Archive of Our Own

It was late, the halls of Specter Lit dim and casting shadows as Mike walked through them, from his office to that of his mentor. There was a file in his hand, a clause in the bylaws of a company that was suing one of their clients that might just be the loophole they needed to win.

Or at least lessen the significant settlement that the opposing counsel was gunning for.

He was pretty sure Harvey would be happy with the find, and it made Mike feel proud that he was at least proving that the older attorney's effort to promote him wasn't misplaced.

It was mostly quiet toward the end of the hall, where a soft yellow glow from a lamp in Harvey's office bled out against the carpet.

“Guess who's awesome!” He proclaimed, entering the room through the heavy glass door, “That's right, m-”

His words faltered by the scene before him.

Harvey, standing behind his desk. Red-faced with something that resembled frustration or anger, and Donna next to him, her arms crossed, looking stiff.

“Oh,” Mike paused, sensing the sudden tension in the air and realizing quickly that he'd interrupted something, “Sorry.”

Harvey's jaw flexed as he ripped his eyes away from Donna and turned his glare on Mike.

Damn. We're they fighting again?

Harvey was always in a mood when he and Donna were at odds, and that seemed to be more and more lately.

It wasn’t as if Mike didn't know why, of course. Harvey's latest relationship had ended the way they always did, only this time, the catalyst hadn't been the guy's stupidity or indifference, but Donna.

She'd apparently taken Mike's advice to heart about telling Harvey how she felt. Only she hadn’t told him. She’d kissed him.

Harvey had reluctantly admitted as much to Mike after a hard case and a couple drinks. Shortly after his relationship with Paula had gone up in flames.

Mike had acted as sympathetic as he could, for his friend's sake, but there had been a small part of him that had hoped Harvey's newly found single-ness meant that the kiss had meant something to him. That he and Donna might finally stop circling each other and go in for a damn landing.

Looking at them now, those hopes were dashed.

Harvey looked ready to kill and Donna…she was just as heated, her eyes still locked on Harvey like she was considering all the ways she could strangle him.

Oh, they were definitely fighting again.

“What is it, Mike?” Harvey demanded, standing rod straight, his words clipped.

Mike considered himself an intelligent individual, so he didn't waste any time getting to the point.

“There's a clause in McFadden's bylaws that nullify their claim of breach.”

He dropped the file onto Harvey's desk and the lawyer slapped a hand over it, sliding it closer to him.

“Nullified as in-”

“We could force them to drop the suit, if we play this right.”

Harvey nodded, the only approval Mike knew he was likely to get tonight.

“Prep for any possible counters,” he said, still tense, "I've gone up against their legal rep before. He won't back down without a fight, trust me. He's a pit bull on a pant leg.”

“Takes one to know one,” Donna snarked, catching both of their attention and Mike flinched at the gaze Harvey levied at her.

The air felt thick and he wasn't sure he wanted to stick around to watch the two of them tear each other to shreds. He still had PTSD from the fallout of Liberty Rails, and the issues between them now were considerably more loaded.

“Text me when you come up with something,” Harvey ordered, not breaking his stare from Donna, who returned it with a defiantly lifted chin.

Mike took the dismissal for what it was, “Yep. Will do.”

He snuck back out the door, exhaling a relieved breath as he scurried down the hall, passing his office to find his fiancee.

Rachel was in her own office, head bent over open casebooks.

“Hey,” he announced his presence, slipping into the room, “Got a minute?”

She smiled up at him tiredly, “Not really. What's up?”

He dropped into the chair opposite of her, “Mom and Dad are fighting again.”

She arched her brow, “Harvey and Donna?”

“Yup.”

“Yeah, they've been doing that a lot lately,” concern colored her voice and she sat back in her seat, “I think. They barely talk in the halls anymore. He's been handling his own copies instead of asking her or even Gretchen to do it. Donna doesn’t stay late. And every time they're in the room together, it's like…like-”

“Like you can cut the tension with a knife?”

Shel chuckled, “Exactly. Do you think we should lock them in a closet together and see if it helps?”

Mike folded his hands behind his head, considering the idea.

“We do have that Christmas retreat coming up. Maybe forcing them to talk outside the office with some alcohol involved will help them get over whatever this is.”

Rachel made a doubtful face, then straightened, “Speaking of the Christmas party-”

“Retreat.”

“Whatever. Did Donna ever tell you what weekend it was supposed to be on?”

Mike racked his brain, knowing that if the C.O.O had shared that news, he’d remember, but no dates jumped into his head.

“Nope. Want me to ask her?”

Rachel smirked, “You’re going to go back into the lion’s den when she’s fighting with Harvey?”

He winced, pushing out of his chair, “On second thought, maybe it would be better if you just texted her.”

“Uh huh.”

He walked around the desk and placed a quick kiss to the top of her head.

“I’ll leave you alone so you can finish,” he said, “Apparently I have to come up with some counter arguments to counter other counter arguments by myself, since Harvey’s being moody. Want me to order takeout?”

She’d already turned back to her books, “Sushi, please.”

He smiled crookedly, walking toward the door, “I could have guessed that.”

It was past nine when Harvey finally walked off the elevator that led to his apartment. His back felt stiff from having sat too long in his office chair, trying to finish up his work for the evening as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Mike had come by again, pretending like he wasn’t checking in on him, and if Harvey had been less annoyed, he might have appreciated the gesture. As it were, he was annoyed and the long day that was weighing heavy on his shoulders wasn’t doing much to help that fact.

He reached his apartment and unlocked the door.

Music greeted him. It was a light jazz, not his father’s work but one of his classics; quiet enough to be background noise. Light was coming from his kitchen and the fireplace beyond, making the entrance glow orange.

Harvey shrugged out of his suit jacket and began to undo his tie as he walked the length of the foyer; a thick aroma of melted cheese and marinara hitting him as he rounded the corner.

Donna was perched at one of his bar stools, a glass of wine in hand that was already near empty. Two dinner plates were on the counter in front of her, piled high with steaming pasta.

He paused by the marble island, drinking in the sight before him. The food looked appealing, but it was Donna that stopped him dead. She was barefoot. Legs crossed. The dress she’d worn that day riding up just enough to expose the creamy skin of her thigh.

“I was wondering how long it would take you to get home,” she crooked her head, a halo of red hair cascading over her shoulder as she did so.

Harvey tossed his jacket over the back of the barstool beside her, moving closer.

“I stayed to finish the prep for Wednesday’s deposition,” he told her, “I didn’t want to risk any more interruptions.”

Her wine stained lips curved upward in amusement just as he reached her and Harvey spun her chair so she faced him.

Donna sat the glass down and uncrossed her legs.

Then she smiled for real, “Did Mike suspect anything?”

His fingers touched her knee, sliding up toward her hemline, “He’s got bigger things to worry about.”

She clicked her tongue at him as she reached up and stroked one end of his hanging tie, “You’re just lucky I heard him coming.”

She tugged it off then grabbed his shirt, guiding him forward and her knees parted to make space for him between them.

Harvey’s hand moved to her hip, the other sliding around her shoulders to grip the back of her neck, angling her head upward.

“The ones that should have been coming were us,” he insisted.

She lifted a delicate brow, pinning him with a taunting stare, “And whose fault is it that we didn’t get to finish what we’d started? I told you it would be better to wait until we were home, but no.”

“My fault?” he leaned down, letting his nose brush over hers, tasting the anticipation of what they’d been robbed of on his tongue, “You were the one that couldn’t keep your hands to yourself.”

“Hmm,” she practically purred, arching up into him so that her chest nearly brushed his own, “You’re right. Maybe I should start practicing restraint.”

Her hands released his shirt as she said it, and she began to pull away, but Harvey was having none of it. Not after the way he’d suffered through the last few hours.

He tightened his hold on her and drew her back, dropping his mouth onto hers with a hard, lingering kiss.

Donna melted immediately, becoming putty in his arms.

He withdrew when they were both gasping for a breath.

“I never said I had a problem with it,” he pointed out, and she giggled, pretenses fading as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and nuzzled back against him.

“I’m glad you’re home.”

Harvey kissed her cheek, “Me too.”

“I picked up food.”

Another kiss, her jaw this time, “I saw.”

She sighed, tipping her head back further, giving him more access, “You should eat.”

He nipped at her neck, “Oh, I plan to.”

She didn’t bother with anymore protests, spreading her hand through his hair and tugging the strands of it, mussing them into disarray and Harvey groaned against her skin.

Her legs wrapped around him and his mouth moved back to hers.

