Harp's Song by Cassie Shine

I’ll have to remember that,” I say turning over to face him, I press my hand to his cheek and kiss him. Our kisses become more urgent and my hands are roaming over his shoulders and back.
    “As much as I would love to keep doing that tonight, I don’t think it’s a good idea. Let’s get some sleep.”
    I nod my head reluctantly because I know he’s right. Yawning, I turn over again, his arm wraps around my waist, holding me firmly to him.

“Hmmm … that feels nice,” I wake up to the feel of small kisses all over my face.
    “Finally, you’re awake. I’ve been kissing you forever … not that I’m complaining,” he smirks before showering me with more kisses.
    I put my hands on either side of his face and roll onto my back so he’s hovering above me.
    “Morning,” I say pulling his face to mine, but right before our lips meet, I remember, “Oh my God, I haven’t brushed my teeth yet … you can’t kiss me! Gross.”
    Connor laughs, “Harp, I don’t care. You’re perfect to me.”
    “No way, I need to brush my teeth first. Move, so I can go to the bathroom.”
    I squirm underneath him, but can’t move and he’s laughing at me. He’s just too damn strong. This is so unfair.
    “Connor, I’m serious. MOVE.”
    “No, Harp. I will not move. When I told you last night how I felt about you, I meant it. That means I’m crazy about all of you. I love feisty Harp, cello Harp, singing Harp, casual Harp, fun Harp, serious Harp, smart aleck Harp, quiet Harp, sad Harp, and most of all, bed-head Harp … specially after you’ve spent the night in my arms.”
    How am I supposed to compete with that? I feel like my insides have melted with this proclamation. So, I do the only thing I can, and pull his face down to mine and kiss him. He groans and uses his left arm to hold himself over me. His right hand skims down my torso to my hip where he presses circles into my stomach, making me shiver.
    We finally pull away breathing heavy, “I could get used to that kind of wake up call.”
    “Me too,” he laughs and rolls off me.
    We lay there for a few minutes holding hands, catching our breaths.
    “What do we do about your mom?” I finally ask breaking our silence.
    “I think we should figure out what we’re doing first and then tell her.”
    “Ok, what are we doing? You called me your girlfriend last night. Is that what this is? A relationship?”
    He turns on his side facing me and raises his head on his hand. I flip and do the same so I can look at him.
    “That’s what I want. But, I sprang this on you last night, if you need time to think about it, then I understand. I won’t pressure you … well, unless you take a long-ass time.”
    I think about last night and his kisses this morning. It is somewhat sudden for me. I’m not good at being vulnerable. As close as I am with him now, there is still a lot I keep to myself. Plus, Connor is my best friend and I don’t want to lose that if this doesn’t work between us.
    “Harp, I know you’ve got hang ups because your life hasn’t been easy. And, I know that’s created this protective armor you wear around yourself, but you are amazing and I can’t imagine my life without you,” he says while tracing circles with his fingers on my arm. “Seeing you handle all the stuff your mom has done to you, and seeing how strong and positive you’ve stayed through it all is what’s made me fall for you. The amount of shit you’ve handled would have made most people crumble, but not you, you are still beautiful inside and out, and strong.”
    “The more I think about it, the more comfortable and excited I become at the thought of us,” I tell him and he smiles at me. “I brought all my stuff for the weekend. I don’t want to go back to my house until I have to.”
    “Speaking of, how do you feel? Does your head still hurt?”
    “No, not like it did last night. Still have a little headache, but I think I know what will make it feel better … ”
    “Oh