Fireproof (Book 4 in the No Control Series)

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“Hello, Lizzie. Thanks for coming.”
Liz smiles. “Hi, Harry. How are you?”
“I’m a bit nervous actually.”
“Why?” she asks.
“I have so much I want to say to you and I’m afraid I’ll forget everything...or it will come out all wrong.”
Liz touches his bicep. “There’s no need to be nervous with me. We’ll figure this out together.”
Harry grins shyly. “Can I hug you?”
“Of course you can.” Liz feels herself being engulfed in a huge Harry hug. As they pull back, she kisses his cheek, quickly wondering if that was the right thing to do.
Liz has this overwhelming, ominous feeling. After today, things will be different between herself and Harry...forever changed.
“Shall we go for a walk first?” Harry asks.
Liz smiles. “That is a wonderful idea.”
Harry leads her outside. The cottage she’s met him at is surrounded by a forest. As they walk the edge of the fairytale-like forest, Harry reaches for Liz’s hand. She allows her hand to rest in his, all the rules are different for today.
For the majority of the walk they talk about Ella and Olly. Finally Harry says. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me today, Lizzie. I promise you I have no hidden agenda. There is no other way for me to move past this...except to talk it out with you.” He pauses, a naughty sparkle coming to life in his eyes. “Well there is one other way, but that would just make me want more.” He smirks.
Liz grins as she pushes on his chest. “Stop. Besides how do you know, maybe I’m
terrible in bed.” She teases back.
Harry tries to keep a straight face. “That’s true, there is no way you can be as good as you are in my dreams.” He smirks.
Liz rolls her eyes. “You are impossible.” She stops walking, squeezing Harry’s hand. “I love that no matter what’s going on, we can always joke like this. That is why you will always be my friend, Harry. Always.”
“And you will always be mine, Lizzie.” Harry smirks. “But I wasn’t joking...you are incredible in my dreams. I mean the things you do to my-.”
“Stop right there!” Liz cuts him off. “I don’t want to know.”
Harry laughs. “Sorry I couldn’t resist making you blush.”
They begin walking again, still holding hands. “Being friends is what makes this so difficult. If I could go away and never see you, I’m sure it would be easier to get over you.” Harry looks down at his feet. “I refuse to not have you be a part of my life. So although it won’t be easy, I know it’s time. Time to move on. Time to give up.”
Liz can feel the sudden moisture in her eyes. “Harry, that makes me feel so sad.”
He pauses, kissing Liz on her forehead. “It’s alright, Lizzie, it’s time. Let’s go inside.”
She nods.

Once inside, Harry makes them tea then joins Liz on the sofa. “I’m not sure where to begin, but I’ll try.” He takes a deep breath, blowing it out slowly. “This whole mess with Sara has made me realize that I need to move past my feelings for you. Mainly for your sake, for mine as well though. I hate that these amazing feelings I have for you, have hurt you and Liam.”
Liz feels the urge to comfort him, yet she knows she has to let him get it out.
“I thought that all this time I was “trying” to get over you. Looking back now, I know I wasn’t trying at all. I’m sorry for that. Lizzie.”
“I’m going to stop you there, Harry. I don’t want you to apologize for anything. This has been a confusing experience for both you and I.” Liz pauses to put her tea down, tucking her legs beneath her on the sofa. “You have never done anything that warrants an apology.”
Harry frowns. “I’m not sure about that, Lizzie. Remember when I had Caroline trick you into meeting me at that hotel?”
Liz smiles. “Yes, but nothing happened.”
Harry stands up, running his hand through his hair. “Only because of you. If you’d have allowed it, I would have taken you to bed in a heartbeat.”
Liz swallows hard, unsure of what to say.
“Look, Lizzie, it’s going to take some time for me to be able to sit across from you and not desire to pull you into my arms.” Harry says.
“I understand, Harry. Is there anything I can do differently to help?”
He grins. “Stop being so damn beautiful and sweet.”
“Should I start being mean to you?” Liz winks.
Harry smirks. “No...it would probably turn me on.”
Liz blushes.
Harry returns to the sofa, looking out the large windows at the forest beyond; taking a few moments before speaking. “Lizzie, I know I want you in my life. I just need to figure out...should I be happy because you are my friend, or be sad, because that is all you’ll ever be?” He pauses, looking at Liz. When she looks up to meet his eyes, there is the sparkle of tears in hers. “I knew all along that I should give up on you, Lizzie. It’s just so hard when you’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”

Notes