There were few things he enjoyed more than kissing Donna. That wasn’t to say the sex wasn’t phenomenal; it was. Even better than he remembered it being that first time, years ago. But kissing Donna…that was what he had dreamed about. Fantasized about, before he’d been able to understand why.

It was the quiet intimacy of having her in his arms, all up in his personal space, because he wasn’t himself without her and he finally understood what that meant.

She had kissed him in her office for the first time weeks ago. He’d still been with Paula then; had still believed he could make that work if he just tried hard enough. But the moment Donna’s lips had touched his, any illusions of a future with anyone else had evaporated.

He’d fought it, at first. He’d been angry. Hurt. And if he were honest…petrified.

Donna crossed the line they usually pretended didn’t exist and sent his world spinning. They’d fought. He’d accused her of being selfish, of making him something he’d never wanted to be.

She’d shoved the truth back at him; accused him of blurring their lines, of flirting with her, of not having to feel guilty if her kiss hadn’t affected him.

But it had. And they both knew it.

It had taken a few days and a lot of reflecting. He’d met with Paula for lunch, she’d tried to kiss him, and he’d known then that it was over.

Kissing Donna had ruined him.

She was Pandora and the box was opened. There was no shoving those feelings back inside of it.

He’d ended his relationship with Paula and had shown up at Donna’s apartment, half drunk and angry. At her. At himself. At all the years they’d pretended there was nothing between them and the ease at which that lie had crumbled.

They’d yelled at each other. She’d cried. He’d felt guilty.

Then, somehow, they’d ended up kissing again and he didn’t stop. He didn’t pull away. He didn’t make excuses.

He’d taken her to bed.

He’d stayed the night. And the next. And the next. And the next.

“Harvey,” Donna’s sharp gasp pulled him from the memory and back to his kitchen, where he was leaning so hard into her that she was nearly falling back against the counter.

He straightened, pulling her with him, and she slid off the stool.

“Bedroom,” he commanded, the memory of the last few weeks raw in his mind.

A pink tongue ran over swollen lips and Donna nodded, her hand finding his. She pulled him across the room. Back to her mouth. Back to his bed.

They’d been together since that first night, though neither of them had been quick to put a label on it. Words like ‘dating’ or ‘boyfriend’ or ‘relationship’ seemed to pale in comparison to what felt like eternity.

He and Donna belonged together, and once he’d realized that, it was as if they’d always been together. Their history was far from simple, their commitment to each other far from new. No label could encapsulate it.

So they didn’t try. They went to dinner. They made love. They talked. Every day made it easier; bridging their past with their present, and every day, Harvey found his fears abating.

Whatever he thought they might risk losing was nothing compared to what they gained when he’d stopped fighting the inevitable.

But they’d agreed to keep it between them, for the time being. Partly because there were aspects of it that did feel new, still developing, and they didn’t want to jinx it or add any pressure. The other part was sheer professional courtesy. Donna was his C.O.O and there would always be assholes like Malik who would make assumptions and it would always be Donna that suffered the brunt of any rumors.

There was dust to settle. Work to do. And he had to admit that sneaking around was kind of thrilling. As was having her all to himself.

So they kept the change of their relationship under wraps and behaved, most of the time, while they were in the office.

Harvey was fine with that. Especially if it meant he got to come home to her like this.

It was an hour, three orgasms, and a shower later when they eventually got back to the food that Donna had bought for dinner.

Harvey slipped a T-shirt over his head, moving into the living room as Donna sat the plates on the coffee table. She licked some of the sauce from her fingers as he joined her on the sofa, pulling her close to his side before picking up his plate.

“This does look good,” he commented, resting his feet up on the table.

Donna smiled, relaxing her weight against his side as she swirled some of the noodles around her fork, “You do usually crave carbs after sex.”

“I earned them,” he gloated and she made a noise, but didn’t deny it.

She did, however, change the subject.

“Rachel texted me.”

Harvey took a bite of his food and looked at her while he chewed,“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Mike told her we were fighting.”

He snorted, “She told you that?”

“No,” Donna smirked, “But she asked if everything was okay between us and if I needed to talk. It’s sweet, actually. But it doesn’t take a genius to deduce that Mike said something to her.”

“Mhmm,” Harvey swallowed, “Remind me to give him more busy work, then.”

She laughed, the sound melodic and happy. He loved that sound.

“Give the puppy a break,” she nudged him and brought her fork to her lips, “He means well.”

“Sure.”

They ate a bit more in silence, then Donna continued, “Rachel also asked about the firm’s Christmas Retreat. It reminded me that I need to send the invitations out soon. Especially if we want an accurate headcount for the catering.”

Harvey huffed at the reminder, “You have fun in the Berkshires.”

Donna twisted, facing him, "Oh, don’t think you’re missing out on this, mister.”

He’d recognize that look on her face anywhere and a groan escaped him before he could stop it.

“Donna, come on. A weekend upstate. With Louis. Is that really how you want to celebrate the holiday?”

“It’s a weekend,” she countered, “Not the actual holiday. And yes, it’s upstate. In a lodge with a banquet room, near slopes to ski on, and it’ll be more than just Louis. Mike and Rachel will be there. Jessica even said she might fly up for it. I guess she’s not really part of the firm anymore, but I doubt anyone’s going to care if she’s there. She can be your plus one! But then Jeff would have to be mine, since he’d probably come in with her. Would that be too weird?”

Harvey shook his head, “All of this is too weird. Especially when we could spend the weekend here. Alone. Doing whatever the hell we want.”

“It’s good for team morale,” she goaded and he rolled his eyes, making her laugh again.

“Okay, then what if I make it worth your while?”

Now that piqued his interest.

“Depends,” he side-eyed her, “How do you plan on doing that?”

Donna sat her plate down on the table, then looked at him with her best innocent expression, “I might book you one of the rooms with a private hot tub. I might accidentally book mine right next door. And then I might accidentally find my way into yours after one too many cups of spiked eggnog.”

Harvey pursed his lips, fighting to keep his poker face in place, “Nobody is going to believe that you, Donna Paulsen, are that accident prone.”

“Everyone is likely going to be too drunk to care,” she pointed out, “And I plan to go shopping for the trip. I might bring a few surprises for you to enjoy. New lingerie. A new bathing suit for the private jacuzzi.”

Goddamn, she painted a tempting picture.

“Or wear nothing at all, for that matter,” she continued, torturing him, “Think about it, Harvey. A weekend getaway, secret rendezvous…Come on, you can pretend you’re James Bond.”

He laughed at that and Donna smirked like she knew she’d won.

And fuck. She had. Because it was hard to deny her anything on a regular day, let alone one where she was promising such enticing offers, and Harvey had never been one to back down from a challenge.

“Alright,” he agreed, discarding his own plate as he did so, “But only if I get to go shopping for that lingerie with you.”

Donna grinned and closed the space between them, crawling right into his lap and settling against him.

“Whose card did you think I was planning on using?” she pointed out, then kissed him before he could shake his head at the spoiled little monster he’d created.

If there was one thing that Donna knew she could do well, it was event planning. She’d always had a knack for it, the necessary attention to detail, the ability to charm, manipulate, or vaguely threaten others into giving her what she wanted. And there was such satisfaction when all the pieces came together.

Looking around the lodge she’d rented on behalf of the firm for the weekend, all she could do was smile. The two story log building was nestled in the mountains where snow had already fallen thick. It held twenty-seven bedrooms, a banquet hall, a concierge desk, and a magnificent lounge where a large, decorated tree was already illuminated by all wall of windows that overlooked the forest beyond.

Wreaths hung along the banister and off the second level balcony, mistletoe was cheekily strung above several entrances, and a crackling fire spread warmth from the enormous fireplace against the far wall.

Many employees of the firm had already arrived with their various plus ones or twos and the charcuterie table she’d had the foresight to order was set up and drawing attention. As was the open bar, a boon toward the efforts of team-building. And it was, Donna planned to argue. Especially this time of year, when billables were due, the fiscal quarter was ending, and everyone was more stressed than usual.

Usually, the firm hosted an office party. But this year, she was C.O.O and her unique gift of knowing what people needed was serving well.

The atmosphere was already heightened with joy and excitement. Drinks were being poured, laughter was echoing through the room, and it was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

The pun made her smile as she walked from the concierge desk, where she’d just confirmed all the last minute details for the formal dinner they’d be having that evening, and made her way toward the entrance, where Rachel had just arrived with Mike.

“You made it!” she exclaimed, wrapping her friend in a hug. Rachel returned it.

