(Here's Chapter 13. This may be my last posting for awhile, because I have to go out of town, and I may be gone for a couple weeks. I hope to have one ready for you when I get back and will post it as soon as possible. Due to the sensitive nature of part of this chapter, I have posted any questionable happenings as a deleted scene/companion piece, so look for it. A special thanks goes out to Jen for the ideas and the help. Thanks a bunch! Now, on with the show!)
Although she was optimistic about her date with Harry, it didn't help her feel any less nervous. She really liked
Harry, but he hadn't given her any indication of how he felt about her. She knew he liked her; he had to or he
wouldn't still be there, but she didn't know how strong his feelings were, or if he felt the same connection
she did. She hoped she would be able to clear it up and have some of her questions answered in the time they were to
spend together.
All too soon she arrived at the Bachelor Pad. She hadn't had as much time as she wanted to sort out her thoughts, but she was eager to see Harry. She quickly exited the car and practically skipped up to the door and knocked. She didn't have to wait long for the door to be answered. Not surprisingly, Harry was the one to answer the door.
"Hey," he said, giving her that lopsided smile she loved.
"Hey," she answered back, smiling in return. "You ready to go?"
"Sure," he answered as he picked up his bag from just inside the door and followed her out to the car. He put his bag in the trunk with hers and climbed in after her.
"So are you excited to be going to Hawaii?" she asked him, hoping he was as eager to go as she was.
"Definitely," he answered with a smile. "I've always wanted to go, I've just never had a chance."
"I've read all about where we'll be going," Hermione told him, wanting him to hear all about what she had researched. "We're going to the island of Lana'i to stay at the Manele Bay Hotel. It's supposed to be one of the most exclusive resorts."
"Is it, now?" he asked, amused. "Do you always research everything this thoroughly?"
"Yes," she said, blushing.
"It's alright," he said softly. "I think it's cute." Now it was his turn to blush. He really did think she was cute, especially when she was embarrassed.
Before they knew it they were in the air and on their way to Hawaii. The flight was long, and by the time they reached their destination, it was rather dark. They had instructions that since their flight was so long they would begin their date the next morning so as to have a whole day together. Hermione was especially happy about this. The network had rented a little stretch of beach just for them which they said would afford easy set up for the cameras and whatnot, but Hermione was just happy to not have a bunch of people around.
When they reached the resort, they were each shown to their rooms. As Hermione was shown into her room, she was breathless. She was given a Makai Suite which had one bedroom with a king-size bed. It also had a balcony with the most gorgeous ocean view. She was definitely going to like staying in Hawaii. She quickly unpacked and climbed into bed to get some sleep. The next day was going to be long, and she wanted to be well rested.
The next morning Hermione woke up confused. She was so used to waking up in her room at the L.A. house she was staying in, and it took her a minute to remember she was in a suite on an island in Hawaii. She jumped up out of bed and practically ran to the balcony. She threw the doors open and gasped at the wonderful view in front of her.
It was still early so the sun was still coming up, bringing brilliant colors into the morning sky. She had never seen a more beautiful sunrise in her life. It was magical. She chuckled to herself when she thought of that. Of all the things magic allowed her to do, she could never produce a sunrise so beautiful as the one she was witnessing at the moment. With a sigh, she turned around and started to think about breakfast. She was told to order anything she needed from room service, so she sat at the table and perused the menu. Once she decided on her meal, she called and ordered.
Her order arrived not too long after, and she took it out on the balcony. As soon as she was finished, she went back into her room to consider her wardrobe for the day. They would definitely be going to the beach, so she should wear her swimming suit. She decided a nice warm shower would help her pick what to wear, so she grabbed her suit and went into the bathroom. After her shower, she slipped on her suit and went back to her closet to pick. She finally decided on a red sun dress. After pulling it on, she considered her hair. If they were going to be swimming, it wouldn't be much use to spend forever styling it, so she weaved it into a french braid and let it hang down her back.
