"She's fast asleep," Harry said happily coming into the kitchen. "Completely worn out."
"She is well behaved," Ruth said, trying to convince him. "Did you love water when you were younger?"
"Not particularly," Harry said. "Lily's one of a kind."
"You're drenched," Ruth said indicating his clothes.
"It was worth it," Harry said. She stood up and rested her hands on his damp shirt. Painfully slowly she unbuttoned the first button on his shirt. Then she moved her eyes upwards, connecting with his. "Ruth…" he whispered hoarsely.
"You should get changed," she said quietly.
"Mm," he said nodding. "Probably should." Their eyes were locked, not blinking and neither of them moved at all. Then it was as if a light came on in her eyes. He'd seen that look in her eyes only once before and knew what it meant. She undid another button and her fingertips rested on his skin as she reached up to kiss him. A soft gentle fabulous kiss. She drew away and bit her lip, betraying her nervousness.
"Do you want to come upstairs?"
"Badly," he admitted. She smiled and quickly left the kitchen, leaving Harry watching the space where she'd been slightly awed. But after about five seconds he followed her upstairs.
Harry woke to a loud clattering on the window. "So it does rain here," he thought to himself. It was very comfortable, laying in bed listening to the raindrops on the glass with an arm around Ruth and her head laying on his chest. He should have known in retrospect it was too good to last. He groaned as his mobile phone rang. He'd left it in his trouser pocket and he moved to get it. He recognised the number and was very annoyed that the seawater hadn't damaged the phone beyond all repair.
"What?" Harry barked into the phone, annoyed that the grid had called and that they'd woken Ruth who was now sitting up looking at him. "Ros, does the country simply fall apart in my absence?" Harry's eyes closed as he absorbed what she was telling him. "How is he? Oh God. Look, I'll be there as soon as I can." He disconnected the call and then looked at Ruth who had sad eyes.
"You have to go," she said simply.
"The Prime Ministers been assassinated," Harry said. "If it were anything else I'd say no but I can't."
"I understand," Ruth said with a smile. "I wish I didn't Harry but I do."
He kissed her passionately and quickly before he started to get dressed. Ruth threw her dressing gown on, knowing Lily would be awake soon. She went into her daughters bedroom and saw Lily watching her. "Morning beautiful," she said.
"Swimming with daddy was fun," she said with a gorgeous smile.
"I know sweetheart," Ruth said. "I bet you're hungry now?"
"Yes," she said.
"Come downstairs then darling." Lily followed her and was midway through eating when Harry reappeared.
"I'm so sorry," he said quietly.
"Its not your fault," Ruth said. "Anyway, it'll give me incentive to start packing and sorting everything out."
"Are you sure you want to come back to England?"
"Yes I'm sure," Ruth said firmly. "I handed in my notice yesterday." Harry looked at her surprised. "I want to go home." He kissed her cheek gently and then turned, seeing Lily watching him with wide eyes. This was going to be the most difficult thing.
"Are you going?" Lily asked in an innocent voice. Harry crossed the kitchen and picked her up, holding her close.
"I am, but just for a few days," Harry said. "Then I'm coming straight back here."
"Why are you leaving?"
"There's a problem back home," Harry said. "I have to go. But I love you lots and lots, and I will be seeing you really, really soon."
"Promise?" she asked, her eerily similar eyes boring into his.
"I swear," Harry said. "If you think I've been gone too long you can throw as much water at me as you like when I get back. That sound good?"
"That sounds like fun!" Lily said with a giggle. Harry rubbed his nose against his daughters, making her laugh again. "Bye bye daddy," she said as he put her down and Harry wondered if his heart was actually breaking because he had to leave them. Lily was focusing on her toast as he turned to Ruth.
"I'm so sorry," he said quietly.
"I know," she said with a sad smile. "Come here." He kissed her softly and slowly. "Can I have some things shipped to your house while you're gone? I need to start packing. Not that I'm assuming I'll live with you, I just need somewhere to send some of my things."
"I don't mind," Harry said with a soft look in his eyes. "Do you really want to come back?"
"You were never staying out here indefinitely Harry," Ruth said. "I was planning to go home to the UK."
Harry nodded. "I have to go," he said quietly. "Ros has organised a flight for me, I have to be on it."
"Go," Ruth said softly. Her eyes were burning and he kissed her quickly before ruffling Lily's hair as she smiled. He threw Ruth one last look of longing before quickly leaving the house. Ruth wondered if her heart had gone with him.
There is an M rated part to this chapter, which I'll upload later this weekend. Hope you liked this!
