They weren't thinking anymore. All rationale had been forgotten as Dempsey deepened the kiss between them. The kiss became more passionate as Harry locked her arms around Dempsey's neck as she reached further in towards him. Dempsey couldn't quite register what was happening and if his hand wasn't running through her hair, his mouth colliding with hers, he would have sworn it was a dream. He'd had so many after all. Harry couldn't believe what was happening. Her head was telling her to stop this, but her body and heart were screaming for more. But when she felt Dempsey's tongue clash with hers, she pulled away, searching his eyes and gasping for breath.

Dempsey felt Harry pull away from him, her bright blue eyes boring into his, full of confusion. However, her arms were still locked around his neck, his hands still wrapped around her waist as if neither wanted to let go. The silence stretched for what seemed like an eternity; neither knew what to say or do next. The only sound to fill the room was Harry's breathing, which had become somewhat erratic. These last few minutes made her feel more alive that she had done in a very long time. Dempsey had arisen feelings in her that she didn't even know she had, but at the same time she felt confused and worried; where would they go from here? What did Dempsey feel towards her? Had he discovered that she loved him?

Dempsey couldn't stand the silence any longer.

"I'm sorry Harry. I... I don't know what came over me."

Harry released her hold of Dempsey and her hands dropped to her sides. His words crushed her heart. He was saying sorry. Clearly, he didn't want the kiss if he was regretting it immediately. She felt his strong hands leave her waist as he stepped away from her, running his hands through his hair, not knowing what to do with himself. Harry stood rooted to the spot. She turned away, not wanting Dempsey to see her eyes which were now beginning to shine and brim with tears. She turned to the music player and switched it off. She then turned back around to the table, bent down to pick their two glasses up, which were still half filled with wine and disappeared into the kitchen.

Dempsey could hear Harry rinsing the glasses as he sat down on the sofa, sighing heavily, bowing his head and running his hands through his hair once more. He couldn't quite believe what had just happened between them – what was even more confusing what the fact that Harry hadn't resisted him. In fact, she has responded with passion like he had never seen. But now she was blanking him. The ice queen had returned, the barrier put up once more. The only problem was that now he knew what lay beyond that barrier, and how passionate and exhilarating she really was, he didn't know if they could carry on as before.

Harry felt humiliated and ridiculous. She thought he wanted that kiss just as much as she had. The feeling of being held by him, kissed by him, was one she had never experienced before. Robert had never made her feel like that, nowhere near. Yes, Dempsey had many faults, but just one kiss from him made her forget them all. She now knew why he was so popular with the ladies. But she wasn't going to be one of them. That was something she would have to accept. She was about to make her way back into the lounge, when as she turned, she saw Dempsey leaning in at the doorframe.

"Harry..."

"It's late, Dempsey. I'm going to bed."

"Harry, we need to talk about this."

"There's nothing to talk about. You apologised for it immediately. Let's leave it at that."

"Harry."

Harry had made her way towards the door, but couldn't get past because Dempsey was blocking her exit.

"Do you mind?"

"But-"

"I want to go to bed now." – A lump appeared in her throat.

Dempsey moved aside to let her through. She passed him, not looking at him once and headed for the stairs. She knew it was past midnight now, he probably wouldn't get a taxi for ages and he couldn't drive.

"You can leave the fire on in case you get cold sleeping there."

Before Dempsey had time to reply she was gone. He made his way back to the sofa, covering his face with his hands. He could still smell Harry on him. Her perfume, her shampoo, just her. Harry meanwhile, threw herself down onto her bed and let the tears fall.