Harry was getting bored now Leo had gone home. And he'd slept so well last night considering he was balanced between a plastic chair and a hospital bed but his mind was restless. He'd tracked down a few number puzzles but he was still too edgy and kept making mistakes. It was so frustrating. He wanted Nikki to wake up again. She remembered so much. Would she remember what he had said to her?
Would he have to tell her again?
Could he tell her again?
He couldn't do it now, not when she was recovering. He'd have to wait. He remembered the taste of her lips and the feel of her hands against his back..
"Oh Nikki," he said out loud. "Why can't there be a happy ending for once?"
She stirred in her sleep but didn't open her eyes.
He must have dozed off again, as the next thing he remembered was her calling his name again.
"Harry!"
"Mmm what?" he mumbled.
"Harry!" she cried again happily.
He lifted his head to look at her and was rewarded with one of the most fantastic smiles he had ever seen. It was one of her best ones, with a hint of humour and mischief, happiness and contentment, and the sadness banished to the far distance.
"Nikki, what is it?" Harry asked.
"I thought in the stories the handsome prince was supposed to kiss the princess to wake her up, not send her to sleep." Nikki said.
"I thought you didn't like fairy stories." Harry retorted.
"I said, I didn't like unrealistic endings." Nikki repeated.
"So you mean, the princess falling asleep for 100 years after the prince kisses her and ending up in A&E on New Year's Eve is more realistic" Harry explained.
Nikki let out a throaty chuckle. "For us Harry, I think it seems about right."
Harry let out a deep sigh.
She was back!
She really was back and …..
she remembered!
"Unless you'd be happier with a Greek Tragedy." Nikki asked.
"I really don't want to end up marrying my mother," Harry spluttered.
"Happy ending?" Nikki asked tentatively
"I hope so." Harry replied his eyes searching her face to try and find out just how much she remembered and how much she was fishing.
"I will always have hope." Nikki said seriously.
Harry sat up on the edge of the bed and took her hand. Do you remember it all, or would you like me to show you the highlights? A glint of mischief playing in his eyes now.
"I'm pretty sure I heard mention of a holiday, in the Bahama's was it and then later there was something about a desk and paperwork...?" she giggled.
Harry gazed down at her and moved his face close to hers as if he were going to kiss her. But at the last minute moved slightly and whispered into her ear, "You can have the holiday, my desk and I will do your paperwork forever, just promise you will never leave me."
Nikki was at first disappointed not to receive the kiss she had been anticipating but the tone of his voice so low, husky and serious in her ear took her by surprise. She cupped his face in her hands and looked directly into his eyes. She suddenly remembered how he had looked at her before she had collapsed. This time was just the same, and this time she couldn't blame the after effects of any drug. There was no other explanation. He really must be in love with her.
"I promise." she answered.
"Looks like I'll have to speak to Leo." said Harry seriously.
"What! You wouldn't leave!" she cried.
"No, seems like I'll be needing a new desk." he smiled.
Nikki punched him playfully on the arm.
Harry just leant down and kissed her.
"Harry, stop." Nikki said.
Harry quickly pulled away from her and inhaled sharply. Without daring to open his eyes he said.
"No, not again Nikki. Are you trying to kill me? I can't stop, not now, please you can't do this to me." he begged.
