Despite a long nap on the way to Peverell, Lily's exhausted. She turns down the bed after an eventful dinner full of conversation, replaying the events of the night in her mind. Not only was she able to catch up with Remus and Marlene, but the evening gave her a chance to get to know Sirius and Dora better as well since the seating arrangements set her at the opposite side of the table from James.

As much as she'll never admit it to James, she's had a nice time so far, and may even be a little thankful he worked hard to bring her here. It's been a long time since she's been able to let loose and relax.

Such is the life of running a small business, I suppose.

Lily sits on the plush king bed, admiring the elegant burgundy bedspread and sheets with a thread count so high she feels like she's swimming in silk. She's about to slide her legs under and curl up with the book she brought with her to relax when a knock on the door startles her. While it's not altogether late, Lily wasn't exactly expecting any visitors either.

Begrudgingly, she sets her book back down on the nightstand and shuffles over to the door. She looks down, fully aware she's dressed in her favorite flannel pajama bottoms and an old matching t-shirt.

"Who is it?" she calls from the other side of the door.

"It's Marls, open up."

Disappointment swirls in Lily's stomach at the sound of Marlene's voice. But why? It's not like she is expecting anyone, and even if she were, surely it'd be her best friend? Yet, part of her does wish it was James standing on the other side of the door.

She unlocks it and turns the knob, allowing Marlene to enter. "Is everything alright?"

"Sure! Why wouldn't it be?"

"I just wasn't expecting company, that's all."

"Company in general or me?" Marlene crosses the room and hops on Lily's bed. "Damn, a king? I only got a queen in my room. Not that I'll be using it since I'll likely be staying with Sirius tonight." She pats the bedspread as Lily rolls her eyes, not surprised in the least.

"Of course you are. I'm surprised they even gave you separate rooms in the first place."

"Eh, it's all about appearances. Sirius could give fuck-all about what his mum says—she's a real piece of work, mind you—but he does respect Mia's wishes."

Lily lets out a loud humph as she plops down on the bed, turning her body to lean against the headboard. "Is everyone on a first-name basis with James's mum except me?"

Marlene frowns. "I wouldn't sweat it, Lils. Once she gets to know you and sees how wonderful you are, she'll change her tune. It's probably because she's got Regulus in her ear."

"What's up with that anyway? Has Sirius mentioned anything?"

"What? About how close Mia and Regulus are?"

"That, and how Regulus acts whenever I'm around. He always puts on this possessive act near James and it's strange. Don't tell me you haven't noticed." The more it happens, the more it's getting under her skin, and Lily's not sure how much longer she can go without snapping back at him.

"Well, they all were rather close growing up together. Maybe he's just protective?"

She is not seriously defending that asshat right now!

"He doesn't act like that around you with Sirius."

"Yeah, but Sirius and Regulus don't always get along—wait. Are you saying you think Regulus has been bad-mouthing you to James's mum?"

Now she gets it.

"Would it really be so out of the question? It definitely can't be a coincidence the way she treated me from the rest of you—"

"Lily Jane Evans. Don't tell me you care what James's mum thinks of you. Where's Remus? Could this be you admitting that you do have feelings for that hot piece of arse after all?"

Even though Marlene has accused her of this many times before—and she's denied it every single time—there's something different about the question tonight.

"No! I mean, yes. Maybe! I don't know. I'm still annoyed that he manipulated so many people to get me here, but at the same time, I've had fun so far."

"Well, it's about damn time you opened your eyes. Have you not noticed the way he looks at you?"

"Can't say that I have, no."

But that was a lie. She has noticed the way his eyes search the room for her whenever he enters, and the way his attention falls solely on her when they're together. Her thoughts drift to the way he kissed her earlier that afternoon, and how he'd watched her across the table all evening. She thought they'd at least walk back to their rooms together after dinner concluded, but Euphemia had pulled him aside and Lily felt awkward lingering.

