Harriet chuckled, watching as Riley's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her hands hiding her face. She took a sip of her wine, a warm smile playing on her lips as she remembered Sienna's recent public announcementâtheir relationship was finally out in the open, and Sienna had even declared she was stepping down as CEO.
Slowly, Harriet stood, wincing slightly from the lingering bruise on her abdomen. She joined Mia at the table just as Mia was about to start her usual live stream.
"I've missed doing this with you both!" Mia said with a wide grin.
Harriet glanced at Nyx, who threw an arm around her shoulder. "Can we join, too?" Nyx asked, gesturing between the two of them.
"What about me? I want in!" Zoey chimed in, bringing over a tray of snacks. Harriet caught her gaze, a smile tugging at her lips as she felt her pulse quicken, her heart racing all over again.
Mia waved them all in enthusiastically, "The more, the merrier! Alright, everyoneâsay hi!"
"Hi, guys!" they all chorused, and Harriet burst out laughing, sneaking another glance at Zoey, who seemed livelier than usual. She lightly tapped her chest, trying to calm her racing heart.
Mia started chatting about the trending hashtag for Riley and Sienna, while Harriet and Nyx playfully waved and made silly faces at the camera. "Just so you all know, these two aren't available anymoreâsorry!" Mia said, gesturing to Harriet and Nyx.
Harriet pointed to herself in mock surprise. "But I am!" she joked, laughing.
Mia grinned and looked over at Zoey, "Zoey, can you get your Harriet out of the shot?"
Zoey's eyes widened as the camera focused on her. "What do you mean, my Harriet?" she stammered, covering her mouth as she coughed from laughter. Harriet's gaze met hers, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.
Mia's voice was full of glee. "Alright, everyone, comment a new hashtag for our latest couple, Harriet and Zoey! Drop your ideas below!"
As the camera moved on, Harriet chuckled and sidled up beside Zoey, gently rubbing her back. "You okay?"
Zoey nodded, her cheeks flushed, but she laughed, "Yeah, I'm good."
Harriet gently tugged Zoey closer, the warmth of their proximity the only thing filling the quiet space around them. "Your Harriet," Harriet murmured with a soft smile, her eyes holding Zoey's gaze.
Zoey chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, my Harriet." Her voice softened as she reached out, covering Harriet's eyes playfully. "There you go again with those hazel eyes," she teased.
With a gentle touch, Harriet lifted Zoey's hand away and traced Zoey's cheek with her knuckles, her gaze unwavering. "You're stunning," she murmured.
"Oh, please," Zoey replied, feigning exasperation. Her eyes drifted to Harriet's bandaged wound, and her fingers brushed over it lightly. "Still hurting?"
"Just a little," Harriet replied with a reassuring smile.
Zoey's expression grew serious, and she took a slight step back. "Can we talk?" Her voice was steady, but her eyes held a hint of nervousness.
Harriet arched an eyebrow. "Aren't we already talking, sweetheart?"
Zoey glanced around, noting the other guests scattered across the room. "In private. Really private."
Harriet tilted her head thoughtfully, a hint of playful curiosity in her smile. "Well, I suppose my bedroom could work. Much more private than here, don't you think?"
Zoey's lips curved into a small smile. "That'll do."
Though Harriet smiled in return, she couldn't help the flicker of worry that passed through her, wondering just what conversation lay ahead.
Zoey swallowed as Harriet guided her into the bedroom, shutting the door behind them with a quiet click. She looked around, a touch of amazement in her expression as she took in the sheer size of the room. The Pierce family home really did feel more like a luxury hotel than a house. She chuckled, trying to hide her awe. "Your room is more like a suite than a bedroom," she said, clicking her tongue with a soft laugh.
Harriet shrugged, stepping closer, her gaze intent. "So, what exactly did you want to talk about, sweetheart?" she asked, tilting Zoey's chin up gently. Zoey's heart skipped, but she tried to keep steady under Harriet's intense stare.
"I..." Zoey started, but her words faltered. She took a shaky breath, looking away as she softly removed Harriet's hand. "Harriet, you need to stop this," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Harriet's brows knit in confusion. "What was that, sweetheart?" she asked, trying to meet Zoey's eyes again.
Zoey bit her lip, still avoiding Harriet's gaze. "I said... you need to stop this," she repeated, louder, though her voice wavered.
Harriet swallowed, her throat suddenly tight. "Stop? What... what do you mean?" she asked, uncertainty in her tone, though a flicker of understanding crossed her face.
Zoey took a deep breath, glancing up just enough to catch the sudden shadow in Harriet's eyes. Had she hurt her? "It's... just because, Harriet," she managed, steadying herself.
Harriet gently took her hand, her touch warm and searching. "Zoey, if we're fineâif we're both okayâwhy do I have to stop? I need to understand."
Zoey's nod was tentative. "We are fine, but... I need you to stop," she said, forcing herself to stay calm.
Harriet ran a hand over the back of her neck, laughing softly, though a hint of anxiety tinged her smile. "Can you at least tell me why?"
"Because..." Zoey glanced down, momentarily at a loss. She could feel Harriet's gaze on her, waiting.
"Zoey, this isn't about what happened recently, is it?" Harriet's voice was soft, her expression serious. "You've thought this through, right?"
Zoey lifted her head, a laugh breaking free despite herself. "What are you even talking about, Doc?" she teased, biting her lip to hold back another laugh. Did Harriet really think she wanted her to stop because she wasn't interested?
"You just told me to stop... what else could you mean?" Harriet stopped mid-sentence as Zoey cupped her face, laughing gently.
"You're overthinking, Harriet. I'm not saying it because I don't want this," Zoey replied, finally meeting her gaze. "I'm telling you to stop because... my answer's yes."
Harriet froze, her eyes widening as a slow grin spread across her face. "Wait... what? Are you serious?" Her eyes sparkled, making Zoey chuckle in return.
"God, you're such a kid sometimes," Zoey said, laughing as Harriet's excitement made her cheeks flush.
Harriet pulled Zoey into a tight embrace, her voice muffled as she buried her face in Zoey's shoulder. "Thank you, Zoey... thank you for giving me a shot," she murmured, her heart full.
Zoey chuckled softly, rubbing Harriet's back. "How could I not?" she replied, warmth flooding her chest as she remembered all the times Harriet had fiercely protected her.
Harriet's grip tightened as she whispered, "I love you, Zoey," still nestled against her shoulder, feeling safe and cherished.