Zoey paused, sighing as she watched her breath form a mist in the cold air. Tugging her coat tighter, she braced against the chill. Winter had arrived, though the first snowfall hadn't yet graced the cityâand Harriet still hadn't returned from New York. With another sigh, Zoey pulled out her phone, glancing at the notifications. Still nothing from Harriet. Her eyes softened as she looked at her wallpaperâa photo of her and Harriet, a memory of warmth she hadn't realized she'd miss so intensely.
"Who knew I'd miss you this much..." she whispered, heading toward the parking lot. Tilting her head back, she took a deep breath, chuckling to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes. "She'll be back soon... why am I even crying?" Zoey murmured, wiping a stray tear as she continued walking, gaze fixed downward.
"OhâI'm sorry," she muttered, having bumped into someone. A familiar scent filled the air, making her heart skip. Could it really be...?
"Look who's all gloomy. Did you miss me?" The unmistakable voice made her look up, straight into those familiar hazel eyes.
Zoey's heart swelled, and her lip trembled as she whispered, "Harriet..." Her voice caught, cracking under the wave of emotion.
With a gentle smile, Harriet opened her arms. "I'm home, sweetheart," she said softly, waiting as Zoey moved closer, hardly believing her eyes.
Zoey's hands reached up to cup Harriet's face as her vision blurred with tears. "It's really you?" she whispered, her voice thick. "God, I missed you." She threw her arms around Harriet, burying her face in her chest.
"Don't cry, sweetheart. I'm here now," Harriet murmured, pulling Zoey close and running her fingers through her hair. "I missed you even more," she added, resting her cheek against Zoey's head.
Zoey sobbed quietly, wrapped up in Harriet's warmth. She heard Harriet mutter something softly, "Oh, lookâsnow's falling. Lucky timing!" Harriet chuckled.
Zoey lifted her head, glancing up to see delicate snowflakes drifting down. Harriet brushed away her tears, chuckling, "You're such a crybaby," she teased, wiping Zoey's cheeks. "I'm not going anywhere now. I'm right here with you." Leaning in, she pressed a soft kiss to Zoey's lips.
Zoey cupped Harriet's cheeks, savoring the kiss, and murmured against her lips, "Don't make me miss you like this again." She hugged her tightly, as if afraid she'd disappear.
Harriet laughed, holding Zoey close. "That's why I came straight to you. I knew you'd be waiting," she teased.
Zoey laughed, nudging her playfully. "There goes the doctor who's always so full of herself," she joked.
They both glanced up as the snow began to fall more steadily. Zoey extended her hand, catching a few flakes. Harriet smiled, watching her. "You know," Harriet said softly, "they say that if the first snowfall comes while you're with the one you love, it means your love will last."
Zoey's eyes sparkled as she met Harriet's gaze. "Is that right? Well... think you can prove that to me?" she asked, smiling up at her.
With a laugh, Harriet cupped Zoey's face. "Of course. I'll prove it every day if I have to," she whispered, leaning in to kiss her once more. As she pulled Zoey close, she murmured, "God, I missed you, sweetheart," and buried her face in Zoey's shoulder, holding her as if she'd never let go.
Harriet closed the door behind her, her smile widening as she watched Zoey's back. She sighed, slipping off her coat and hanging it up before jogging over to Zoey, scooping her up and spinning her around. Zoey shrieked, grabbing onto Harriet's shoulders as laughter filled the room.
Setting Zoey down, Harriet cupped her cheeks and showered her with soft, playful kisses. "God, I missed you," she murmured, holding Zoey's gaze with a tender smile.
Zoey smiled, brushing her thumb over Harriet's cheek. "So, how was New York? No funny business, I hope?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.
Harriet shook her head with a mock salute. "No funny business, ma'am," she replied, grinning.
Zoey chuckled and tapped Harriet's head, "Good girl."
Harriet laughed. "Honestly, New York was boring. Nothing compares to being here... because here, I have someone named Zoey Foster." She leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to Zoey's cheek.
Zoey shrugged and poked Harriet's nose. "Well, you're back now. You'll never be bored again," she said, heading to the kitchen. Harriet followed, still smiling. "Since you just got back, how about I cook something nice for dinner? What do you feel like eating?" Zoey asked, opening the fridge.
But before she could pull anything out, Harriet closed the fridge door, pinning Zoey gently against it. Zoey looked up, eyes wide. "Can I just... have you first?" Harriet asked, a playful glint in her eyes.
Zoey's cheeks flushed as she laughed, "You just got back, and that's the first thing you're asking for?"
"Exactly! I just got back, so don't I deserve a proper welcome?" Harriet winked.
Zoey shook her head with a laugh. "Oh, Harriet! You have to eat real food first. You've had a long flight, haven't you?"
"But I was planning on eating you," Harriet said with a mischievous smirk, leaning a little closer.
Zoey swallowed, her gaze darting to Harriet. "You're really something else," she murmured, shaking her head as she nudged Harriet playfully and opened the fridge again.
Harriet chuckled, reaching into a nearby fridge compartment and grabbing a can of whipped cream. Zoey's eyes widened as she looked over at her. "What... are you planning to do with that?" she asked, trying to keep her composure.
Harriet sprayed some whipped cream onto her tongue, licking it off the corners of her mouth, her eyes never leaving Zoey's. Zoey's breath hitched as she watched, captivated. "How about I top you off with a little whipped cream... and then lick every bit off?" Harriet asked, shaking the can playfully, her smile full of suggestion.
Zoey's gaze flicked from the whipped cream to Harriet, her cheeks flushing deeper. "Stop it, Harriet!" she said, trying to stay composed, though her curiosity and excitement were hard to hide.
Harriet leaned in, her voice a whisper. "You keep telling me to stop, but I think your body is saying something else," she teased, her smile widening as she held Zoey's gaze.
Zoey laughed, poking Harriet's forehead to push her back slightly. "You're full of ideas," she said, shaking her head with a laugh, though deep down, she couldn't deny the thrill Harriet's suggestion sparked in her.