"You're so full of shit." Marlene reaches for a throw pillow and tosses it at Lily's head. "Anyone who's got eyes can see that you two are completely mad for each other. When are you going to get over whatever stigma you have about him and give in to temptation?"

Lily plays with the edge of the blanket and averts her gaze. "It's not that simple, Marls."

"It is that simple. You're overcomplicating things. James likes you, you like him. Aren't you at all interested in what the sex will be like?"

"Marlene!"

"My guess is mindblowing. Seriously, Lily, when's the last time you slept with someone?"

"That's not the point!"

"So what is, then? If you're so insistent that there's nothing between the two of you, then a bit of casual sex won't hurt." Marlene pauses before her eyes grow wide as if she's just had the perfect aha moment. "Unless you're falling in love with him."

"Please, Marls, are you listening to yourself? Me? In love with haughty, arrogant James Potter? No. Not even close," Lily scoffs.

Marlene quirks a challenging eyebrow in her direction. She opens her mouth to offer some sort of retort but closes it just as quickly. Lily is about to ask her what she wanted to say when a phone buzzes.

"Shoot!" Marlene digs around and picks up the device. "Oh, no, I'm late. I was due to meet Sirius five minutes ago."

She pops off the bed and rushes to the door. Before she leaves, she turns back to Lily. "This isn't over, Lils. Just think about what I said, will you? You're allowed to have fun too this weekend, you know?"

"I am having fun."

"You know what I mean. I'll see you in the morning, alright?"

"Sure. Don't stay out too late." Lily laughs as she wags a finger at Marlene, pretending to act like her mother.

"Can't make any promises," she retorts in a sing-song voice.

A moment later she shuts the door behind her and Lily flops back onto the pillow, allowing their conversation to permeate her brain. Maybe Marlene's onto something. Not about her being in love with James. No, that's ridiculous, but she can't deny how many times she's fallen asleep wondering what it'd be like to sleep with him. Ever since their baking adventure on Valentine's Day, when they were rudely interrupted by Dora and Sirius—and Regulus, but she refuses to include him in that mix—Lily's dreamt about how differently that day could have gone.

If he'd kissed her there in his kitchen, would things have gotten just as heated as they had on their date in the tent? Would he have picked her up and carried her to his bedroom to have his way with her? A wanting ache shoots through her body to her core. Sure, she could take care of the need herself, but James is right across the hall. And if Marlene is right about them, then maybe he wants her just as much as she wants him.

Unknowingly, Lily finds herself exiting her room and standing outside James's door. She makes three soft raps on the wood and waits with bated breath. It feels like an eternity passes with no answer and she turns to escape back to the confines of her rooms when a soft creak makes her pause.

"Lily?"

"Oh, um, yeah—"

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes, it's fine. I just—never mind. I didn't mean to bother you. I don't know what I was thinking."

She can't bring herself to look him in the face, embarrassed by even thinking he might want to see her after he's retired to bed for the evening. But then she feels his strong hand wrap around her arm and pull her into him. Her hands reach up to steady herself on instinct and when they rest on his chest she realizes that he's shirtless.

His chest is warm and firm under her hands and it's all Lily can do to not stare. Slowly, her gaze drifts up, meeting his hazel eyes. That's when she notices the tips of his unruly hair are damp and she's overwhelmed with the scent of soap mixed with teakwood. Her lips part, though she doesn't know what to say. Thankfully, James spares her the trouble.

"You're not bothering me." With that, he pulls her closer. "Are you sure you're alright? You seem...dazed."

Lily can barely keep her senses about her, but manages a snappy, "Well, I wasn't expecting you to answer the door half-naked."

"So, you didn't pop over here for what I'm hoping?" A seductive smile forms on his lips.

How can Lily become drunk off his seduction, but sober from his cockiness at the same time?

"Maybe I just wanted to wish you goodnight in person."

"Is that all?"