Looking at the clock and seeing she only had a few minutes until she was due to meet Harry, she slipped on her red matching sandals and went down to the lobby to meet him. She saw him at once. He was standing near a window looking out onto the beach. He looked so undisturbed and peaceful, his pensive brilliantly green eyes surveying the landscape just outside the window. Walking swiftly toward him, she stopped about three feet away.
"Hey," she said softly, not wanting to break the mood.
"Hey," he returned, turning slightly so he faced her. "You look beautiful."
She blushed but thanked him. "So what do you want to do?"
"I want to go to the beach and just be with you," he answered, taking her hand. They walked hand in hand to the beach that had been reserved for them. They slipped off their shoes as they came to the sand and walked in their bare feet, wanting to feel the warm grains of sand. They walked in silence along the waterline for awhile, reveling in the beauty of the ocean. After walking in silence for awhile, they began to talk about anything and everything they could. She talked about her childhood, and he talked about his friends back home. When it was time for lunch, they had someone bring it to the beach and they had a picnic on the sand.
Once they were finished, they sat silently contemplating the ocean. After a moment, Harry looked over at Hermione.
"You look entirely too dry," he told her with a smile, and in an instant he had picked her up and was running out into the water.
"Harry you had better put me down this instant!" she shrieked, flailing her arms and legs. He didn't stop, but once he was about waist deep just dropped her into the water. She surfaced a moment later looking less than pleased.
"Oh, you're going to get it!" She jumped and tried to dunk him in, but he was stronger and absolutely refused to be dunked. She gave up once she saw it was pointless.
"Just look at my dress. I've got to be a mess!" She wasn't really mad, she just wanted to make him think she was mad. Once she saw he was appropriately sorry, she took him by surprise and pushed him down, effectively dunking him.
Once he surfaced, he was laughing. "You definitely got me on that one!" She watched him shake the water out of his hair and couldn't resist. She stepped slowly toward him, considering him. He stopped what he was doing and began to approach her as well. Once they were about as close as they could be without touching, Harry took her in his arms and kissed her lightly.
It was over so soon she was sure she had imagined it, but there she was still in his arms, and it felt so good she could melt. Without thinking, she leaned up and pressed her lips against his once more, loving how right it felt.
He ran his tongue along her lip, and she obliged by opening for him to taste. He was wrapped up in the way she felt in his arms, the way she tasted like salt and mint. It was then he knew this is where he belonged. He had never felt the way he did at that moment.
When they pulled apart, she looked breathlessly into his eyes. His eyes were usually shockingly bright, but at the moment they were a dark, mysterious shade she'd never seen before. It was like she could see right into his soul through those emerald orbs. She didn't want to speak for fear it would ruin the moment. She wanted to stay there in his arms forever. She felt so safe and content, like nothing could harm her. She also knew, though, that they had arrangements for dinner and if she didn't get back now she wouldn't have time to ready herself before they were due back for dinner.
"We had better get back." It was like he could read her mind.
"Yeah," she agreed, though neither moved. After a moment, she willed herself to move, and she stepped out of his embrace. She saw the disappointment flash in his eyes, but it was gone as soon as it had appeared. He grabbed her hand and they walked out of the water onto the beach. He looked down at his soaked shirt and over at her dress. Chuckling, he lifted the shirt over his head so he now stood in just his swimming trunks. She almost gasped once she saw the exposed skin. She knew he would have to be well built, but he was more than she had anticipated. He had well-defined muscles that were just enough to be noticeable, but not so much as to be overkill. He was beyond words.
After she recovered, she followed his motion and lifted her dress over her head so she was left standing in her blue bikini. Harry found it was his turn to be surprised, and he was not so successful at holding in his gasp. She was exquisite. He had to feel her against him. Without warning, he crossed the distance between them and gathered her into his arms once more, wrapped up in how good it felt to have her soft curves pressed against him. He leaned down to give her a short kiss before he let her go.
She was shocked and overjoyed at his simple show of affection. With a smile she took his hand and they walked back up toward the resort. Once they entered the lobby they went their separate ways to ready themselves for dinner.