“We did! And, wow, Donna, this is amazing!”

“I know!” she laughed, taking another look around, “It really came together.”

Mike stepped forward, throwing an arm around her shoulder, “Did you really doubt yourself?”

“Not for a second,” she agreed, and poked his side, “You can get your room key from the desk over there. Everyone’s was assigned, but I tried to make sure the two of you got one of the nicer suites.”

Rachel beamed, “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Donna squeezed her arm, pulling away from Mike, “Go grab your bags. I’ll show you the way up.”

The second level of the lodge held all the bedrooms, a library with a reading room, muli-stalled restrooms, and a beautiful seating area that had two smaller trees placed next to another glass wall.

She let herself be distracted by the view after showing Mike and Rachel to their room and leaving them to settle in.

The snow had begun falling again and the world outside looked so quiet. White and peaceful. A contrast to the music and flow of conversation that rose from the floor below.

Others passed behind her, coming or going from their rooms, but nobody bothered her as she stared at the scene through the glass; the snow-covered trees and the ski slopes behind them.

Until movement caught her eye at the corner as someone approached.

As quiet and steady as the light fall of flurries outside, he came to stand beside her and every nerve in Donna’s body lit up. That awareness had always existed between the two of them and she knew she could find this man in the dark, while blindfolded and bound, based on instinct alone.

“Mr. Specter,” she said in a formal tone, not looking away from the view.

He moved closer, enough that she could feel the warmth of his body at her side, but kept a respectable gap between them, “Ms. Paulsen.”

Donna let the silence stretch, pretending her pulse hadn’t just quickened by her name alone on his lips, and her skin prickled beneath the cashmere sweater she wore.

Harvey wasn’t touching her, but he didn’t have to. His presence alone was like a fingertip grazing down her spine.

They’d spent the previous night apart so they could each finish packing and had arrived separately for max discretion. In that distance, however short or small, she’d missed him and somehow, Donna knew he’d felt it, too.

She shot a sideways glance at him, “You’re late. I was beginning to wonder if you’d bailed.”

“No,” he assured her, tone casual, “I’m pretty sure I was contractually obligated to make an appearance. Certain guarantees were made, after all.”

She nodded, “They were. On both ends.”

“I’m here,” he reasoned, “You can consider my end fulfilled.”

“Ah, ah,” she warned, giving him her full attention, “You also have to pretend you’re celebrating and having a good time.”

His smirk would be the death of her, if she were a weaker woman, “I plan on having a great time.”

“Mhmm,” she hummed, “And exactly how many bottles of Macallan did you pack to ensure that fact?”

“That isn’t pertinent,” he said.

Donna turned to face him then, a quip on her tongue, but she held it back as she took a moment to silently appreciate his appearance.

Harvey was dangerously handsome in a suit, she’d always thought so. But Harvey in casual clothes?

She fought the urge to bite her lip as her gaze roamed from the boots on his feet, to the jeans that shaped his toned thighs, to the long-sleeved Henley that stretched over his chest, V-ing at his throat where the first two buttons were loose. The jacket he’d draped over it was black and leather.

She swallowed and feigned nonchalance, “I’m orchestrating this event. Which means all information regarding our firm's managing partner is pertinent to me.”

Harvey’s lip twitched, but his poker face was better than hers, “Including his drinking habits?”

She nodded, “I take into account all his habits. Especially the bad ones. Those need extra tending. And it’s my job to tend to his needs.”

It wasn’t subtle, she’d admit, but the comment was worth it for the way Harvey’s eyes flared briefly before he moved an inch closer, apparently deciding to play along.

“He has a lot of them.”

Donna fought back a smile of her own, “Needs or bad habits?”

He looked at her, turning from the window, and there was a wicked glint flickering through his gaze, “Maybe you should come to my room and find out for yourself. Seeing as you are so thorough at your job, of course.”

“Of course,” she smirked and took a step closer, her hair swishing down her back as she angled toward him, “We should probably start by getting your room key-”

He lifted a hand, dangling something between two fingers.

His keycard.

“I managed to find the front desk all by myself, thanks.”

She made a show of gasping, “All by yourself? Who are you and what have you done with Harvey Specter?”

“I’ll have you know,” he leaned in, his tongue running over his bottom lip in a way that tightened every muscle in her stomach, “I’m capable of doing many things without your assistance, Ms. Paulsen.”

The fruit was low hanging.

“Sure, but I think I recall you telling me that some activities are way more fun with my assistance. Unless, of course, spending last night alone gave you a new appreciation for how pleasurable working hard by yourself can be.”

Harvey didn’t miss a beat, his gaze dropping to her mouth as he said, “Working solo gets the job done when required. But I do prefer a team effort.”

Donna fought back a shiver. He looked ready to devour her and she was losing her patience, “Then maybe we should find your room. Get started on some of those team-building exercises.”

His eyes flickered back up to hers and the poker face slipped for him, too.

“Lead the way.”

They maintained a perfectly professional distance as they walked. Well, professional if she ignored the way their hands brushed once, then twice as they turned down the hall, or that Harvey was subtly shifting closer the few times they passed someone heading back toward the celebrations downstairs. Or the way his eyes kept dropping to her hips, which she may have started swaying a little extra on purpose.

Donna stopped at the end of the last corridor where a premium suite was tucked away from the rest of the row.

“This is you,” she gestured to the door.

“206,” he looked at it with amusement and she shrugged, “Purely coincidental.”

“Yeah, right.”

He slid the keycard through the lock and a loud click indicated it had opened. They stepped inside quickly, throwing a glance down the hall to be sure nobody had seen them.

“Damn,” Harvey muttered, taking in the space and Donna echoed his sentiment.

It was a beautiful room, worth the price they’d paid for it. Spacious, wood-paneled, a plush king bed, stone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows that were half covered by thick drapes and, as promised, a bubbling jacuzzi tucked away in the corner on a raised wooden platform, already steaming.

She placed a hand on her hips, looking over at it with mock seriousness, “It appears everything is in order and the resort staff followed my instructions.”

Harvey was only half willing to play along, now that they had privacy.

“Mhmm,” he moved behind her, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her into his chest, “See. Thorough. I’d expect nothing less.”

He pushed her hair off her shoulder and dropped his head onto the curve of her neck. She reached back, stroking his hair as he laid a kiss on her exposed skin.

“Are you impressed?” She asked, a little breathless.

His touch ghosted up her ribcage, “Extremely.”

Donna turned her head toward him, her eyes falling closed as she felt him half erect against her, “And…appreciative?”

He gripped her chin, “Very.”

She smiled, “Worth the trip?”

“No. But this is.”

He kissed her and the fire it ignited in her stomach was hotter than the temperature of the jacuzzi’s bubbling water.

She turned in his arms, melting against him and Harvey wasted no time hoisting her up, making their chests flush.

His tongue grazed over her lips, then pushed between them, slick and demanding in a way that was absolutely working for her.

Donna plunged her hands into his hair, dragging him closer, opening to him, guiding him toward the large bed.

A knock shook the door just as the back of her thighs reached the mattress. Harvey ignored it, moving his mouth to her jawline.

She sighed.

Another knock, this one more insistent, and he groaned, “Goddamn it.” Then, a bit louder, “Who is it?”

“Santa Clause,” Mike’s voice answered through the wood, bright, chipper, and possibly already tipsy. Donna laughed at the way Harvey’s eyes rolled.

“You know he won’t go away,” she murmured, pulling back.

He cursed again, but his expression told her he had reached the same conclusion.

Releasing her, he turned back toward the door and Donna straightened, smoothing her clothes as she did so. When she was certain she no longer looked ravished, she nodded and Harvey opened the door.

“What?” he demanded, ill-tempered in response to his best friend cock blocking him for a second time that month.

“Was wondering if you’d made it yet,” Mike wasn’t put off by the mood, his face all rosy cheeks and smiles, “There was someone who…Donna?” 

He’d spotted her standing a few feet behind Harvey and frowned.

“Hey,” she stepped forward, “You get settled in okay?”

He nodded, “Yeah. We found the mini fridge! And Rachel loves that the room has a hot tub, thanks!”

“Your fiancee is drinking alone in a room with a hot tub and you’re here bothering me…why?” Harvey pressed, indignant enough that Donna had to suppress a laugh.

“She’s not in the room now, she’s downstairs with Katrina,” Mike corrected, “But Jessica just arrived and was asking if you were here…”

He glanced between the two of them, and Donna could see his brain reaching for an explanation.

