Note: I'm sorry that this took so long! Thank you so much for your comments. They keep me motivated!
Donna let out an audible gasp as her eyes popped open. She blinked rapidly, forcing her eyes to adjust to the brightness around her. When the blurry room came into view, a room that definitely was not her own, she sat up in a rush.
Where am I?
Her senses were on high alert as her heart pounded in fear. She racked her brain, desperately trying to remember the night before. Fragments of foggy memories swirled around her head, but none of them were complete. They were also all intermixed with the dream she was having right before she woke up. A dream…that involved her, Harvey, and a can of whipped cream.
Donna kicked her way out of the tangle of soft sheets and slid off the bed. Her head was pounding and her stomach lurched at the sudden movement, but she didn't stop moving until she crossed the room. Finally taking a good look at the minimalist surroundings, her pulse slowed and she let out a sigh of relief. She was in Harvey's room. The dark suit hanging from the closet door was a dead giveaway.
Her relief only lasted a few seconds, however, because reality soon set in. How did she get in his room? In his bed? Fragments of the dream drifted back into her mind, but no, they couldn't be real. She ran her hands down her hips. She was still wearing her dress from the night before, along with her underwear and bra. That was a good thing, because the dream definitely didn't include her wearing any clothes.
With a groan, she sat down on the end of the bed. She needed answers, but first, she needed the room to stop spinning.
Despite the fact that his year-long relationship had ended just 12 hours before, Harvey woke up in a great mood. For the second time in a week, his family had spent the night under one roof. His brain urged him not to get used to the idea, but his heart didn't get the memo. For the first time in a long time, things felt right. The missing piece that had been lost over the years had been returned. He didn't want that feeling to end.
Lizzie, who was standing at the stove beside him, nudged his side with her elbow. "Dad, the chocolate chips are burning."
"No they're not." He stepped away from the stove so that she could get a better view. "See, you need to wait until the batter bubbles, then you can flip them." He handed her the spatula and then was quickly nudged on his other side by a bony elbow.
"It's my turn to flip!" insisted Anna. "You keep giving her more turns."
Lizzie reached across her father to hand her sister the spatula. "He probably just forgot about you again."
"I did not!"
"You kinda did, dad, for 9 years."
Like a leaky faucet, Harvey's good mood slowly dripped away. So far, the girls had been so happy to be together that it was easy for him to forget the complicated history that went with it. They weren't okay, and he wished there was someone else to blame. Someone…other than himself.
He glanced towards Anna with a serious expression. Now that he knew she wasn't Lizzie, he was having trouble connecting with her. She was quieter than her sister and shy when it came to him. They didn't know each other yet. Not really. He was determined to change that. "I could never forget you."
Anna was busy flipping the pancake. She wouldn't look at him, but he knew she heard him. "Or you," he told Lizzie. "You guys take turns flipping. I need coffee."
Lizzie looked at him as he walked away. "Can we make these by ourselves next time?"
"And risk you burning the building down? Not a chance."
Grabbing two mugs and the coffee pot, he poured himself a cup and was busy pouring one for Donna when a burst of red slid past his vision. Still pouring, he looked up to find Donna standing in the kitchen doorway. His eyes involuntarily moved from her face down to her body. She had stolen one of his long sleeve white dress shirts. It fell to the tops of her thighs where a black pair of his boxer shorts peaked out. His mouth went dry at her appearance.
"Harvey, the coffee!"
He heard nothing but his heart pounding in his ears. Her hair was a mess and her eye make up was smeared. She looked like she'd spent the night getting properly fucked. He knew that wasn't the case, but his groin stirred at the idea anyway.
"Harvey!"
Her harsh tone finally snapped him out of his stupor. Coffee had overflowed the mug and was dripping over the counter and onto the floor. "Shit," he gasped, as he lifted the coffee pot up. He quickly cleaned up the mess, trying to ignore the fact that her bare feet and bare legs were now right beside him.
Donna arched a playful brow and took one of the mugs. "Thank you for the coffee."
He was grateful that she seemed to take pity on him and not mention his embarrassing screw up. Wordlessly, he reached into the cabinet for a bottle of vanilla and slid it towards her.
"You're a god among men," she gushed. She put a splash of vanilla in her cup and then, in a habit born out of years of experience, she poured some into his cup too.
"It's good to know some things never change," murmured Harvey, once he was able to speak. "That's…an interesting choice of outfits." He could get used to her wearing his clothes.
