Page 12 of Her Kensington
4
Summer
I lieon Harrison’s chest as his fingertips trail down my back and over my ass, staring at the opulent gold bedframe we’re lying on. I’ve only had a quick look at this place but I can’t wait to see more. I think it’s more luxurious than everywhere I’ve ever been rolled into one. My memories of the view when he pulled his hand away aren’t enough. I need to discover more.
“Can we go and check the place out?” I ask. Lifting my head from him and looking down at his exhausted eyes, I instantly feel bad about asking. I might have slept almost the entire flight but I’m pretty sure he didn’t. When I asked him about it, he told me he had work to get done and that he’d sleep once we were here.
“Sure, anything for you.” His words combined with his smile kick-start the butterflies in my stomach because I have no doubt he’s speaking the truth. I mean, look at this place. I can’t even begin to imagine how much it must have cost to rent for the week.
Grabbing the shirt he took off not so long ago, I quickly slip it on while he pulls his boxers up his legs, and we head out of the bedroom hand in hand.
The entire place is white with ornate furniture and rich accent colors here and there. But what really holds my attention is the view once again. Through the wall of windows is a small decking area complete with sun loungers, then an infinity pool that blends into the sea beyond. Orange lights from the bay in the distance are reflected in the water and cast a glow overhead. We stand for the longest time, both staring out with his arms wrapped around my waist and his chin resting on my shoulder. I’ve never felt more content and at home in my entire life.
Something in the corner of the decking catches my eyes and looking over, I see an easel with a blank canvas and a pile of sketchbooks, paints and everything I could need.
“Did you organize that?” I whisper, nodding in the direction of the art supplies.
“I thought you might want to make the most of the view.” Goosebumps race down my neck where his breath tickles as he talks.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m serious,” I say, spinning in his arms and regretfully putting that view behind me. But it’s soon forgotten when I look up into his dark eyes. “Thank you, for everything. This is…incredible.”
“It’s nothing. You’re worth it and more,” he says before lowering his lips for a sweet kiss. “Are you hungry? The kitchen’s fully stocked with everything we could need.”
I sit at the table and watch as Harrison makes us dinner consisting of cold meats, fresh bread, and fruit along with what I can only imagine is the most expensive wine that’s ever touched my lips. We enjoy our meal sitting out in the warm evening air on the giant outside bed looking over that incredible view.
“Is this what you imagined when you pictured your honeymoon?” Harrison asks after taking a sip of wine. I’m so distracted watching the muscles in his neck when he swallows that he has to repeat his question.
“Honestly, I never really pictured it.”
“You mean you haven’t been planning your wedding all your life?”
“No,” I admit. “It’s not ever been something I’ve been overly concerned about. I didn’t see the point in dreaming about it when it wasn’t likely to happen anytime soon. I’ve always been too focused on art school. I never would have pictured this, though…it’s incredible.”
“Do you still want art school? Because we can look for somewhere for you to study in London as soon as we get back, if you want.”
Thoughts of my future once again have my stomach twisting. Of course I still want my career, but do I want to embark on it the second we land in London, while I’ve got the rest of my life to rebuild as well? “Maybe. I don’t know.”
“I think you’re talented enough without it to make it as an artist, but I’ll totally support you if you want to go to university.”
“I’ll think about it. Right now I’m more worried about moving halfway across the world and not knowing anyone.”
“You know me,” he says, pulling me down so we’re lying together and looking up at the stars twinkling above us.
“I do, but turning up as your wife and meeting your family scares me. What if they don’t like me? If they think I’m too young for you?”What if I hate London and miss America?
“They’re going to love you, Summer. Do you know how I know that?” I shake my head, too lost to the serious look in his eyes to respond. “Because I love you.”
Harrison’s so exhausted that it doesn’t take long before he’s falling asleep. I’m torn between waking him and going to bed or just enjoying the evening.
Once I’m confident I won’t disturb him, I take what’s left of our dinner into the villa and do the washing up before grabbing my cell. I’m aware that I haven’t spoken to Ireland throughout all this craziness—not that she’s probably noticed I’ve gone. She’ll be too distracted by her rock star. While I was moping about over Harrison’s unexpected departure, she was on cloud nine with Easton. I was really happy for her; it was about time she found a decent guy, but seeing her so happy only made my own misery even more obvious.
I find it’s completely dead when I pull it from my purse. It takes forever to locate my charger and then an adaptor Harrison said he had in his small carryon, but eventually I find a socket in the living room and power it up. When it finds signal I’m shocked by the number of messages. Most are from Harrison, which I find odd because we’ve been together since the moment he reappeared…why would he be sending me messages?
It soon becomes clear when I open them and begin scrolling through the photographs. It’s basically a photo diary of our wedding night. My hand comes up to cover my mouth and tears sting my eyes as I relive my lost memories. There are selfies of the two of us in the casino, then in a car, I guess heading to the chapel. There are loads of me standing amongst a sea of white and ivory dresses looking deep in thought, and clearly drunk, as I sort through to find the one. Then there are pictures of me in my dress and walking down the aisle towards him. The smile on my face lights up my eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever looked happier as I get closer to the camera and my husband to be. A tear drops onto my cheek as I stare at a close up of what I guess is our first kiss, both of us fighting our smiles. Then there’s more of us looking happy, kissing, until I get to the last one of me asleep in the suite at the hotel room. More tears fall as I stare at that last photograph. Some are sad tears for everything I don’t remember, but they’re overwhelmingly happy at being able to relive it, that Harrison documented everything. I can just see him from my seat on the floor next to the socket in the living room still peacefully sleeping outside and my heart aches at the distance between us. I still have questions and there’s a lot of uncertainty in my head, but I also feel hopeful for the first time in a long time that everything’s going to be okay. I might be moving thousands of miles away to a place I’ve never been, but I feel a little positivity creep in about it despite my fear of meeting his family.