“We’ll be right down to see her,” she cut in before he could land near the truth; even if he was inebriated, the kid was sharp, “Harvey’s just being a bit of a grinch and wanted to know the logistics of this weekend’s events.”

“Please. I’m the epitome of holiday spirit,” Harvey deadpanned, making Mike chuckle.

“Sure you are, man. But alright, I’ll let Jessica know. And uh,” he paused, leaning a hip against the doorframe, “You guys should keep in mind that we’re here to have a good time. It’s Christmas! Which means no fighting,” he waved a finger at them, “Whatever has been up with the two of you lately, it stays back in the city, okay? This weekend is supposed to be fun!”

He swung that finger at Harvey, “You especially need to have some fun!”

Donna was surprised when Harvey laughed, the sound quiet and amused as he clapped Mike on the shoulder, “And you need to mind your own business.

He turned the kid around and forced him out of the doorway, then shut it behind him to a short, protesting, “Heeeey.”

Donna waited until they heard Mike’s footsteps start down the hall before she let out a breath, laughing too.

“He really thinks we’re still mad at each other.”

Harvey shrugged, striding back to her, “We’re good actors.”

“I’m a good actor,” she amended, resting her hands on his chest, “You just like being mean to him.”

She punctuated the accusation with a short kiss that ended entirely too soon for either of their liking. When Harvey made a noise of protest, she smirked.

“Later. When half the firm isn’t wandering the halls.”

His eyes narrowed, “I’m holding you to that.”

She winked at him, patting his chest once before stepping back toward the door, “Come on, Grinch. We should go mingle and enjoy the festivities.”

He reluctantly agreed and Donna giggled at the way he grumbled, opening the door to the hall.

She paused there, briefly.

“Oh, and Mr. Specter…”

His jaw ticked, “Yes, Ms. Paulsen?”

“You should be prepared to finish that conversation on the logistics of team activities tonight. And know that I have high expectations for your performance.”

He exhaled through his nose, nostrils flaring as humor lit his eyes. Right after a flash of heat.

“I’ll keep my schedule open.”

Downstairs, Jessica and Jeff stole Harvey away fairly quickly, but Donna didn’t mind too much. She watched him across the room as he sipped a drink and visited with his mentor. After a few moments, he looked relaxed; even happy.

She smiled.

“Dooonnnaaa!” Her attention was flagged by Rachel, who appeared sans Mike, but with Gretchen close behind her, “There you are!”

“Here I am,” she turned toward her friend and laughed, “What is on your head?”

“Reindeer ears,” Rachel said, bobbing the antler's headband and making the bells hanging from it chime, “Isn’t it cute? Louis brought some!”

Donna quickly scanned the room and spotted the attorney near the tree with Sheila. He wore a Santa hat on his head and was explaining something quite animatedly to Katrina, who wore a pair of elf ears.

“Cute is one word for it,” she chuckled and looked back at Rachel.

“Damn fools,” Gretchen chided affectionately, nudging Rachel’s arm, and the younger girl giggled, “Hit the drinks and the snacks as soon as they got here. Something tells me one of these idiots will be dancing shirtless on the table by the end of the weekend.”

“As long as it’s not Louis,” Donna joked and laughed at the expression Gretchen made.

“Cocktails and shirtless men,” Rachel mused, “There are worse ways to celebrate.”

“I’ll leave that for you youngins,” Gretchen shrugged the cardigan she wore higher on her shoulders, “I plan on making the most of this place’s spa package.”

“Oooh,” Rachel spun toward her, “A massage would be amazing!”

“Massage. Facial. Pedicure,” Gretchen shimmied happily, “I’m doing it all.”

Rachel looked a little like a baby deer with the antlers and the doe-eyed stare she locked on Gretchen, “Care for company?”

“Sure, sweetie. How about you, Red?” Gretchen asked.

Donna debated, sneaking a quick look at Harvey who was still lost in conversation with Jessica. Mike had joined them.

“The party will be fine without you!” Rachel teased, grabbing her arm, “Come on, you deserve a massage!”

“I do,” Donna agreed, rolling her shoulders. It was a tempting idea.

“Just come with us, Red. Ms. Zane’s right. Everyone’ll be fine here and if they’re not…well, they’ll be easier to deal with if you’ve relaxed.”

Donna chuckled, but the woman had a point. Harvey would be fine. The employees of the firm were already getting settled and starting their celebrations, either drinking, playing numerous table games, or signing up for activities hosted by the resort.

She should do the same, “Alright. I did see a seaweed wrap on their spa service list that I wanted to try.”

Rachel squealed in excitement and tugged on her arm, “Yay! Let’s go!”

Harvey was begrudged to admit that he was actually enjoying himself. A couple hours into his mandatory vacation and he could feel the stress of the last few months melting away. Jessica was doing well and looked happy, sitting across from him by the lodge’s large fireplace. She’d told him about Chicago, about the challenges of her work there, and where she thought it might be heading.

He’d told her about the firm. About Louis’s antics, and how he’d made Donna C.O.O. He hadn’t realized he was waiting for her approval until she gave it. In fact, she looked almost proud, and maybe a tad relieved. It eased something in him.

“You’ve changed,” she said; not a complement, not an insult.

“I had to.”

He’d had to grow up. Step up. In more ways than one.

Jeff had returned with drinks at some point and Louis had found his way over to them. Mike stole Harvey’s focus then, dragging him into a card game while telling him that Rachel and Donna were apparently off getting pampered.

The thought made him smile. Donna had been working harder than any of them and he was glad she was taking a break.

It was early evening before they found each other again. He and Mike had moved upstairs, to the library on the second floor. Rachel had all but skipped into the room, refreshed and smiling, and had grabbed Mike by the hand.

Harvey hadn’t paid attention to where they disappeared to, focusing instead on his favorite redhead, smirking at him as the younger couple waltzed past her.

“Are you actually reading?” she asked, gesturing to the book in his hand.

Mike had pointed it out and he’d pulled it from the shelf.

“Just killing time,” he said, putting it back in its place as he ran his eyes over Donna’s body. Her shoulders seemed lower, her skin glowing.

He noted the small groupings of other people in the room, enjoying the book selections, and lowered his voice as he approached her.

“You look relaxed.”

“Mhm,” she hummed an assent, “It’s amazing what having a pair of hands on you for an hour can do for stiff muscles.”

He was pretty sure she meant it in the literal sense, but her words sent his mind down a different path and he’d kill just to get her alone for an hour or two.

Keeping a casual posture, he slipped his hands in his pocket and leaned against the shelf next to where Donna stood. Her shoulders were bare where the fabric of her sweater swooped down and never had cashmere looked so dangerous.

“Come back to the room and you can have a pair of hands on you for another hour,” he murmured, resisting the urge to reach out and tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. She’d pulled it up in a messy bun that somehow still managed to look classy, and the pieces that were loose around her face just might be his achilles’ heel.

Her eyes flickered around the room, gaging the other guests before shifting forward a little closer; just a touch beyond professionalism.

“The way you’re staring at me right now, I’m not sure you’ll need a whole hour,” she taunted, and her eyes were hooded mischief when they peered up at him.

“Thirty minutes,” he bargained and she laughed, “Please. I could undo you in less than five.”

He clenched his jaw at the threat, leaning in a fraction. Not close enough that anyone watching would think much about it, but he could smell the aroma of her perfume mingling with whatever lotion her massage had coated her in and the mental image of her soft creamy skin being exposed made him groan.

“I’m willing to take that challenge.”

She shook her head at him, “If we go to your room now, we both know we’re not coming out for a while and people are bound to notice.”

“If we go to my room right now,” he towered over her, cutting off her view of anything that wasn’t him, “-we won’t come out for the rest of the night and I’m going to do everything I’ve been thinking about since this morning. Everything you teased me about over the phone last night. And everything your eyes are hinting at right now.”

Want flickered through Donna’s gaze, then surprise. Her lip curved up at the corner.

“You’re not usually this wound up.”

“It’s your fault,” he accused, “Making me spend last night without you so you could go home and pack. Then sending me pictures of the lingerie that I know is in your bag.”

Her eyes darkened, lashes lowering, “You liked those photos.”

“I loved them,” he assured her, “But I’ve been half hard for nearly twelve hours now and you look like…” he cut himself off, tossing a glance to the others in the room, but nobody was paying them any attention, “You know what you look like.”

Donna smirked, “Presentable?”

“Irresistable.”

Her sweater hugged her curves, showed the dips of her collarbones and ended right at the beltline of her designer jeans.

“Harvey,” she whispered, half warning, half desire.