His lips hover tantalizingly close to hers and her eyes flutter shut. She's about to lose this battle of the wills, but isn't that what she came here for in the first place? Not that it matters because she doesn't remember anyway.

She leans forward, hoping he'll take the hint, sensing what she wants. Instead, he keeps up the charade of teasing her, remaining just out of reach. A small, frustrated 'oh' escapes her lips as her chin lifts up, now begging him to kiss her.

"James."

"Yes, love?"

"Kiss me. Please." Whatever is left of Lily's earlier negativity disappears as she no longer cares about pretenses.

All she wants now is to give in to temptation and not think about the repercussions. She's drunk off his touch, his scent, but it's not enough to cover up the sound of the four-letter endearment that escapes his lips. Though, she refuses to think about that now, choosing only to relish in the way his lips slide over hers, capturing her mouth with a greedy hunger she's never experienced before. Lust drives her thoughts as she nibbles on his bottom lip before opening her mouth slightly to let his tongue slide in.

Her arms slide up his chest to wrap around his neck, and in one fell swoop, James's hands drop from her hips to her bum, lifting her up to carry her inside. She wraps her legs around his waist as she hears the door kick shut behind them. It barely registers to her that she's in James's room when he lowers her onto his bed.

He's kneeling on the floor in front of her as she sits on the edge of the bed. His hand reaches up and his thumb gently caresses her bottom lip, his eyes meeting hers. "Lily."

"James." Her voice comes out as a whimper, begging him for more.

His fingers play at the hem of her shirt and she lifts her arms, inviting him to take it off. James obliges and as she bares herself to him, he lets out an audible exhale. "God, you're beautiful."

Lily watches as her top falls to the ground. "Even in my ratty old t-shirt?"

It's meant to be a joke, but the way James's eyes darken tells her he doesn't take it as such. "What t-shirt?"

His hands slide up her stomach, resting over the fabric of her favorite lacy purple bralette. A soft gasp escapes her lips as his head dips down to give her breasts much-needed attention through the thin fabric. She leans back, pushing her chest out to him while his fingers work to unclasp the delicate material, setting her free to be worshipped by his touch.

She clumsily reaches for the waistband of his sweatpants, wanting—no, needing—more of him. All of him. James takes her desperate hint, helping her spring him free before removing the rest of her clothes.

Lily tries not to focus on how long it's been since she's been with a man. If she allows herself to think, then she'll spiral, and her senses will remind her that this might not be a good idea.

But then, she's leaning back on the bed, James's muscular build hovering against her own as his length presses into her thigh. His hand travels down and he slips a finger inside her center, drawing an unsolicited "oh, yes" from her lips.

"James. Need you. Please."

Her words don't form complete sentences. Her mind's an incoherent, jumbled mess.

"Are you—"

"On the pill, yes."

His finger slips out of her core and she whimpers—fucking hell, she's whimpering—at the loss of contact. James draws her in for a soft, slow kiss, throwing their current frantic pace off-kilter. He inches his erection slightly forward but stops just shy of entering.

"Is this what you want?" Their eyes meet and she is sure James can see right through to her soul.

"Yes."

"Tell me. I need to hear you say it."

"I want you, James. All of you."

He wastes no more time after that. With one strong push, he's inside her, and Lily is fully consumed by everything that is James Potter.

When Lily awakes the next morning, she is cuddled into James's side. Her arm drapes over his stomach and their legs are tangled together. He is warm and very, very naked.

As is she.

She squeezes her eyes tighter as images of last night—or is it early this morning?—flood her senses. The way she'd come undone multiple times under James's touch, the way they'd explored each other's bodies into the wee hours of the morning, and the way she fell asleep in the comfort of his arms. This isn't a common occurrence for Lily. She's not even sure when she last fell asleep with someone else. The steady thump of her heart speeds up as implications of her actions pound in her head. One sentence outweighs all the others.

Now what?

Things are bound to be different between them now. It's no longer a series of flirting matches between them or a hot snogging session behind closed doors. They've slept together.