Donna sipped at her coffee with a smug smile. "I felt gross in my dress. Which reminds me, how did I end up here?" She lowered her voice to an almost whisper. "In your bed." Giggles erupted from across the room, drawing her attention to her daughters. "What's so funny?"
"You were like…so drunk, mom," Anna told her. "You fell asleep in the car and we had to help dad carry you to the elevator."
Donna's eyes widened. "No."
Lizzie beamed. "Yes! You don't remember? You made us put you down in his bed."
"What? No way." Donna bit her lip as she glanced between the girls and Harvey. "None…none…of that happened," she stuttered.
Harvey chuckled as the images from the night before popped into his head. "Well, it's three against one, so you're outnumbered. Don't worry, I slept on the couch like a perfect gentleman."
Donna closed the gap between them so that she wouldn't be overheard. "Since when are you a gentleman?" Her breath tickled his ear, doing nothing to alleviate his sudden arousal.
His initials were embroidered onto the sleeve of his shirt. He caught a glimpse of it just above her left wrist. It was like she was branded as his. She had been his, at one time. Now, all he could think about was how she could be his again.
"I had to set a good example for the girls." He glanced back at them only to find that they were intently watching. Their inquisitive gazes sobered him up. He quickly stepped away from Donna. "I think we're ready to eat. You guys grab the plates, I'll grab the whipped cream."
Donna, who had been mid sip of her coffee, sputtered and coughed at his words.
"Are you okay?" he asked, as a blush spread across her cheeks.
She refused to meet his eyes. "It just…went down the wrong pipe."
Harvey cocked his head to one side. "I don't believe you."
Donna was suddenly jittery. "Can we just eat?"
"Sure, just don't ruin my shirt. I just had it dry cleaned," he teased.
Instead of the table, they ate at the long breakfast bar. The girls ate heaping piles of sugary pancakes. Havey ate two and Donna picked at one until Lizzie and Anna fled to the living room to watch TV.
Parenting two pre-teens was a work in progress for Harvey. One minute they were invading his space, refusing to leave his side, and the next minute they were aloof and demanding independence. He hoped he'd figure the parenting thing out before they left for college.
Donna seemed to be struggling too, though he suspected that had more to do with her hangover than anything else. She covered her face with her hands and groaned.
"I'm so sorry about last night. They must think the worst of me. I don't know how I got that drunk."
Harvey's forehead wrinkled as he thought back to the night before. "Wine. Champagne. And, according to Louis, vodka shots. But you know how he tends to exaggerate."
"Someone should have stopped me," she all but whined.
"I did. Twice. But, you were determined 'not to think.' That's what you kept saying before you passed out in my bed, anyway."
"You're so proud of that, aren't you?"
Harvey couldn't hide his grin. "Maybe." It was hard to believe how simple it all was. How easy they slid back into a domesticity that hadn't existed in years. It was like time stood still. Donna's eyes were warm and watery as they met his and he wondered if she felt it too.
"What happened to Rachel?" she eventually asked, breaking the spell. "I hope we didn't ditch her."
Harvey pushed his plate away so that he could rest his elbows on the table. "She ditched us, actually. Her and Mike ran off after dinner. I doubt you'll be seeing her much this weekend."
Donna's lips curled in amusement. "After what we saw down in the wine cellar, I'm not surprised."
Harvey didn't have to ask her if she remembered their almost kiss. Her eyes drifted shyly from his each time the wine cellar was brought up, telling him all that he needed to know.
"She's supposed to watch the girls for me tonight, so she'll be home eventually. I'll get all the details."
Harvey scrunched up his nose. "Don't give me any details, please. I've gotta work with that kid." It took a minute for the rest of her words to sink in. Once they did, he blurted, "what, do you have a hot date or something?"
Donna hesitated, her top teeth ran over her bottom lip before she spoke. "Actually, yeah, I do."
Harvey's stomach sank. His good mood deflated even further. Somehow he managed to keep his face even. "With who?"
"Thomas Kessler. He's one of the theater patrons. My director introduced us last week."
He nodded slightly, keeping up his mask of indifference. Donna could see right through him, he knew it, but pretended that he didn't.
"Have a good time."
"Thanks, Harvey."
She was beside him, wearing his clothes, and yet, they were talking about her going out with someone else. It should be me. He thought, over and over. It was all too much for his overwhelmed brain to take. To alleviate the suddenly awkward encounter, he stood up and collected the dirty plates. "Let Rachel have her fun. I'll just keep the girls tonight. They're already here."
Donna stood up too. "You don't have to do that."