“Come upstairs with me,” he repeated, his voice dropping even lower, “Please.”

Her eyes widened as he begged, but he was about ready to hit his knees for her; dignity be damned. The only thing that stopped him was knowing that they weren’t alone.

“You never say please.”

“You never say no.”

Her features softened and her hand flexed between them, partially lifting like she was going to touch him, then thought better of it.

“Not no,” she assured him, “Trust me, there is nothing I would love more than to lock myself in the room with you for the rest of the night, but we need to keep up appearances and it’s only a matter of time before someone needs-”

“Donna?”

 A feminine voice interrupted and she flinched, expression morphing into a quick I-told-you-so as she spun to face the person who had just entered the room.

Janice, from Bankruptcy, hurried over oblivious to the heated moment she’d just brought to a halt.

Harvey muttered a curse under his breath.

“Oh, sorry!” Janice paused beside them, “Am I interrupting something?”

Okay, maybe not entirely oblivious.

“No,” Donna assured her, putting on a smile only Harvey could tell was fake. Yes, he answered under his breath.

Janice ignored whatever expression was probably on his face, all of her focus on Donna.

“We’re having an issue with the seating chart for dinner tonight. The lodge needs a final layout before six and they said you were supposed to have the do-and-do-not list?”

“Yes,” Donna straightened and any lingering hope that Harvey had of getting her alone was dashed, “Give me a moment and I’ll update with management."

Janice nodded and disappeared back the way she came. Donna turned toward him, looking apologetic.

“Do you have to do it right now?” he asked, sounding a bit like an impatient child, but he didn't care.

“I should,” she told him, more amused than merciful, “But I suppose I could find you after and help you…relieve your problem.”

He leaned into her, pretending to reach for the bookcase as he dropped his tone to gravel, “You’ve got ten minutes. Then I’ll be the one finding you.”

She shot him a heated glare that egged him to do exactly as he threatened, but he held his stance, letting her know he meant it.

He watched her throat contract as she swallowed, that realization setting in.

“Ten minutes,” she breathed, then walked away from him, the curve of her ass as she did so testing his restraint.

He tipped his head back and closed his eyes; negotiating with the universe for patience.

It was cruel, but Donna couldn’t help herself.

Harvey’s glowering attraction had burned into her veins and had set her on edge. He’d told her he’d come to find her if she wasn’t back in time, so she lingered.

She met with the management of the lodge, she set things in order for dinner, struck a conversation with a couple of coworkers.

Waiting. Testing.

When twelve minutes had passed, she felt a hand on her elbow, followed by a sharp tug. She didn’t have to look to know that she’d been caught and the hallway Harvey dragged her down, between the service elevator and the door for the kitchen staff, was dark and empty.

He seemed to have an idea of where he was going, but she sure as hell didn’t. Not that it mattered.

A utility closet.

She almost giggled when Harvey shoved her into the small space, cramped with cleaning supplies and extra stock of amenities.

“You did that on purpose,” he called her out the moment the door shut behind them.

Donna didn’t bother denying it, “I wanted to see if you’d actually come.”

“Oh, I’m about to,” he grabbed her hips and pushed her back against the closest wall, “And so are you.”

His mouth slammed into hers, the kiss scorching. Donna’s resolve crumbled and their hands became frantic. Harvey bit and sucked on every surface area of her skin he could reach, all while shoving a hand beneath her sweater, cupping one of her breasts through her bra.

Donna moaned into his mouth, hiking a leg up to his hip, making space for him between her thighs. He was rock hard and ground against her, making sure she knew it.

“Fuck,” she gasped as his zipper pressed over sensitive nerves.

“My thoughts exactly,” Harvey panted, nipping at her ear, “God, Donna, you have no idea how badly I’ve wanted to touch you.”

“Then touch me,” she knew there were reasons he shouldn’t, but none came to mind with his body pressed against hers, “Here.”

She grabbed the hand not up her shirt and placed it between her legs.

Harvey groaned, sinking his weight into her and cupped her over her jeans. She whimpered.

“Unbutton them,” he commanded and what else could she do but obey?

He continued to stroke her over denim as she worked her button free and slid down her zipper. His fingers moved, sliding up, then in.

She nearly buckled when they grazed over her swelling clit. The man was damn good with his hands and he could read her body like an open book.

Her pleasure climbed quickly and Harvey’s face hovered slightly above hers, watching as her expression changed with each tease and crest.

“You’re so damn beautiful,” he murmured, eyes drinking her in. Donna moaned, her orgasm riding on the brink.

He pulled away before it could crash and she cried out, “Harvey!”

“Frustrating isn’t it?” he said with a devilish grin.

She slapped his shoulder, “Don’t be an ass.”

“You mean you want me to finish the job?”

“Obviously!”

The look he gave her told her what power she’d just handed him, letting him know she was as turned on and desperate as he was.

“You first,” he ordered and damn, if that tone of his didn’t send her right to her knees. Figuratively and literally.

Harvey’s cock was a thing to be appreciated. Donna had thought so twelve years ago and she’d thought so many nights since they’d gotten together.

She loved how thick he was, the way she could trace his veins when he was as hard as he was now. The way precum dripped from the tip of him, ready for her to taste.

Today was no different, as she worked him free and got comfortable. They were both quick studies, so foreplay had been an easy learn, but it never failed to excite her, watching the way Harvey reacted to her touch.

Donna stroked him slowly, pumping him from base to tip, swirling her thumb over his mushroom head. He was already leaking and the clear substance spread beneath her touch, slickening him.

His head slammed back when she leaned forward, taking him into her mouth.

“Goddamn. Fuck, Donna, just like that,” his breath rushed out as she went to work and his hands found her hair, pulling it loose. He guided her motions and she swallowed around him, earning another curse. His fingertips pressed harder into her scalp and his light thrusting became more aggressive.

She loved it when he lost control. When the trust they had spent a decade building flared up and they could be a little selfish and use each other for pleasure and know that it was okay, and even desired.

Laying her tongue flat, Donna let him do half the work, fucking her mouth as if it were her pussy and she knew it would be, soon enough.

“Look at me.”

Her eyes, which had begun to drift closed, flew open at the command and she peered up through her lashes to meet his gaze. His movement slowed and she hollowed her cheeks, making a show of it as he withdrew at an agonizing pace, centimeter at a time, clearly enjoying the sensation up to the very last second, where his tip slipped from her lips with a pop.

His hands reached down, cupping her face and he ran his thumbs over her skin in a soft stroke, looking at her in a way that was almost too affectionate for the seediness of their current actions.

“Come here,” he murmured, pulling gently.

Donna braced her hands on his thighs and lifted herself up, letting him guide her face to his, where he kissed her with a lingering intent.

Then he flipped her around, moving so she faced the wall and he was behind her, cock resting against the curve of her ass.

He paused only for a second, hands squeezing her waist in a silent question and Donna answered him by tugging at her pants, taking them down enough to grant him access.

Harvey helped her, shoving her sweater up to expose her back, then his arms wrapped around her, holding her hips out as the damp length of him brushed against her.

She arched, bracing her elbows against the wall and after pressing a fast kiss to her shoulder, Harvey took himself in his hand and guided his cock to her entrance.

They were both so turned on, so wet and needy, that he slid in without any issue, sinking and sinking until their bodies were flush and he exhaled in relief against her hair.

“I don’t know what the hell you’ve done to me,” his voice was gruff, “But I’ve never needed anyone-” hands tightened on her hips and he began to withdraw, “-the way I need you.”

He thrust back in and Donna convulsed, stretching deliciously around him.

“Wanted anyone-” another pull, another push, “-the way I want you.”

Oh, she could relate. I had never felt like this with anyone else.

“We have,” she paused to gasp as one of his hands slid up her ribs, catching her breast in his palm, and the other slid south, finding her clit, “-years to make up for.”

The last part came out in a rush that ended with a moan.

“Shh,” he murmured in her ear, “You don’t want anyone to hear us, do you?”

Honestly, the other guests of the lodge were the least of her concern at the moment.

“Shut up and fuck me,” she taunted.

He chuckled, slowing his movement, “Only one of us needs to shut up, or at least keep it down, and it’s not me.”

Donna turned her head, nuzzling up against his jaw, “I thought you liked how expressive I am.”

“I also like not being sued for public indecency,” he noted, making her giggle.

The action had her muscles clenching and noises of pleasure escaped them both at the sensation.

“Less talking,” Harvey agreed, running the fingers that were still lingering between her legs back over her clit.

