THAT PARIS WEEKEND CHAPTER 18

"Oh My God, Harvey! Morning sex is the best sex!"

Breathless, her body physically spent and glowing, Donna brushes the hair from her face as she slowly rolls onto her back. He's just inches away from her, but just to be sure, Donna instinctively extends her arm to rest across his chest.

"For someone who's not a morning person, you're really something else, you know that?" She turns to compliment him with a breathy smile.

The truth is, it's not really morning sex that she loves. That's just the cherry on top. What's best is waking up tangled in Harvey's arms and hearing his sleepy breath. Every morning together strengthens their bond and reinforces that he's finally hers and hers alone.

Harvey is equally spent, his face and body glistening from this morning's activities. He's very quickly learning that Donna is, most definitely, a morning person. And it's something he's going to have to get used to. It won't be too difficult though. Waking up next to her, fresh-faced with no make-up, is one of the best things he's ever experienced. Without her lip gloss and mascara, she looks younger, cuter, even. Her freckles and the sparkle in her hazel eyes hinting at what Donna would have looked like if he had met her at university.

"Actually…," he says, his chest rising and falling to slow his breath. "Donna sex is the best sex," he grins. There's a comfortable playfulness in the way they interact now. Every day, he notices, they're moving towards something deeper, even talking more freely about the intimacy they share.

Harvey also realizes he doesn't want to go into the office this morning. He could stay like this all day. Another change. In the past, he's never let a relationship alter his plans, especially when it came to his career. The law has been his first and all-encompassing love. In fact, he'd often use office responsibilities as a crutch, a reason to keep his distance.

With Donna, however, it's been just the opposite. That should have been his first clue all those years ago. He used work as an excuse to keep her in his life, even going so far as to pay her salary from his own, just to have her near. Donna and his career have been inextricably linked ever since.

Harvey thinks back to the conversation he had with Louis on the weekend. Louis advised him not to wait, and he's taken that to heart. Donna needs to meet his mother, Marcus and the kids. But given how it all went down the last time his mother met a girlfriend, the entire thing makes him a little nervous.

"Har-vey…" Donna groans, dragging his name out and jolting him from this thoughts. "As much as I don't want to, we've got to get going at some point."

"We have time. Care to join me in the shower? I can make it worth your while," he flirts, his voice low.

"Shower sex? Ugh, there's no woman on the planet who enjoys shower sex," she informs, dismissively shaking her head.

Harvey's eyes go wide, a smile simmering on his lips. He can't wait to hear this. Propping his head onto his elbow, he faces her.

"How can you not like shower sex?" he asks. "It involves hot water and all the best body parts… what's not to love?"

"First of all, someone always gets cold." she states.

"Well, you're supposed to share the water," he explains, as if he has an instruction manual handy. "And, the goal is to feel warm on the inside."

Her red hair messy across the pillow, Donna, unconvinced, disagrees with a shake of her head.

"Then, there are tiles, slippery tiles," she continues. "Trust me, there's nothing sexy about a naked butt rubbing against stone and grout, cleaning it like some sort of sponge."

Harvey can't help but chuckle at her dramatics.

"How is that different than doing it on a stone countertop?" he challenges, delving into the logistics now.

"Well, you're horizontal on a countertop," she explains. "There's a height difference in the shower. If you're unfortunate enough to be dating some tall guy… it becomes more Cirque du Soleil than Fifty Shades of Gray."

"Your mind is very interesting, you know that?" he says, giggling at Donna's unique way with words. "You've really thought this through, haven't you?"

He lies back down, wraps an arm around her to draw her near. For all the off-the-wall conversations they've had over the years, this kind of sex talk is definitely new. Sure they've flirted, but there's an unleashed, naughty side to Donna that's adorable and fun and, as Harvey is discovering, also quite a turn-on.

"I most certainly have thought it through…," she responds unapologetically, her head resting comfortably on his chest now. She's no lawyer, but she's laying out a solid case this morning.

"And unless you're turned on by a woman in a shower cap, wet hair is a total pain in the ass for us long-haired gals. Sheep dog hair is not sexy!"

"Sheep dogs might beg to differ," Harvey deadpans, straight-faced and ignoring her point. "And I'd have sex with you in a shower cap."

"No, you wouldn't," she laughs back. "Because you will never see me in a shower cap." She's trying to sound serious between giggles, but she knows Harvey isn't buying it. "So… since the shower is out, where else could we do it?"

"At the office…" he states, without a second thought. It's crossed his mind a time or two.