After stepping out of the shower and into her pink dress, she braided her hair again, slipping small flowers in at intervals to wind in with her shiny tresses. She decided against makeup, feeling satisfied in the glow her freshly sun-kissed skin gave her. She was supposed to meet Harry back down in the lobby and they would go together back to the beach where dinner was to be set up for them.
She walked down to the lobby to find Harry in the same position he was just that morning. She smiled at the thought of how close they had become in just those few short hours, and shortened the distance between them quickly. She didn't speak to him this time, she just touched his shoulder.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," he agreed as he turned to face her. "but I'm sure you are much more beautiful."
"Thank you," she said softly. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, I am." He took her hand and led her out to the beach where their dinner was waiting for them. There was a circle of torches in the sand, and their table was set in the middle. There was a candle in the middle surrounded by tropical blossoms. Harry helped Hermione into her chair and rounded the table to take his own. Their dinner was served and they chatted idly about whatever was on their minds. Once they were finished, they sat in silence, enjoying the sound of the ocean.
"Hermione?"
"Yes, Harry?" As she looked up at him, she noticed he looked a bit nervous.
"I just wanted to tell you I've had a wonderful time with you today. I've loved getting to know you. Being with you feels so natural, like it was meant to be. I haven't felt this way about anyone before." He studied her, trying to read her thoughts.
Hermione was stunned. She knew she felt that way about Harry, but had never imagined he would feel the same way. She hated that she wasn't able to tell him she felt the same way. She just smiled and brought out the envelope she was given earlier. She knew what was in it, but knew he wouldn't. She hoped he would agree.
Harry took the smile she gave him as a good sign. He knew she wasn't able to say directly how she felt, but he hoped she felt what he did. He saw her offer him an envelope and, confused as to what it may be, took it and opened it.
He read the note aloud: "Harry and Hermione, We hope you're enjoying yourselves in Hawaii. If you should choose to forego your separate rooms, please accept our invitation to stay in a fantasy Presidential Suite as a couple." Also inside the envelope was a key. He didn't know what to think. He wanted to say with Hermione more than anything, he just didn't know if she would want to as well. He looked at her, trying to decide what to do.
"So what do you think?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant about the idea. She hoped he would say yes.
"Sure, let's check it out." He stood up and went around the table to help her out of her chair. Taking her hand, he led her to the hotel and up to the room number on the key. Opening the door, he found the most elaborately decorated suite he had ever seen. There were roses and candles everywhere. He looked over to ask what she thought, but she stepped forward and pressed her lips to his before he could answer. He closed the door behind them and concentrated on the feel of her lips on his.
Kissing Harry had to be the most glorious thing she had ever done. His lips were surprisingly soft, and the feel of his arms around her was almost too much for her to deal with at once. They stood there in the main room of the suite kissing for what felt like eternity. If this is what heaven was like, she felt she could spend eternity in his arms.
All too soon he ended the kiss and took her hands in his. He looked deep into her eyes, silently asking permission to take things further. When she smiled at him, he took it as agreement and led her into the bedroom. Once inside, they saw more candles on the bedside tables and every surface available. The bed in itself was even more beautiful than she could have imagined. It was a luxurious four-poster with a sheer canopy. She didn't have much time to consider her surroundings before his lips were on hers again and she didn't have enough room in her mind for Harry and her own thoughts. She let herself drown in his embrace, and thought of nothing but him.
He walked her toward the bed and once the backs of her knees were pressed up against the mattress pushed her down, landing over her but never once breaking their kiss. They allowed their hands to roam freely, enjoying the feel of their bodies pressed tightly together.
*****
As he held her, he watched her eyes flutter closed and her breathing become regular. He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes, content to lay with her this way forever, his love for her threatening to burst from him. As he felt asleep, he allowed his feelings to escape in a whisper.
"I love you," he said into the night as he succumbed to sleep.
At his heartfelt declaration, Hermione's eyes opened sleepily. She smiled at the statement she knew he meant to keep secret and closed her eyes again, happy to be in his arms. Whatever the show dealt them, she knew nothing could change what she felt for him at that moment.
(I'm going to beg as always....PLEASE REVIEW!)