Holy shit, is the first thing Harry thinks when the girl walks into the coffee shop. He glances up as the bell above the door jangles and catches sight of the fiery headed girl walking in. His brain stops working for a moment - he is so captivated by her.
Her loose white top billows, caught in the breeze of the closing door, moving slowly around her.
Then, too fast, the moment is over; she moves out of his sight. He's stunned, nerves fluttering in his stomach. Why are my hands shaking?
When she sits down at the table next to him, he tries not to stare, he really does. But she has gravity to her, as if she pulls all the light in the room towards her. You can see it in the glances flashing her way from around the room. Harry has to admit, she is entrancing. All long legs and casual grace. The freckles on her thighs disappear beneath her shorts. She catches his eye on one of his peeks, and gives him a small smile and nod.
He's scrambling to think up a reason to talk to her that doesn't come across as desperate when she finishes her croissant and tea and walks off. He watches her as she moves smoothly between the tables, enjoying the view but regretting not saying anything sooner.
He sighs. He's never had luck with women. He is absolute crap at talking to a girl let alone even getting up the guts to try. He tosses back the rest of his coffee, closes his book and moves out into the warm summer morning.
The day is perfect - one of those early summer days where the sun is hot and the breeze is cool. But Harry doesn't notice. Goddamnit, he sighs, kicking his bike into life. Shrugging on his helmet, he twists the throttle and shoots off in a discordant roar.
-{ooo}-
The second time he sees her he is barely prepared for the intensity of her.
She drifts up next to him, her presence hitting him like a summer storm. With practiced ease, she leans over the bar to grab a bottle of wine while the bartender's back is turned. She catches Harry looking, and winks at him, squeezing back into the crowd of people. A flash of red and gold among the dancing bodies.
She leaves behind the smell of lilacs and warm nights.
-{ooo}-
It is the third time he sees her that really counts.
He is sitting out by the marina down the road from the bar. He has a gentle buzz and has his head tossed against the back of the bench, watching the stars. She plops down next to him. Right next to him. He jerks up in surprise, catching her eyes. She is so close he can feel the heat of her arm, centimeters away from his. She leans towards him, her hair brushes along his arm. Nerves flutter his stomach again.
Well, fancy seeing you again, she exclaims, Three times in one day. I'm beginning to think I'm stalking you.
His thoughts stutter for a moment as his brain catches up. He smiles at her, I wouldn't mind you as my stalker.
She laughs then. Loud and clear. Her laugh is like a sunlit room, warm and comforting. She scrunches her nose up when she laughs, he notices. He's never wanted to make someone laugh more.
Intoxicating. She is intoxicating. He feels giddy. Drunk by her presence.
She's holding the bottle of wine out to him. Want some? We can enjoy my contraband together. You're practically my accomplice. Her eyes flash in the moonlight.
Guilty by association?
Guilty of harboring a fugitive, she corrects. For all you know I'm on the lam.
They sit in silence, passing the bottle between them. The wine makes Harry feel heavy, warm. Content.
She leans against him slightly. Just a gentle touch on his arm. He holds very still. Afraid any movement will have her startling and shifting away.
I've been coming here with my family for a few years now. My ma, my dad, brothers. But they're all coupled off now. I'm close with a few of their wives, friendly with all of them but I still get bored sitting home all night. I need some adventure. So here I am, adventuring.
Adequate reasoning, he surmises. You have your adventure drink, gesturing at the wine, your adventure gear, gesturing to her bathing suit, your adventurer pal… friend… companion? he says, waving in his general direction.
She jumps off the bench, swinging around. Yes! Adventure companion! I declare - let us go swimming! Can we go swimming? I'd love to go swimming! I know not here, it's gross, but somewhere nearby maybe? Are you from here? Do you know of a good spot? Anywhere we could walk to?
Harry laughs as the words tumble out of her mouth. I have a boat, he says quietly, not wanting to be presumptuous.
She lets out a whoop. I knew I liked you for some reason. Linking her arm in his and dragging him off of the bench she says, don't forget the wine!