Zoey woke up alone in her bed, blinking as she took in the quiet morning. She wrapped her blanket around herself, yawning as she slipped out of bed. Peeking through the door, she spotted Harriet in the living room, seated beside her grandmother, who was happily chatting as Harriet conducted a check-up.
Leaning against the doorframe, Zoey clutched the blanket closer, a soft smile spreading as she watched Harriet work.
"You can exhale now, Mita," Harriet said warmly, pressing the stethoscope to Zoey's grandmother's chest. "Alright, all done," Harriet nodded, setting the stethoscope aside. "Everything sounds greatâno unusual rhythms or concerns here."
Zoey grinned to herself, feeling a sudden warmth as she recalled a plan she'd once hadâsomething she'd meant to do before life got in the way. She cleared her throat and bounded over, joining them on the couch.
"Oh, Zoey!" her grandmother greeted her with a beaming smile. "Your lovely doctor here wanted to make sure my heart was in tip-top shape!"
Zoey tilted her head, looking at Harriet with a smirk. "So, Doctor Pierce, what's the diagnosis?"
"With the utmost confidence, I can say Mamita's heart is in excellent health," Harriet declared with a wink.
Zoey rolled her eyes playfully, letting the blanket slip over her face to hide her grin. Her grandmother chuckled, glancing between the two with a fond look. "It's good to see you smile again, mija," her grandmother said softly. "You haven't been this happy since... well, since everything with your sister and Markus happened."
Zoey groaned, sitting up straight, cheeks flushed. "Mita!" she protested, but she couldn't help the laughter in her voice.
Zoey caught Harriet's gaze and cleared her throat, nudging Harriet playfully. "What's with that smirk?" she asked, leaning a little closer, voice soft.
Harriet chuckled, leaning in as well. "Oh, I was just wondering if I'm the reason behind that smile you've been wearing again," she teased.
Zoey's cheeks flushed, and she shrugged, glancing away for a moment before meeting Harriet's intense gaze. "You could say that," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Zoey's grandmother watched them with a warm smile, clapping her hands together. "You know, seeing you two like this warms my heart," she said, her face softening with affection. "Young love knows no boundaries, and it's so clear how much you care for each other."
"Mamita..." Zoey mumbled, clutching her blanket as her heart raced, feeling Harriet's presence beside her.
Harriet chuckled softly. "Maybe love just finds its way when two people are meant to be, Mamita," she said, glancing warmly at Zoey.
Zoey's grandmother reached over, taking both of their hands and pressing them together. "Harriet, my beautiful doctor, promise me you'll take good care of my granddaughter," she said, looking between them. "Zoey can be a bit stubborn, but she loves deeply. As long as she's happy, my heart can rest easy."
Harriet's expression softened, and her eyes sparkled with joy. "You have my word, Mamita," she said, squeezing Zoey's hand gently. "I promise I'll do everything to take care of her heart and happiness. I wouldn't dream of ever hurting her." She looked from Zoey's grandmother to Zoey, her gaze filled with warmth and conviction.
Harriet pulled Zoey close, wrapping her in a warm hug from behind and resting her chin on Zoey's shoulder. Zoey held Harriet's hands, her eyes fluttering shut as she felt Harriet's soft breath against her neck.
"Harriet," she murmured, feeling Harriet's gentle kisses trailing along her neck. "Harriet, Mamita's room is literally next doorâwhat are youâ" She turned around, only to find herself held in Harriet's embrace.
Harriet's gaze softened as she looked at Zoey, her eyes drifting to Zoey's lips and back. Zoey's breath caught. Harriet brushed her hand along Zoey's cheek, caressing it slowly. "I missed you. You know that, don't you?" Harriet whispered, her lips brushing Zoey's earlobe as she gave it a light nip.
Zoey chuckled, placing her hands on Harriet's shoulders. "I figured it'd drive you a little crazy not having your beautiful girlfriend around," she teased softly.
Harriet's eyes sparkled with agreement, and she nodded. "More than a little," she murmured. "Just...don't leave me like that again," Harriet said, her gaze locking onto Zoey's with an intensity that made Zoey's heart race.
Zoey's fingers found their way into Harriet's hair, giving a gentle tug. "Are you really my Harriet Pierce? Because right now, you're being way too sweet," she teased before rising on her tiptoes to close the space between them in a soft, lingering kiss.
Harriet chuckled, deepening the kiss as she held Zoey closer, one hand resting on her waist. Zoey's hands tightened in Harriet's hair, but she broke away quickly when a soft knock caught her attention.
"Zoey? Harriet? Aren't you two coming out to eat yet?" her grandmother's voice called from outside.
Zoey cleared her throat and moved toward the door, intending to open it, but she froze as Harriet hugged her again from behind, pressing light kisses along her neck. "Harriet," she whispered, her face flushed.
"Zoey? Harriet?" her grandmother called out again, her voice sounding closer.
"M-Mamita," Zoey stammered, leaning her forehead against the door as she struggled to steady her breathing. "We'll eat...a little later," she managed, her voice slightly breathless.
"Are you alright, mija?" Zoey's grandmother asked, concern in her tone.
Zoey bit her lip, trying to keep her composure. "I'm fine, Mamita. Harriet and I are... just talking."
"Alright, just come out when you're done," her grandmother replied, and Zoey heard her footsteps retreat.
Zoey let out a sigh of relief, only to swat Harriet's hand playfully as she locked the door and spun to face her. "What do you think you'reâmmph," she began, cut off as Harriet leaned in to kiss her again.
Zoey gasped as Harriet lifted her effortlessly from the floor. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Harriet's neck and her legs around her waist. Harriet carried her gently to the bed, keeping their lips connected.
As Harriet laid her down, Zoey placed her hands on Harriet's shoulders, but Harriet leaned in close, a mischievous smile on her face. "Harriet," Zoey whispered, casting a worried glance toward the door. "We're going to get caught if you keep this up."
Harriet laughed softly, brushing her nose against Zoey's. "Then I guess you'll just have to keep those sweet sounds a little quieter," she teased, leaning in for another kiss.
Zoey gasped as Harriet's tongue slipped into her mouth, their kiss growing deeper and more intense. Zoey responded eagerly, her tongue meeting Harriet's, as if playfully challenging her. Harriet's hand slid gently over Zoey's clothed chest, and her knee pressed lightly between Zoey's thighs, sending a warm surge through her.
Zoey's fingers threaded through Harriet's hair, giving it a soft tug as their kiss continued, their breaths mingling. Finally, Harriet pulled back, licking her lips and catching her breath, a proud smile lighting her face. "Well, look at you," she murmured, her eyes dancing. "Seems like you've picked up a few things."
Zoey chuckled, her gaze softening. "Maybe. But I've had a pretty amazing teacher," she teased, reaching to brush her hand over Harriet's cheek. "I didn't know I'd miss you this much... more than when you were in New York," she admitted, her voice a little shaky.
Harriet smiled, her gaze turning serious. "Then don't leave again, alright?" She tugged off her sweatshirt, her eyes never leaving Zoey's as she leaned in, bringing their lips together in a kiss that held a promise all its own.