Donna let her head fall back against his shoulder, “No, keep talking to me.”

She didn’t have to specify how.

“I do love how expressive you are. How responsive.” He flicked his thumb over her nipple, proving his point as her breath hitched higher. His hips began to move and the friction of his cock sliding out, then back into her, had her nails scraping at the wall.

“Sometimes I barely have to touch you and you get this look on your face like you want me to do exactly this. Drag you into a room, put you up against the wall, and bury my dick inside of you. Even at the office. I know you’ve thought about it.”

Of course she had. More times than she cared to admit. But she’d never told him as much.

“Once or twice,” she gasped and his tempo increased, “Oh, fuck-”

“Next time, I might follow through,” he threatened, biting at her neck. His hand left her breast and went into her hair, fisting it in his fingers and tugging, exposing more of her throat to him.

She moaned and he licked the length of her jugular.

“Right there in my office,” he breathed in her ear, “Or yours. I’ll put you on the ledge by the window and fuck you for all of Manhattan to see. And the whole city will know. you’re. mine.”

Their skin slapped together, the sound on beat with each word, and Donna felt her orgasm climbing.

“Yes,” she groaned out, “Keep going-”

“Or maybe I’ll fuck you on the way to work. In the back of Ray’s car. You’ll sit on my lap and I’ll cum in this perfect pussy,” he growled, teeth grazing her lobe, “And you’ll have to go into the office, wearing me between your thighs. All. Fucking. Day. And only we. will. know.”

“Oh god-”

The image, paired with the havoc he was wreaking on her body, shoved Donna to the edge. She cried out as she came, muscles convulsing in waves that dragged Harvey right along with her, though his own groan of pleasure was muffled by her hair.

It was quiet in the aftermath; save for the panting of their breath, leaving them in uneven, puffy bursts. Their shared heat receded and Donna felt Harvey softening inside of her. His hands moved back to her hips, holding her steady as he withdrew.

“Mmm,” she sighed, half in disappointment that the moment was over, and half in lingering pleasure.

Harvey reached for her pants, pulling them back up and she knew it was only a matter of time before his cum would leak out of her, ruining the panties she’d worn.

“You weren’t kidding,” she smiled, turning in his embrace once she had fixed her sweater, too, “About me wearing you.”

In dim lighting and freshly fucked, Harvey was mouthwateringly handsome. Donna reached up to touch him and he embraced her as she did.

“Not even a little,” he said, pressing his forehead to hers. He released a low, satisfied exhale, “Though the next time we do this, it should be in a bed.”

She huffed out a laugh, her nerves still tingling, “You’re the one who dragged me into a closet like a caveman.”

“You didn’t exactly fight me.”

“Shut up,” she whispered, but there was no heat behind the words. She was basking too much in the high of pleasure that only he seemed to wring out of her.

Harvey smirked and leaned down, kissing her softly. There was still a buzz between them, despite the fact that they had both just gotten off. An awareness of what was to come that only grew as their tongues joined in the kiss, deepening it.

Donna sighed and Harvey leaned into her. Her back hit the wall with a quiet thud.

Any longer and they’d be ready for round two, but before she could mention as much, the doorknob near them rattled.

Donna redacted on instinct.

Ducking sideways, she flattened herself behind one of the few shelves, stacked with spare linen sets and hand soap.

Harvey didn’t have time to move at all before the door swung wide.

“Oh-” someone startled, “Oh-Mr. Specter? Sir, I…I didn’t- oh my god, I’m sorry, I…”

Donna couldn’t see Harvey’s face from the angle she was hiding, but she heard him loud and clear.

“Get the hell out!” He sounded angry. Maybe a tad embarrassed, though that might have only been notable to her.

“Right, sorry- I was just-” the voice stammered. It was young. Only vaguely familiar. One of the new first year associates, if she had to guess. Harvey wouldn’t know their name, but they would know him, “They needed more napkins and I was told- never mind, I’m just gonna-”

“Leave,” Harvey growled out.

The kid must have scrambled to do so because a shelf was bumped and objects fell to the floor as the door slammed shut.

When nothing but silence followed, Donna slowly peeked out from behind the shelf.

“Oh my God,” she said, processing what had just happened, “Was that one of the associates?”

“It was,” Harvey grumbled, fixing his clothes with a scowl at the door, like it was the intruder’s fault that he was all discombobulated.

“Did he…Harvey, we just got caught,” she realized, and felt the blood leave her face.

“I got caught,” he corrected dryly, “You vanished like a damn magician.”

It would have been funny if it wasn’t so humiliating. Donna placed a hand over her mouth, “What if he tells someone?”

“I doubt it,” Harvey shrugged off the concern and reached for her, “And even if he does, he didn’t see you. And I have the feeling he’ll be too terrified to even make eye contact with me for the next five years.”

Donna narrowed her eyes at him, “You’re really calm about this.”

“It’s not like it was Louis,” he pointed out and she shook her head, “Thank god for that. But you’re still the managing partner of the firm and you just got walked in on, at what is technically a firm event, in a supply closet.”

His lip kicked up in a smirk, “Not the worst place I’ve been busted.”

Donna gave him a deadpan look, “Do you really want to bring up the 2002 Nadia incident right now?”

His smile widened, “It’s an incident now?”

“It was always an incident. Even before the whole stripper pole fiasco-”

“That was Melanie,” he interjected.

Donna rolled her eyes, “It could be Oprah for all I care, it’s still-”

“What do you have against Oprah?”

“What do you have against keeping your dick in your pants?” she shot back, trying not to laugh.

“At the moment?” he tugged her closer, his features smoothing, “A gorgeous redhead that prefers me with it out.”

That smile and quick wit would be the death of her one day.

“Well this moment is all you’re ever going to have if you don’t learn to control yourself.”

He didn’t blanch at all at the threat, running his gaze lazily over her instead, “Says the woman that just came all over my dick.”

Donna pressed her lips together, suppressing the urge to either throttle or jump his bones at that smug tone he wielded like a weapon.

“I never said you weren’t good,” she reasoned, ignoring the way the compliment deepened his smirk, “Just that your choice of venue could use a little work so we don’t get outed to the entire firm.”

Harvey’s hands slid lower on her back and he brought their hips together, dipping low enough to run his nose over hers, “Relax. It’ll be fine.”

“I hope you’re right,” she sighed, then pushed at his chest, “Now go make sure the coast is clear. We need to get out of here before somebody else comes looking for napkins.”

It took a few minutes, but as soon as they were able, they slipped from the room, heading for the stairs with a respectable distance between them before they caught anyone’s attention. Donna gave Harvey a look as she stopped at her door and he lingered by his, 

“I’m going to change for dinner and meet you downstairs,” she told him, “Contrary to your suggestion, I’m not going to spend the evening with you-know-what all over you-know-where.”

The bastard just winked, still appearing smug, then disappeared into his room.

It had been worth it, Harvey decided shortly after he’d rejoined his coworkers down near the lodge’s bar, wearing a nice suit for dinner, having rinsed off and changed for the evening. He requested a whiskey from the guy manning the bar and sipped on the drink while taking in the views. He felt relaxed. Maybe a little buzzed; but that had nothing to do with the alcohol and everything to do with the memory of Donna’s flushed cheeks hollowing out as she damn near sucked his soul from his body.

He’d meant what he told her, how it was different with her than it had been with anyone else. It had been easy to blame it on the newness of their changed relationship at first. Maybe even the lingering frustrations and the shit they’d had to work out. Then on the lost time.

But he was starting to believe it was something else entirely.

The way he wanted her so badly, no matter how often he had her, was practically an addiction at this point. It had never been like that with anyone. Hell, it hadn’t even felt like that the first time he and Donna had slept together, though he’d never been able to forget how good they felt together.

No, the way things were between them now was more than mere physical attraction or simple chemistry.

If he thought about it too long, his heart began to override his head and argued that it was because he loved her.

He’d never been in love before; not really. He’d cared about partners. He’d had affection and attraction for them. But it had never been the all consuming certainty that he’d felt that night that Donna had kissed him in his office. That she was meant to be his and he was meant to be hers and nobody else would ever compare.

It had obliterated his relationship with Paula and had rendered all others in his past obsolete. But he didn’t really care. Not when he finally worked up the courage to be honest with himself and had made Donna his.

Not when he got to wake up nearly every day with her in his arms and could imagine doing so for the rest of his life.

He’d certainly never had that feeling with any other woman.

“Should have known I’d find you here.”

