Harriet glanced at Zoey's profile, a soft smile on her face as she let out a contented sigh. She placed a hand on her chest, tapping it lightly. Calm down, you're racing again, she chuckled to herself, closing her eyes briefly to steady her heartbeat.
Zoey noticed the movement and gave Harriet a curious look. "You alright?" she asked, seeing Harriet's hand on her chest.
Harriet opened her eyes, meeting Zoey's concerned gaze. She smiled and nodded. "Just a little heart flutter," she said with a chuckle, her eyes still holding Zoey's.
Zoey's worry grew, her brows knitting together. "Do you need me to take you somewhere, orâ"
"Relax," Harriet laughed, waving her off gently. "I'm a heart doctor, remember? It's only beating fast because I'm looking at you," she added, giving Zoey a soft, warm smile.
Zoey rolled her eyes, trying to hide a small blush. "Oh, sure," she scoffed, glancing away with a smirk. "You're back at it with those smooth lines."
"Zoey," Harriet murmured, her voice softer now.
Zoey cleared her throat, turning back to her. "Yeah?"
Harriet swallowed, her eyes suddenly vulnerable. "I'm not dreaming, right? Thisâeverything between usâis real?"
Zoey blinked, then offered her a reassuring smile. "You're not dreaming, Doc," she said, her voice gentle. "It's all real. Promise."
Harriet exhaled a shaky sigh, fidgeting with her fingers. "I'm scared, you know," she confessed quietly. She looked at Zoey with determination yet a hint of uncertainty. "I told myself I wanted to take another risk in love. And that someone I want to risk it with is you, Zoey. I want to start fresh, even though there's fear about what could happen. But I'm ready to risk it, which I should've done a long time ago."
Harriet leaned her elbow against the rail of the man-made river, gazing at Zoey with sincerity. "I'm taking this risk, not only for you, but for myself. I want to love and be loved without getting tangled up in my past."
Zoey sighed, nodding in understanding. She knew Harriet's first love had always lingered as a tough shadow over her heart. This was a big step.
Harriet reached out, patting Zoey's head with a soft chuckle. "I want to prove myself, Zoey, to be better for myself and for you." Zoey bit her lip, her smile warm and wholehearted as she gazed at Harriet. "Having you around... it's made my heart feel light," Harriet continued, leaning in to place a tender kiss on Zoey's forehead. "Thank you for being hereâfor being you."
Zoey glanced over at Harriet, smiling softly before looking out the window, lost in thought. Harriet had been opening up so much lately, sharing her thoughts in a way that made Zoey feel closer than ever. It was a new feeling, one she cherished deeply.
"Did you enjoy today?" Zoey asked, turning back to Harriet, who was steering the car with one hand, the other still resting in Zoey's.
Harriet nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, I really did."
Zoey chuckled, relaxing into her seat. "Good. At least my day off was worth it."
Harriet laughed, a warm, genuine sound. "Want to stay over at my place tonight?"
Zoey straightened up a bit as Harriet's hand slipped away to shift gears. "Don't you think we're seeing each other a bit too much?" she joked, laughing.
Harriet gave her a playful glance. "Why? I thought that was the point. It's not like I get to see you every minute at workâyou're the office queen, after all," she teased.
Zoey laughed, shrugging. "I'd be fine with it, but I didn't bring any clothes."
Harriet waved it off casually. "Not an issue. I picked up a few extra things last time I was out shopping. They're your size, in the wardrobe, just waiting."
Zoey smirked, raising an eyebrow. "You're gonna break the bank, Doc."
Harriet clicked her tongue, grinning. "Not for you," she said, pulling smoothly into her parking spot. "For you, it's worth every penny."
Zoey shook her head in amusement as Harriet got out of the car, turning to open the passenger door. "There you go," Harriet said, placing her hand gently on top of Zoey's head to prevent her from bumping it on the car ceiling as she exited.
"Thanks," Zoey replied, smiling as Harriet closed the door and ensured her car was locked.
"Anything for you," Harriet said, slipping the keys into her pocket and taking hold of Zoey's hand. "Let's go."
Zoey couldn't help but be in awe as she stepped into Harriet's penthouse for the third time. "Living in a penthouse must be nice," she said, laughing lightly.
Harriet chuckled as she locked the door behind her. "It's not that nice, especially since I live alone."
Peeking through the full glass window, Zoey admired the nightscape stretching before her. "Are you trying to convince me to move in?" she teased.
"Well, if it's to your liking, I'd say go for it. Feel free to move in," Harriet replied, folding her jacket and draping it over the couch. "What do you think? Like my offer?"
Zoey laughed, shaking her head. "It's tempting, but not just yet." She continued to gaze at the stunning view, catching Harriet's reflection in the glass. She noticed how Harriet rested her hands in her pockets, her posture relaxed yet inviting.
"The offer still stands whenever you're ready, so take your time. There's no pressure," Harriet said, moving closer. Zoey's heart raced as she felt Harriet's gaze on her. She bit her lower lip, trying to steady her breath as Harriet's familiar scent surrounded her.
"We're not in a hurry here, so enjoy taking your time," Harriet said softly, wrapping her arms around Zoey's waist and bending slightly to rest her chin on Zoey's shoulder.
Zoey gently shut her eyes as she reached for Harriet's hand wrapped around her waist, taking a calming breath. "Harriet," she mumbled, turning to face her.
Harriet loosened her grip and stood up straight, her eyes locked onto Zoey's with an intensity that made her heart flutter. "What is it?" she asked, a warm smile spreading across her face.
In a moment of courage, Zoey reached up to cup Harriet's cheeks and tiptoed to plant a soft kiss on her lips. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She smiled nervously as she gulped, trying to find the right words. "I don't know how to explain it, but thank you."
As she looked into Harriet's eyes, a flood of emotions swirled inside her. I don't want to lose control of my feelings right now, Harriet, Zoey thought, biting back the urge to say everything that was on her mind. But I have the answer for you, just not now. I promise I'll tell you soonest. The unspoken words lingered in the air, heavy with the weight of her feelings, but she opted to keep them to herself for the moment.