I tried not to feel disappointed. This had gone all wrong; I was supposed to be happily in his arms, talking and touching and eventually feeling the way only he could make me feel, not bitterly arguing about my ex-boyfriend that I never wanted to see again.

"You want me?" he asked quietly. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. How many times had I told him that I wanted to be with him? How many times had I said I didn't want anything to do with Ben?

"Yes, Harry, I want you," I said, softening my tone.

His eyes flicked quickly back and forth between mine and his tongue wet his lips slowly.

"Why does that get to you so much, Harry? You know I want you and that I don't want anything to do with Ben," I said, trying to understand.

"Because, Hal. I like you so much," he said, a hint of annoyance in his tone. I blinked again, unsure of how to take that. It should have made me happy, but his tone threw it off.

"I'm sorry?" I said, the uncertain tone making it sound like a question.

"Why are you sorry?" he asked, his eyes widening slightly in confusion.

"Well you just said you like me so much like it's my fault and you resent it or something," I said, trying to explain the way I had just felt.

"You think I resent you for making me like you?"

"That's the way you just made it sound..." I muttered, realizing I was, once again, probably overthinking.

"Halle, you're crazy," he said. It wasn't the first time he'd said that to me.

"Thanks," I mumbled sarcastically.

"I don't resent you for making me like you," he told me. I stayed silent, my eyes flicking back up to his after dropping to his chest.

"You don't?"

"No. That was going to happen no matter what, I think."

My heart thudded suddenly in my chest, my body reacting to his words before my mind could process them.

"Really?" I said, the volume stolen from my voice suddenly as my pulse rushed through my ears. He wasn't... about to say it, was he?

He swallowed as he watched me closely, his hands resuming their careful circles on my lower back.

"Really."

"Harry..." I trailed off, my eyes burning into his as I silently begged him to say it.

Please say it, please.

Say you love me.

Say you love me because I know I love you.

I could feel his heart pounding, just as mine was, against his ribs. His skin was hot beneath my fingers as they gently dragged through his hair and across his jaw. My actions continued automatically as my eyes stayed locked on his.

"Hal," he started, his lips parted as he took a deep breath. He blew it out in a ragged exhale before he spoke again.

"Hal, I love you."

I could hardly hear him over the pounding of my pulse in my ears and the shaky breaths ripping from my chest.

"What?"

"You heard me, Hal. I said I love you."

My mouth twitched at the corner, a smile threatening to split across my face as I absorbed his words. It was like a thousand fireworks had just exploded inside me, illuminating and igniting every single cell in my body.

"You love me?" I whispered, my cheeks aching with the effort of holding back my smile.

He sighed and rolled his eyes playfully. "Yes, Halle. I love you, dammit."

I couldn't stop the ridiculously happy smile as it burst across my features. My heart was pounding so hard that I knew he could feel it and my hands were shaking as they touched him, but I didn't care.

"I love you too, Harry."

"When you say you love me, know I love you more. And when you say you need me, know I need you more. Boy, I adore you."

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Thank you so much for reading and recommending! I love you all :)