Mike appeared at his side, a little frumped, with a beer in his hands. The kid’s face was flushed with alcohol and he was grinning that goofy grin that Harvey couldn’t help but find annoyingly endearing.

“Yeah? And how many of me are there?” he held up his hand, waving it in front of Mike’s face.

He swatted at him, “Hey, I’m not that drunk. Yet.”

“Could have fooled me,” Harvey chuckled, leaning back against the bar, “But I’m glad you’re having a good time.”

Mike’s grin turned into a mischievous smirk, “So are you, from what I hear.”

Harvey’s drink paused halfway to his lips, “And what have you heard?”

“That one of the pencil pushers caught you with your pants down. Literally.” Mike’s eyes were wide and eager, staring Harvey down with an impressive focus, considering the scent that was coming off his breath, “It true?”

Harvey took his drink, not confirming or denying it. But damn, Donna had been right, and having to admit that was almost more annoying than the damn kid that had gone blabbing.

“Oh my god,” Mike straightened, turning his back to the room as he rounded on Harvey, nearly spilling his beer in the process, “It is, isn’t it? You were getting busy in a closet?”

“Getting busy?” Harvey shot him a bored look, “No. Because I’m not a twenty-one year old at a frat house.”

“Uhhuh,” Mike waved his finger, “No doing that deflecting thing, man. You gotta tell me!”

“Why, do you need instructions? Are you underperforming? Afraid Rachel might leave you for someone who’s better at it?”

Mike huffed at him, “I am not underperforming. And Rachel thinks I’m great at it, thank you!”

He poked Harvey in the chest hard enough that he nearly dropped his bottle. Harvey laughed under his breath, and finished his own glass, sliding it back across the bar.

“Congratulations,” he said, “Your girlfriend doesn’t hate having sex with you. Want a metal?”

“No, I want the truth,” Mike pressed, moving closer, “Come on, I’m your best friend, you gotta give me some details.”

“You’re not,” Harvey dismissed him, motioning to the bartender for another whiskey. Mike rolled his eyes, “Please. We both know I am. So…who was she? Someone from the firm? Someone new? I didn’t see you with a plus one, so I don’t think it’s someone that-”

“It’s someone who is none of your damn business,” Harvey cut in, trying to sound annoyed, but the amusement in his tone was nearly impossible to mask.

“Dude,” Mike said, far too loudly, “You know this is gonna spread like wildfire right? Harvey Specter hooking up at the firm’s Christmas party? Don’t let me find out second hand like some rookie that-”

“That doesn’t know how to keep his voice down?” Harvey shot, relieved when another glass of whiskey was placed in front of him, “What’s wrong, did your inside voice go on vacation, too?”

“My inside voice isn’t the one on trial here,” Mike pointed the neck of the beer at him, “You are. Because you’re my friend. And I get to know these things.”

Harvey rolled his eyes, “Not sure why you think that.”

“Because you have to be able to talk to somebody,” Mike insisted, “Otherwise you’ll end up dating another therapist.”

Harvey snorted, “So your duty as my friend is to screen my dates now?”

“No,” Mike leaned his elbows on the bartop, “It’s to tell you when I think you’re making a mistake. Something I should have done a couple months ago, but I didn’t.” His tone dropped, expression turning somber, “And if you are dating again…I might not be the only one you need to tell.”

There was something loaded in his expression and Harvey arched his brow, “The list of people you think are entitled to knowledge of my sex life is getting uncomfortably long.”

“Hey, you wanna laugh it off, fine,” Mike grumbled, “But I know you’re not as dense as you pretend to be. You know who I’m talking about.”

“Yeah,” He swirled the liquor around his glass, “I do.”

For a moment, the last year seemed to bear down on him. The way he’d denied his feelings. Hid from them. Lost himself in others to avoid confronting them.

And how he wasn’t the one who had suffered for his stupidity.

It had always been her.

“Donna,” Mike said, as if he could hear his thoughts, and Harvey looked up. But his protégé had turned and was staring across the room. He felt her before he saw her, that rippling shift of energy that made him overtly aware every time she was near.

Then his eyes drew to her like a moth to a flame and…holy hell.

What a flame it was.

Donna was next to Rachel, smiling at something the younger woman had said and she looked stunning.

Her dress was a deep emerald, hugging her waist and flowing over her hips. The neckline plunged, showing the exact path from the slope of her neck to the curve of her breasts that his lips had trailed earlier.

Her hair was down and framing her face; tousled in a way that suggested someone had run their hands through it recently.

His fingers tightened around his glass.

“Rachel,” Mike called, waving to grab their attention. It seemed she had decided to change, too, since she also wore a beautiful gown that shimmered silver in the low lights of the room, but she paled in comparison to the goddess of a woman she stood next to.

His woman.

Having heard Mike and spotted them, Rachel and Donna started their way, drifting through the crowd that was now a mix of people dressed up for dinner and those still in their day wear.

Harvey forced his expression into something neutral that didn’t scream of the way he wanted to grab his C.O.O and drag her back upstairs immediately.

She looked at him when they grew close, flashing a knowing smile, and he nearly forgot how to breathe.

He wasn’t the only one affected though, and that was somewhat a boon. Donna’s shoulders lifted and fell in a less than subtle inhale, but her expression was professional; friendly.

Only her eyes hinted that she might share his sentiment.

“I left you alone for half an hour and you found more to drink?” Rachel teased her fiance when they reached the bar.”

Mike motioned to it, “It’s an open tab on the firm’s dollar. You better believe I’m going to take advantage.”

She shook her head and Donna smiled at the kid. Harvey still couldn’t pull his eyes from her.

“Just don’t make a mess on the rug, okay pretty boy,” she teased him.

Mike made a face, “Oh ye of little faith.”

“Ye of too much knowledge,” Donna corrected, “Of what silly ideas you and this one get when inebriated.”

Her thumb flicked to Harvey who frowned, “How did I get dragged into this?”

She looked down at the drink in his hand, then back up to his face. Once, then twice. He suspected she was somehow managing to check him out while making her point.

And from the way her hazel eyes darkened, she liked what she was seeing.

“Do we need to discuss how many offices you’ve pissed in?”

“Just one,” he smirked, “And it was deserved.”

“One too many,” she insisted with a pointed stare, “But now that you’re mostly house trained, you shouldn’t be teaching the puppy to do the same.”

Mike grunted, “Oh please, I have better sense than he does.”

“Doubtful,” Harvey quipped.

“Well I wasn’t caught in a closet, was I?”

Harvey’s gaze darted to him, his mouth flattening, “Really?”

“Too soon?”

“Mike,” Rachel said in a hard tone. Both men looked at her and there was something entirely disapproving in her expression as she tried to silently communicate with her fiance.

So she knew as well.

Harvey should have guessed as much.

She and Donna shared a long look that confused him, especially when it ended by Rachel grabbing Mike’s arm and voicing some excuse about needing to talk to Katrina.

Mike protests were ignored as Rachel locked eyes with Donna one last time, looking almost…sympatetic.

“What was that about?” he asked, the moment they were alone.

Donna turned to face him, “I could ask you the same thing.”

He sighed and touched her arm, an appropriate but direct guide as he led her toward the bar’s corner, out of earshot and somewhat out of sight from the majority of the other guests.

“The rumor did get out,” she said before he could. He couldn’t deny it. “That was faster than I expected.”

“It’s just a rumor,” he assured her, “There weren’t any details about you.”

“I know,” she folded her arms across her chest and looked back over her shoulder for a brief moment.

“Rachel came to find me. She thought…” her head shook, and she faced him once more with a deep exhale, “She knows, or thinks she knows, that there’s something going on between us. Tension or a fight. She said she’s noticed that we’ve been different with each other. Then she told me she’d heard that you were hooking up with someone and wanted to warn me because she was worried it might bother me. Or hurt my feelings.”

Harvey bit his tongue, trying to control the amusement her comment flared in his chest.

“Did it?” he lost the fight and his lips turned up.

Donna smacked his chest, but let out a quiet laugh of her own, “I know. It’s ridiculous.”

“She’s your best friend,” he reasoned, “And she’s trying to do you a favor because she cares about you. Even if it is at my expense.”

She smiled softly, “I know. Her heart is in the right place. Because last time, I…” the words trailed off, her expression shifting and she looked up, meeting his eyes, “Well. You know what happened last time.”

He did. And he didn’t think he’d ever forgive himself for the way his cowardice had hurt her. He lifted his hand to reach for her but paused. There were too many eyes, too many half-drunk associates who had already proven they’d spread gossip.