"Really?" She's had a few of those fantasies herself. "Like you don't spend enough time there already… where exactly?"

"Definitely your old cubicle and my couch… along the name partner wall… the rooftop, maybe, … elevator, for sure, and against my record collection shelves…"

"Rooftop? You have given this some thought, haven't you," her voice is almost congratulatory.

"I most certainly have…," he's very happy to admit. "Now tell me yours, because anyone who thinks that much about shower sex..."

Pulling the bedsheet with her, Donna props herself up on her elbow, her face inches from his.

"At the office? You really want to know?" she whispers, seductively biting her lip as her red locks fall to the side. Harvey knows she's teasing and, biting his own lip, he nods enthusiastically.

"My office at night… with just my lamp on and the stereo playing. The island in the executive kitchen, but only if the countertop is warm and the lights are dimmed. Definitely the elevator, the one next to reception is the slowest and the ceiling is mirrored. And anywhere in the law library… as you know, I like to read," she jokes. "Oh and also… after hours at Hermès… handbag department."

Harvey raises his eyebrows and shake his head in amazement. He saw a little of this side of Donna in Paris, but her quirkiness still manages to catch him off guard.

"Seriously? That's your list? Hermès…why am I not surprised? That's pretty adventurous, Donna, I have to admit."

"You know who's adventurous?" Donna can barely wait to see his reaction.

"Who?"

"Louis and Sheila."

"No, Donna…don't even…" He's waving this topic away.

"You'd never know it to look at them," she interrupts. "But those two are swinging from the chandelier. Louis told me once that they role-played 'name partner and secretary'… and he was the secretary."

"Jesus, Donna! I don't need to hear this…" he winces, like he's just heard fingernails on a chalkboard.

Harvey has a meeting with Louis later today, and the less he can visualize, the better.

"Just so we're clear, I saw a lot more of Louis than I needed to when we went mudding," he complains.

"Alright, alright.…" Donna huffs. They lay quietly together, legs tangled, her arm embracing him while Harvey runs his hand up and down her back. Drowsiness from their lovemaking now setting in. Donna feels his body relax and she gently kisses his chest, her hands trailing across the muscles of his abdomen.

"You know what else?" she asks.

"What?" he mumbles, his eyes closed, savouring their last few minutes in bed together.

"The file room…" she starts. "That's where Mike and Rachel first did it… against the shelves."

Harvey opens his eyes and peers down at Donna, who's now smiling up at him. She knows these kinds of personal details, especially about colleagues, make him crazy.

"The file room, role playing?! Why is everyone telling you this stuff?" Harvey asks in mock horror. "Are you suggesting that strawberries and whipped cream are not adventurous enough for you now? Do I need to step up my game?"

Donna chuckles and wraps her arm protectively around Harvey's waist.

"To each his own, Harvey." Her eyes are now gentle on his. "I've never needed strawberries and whipped cream, not even back then," Donna confides, delivering a sweet kiss to his mouth. "Believe me, you don't need any help, you're one very sexy man, all on your own."

"Really? You sure about that? I could throw a few handbags around the room here if that helps?" Harvey teases, leaning down to kiss the top of her head.

"Nope. And you're even sexier now. Just some Name Partner and COO action is fine with me," she giggles.

"But not in the shower…" Harvey gives it one last effort.

"Never in the shower…" Donna confirms.

"Hot tub?" He throws it out there.

"Ugh, that's even worse!"

"So… that's a no?"

"Harvey!"

xxx

For the first time since Paris, Harvey and Donna exit the elevator together and step out onto the 50th floor. They're both feeling increasingly settled with their new status, and Donna is more confident now that she knows Samantha's view on office romances. While they are not exactly close friends, Donna does respect Samantha's opinion, both as a professional and as a woman.

Standing at reception, Harvey hands Donna her coffee before they head their separate ways. Taking it, she leans in close to whisper in his ear.

"I'll never look at that name partner wall the same way again," she smirks.

"Yeah, I'm going to have problems in the library today," he whispers back with a smile.

With a hot coffee in hand and a fabulous handbag over her shoulder, Donna turns on her heel and saunters down the corridor, her hips moving with their familiar sway. Harvey can't help but watch, stare actually, until she's out of view.

"Good morning, Harvey," Samantha says, breaking his concentration with a knowing smile. "I trust all is well?"

"Hi Samantha." Harvey nods once in silent acknowledgement of the personal information they share about one another. "Things are good. You?"

"Actually, I'm feeling pretty optimistic these days," she remarks. "Thanks for asking."

