Life in the middle-Harry Styles Fanfic AU COMPLETED

Chapter 13

I lean against the door and slowly let me body slide to the floor. What was that? He didn't seem surprised by the studio with pictures of him. He didn't seem shocked or run as if I was a stalking madwoman.
No instead he asked me about it and me being me, couldn't answer.

His kiss and tender touch on my skin, was not what I thought would happen. The skin where he touched my burned was after his hand was gone.
It's not that it wasn't nice, the way he cupped my chin and cheek up and willed me to look at him and then the kiss on the cheek...
I thought after that he would come in closer and kiss me. I know I licked my lips in anticipation...but nothing.

I decide to get up after an hour of thinking, go feed Jinx and have an extra hot shower, smiling at myself thinking maybe I should have a cold shower to control my hormones.
I need to distract myself from his touch, his tenderness, well all of him.
I decide I'll go for a walk.
I change and put a pair of flared jeans, floral shirt and brown boots. I grab a tan winter coat before I check myself in the mirror again before locking my door.

I find myself lost in thought as I walk around the block and towards the set of shops that include a cafe. I walk in a order a double strength latte, and wait in line.

I freeze when I feel a touch behind me on my shoulder. I don't like being touched so I slowly turn to start swearing at whomever thought it was ok to touch me. But I find myself face to face from the person I am trying to distract myself from. Harry.

Harry's smile lights up his face. He's chewing on gum, his smile is lopsided but incredible. But I'm a little shocked at seeing him again.
"Hey" he begins, "what are you doing here?" He asks his hand still on my shoulder.
The combination of his good looks, sense of dress and smile, pushes my urge to smile back at him. What is happening to me? I think.
Why am I smiling, I'm tougher then this, I have a shield for a reason and somehow this person has started to break down this fort...slowly.

"Hi" I begin my voice breaking a little, "I was just taking a walk and stopped for a coffee" I answer trying not to meet his emerald eyes. I focus on this mouth instead, like that's going to help, I think to myself.
"Well I'm here with my sister having brunch, would you care to join us?", he questions.

What? No, hang on, he wants me to meet his sister and join them? No I can't, this is all too much. I had a plan when I left the house. Walk, coffee stop, walk, home, shower, work!

"Um, I'm not sure, I mean thanks for the offer but I have plans" I answer. He look a little defeated, he's smile fades a little and he drops his arm to his side.
"Well ok, maybe next time?" He questions and I think of why would he want to see me again and even spend time with a person like me?

"Echo" the barista calls.
"That's me, I better go.." I say with a shrug. He looks away and then back at me, looking like there's more he wants to say but isn't sure of himself.
I grab my coffee and turn away from him, saying goodbye over my shoulder.
I step outside and walk, walk without taking a sip of my coffee, walk without stopping to turn around at the sound of my name being called, I just walk.

I walk around my block several times, even when my coffee runs out I keep walking, even when my phone rings, I don't answer it but keep walking.

I decide to stop when I'm in front of my building for the 8th time, I look at my watch and decide it's time to stop walking.
I step into the front door, call out for Jinx, who comes padding along and I feed him, before going to shower.
As I shower I allow the thoughts that I stopped myself from thinking when I was walking, to start swirling in my head.

Why am I so worked up? I know why answers my 'internal Cupid'. I thought I destroyed Cupid long ago, when I was heart broken at 18. He tore my heart to pieces and then stomped on it and walked away. Now it is I that walk away from relationships. Even the couple I've had since, I don't allow them in, I down fall for them, and I know when to exit.
So why would Harry be different?
Because he make me feel? feel alive, is that even possible. How has he managed to get under my skin? He is charming, very good lucking and that voice, it's raspy with a deep husk, mesmerising.

The water has gone cold and I can't believe I've been in the shower so long. I turn off the taps and wrap a towel around me.
After I've going dress in my work clothes I go into my studio to check the voice messages.
A couple were from a repeat customer who wants an ocean collection; a gallery that is offering art space for my work and then I freeze when I hear the last one.
"Hi Echo, I've tried your mobile but you won't answer so I apologise for using your work number, I really liked the work you did with the portraits and was wondering if you have anytime for me to come by and buy a piece? Um call me back and I'm not stalking you if you think that, today was just a coincidence, umm ok right, call me" beep.

My legs feel like jelly but I grab the desk edge before I sit down.
What do I do now? I don't need the money but I have a burning desire to see him again. I take a deep breathe and pick up the phone...