What does it mean? Are they in a relationship? Can they even manage a relationship without tearing each other's heads off? And what happens when she goes back to Belfast in a few weeks? Would long distance be worth it?

All the questions are making her head spin and nausea bubbles in her stomach. This is not the way she wants to feel, but the pit of doubt won't leave her alone.

Just take a deep breath. You don't have to figure anything out right away. Just enjoy the weekend. You're both adults, you can talk about it when the time is right.

As if on cue, James begins to stir. A soft groan rumbles in his chest as he dips his chin down and nuzzles the mess of hair on the top of her head.

"Mmm, so it wasn't a dream," he mutters.

Lily glances up to see the satiated smile widening on his face. She's not used to him being without his glasses, but she likes the way he looks as he blinks back the sleep from his eyes.

"No, it wasn't."

"And you're not a figment of my imagination?"

"That depends on how blind you are." Lily reaches over him to grab his glasses off the nightstand, but James pulls her down just as she wraps her hand around the delicate frame.

He cranes his head up to nibble on her neck. She giggles from the sensation and gently slides the glasses over his face.

"I believe birthday wishes are in order."

A childish grin erupts on James's face. "Thank you. Would it be appropriate for me to wish we could stay in bed all day and ignore any responsibility?"

"As much as I'd love that, it seems as though there are several festivities planned in your honor. I don't think your mum would appreciate you hiding away with me all day." She relaxes over him, nuzzling her face into his chest.

James groans. "Lily, don't ruin the moment, please."

"I'm only speaking the truth."

They lie there in comfortable silence until Lily checks the time. "What is on the agenda today? Besides the ball?"

"The day always kicks off with some sort of tournament."

"Oh? What kind of tournament?"

"Well, my dad and I started the tradition. It varies from year to year. Sometimes it's a football or polo match. One time he challenged me with a chess tournament," James laughs at the recollection, "and this year we'll be swimming."

"In March?" She thinks he's pulling her leg.

"Sure. We have a natatorium."

Lily can't help the eye roll. "Of course you do."

"As you know, English weather isn't always conducive to outdoor swimming, and since Mum enjoys her morning laps to stay fit, she had one built years ago."

"Must be nice," Lily mumbles, rolling off of James and sliding out from the warmth of the covers. "I should get back to my room and clean up. Wouldn't want your mum smelling the sex on me through all the chlorine."

She pulls on her discarded pajamas from the night before and makes her way to the door, avoiding James. Deep down, she knows it's not his fault he's rich, but once again, the conversation falls back on his family's wealth and she's reminded of all the reasons this could never work.

"Lily." James's voice stops her just as her hand reaches the handle. She pauses, waiting for him to go on. "Will you join me this afternoon? After the races?"

"Don't you need to be a good host?"

"My mum's the host. I'm the birthday boy. I think we can sneak away for a few hours."

"We'll see." She hears James laugh, but he doesn't offer a retort. "I'll see you in a bit then."

And with that, she slips out of his room and across the hall without a second glance.

An hour later, Lily finds herself sitting on a set of metal bleachers that she assumes has been rented to hold the guests who are awaiting the swimming races. She's seated alongside Marlene, with Dora and Remus sitting in front of them. James and Sirius are on the other side of the pool, stretching and preparing for the upcoming races.

As she watches him stretch an arm behind his back, his t-shirt rides up to expose his bare stomach. Lily does her best not to ogle him from the other side of the deck, but she can't help sneaking glances his way. At one point, he catches her eye and grins, and she can't help but smile back. They aren't as discreet as Lily hopes because Marlene clears her throat.

"Looks like someone's gotten over her haughtiness," Marlene smirks as she nudges Lily by the shoulder.

"If I'm here, I might as well enjoy myself." Her response is vague and elusive, causing Marlene to narrow her eyes in question.

"What aren't you telling me?"

"Nothing!" she says a little too quickly.