Coffee in hand, Harvey turns around to take the long walk to his corner of the building.

xxx

After a quick visit to her desk to pick up some files, Donna heads over to see Louis for her first meeting of the day. As the new managing partner, he had requested a review of the current employee policies, and Donna wants to bring a few issues to his attention.

"Hi Donna, have a seat!" he says enthusiastically as he pulls himself closer to his desk. "Did Harvey tell you about our mudding date? I think he actually enjoyed himself."

"He did…" Taking a seat, Donna is slow with her response, wondering how much Louis knows.

"Louis… before we get to this, I need to tell you something," she pauses, her fingers fiddling on her lap. "Harvey and I… we're together. You know this has been a long time coming... It happened in Paris." She waits for a reaction, but Louis doesn't have one. There's just a tiny smile on his face, so she continues, "But I want you to know that it will be status quo at the office. Nothing will change in terms of my abilities as COO."

"I already know," he whispers as he leans towards her. "I suspected something had changed between you two and Harvey all but confirmed it. Not to mention you've been glowing all week."

Donna's eyes widen in surprise. "Did Harvey say something? I told him not to tell anyone until I was ready."

Louis opens his mouth, but then pauses, remembering that Harvey had warned him.

"No… he didn't, but I had questions about why we fired Thomas Kessler and Associates. For months, Harvey's been impossible to be around, and all of a sudden he's calm and relaxed and happy?" Louis confidently states, his face breaking out into a smile. "You think I didn't know you had something to do with that?"

Donna tilts her head and gazes at Louis with appreciation. She lets out a breath, realizing how unsettled she's been about all of this. Thomas's company being dropped, however, is news to her.

"For the record, I'm happy for you and for Harvey," he says, his eyes warm and affectionate. "I've always believed you two were meant to be together. And you both deserve happiness outside of the office."

"Thanks, Louis."

Louis taps his fingers on his desk and continues.

"As for work, Donna, I have no doubt you'll handle things with the utmost professionalism… Harvey, on the other hand...," he jokes.

Donna giggles, relieved. "Thanks, Louis. I'll keep him in line, you have my word."

xxx

Donna's words have been playing on Harvey's mind all day. Yes, she'll move in with him, but not without first meeting his mother. The last time Lily met a girlfriend, it didn't go so well. This time, Harvey wants to make it very clear to his mother that Donna is not just a girlfriend, she's more.

Sitting back in his leather club chair, he takes out his phone.

"Hi Mom."

"Harvey! So nice to hear from you. How are you?" Lily's voice ringing with surprise and excitement.

"Good, Mom… great actually."

"Really? Well, that makes me happy to hear. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

"Well, first, I just wanted to check in… everything ok?"

"Everything's fine. Bobby and I have been helping Marcus out with the kids, and they seem to be adjusting as well as can be expected," she says. "He's got his own apartment near the market and Katie and the kids are in the house. It hasn't been easy, but we're managing.

"Good, that's what I want to hear." Harvey clears his throat, memories of his own family breakdown and Bobby's role rattling his brain. It's not lost on him that both he and Donna have been through this kind of hurt. He's determined to never let it happen to them or to the family he hopes to have one day.

"What else is on your mind, son?"

"Mom, I want you to meet someone, well, Donna. I know Marcus has mentioned her, but… I'd like you to get to know her…"

There's a silence on the line.

"Harvey… I'd love to… Donna is your someone special, isn't she?"

"She is… she's more than that actually… a lot more."

"Really? I am so happy…. and relieved, if you want to know the truth," Lily admits. "I was afraid that what happened between us was the reason you've never settled down. I can't wait to meet her. How did this happen, sweetheart?"

"I have a lot to tell you, but Donna and I… it's been a long time coming, and I guess I finally got the courage. She really wants to meet you too, Mom."

"Ok. Would you two like to come here for a night? Maybe this weekend? Marcus has the kids. We could have dinner and spend some time getting to know her."

"I'll check with Donna, but I'd like that."

"I can't wait to see you. I love you, Harvey."

"Love you too, Mom."

xxx

Donna walks into her apartment and drops her keys on the glass table at the entrance. Harvey is already there after leaving the office early for an offsite meeting. He's sitting on the sofa nursing a glass of scotch. Donna can see the dining room table is set for dinner.

"Well, this is a surprise," she says, expressionless, as she kicks off her shoes. "I thought you were going to be late."

"My meeting ended early, so I thought I'd get a jump on dinner here." Harvey can sense something is on her mind. "I broke in with my new key."

He grins, but notices she's not returning it.

