One Plus One

Chapter Four

"What the hell are you wearing?" was Lily's greeting when she opened her door to me.

"Don't go there."

"No, tell me. This is a guys t-shirt." she said, tugging at it and revealing the boxer shorts I was also wearing. "And boxers? Someone had an eventful afternoon!"

"Shut up, Lily. Just let me get changed into some girls clothes."

"It's Harry, isn't it."

I ignored the mention of his name even though it sent tingles racing around my body. As much as I didn't want to, I knew I was falling for him.

The rest of the night was spent with Lily trying to coax information on my afternoon in Harry's flat out of me. Every attempt was unsuccessful. As far as my friends were concerned, I was still the girl who had no interest in guys.

*****

The next morning was a ridiculous rush which ended up with me being late for work. I wasn't exactly able to concentrate either. I'd seen Harry's car on the way in, so I knew he was literally seconds away. Thankfully, my lateness proved an advantage. My punishment was having to stay an extra two hours to pick up on what I'd missed, meaning I'd miss Harry leaving.

Or so I thought.

"Hey, gorgeous."

I could see his reflection in the mirrors. He seemed to be talking more to my bottom more than he was to me. Even feeling the disgust and annoyance at that, I couldn't help but notice the adorable twinkle in his emerald eyes, almost winking at me, enticing me in. His eyes then travelled upwards, focusing on my exposed middle. I suddenly felt self conscious and began to scramble around for my t-shirt to cover my sports bra.

"You don't have to cover up, I don't mind."

"I do." I retaliated. "Why are you here so late?"

"Waiting for you."

The corners of his plump lips began to curve into a smirk.

"Why, can I ask?"

"I thought you might need a lift."

"Well, actually I'm fine walking." I said as I picked up my bag and began to walk out.

I managed to pass him before his large, warm hand caught my shoulder, stopping me dead in my tracks.

"And..." he started as he spun me around to face him. "I wanted to ask you if you would come to a party with me tonight."

"Ok...so ask me."

A confused expression crossed his features before he remembered what I'd said in his flat the previous night. The smirk he'd been holding transformed into a beautiful, white smile as he laughed.

"Marlie, would you come to a party with me tonight?"

"You'll have to let me think about that."

"Oh come on. You know you want to."

"Oh I'd love to go to a party, it's the with you bit I'll have to think about."

His eyes glistened as he neared where I was stood, our bodies almost touching. He peered down at my lips, his hands finding their way to my lower back and neck forcing a gasp to escape my lips.

"You like me." he whispered into my ear.

"And what makes you so sure of that?"

A raspy laugh vibrated in his chest as his gaze seeked out mine again. My breath began tremble as his eyes flickered from mine to my lips and he slowly leant down. His plump pink lips meshed with mine. The kiss gentle and delicate. My hands rose to his chest. I could feel his toned muscles beneath his thin t-shirt. I fisted at his t-shirt as his tongue traced my bottom lip, hoping for entry. When I denied it, he slowly pulled away, curls tickling my cheek. I didn't realise I'd closed my eyes until they shot open when his fingers brushed my cheek.

"That does." he smirked.

Harry brushed past me towards the door. I watched his movements in the mirror, unable to find the power to move. Before he left completely, he turned, his dimpled smile wide, obviously feeling a sense of achievement.

"So I'll pick you up at eight. See you tonight, Marlie."

I turned in time to catch his wink before he made a quick exit. My heart was still fluttering. Harry's dark reputation that I'd heard of was slowly diminishing. The only thing I could think of was this beautiful curly-haired boy, gentle and caring.

But maybe this is how it starts.

*****

I'd just finished getting ready when my sister came back to gather up the last of her stuff for her move to Uni.

"What are you getting prettied up for?" she asked.

"I'm going out tonight."

"With who?"

"Uh...a friend."

Her eyes widened, pressing for more information.

"With Harry."

"Harry? Harry Styles?! Marlie are you fucking insane?!"

Her sudden raised tone made me jump. When I looked into her eyes, I could see not only anger, but fear.

"Jaz, I can take care of myself, I won't let anything happen."

"You're going out with him! That's already a step too far."

"Oh, and you know him so well do you?"

Her mouth stayed open but no words came out. I knew she wasn't expecting me to fight back, I'd usually just apologise and turn down an offer.

"Marlie, Harry has probably been around half the girls in this city and found himself in trouble with several angry boyfriends. Do you really want to get involved with him?"

"Most of what we've heard is just things people have said, besides, it's just one night out."

Jaz dropped her head to the floor, knowing she wasn't getting me to budge on my decision to go out with him. I could see she still had one last push in her, and I prayed she wasn't going to use it.

"What would mum say if she knew?" she said quietly.

The words gripped at my heart, squeezing it tightly. I could feel another attack coming like in Harry's flat. My breathing started to go erratic before I finally managed to gain control. My head ceasing to spin.

"Well mum isn't here is she. Even if she was, it's my choice. I'm 18 for god's sake."

"Well, don't come crying to me when he breaks your heart. I'll only be there to say I told you so."

I saw tears in the corner of my eyes as she turned her back on me and went downstairs without saying another word. I heard the front door violently slam. She'd left.

I sniffed back the tears and took one final glance in the mirror. I'd played it safe wearing skinny jeans and a top, Harry's wandering hands were still at the forefront of my mind. Just as I began to get deeper into thought about him, I saw his Range Rover pull up outside.

Harry stepped out and I almost fell off the arm of the sofa. He looked amazing. Dark denim jeans hugged his lower half, a simple white t-shirt with a low cut v-neck adorning the top half. I could just catch a glimpse of two tattoos just beneath his prominent collar bones. He finished his look off with a navy blazer, a polka-dot pocket square tucked into his pocket.

I was so stuck in a trance I didn't even hear him knocking on the front door. The ringing of the doorbell brought me back into the real world and I quickly rushed out to answer the door.

"Hey gorg- woah. You look amazing."

I began to feel my cheeks redden slightly as I thanked him.

"Ready?"

He held out a hand to me, a gesture I accepted and he led me out to his awaiting car.