Marlene opens her mouth to argue but is cut off by the arrival of the men.

"Ready for the races?" Sirius asks, leaning in to kiss Marlene on the cheek.

"I'm sure they're ready to see you lose to me," James jokes and Lily can't remember ever seeing him so lighthearted and happy.

Lily laughs at the exchange. "Someone's a bit full of himself."

"I prefer the term 'confident.'"

"James! Shouldn't you be getting ready? They'll be starting the line-up in a few minutes." Lily turns to see Euphemia coming to join them, mimosa in hand and Regulus hot on her trail.

"We were just saying hello to the lovely ladies, Mum. Nothing to worry about."

"Ah, yes. Lily, you wouldn't mind if we joined you? I'd love to get to know you a bit better. Anyone who puts that wide a smile on my son's face must be special."

Lily's cheeks heat up and she offers a tight smile in Euphemia's direction. Though the woman's words sound sincere, something is underlying in her tone that Lily questions, especially after yesterday's less than stellar exchange.

Why does she want to get to know me now when we had all of last night's dinner yesterday?

"I'd love that." She fakes a bubbliness in her voice as she pats the empty seat next to her.

"We'd better be off. Wish us luck." James leans in and kisses Lily on the cheek before adding, "I hope you're ready for our date once this is over."

Lily quirks her eyebrows in question but doesn't get a chance to ask what he means before he's already halfway across the large room. She doesn't even have the opportunity to watch him peel off his warm-up joggers and shirt because Euphemia draws her attention straight away.

"So, Lily, tell me more about yourself," Euphemia begins.

Lily thinks about what she wants to say. Even James doesn't know much about her backstory, so she doesn't want to disclose more information to his mother if she can help it.

"I grew up in Northern Ireland and currently live in Belfast," she offers, figuring it's enough to start the conversation.

Euphemia nods while Regulus decides to throw his two cents in. Not that he knows anything about her life, which gets under her skin. "So that means you're returning soon?"

Lily resists the urge to scoff at him, keeping her tone prim and proper. "I've only made arrangements to stay through the beginning of April, though now that I'm participating in the London's Next Great Baker competition, that could extend my stay a week if I make it to the finals."

"My, that's impressive," Euphemia compliments, though her pursed lips give off the opposite vibe. "For so many credits to your name, I'm surprised you don't have your own shop."

"I do run my own business, but I don't have a storefront yet. I was supposed to open one last month but ran into a few...complications."

"That sounds positively dreadful," Regulus sympathizes, though his voice is devoid of any true sense of caring.

"Such is life."

"You know, Mia has some connections to investors in Belfast, don't you?" Regulus inquires. "Perhaps we could give you their names to help you get back on your feet when you return home."

The condescension in his tone has Lily seeing red, and even Marlene has turned her head to listen more actively to the conversation. It takes everything in Lily's power to remain civil even though she's fuming on the inside.

"Oh, yes, many connections! You say the word, dear, and I can have you squared away with your own shop and a reliable investor in no time. I'm always happy to help out a friend of my sweet James."

As if Regulus's snide remarks weren't enough, Euphemia's use of the word friend is almost enough to set Lily over the edge, but Marlene's hand on her shoulder grounds her and the blow of a whistle directs everyone's attention toward the pool. An announcer is calling the first heat of swimmers up to the blocks and as they await the first run, Lily offers the most dignified response that she can muster, effectively putting an end to the conversation after.

"Thank you for the offer, but I'd like to pursue the business on my own."

She notices Regulus shrugs his shoulders, but there's something about the smug smile on his face that makes Lily uneasy. There's no point in letting Regulus bother her. As far as she's concerned, he's just jealous and thinks he can one-up her with his status.

Well, he can fuck right off because I won't give him the satisfaction.

Instead, Lily focuses her gaze on the pool, and more specifically, a sexy and shirtless James. After last night, today holds so much promise, and she refuses to let Regulus or Euphemia ruin this for her.