"I want to." He turned his back towards her so that he could place the dishes in the sink.
"It's really okay. I'm sure you have other things to do."
One of the dishes landed in the sink louder than he intended and he let out a sigh. His nerves were shot. "Donna." Harvey turned around to face her. "They're my kids. Stop acting like it's some big imposition." At her stunned expression, he pushed up the sleeves of his sweater and crossed his arms. "What? You're obviously burning to say something, so just say it."
"I'm just not used to this new and improved Harvey Specter," she confessed.
At her words, his features softened. He had done a lot of work over the years to be a better man and a better father. It felt good that someone noticed. No. Not just someone. Donna. One of the only people that mattered.
"Well get used to it." Harvey smirked. "And, don't forget to use protection on your date tonight."
Donna's mouth dropped open in mock outrage. "As if you're some role model in that department." She stuck her finger into the air and pointed towards the living room. "Exhibit A. and Exhibit B. are right over there."
Harvey's voice dropped to a dangerously low whisper as he moved towards her. He could tease her all day. "I don't recall you being too concerned about it that night. Maybe the whipped cream and strawberries got to your head."
Donna's cheeks instantly reddened again. She let out a shaky breath before responding, "I'm gonna go get dressed."
Harvey wasn't done. Even as she walked away he felt the need to add, "you don't wanna do the walk of shame in my clothes. I get it."
She ignored him, but he didn't care. The smirk that she sent as she looked back over her shoulder made it all worth it.
Early the next morning, Donna pulled her silk robe tighter around her chest as she rushed to answer the door. The pounding had woken her up from a deep sleep, so it had taken several minutes for her to make it to the door.
She opened the door in a rush, ready to murder whoever was on the other side, but the sight of her smiling daughters stopped her from unleashing her temper.
"Morning, mom!" Anna exclaimed. She had a large, colorful drink from Starbucks in her hand.
Lizzie had a matching one. "We came home early!"
Donna cocked her head. "I can see that." The twins were practically bouncing with energy, which was no surprise, given the colorful layers of sugar in their cups. "Is there actual coffee in those drinks?"
"Dad let us get a shot of Espresso," came Lizzie's proud response.
"He did, did he?" Donna had an easy time telling them apart now that she was sober. The differences between them were subtle, but still evident. "Where is he, anyway?" She opened the door wider to let them in.
Between large sips of her drink, Anna responded, "he's getting the bags."
Donna arched her brow. "The bags?"
"Dad took us shopping," Lizzie said. "We got so much stuff."
Before Donna could ask anymore questions, the man in question, arms loaded with dozens of shopping bags, pushed himself through the front door.
"Thanks for the help, guys. I really appreciate it." Without invitation, he moved into the apartment and dropped the bags in the foyer.
At her expression, Harvey let out an exasperated sigh. "Oh no."
"Oh no, what?" came her incredulous question.
"You have that look on your face like you're about to start a lecture…"
Donna rolled her eyes. "I thought that they were grounded?"
Harvey frowned in confusion. "They are."
Lizzie and Anna refused to meet Donna's eyes as she glanced towards them. "Starbucks and shopping doesn't count as part of that?"
"No." Harvey shook his head, then bit the inside of his cheek. "Wait, does it?" His tone held no hint of sarcasm.
Donna motioned for the girls to pick up all the bags. "Go put all that away." She watched them scurry off, faster than usual, and then focused on him again. "What did you think grounding meant?"
With a sheepish smile, Harvey shrugged. "I didn't really think that far ahead. Anna said that she needed some more winter clothes, so we went out yesterday and then today Lizzie wanted Starbucks."
"Don't start spoiling Anna because you feel guilty," she insisted. At his crestfallen expression, she softened her tone. "She just needs you, Harvey."
"Maybe you're just jealous because I took them shopping and not you."
His statement was an obvious way to avoid his feelings. Donna knew it, but was too tired to care. It was way too early in the morning to decode her ex-husband. "I'm gonna make coffee. Do you want some?"
Harvey hesitated. He rocked back on his heels as he glanced around the foyer. "Uh, well, are you alone? I don't want to interrupt…"
Realization dawned on her all at once and she narrowed her eyes. In his emotionally stunted Harvey way, he was trying to find out how her date went. Well, she wasn't in the mood to let him off the hook. "You obviously did, or you would have called first."
"I forgot," he lied.
"And you came over at the crack of dawn because…?"
"I've got an early meeting with a client."
"On a Saturday?"
"He's only in town for two days," came his firm response.