“I’m sorry,” he said instead, and it wasn’t the first or the last apology he’d made for the way he’d acted over the last several months.

But Donna, with her big, beautiful heart, just smiled at him, “It’s okay. I knew you were an idiot from the start. I only have myself to blame for falling for you anyway.”

That brought his smirk back and helped balm the guilt that had tightened in his chest.

“Don’t feel too bad,” he played along, “I can be charming when I want to be.”

She snorted, “Trust me. I know plenty about your charm.”

Behind the humor, though, her gaze softened and when her eyes brushed over him again, as if trying to get a read on him, Harvey felt that same urge to touch her. To pull her against him and to kiss those plush lips, no matter who might see.

And Donna looked as if she might be willing to let him.

“Harvey,” she murmured, gaze lingering on his lips, “Maybe…maybe it’s time.”

“For what?” he asked, though he was pretty sure he already knew.

She took a step closer, “To stop hiding. The whole firm is about to think you’re sneaking around with someone and Mike and Rachel…they’re our friends. They deserve the truth. And maybe we deserve to be able to tell it.”

Harvey looked back at her, gaging her expression and her resolve. There was no doubt in her eyes and he felt a small bit of relief at the certainty.

But he hesitated to answer.

There was a part of him, even still, that didn’t want to give up their secret. He had enjoyed having their relationship be what it was. The stolen moments. The smiles across crowded rooms or partner meetings. The small notes she’d taken to leaving him. The way her cheeks would turn pink when flowers randomly appeared on her desk and someone would ask her who they were from. The rush of quick kisses and pretending they weren’t aware of each other on a cellular level while merely walking the halls of their firm.

But as Donna stared up at him, a slight furrow to her brows as she waited on his answer, Harvey knew none of those things were as important as what he felt now.

The desire for more.

He wanted to be able to claim her. To hold her hand in the elevator and not have to drop it when they reached the top floor. He wanted to be able to wrap an arm around her in the partner’s kitchen, and not have to wait an appropriate amount of time to leave at the end of the day to ensure nobody would notice that they would be spending the night together.

He wanted to love her. Loudly. Publicly.

She deserved that.

“You want to tell everyone?” he confirmed, just to be sure.

Donna nodded, another gentle smile crossing her lips, “I think it would probably make life easier if people didn’t assume every other woman you look at is breaking my heart.”

“That’s fair,” he hummed, “But for the record, I don’t look at other women.”

Her smile deepened, “I know. And it’s one of the million things I love about you. But I want the world to know about the other nine hundred and ninety-nine thousand.”

She said it so easily, easier than he had ever managed to express his own emotions, but hearing those words on her lips never failed to crack him wide open.

All hesitation evaporated.

“I love you, too,” he promised her. He didn’t say it nearly enough, but it was Donna. She knew. “If you want to tell Mike and Rachel, or all of New York…I’m okay with it.”

She blinked, surprised for once, then bit her lip, “Are you sure?”

“I am,” he nodded, “I told you weeks ago, this is real for me, Donna. This is…everything. I’m proud to be with you. And as fun as it’s been sneaking around, we knew it was going to come out eventually. That was always the plan.”

Relief flooded her face and he wanted to kiss her so badly, because it stabbed his heart that she’d ever doubt that.

He leaned closer, letting his hand brush tentatively over hers. He didn’t want to make assumptions, but he just needed to-

Donna grabbed his hand, a real smile lifting the corners of her mouth. A glowing, happy, gut-punching smile.

“Telling everyone also means we can go up to your room together after dinner,” she pointed out, “No need to wait or pretend.”

Harvey squeezed her hand with a smile of his own, “Then let’s go tell them.”

Mike wasn’t drunk. Well…he wasn’t that drunk.

Tipsy, sure. Loosened. Warm and buzz from a couple beers, a few shots, and the knowledge that Harvey Specter had apparently been caught with his pants down in a closet.

Normally, he’d be giving his friend a hard time, badgering him until he finally spilled all the details. But if he were honest, the bigger part of him was less concerned with teasing Harvey and more concerned about how Donna felt about the news.

Rachel had told him that she seemed fine. She hadn’t looked upset earlier at the bar.

But rumors flew fast and he’d already heard several versions of what had supposedly happened. And he wasn’t sure how many renditions would reach her ears. But all would have the same core truth.

Harvey had been getting intimate with another woman.

And Mike knew Donna. He knew she cared about Harvey, probably even loved him. And he might even love her back, no matter how much they both pretended otherwise. So the whole thing made his stomach feel tight.

Harvey played things close to the vest, letting a rare few in for his own personal reasons, but the last thing Donna deserved was to have her heart messed with. Broken.

And hearing that Harvey had snuck away on the retreat she’d invited him to, to hook up with some random woman…

Yeah, that knowledge would probably sting, if not completely ruin whatever friendship the two might yet still have.

Bells chimed and Mike leaned back in his seat. He was next to Rachel in the banquet hall, where dinner was soon to be served. Everyone was congregating in the room. Many were already seated, while some paused for photos or to mingle before appetizers.

The room was extravagant. Beautiful. And of course it was; Donna had planned the entire event.

Mike took a moment to appreciate it, even through the haze alcohol had put over his mind.

The garlands were elegant. The table settings sparkling. Candle light flickered and the classic jazz playing through the room’s surround sound had set the mood quite nicely. Everything was warm and dancing; well, that might also be the alcohol, but he still enjoyed it. Another big Christmas tree was in the corner, by the glass wall, lit and decorated. Mistletoe was hung, a fact a few couples had already taken advantage of, himself and Rachel included.

Mike sighed and picked up the cup of water in front of him, bringing it to his lips. 

He really hoped this weekend would be a chance for his loved ones to-

Silence cut through the room as conversations drew to a peetering halt. Slow at first, then all of a sudden. Mike glanced at Rachel, confused. But she was staring at the entryway, her jaw hanging open.

He followed her line of sight. And almost choked on his drink.

Donna and Harvey had walked into the banquet holding hands. 

Holding. Hands.

The realization seemed to spread through the room, drawing the attention of nearly everyone around them. There were whispers, some nudges. Louis dropped a fork.

In fact, the only one who didn’t seem to have a reaction was Jessica Pearson, sitting next to Jeff across from Rachel; and she just smiled and gave a roll of her eyes.

“Holy shit,” Mike muttered.

Donna stepped forward, wrapping her arm entirely around Harvey’s, clutching his bicep. The smile on her face was radiant. And Harvey…good god, Mike had never seen that look on the man’s face before and suddenly, he realized-

They weren’t fighting. All these weeks. The tension since Harvey’s breakup with Paula, it was…wait, he’d broken up with Paula.

Donna had kissed him and he’d broken up with Paula.

Mother fucker. 

They’d been together the entire time?!

He heard Rachel’s exhale from beside him, followed by her breathy laugh, “Now that makes sense.”

Before he could ask her what made sense, and before else anyone in the room could voice a question, Harvey led Donna toward the enormous archway draped with mistletoe.

The redhead rolled her eyes, still smiling, but Harvey didn’t seem to care either way.He grabbed her and, shocking Mike even further, he kissed her.

His brain burned around the fog of his drinks.

Harvey was kissing Donna. Harvey was kissing Donna. Harvey was kissing Donna! And it wasn’t an office-friendly, PG, we might still just be friends celebrating the holiday, kind of kiss.

Ohhhh no. It was a hands on her waist, fronts meshed together, dipping her into a half backbend, hide the eyes of the children before Christmas is ruined, kind of kiss.

When it finally broke, his two friends were grinning like idiots.

Harvey draped his arm around Donna’s waist and faced the onlookers with a proud smirk.

“Merry Christmas, everyone.”

There was a crack in the tension, the entire hall seeming to release its breath as comments, chuckles, and even some drunken cheers started up.

Donna laughed and Harvey led her from the center of attention, over to the table where Mike and Rachel were sitting next to the pair’s reserved seats.

Harvey pulled out Donna’s chair and kissed the top of her head once she’d taken her seat. Then he joined her.

Mike’s brain was still trying to play catch up, bafflement making it difficult.

Jessica had no such problem.

“About damn time,” she said, lifting a wineglass in the couple’s direction.

Oh hell, Donna and Harvey were actually a couple.

But since when? For how long? And why hadn’t they said anything? And why had Harvey been in a closet with a-

Mike’s brain finally caught up, offering up a single, extremely delayed, realization.

Oh. OH.

His mouth fell open, “Donna, are you the closet girl?!”

Her soft laughter and Harvey’s smug grin were the only answer he received.