"Long day?" he asks, as he walks over to give her a kiss. Donna obliges but then quickly leans back.

"Why didn't you tell me you fired Thomas Kessler and Associates?" she asks. Harvey is taken aback. Not by the question, but by her tone.

He presses his lips together and tenses his jaw. "Why does it matter? He needed to go."

"But he's not your client, he's Alex's," she challenges.

"And I gave him one of mine to make up for it," Harvey says suddenly feeling defensive. "I thought you'd be happy he's gone."

"This is exactly what I was afraid of. My personal life affecting business decisions, yours and now Alex's." Donna is clearly frustrated.

"I fired him," he clarifies. "He lied to me, to you and to Louis."

"If we fired every client who's ever lied to us we'd be out of business," she says. "You did this because I was dating him and you didn't like it!"

"Fine. I admit it, I didn't like it. And I also didn't want you to be the reason he destroys his family," he says, exasperated.

"What?" She steps back in disbelief.

"Donna…" Harvey steps in, reaching for her arm." He didn't just have a wife and son. His wife…she's pregnant, they're expecting another child any day now... and Thomas was preparing to leave her."

Donna's eyes instantly tear up. "What? Why did you keep this from me? You didn't think I could handle it?!"

"No! I didn't think I could handle it!" Harvey snaps back, his palms open towards her. "I saw pictures of you two together, dancing and… kissing… you thinking he was honest… and then pictures of him with his family, holding his wife's hand and touching her belly. I couldn't take it!"

"And so you fired him," she says, wiping a tear from her cheek. "To keep him as far away from me as possible. I could have handled it!"

"It was more than that. To also keep him away from the Firm. Vanessa discovered that he was involved in a few shady deals. Guys who operate that way in their personal lives do the same in their professional lives. He wasn't worth the risk to the Firm... and to you." Harvey is sounding calmer now. "It was as much a business decision as it was a personal one. You know that not everything is black and white."

Harvey searches Donna's eyes, hoping she understands. He's often operated in the gray to make things right, trading in the professional for the personal. This is nothing new.

Donna exhales in frustration, her eyes traveling around the apartment. Then she catches Harvey's gaze.

"I'm sorry," she says, looking at him through wet lashes. "I overreacted. I just don't want you to keep things from me. I want us to work, and it won't if we keep things from each other."

Harvey exhales and drops his shoulders. "Ok, I'm sorry… you were so hurt in Paris, I didn't think telling you the rest would help," he says as he pulls her in for a hug. His arms wrapped securely around her.

"And I'm sorry you had to lose a client for that," she says, her voice muffled as he presses her close.

"Yeah, well, clients come and go, but there's only one Donna and she's irreplaceable," he says, tightening his embrace.

After they both feel a little calmer, Harvey takes her by the hand and leads her to the sofa. "Wine or scotch?"

His question stops Donna in her tracks. She realizes that Harvey really is ready for the next step. They've each lived alone for a long time. Now that they plan to move in together, there will have to be compromises and acceptance of who they are as individuals. Throw pillows and record collections. Sports memorabilia and pretty soaps. Wine and scotch.

"Definitely wine," she says, dropping to the sofa, and tucking her feet under her thigh. Harvey waits for Donna to take her first sip before starting.

"So… I talked to my mom today," he starts. "Wondering if we could go for a night this weekend to spend time with her, Marcus, the kids… and Bobby."

Setting her glass on the coffee table, Donna looks at him cautiously. "You ready to accept that?"

"I'm trying to…" Harvey sighs, as he leans back on the sofa, his arm extended across the top.

"It's time, Harvey," she says, gently placing her hand on his leg. "Didn't you just say that not everything is black and white? Time to let it go."

He nods, trying to process what that might look like.

"You ready to meet my mother?" he asks, knowing that Donna has heard the worst about her.

"I am," she says confidently. "And I'm going to let her know how lucky I am to be with her boy."

"Thanks, Donna." Harvey says, her words warming his heart because she always knows just what to say.

"I talked to Louis today, told him how you're desperately in love with me," Donna says grinning. "He's very supportive... How do you feel about a double date sometime?"

"Fine, as long as it doesn't involve mudding or role playing," Harvey says sarcastically. "Have you talked to Robert?"

Donna shakes her head "no", as she nestles closer to him on the sofa.

"He'll be fine… Mike and Rachel met at the office… I bet he has no idea what went on in the file room, though," Harvey jokes.

"And let's make sure he never will!" she giggles. "So… Boston this weekend?"

"Boston this weekend," Harvey agrees.