Donna had a suspicion that she wasn't being told the whole story, a suspicion that was proven correct when he looked down at the ground.
"If you wanna know how my date went, why don't you just ask?"
Harvey looked up and then shoved his hands into his pockets. "Fine. How was your date?"
"Horrible." His expression was carefully schooled, but she again saw through it and rolled her eyes. "Jesus. I need coffee."
She didn't care if he followed her to the kitchen or not. She was going either way. On autopilot, she gathered what she needed. It wasn't a shock when he appeared beside her.
"So. What was so horrible about it?"
They didn't do this. They didn't talk about things that didn't revolve around their daughters. But the truth slipped out before she could stop it. "Besides the fact that Thomas was an utter bore? The food was mediocre and they ran out of the dessert I wanted."
"Let me guess, Tiramisu?"
Donna eyed him in surprise, but kept her focus on making the coffee.
Harvey searched around the cabinets until he found two mugs. He then slid them towards her. "I'd have called ahead to make sure they had it."
"He hasn't had enough practice, that's all."
"Don't tell me you're gonna go out with him again," he insisted.
Donna slammed the coffee maker shut. "And, there it is."
Harvey made a face. "There what is?"
"Why don't you just admit it, Harvey?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Just admit that me dating someone bothers you!"
Harvey opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it right away. He stared at her for a few seconds and then shook his head. "It doesn't."
"Bullshit!"
"For once, why don't you just tell me how you really feel."
Harvey's jaw twitched as he made up his mind. "Fine. It does bother me. Are you happy now?"
Donna wasn't happy. Not at all. All they seemed to do was dance around each other. It was exhausting. "Why?"
He didn't play dumb this time as his eyes met her. Instead, he took a deep breath and said, "you know why, Donna."
Unable to handle the intensity of his gaze, she stared at the coffee that was dripping into the coffee pot. She had broken the first rule of life. Don't ask a question that you don't want the answer to. For once, no words formed in her head, so she didn't reply at all.
Harvey moved closer. Suddenly she felt like he was a wild animal and she was his prey. "Go out with me."
Donna's pulse sped up. "Harvey," she warned. "I'm not in the mood."
"I'm serious, Donna. Let me remind you what a good date I am."
"I don't need a reminder," she insisted with a shake of her head. "I remember just fine. Dating was never our problem."
"Come on, Donna," he pleaded. "It'll be fun."
Her instincts screamed at her, telling her to avoid a date with Harvey at all costs. "You just got out of a relationship."
"So? It's just a date."
She couldn't look at him. One look at his puppy-like face and she would cave. "It's never just a date."
"Donna…"
"No."
Harvey bumped her shoulder with his as he moved closer. "I'm just gonna keep asking."
Donna tried to play it cool. She couldn't fall for his charm. Not again. "You'll give up eventually."
"And you'll say yes eventually. I can be very persuasive."
Back at the DA's office he had pursued her in the same way….eventually convincing her to break her rule to go out with him. Her stomach lurched at the thought. "We'll see about that."
Harvey smirked. "You're playing a dangerous game, Paulsen."
Before she could respond, his phone began buzzing in his pocket. His features fell as he glanced at who was calling. "Shit. It's Jessica. She wants to meet before the client gets there."
Donna shrugged. His quick escape got her off the hook, so she was relieved. She followed him to the door. "I'll let you know how Lizzie and Anna's therapy evaluation goes. It should only take an hour"
Harvey stopped moving. His wide eyes were on her in seconds. "Shit, Donna…I completely forgot about their appointment."
"It's just the initial visit. I can fill you in." She wasn't upset about it, but it was clear that he was.
His fingers roamed over his phone. "Maybe Jessica can fill in for me." He spoke more to himself than to her. "I can make it up to Mr. Peters…I can get him Super Bowl tickets or something."
Donna called his name, but when she couldn't get his attention, she put her hand on his to stop his movements. It worked. His eyes found hers again and the desperation that she found there tugged at her heart.
"It's okay, Harvey. I'll call you afterwards."
His eyes searched hers. For what, she wasn't sure. "I wanted to be there. I don't want you to think…" his words trailed off, but he didn't have to finish. She already knew what he was going to say.
"I know you did," she insisted.
Harvey sighed. He looked like he was about to say something, but instead, he remained silent as he made his way out of the apartment.
Once he was gone, Donna leaned back against the door. He really had changed. For the better. She let her head fall back until it hit the wood with a heavy thump. Saying no to his date requests was going to be harder than she thought.
