Dusk h.s.

Chapter 23

The week passes by pretty fast. It's already Thursday afternoon and I'm sprawled across my bed, staring at the ceiling because I simply have nothing better to do.

I hear a soft knock on my window and quickly pop up, calming down once I see the familiar brown curls hanging outside my window.

I go over and quickly unlock it, almost pushing him down for scaring me again.

"Hey." He says, pecking my lips before stepping into my room. "We still on tomorrow?"

"Yeah." I say simply.

He smirks. "Good." He pecks my lips, but ends up letting his lips linger over mine softly. "Is the door locked?"

I nod slowly, staring wide eyes at him. He quickly lifts me, carrying me to the bed and letting my back his the soft mattress. His body hovers over me as he places his sweet, warm kisses over my jaw and down to my neck. His lips make their way back up to mine.

He sheds his shirt and tosses it on the ground next to my bed. Before I know it, my shirt is off as Harry continues to hover over me.

We both know I'm about to push him away. He has to know that.

"Harry." I whisper. He pulls back immediately and stares widely into my eyes. "Why do you take this so far when you know I'm just gonna push you away?"

He sighs. "Cause I want to see how far a can go each time."

"We can't go farther than this. Not yet."

"Well then when?"

"When I'm ready?"

He sighs and retreats, retrieving his shirt from the ground. I lean up and he places a hand on either side of me, staring into my eyes.

"I've never waited for anyone before."

I nod slowly. "I understand if you don't want to make that exception for me."

"The thing is.....I do. That's never happened before. I've never cared about a girl as much as I care about you."

"Is that supposed to mean something or are you just gonna keep it as confusing as that?"

He smirks and pecks my lips. "I've just never felt this way before. I just thought you should know that." He giggles awkwardly and I actually see a flash if nervousness in his eyes. What's he trying to say? "Nevermind. I should probably go. I'll pick you up tomorrow."

I nod and allow him to kiss me.

After Harry leaves, I sprawl across my bed again, except this time, a large smile is spread across my face.

I wake up extra early in a surprisingly happy mood.

I walk down into the kitchen and am surprised to see Courtney and Robert up bright and early.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!" Courtney welcomes me into the delicious smelling kitchen with a warm hug.

I make my way over to see the different selections. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast, blueberry muffins.

"We made all of your favorites." Robert hands me a plate, and I'm glad to accept it. "Happy Birthday, sis."

I find myself involuntarily smiling at them. "Thanks guys."

I finish my breakfast quickly.

"Why don't we do something for your birthday tonight?"

"I have other plans." I feel bad for declining Courtney's suggestion.

Their faces look surprised.

"What kind of plans?" Robert is trying to be as subtle as he can, but his failed attempts aren't working. He's blatantly asking about Harry.

"I'm going out with some friends."

"Do I know these friends?"

"Probably not. I just recently met them." Okay so, this isn't a total lie. Not that I would necessarily call them my "friends", but I just met Zayn, Louis, Liam, and Niall.

"Just promise me you're not going hang out with that Harry kid." Robert stands up straight, revealing his full height as he stares down at me.

I sigh. "Promise."

I make my way to Harry's car at the end of my neighborhood. He's surprisingly waiting for me with a bouquet of beautiful flowers.

"Happy Birthday, beautiful." He says, gently pecking me on the lips.

I gotta admit, I'm not into the whole romance thing, but I was kinda hoping he'd do something special and I'm glad he did. "Thank you. Oh my goodness, Harry you dork." I say, admiring the variety of colors on display as I hold the small bouquet.

"I also got you this." He retreats to the back of his truck and comes back with a small box.

I smile. We've been dating for barely a week and he's already giving me things.

"You didn't have to do this."

"Just open it." He presses, rolling his eyes and smiling.

I slowly open the box to see a beautiful necklace. It is a heart shaped crest with a small diamond at the side. It's the most beautiful necklace I've ever seen.

"Harry, this is perfect!" I exclaim.

He slowly retrieves the small necklace. "Turn around." I turn slowly and he places the necklace gently around my neck. He turns me back around and examines his perfect gift. "Happy Birthday." He smashes his lips against mine in a soft and delicate, but persistent way. Our lips move together perfectly and I find myself wanting this to last a lifetime instead of 10 seconds like I know it had to.

I wish I could just be ready. I wish I would just give myself to him and be with him. I want to be with him. He wants me. I want him. But there's still a small remainder of my bitter subconscious telling me that guys can't be trusted, especially ones with a thousand tattoos and hair like he's in a monkey rock band.

Unfortunately, I have to hold on to these feelings I'm so urgent to release.

"So, do you want to pick up some breakfast?"

I shake my head. "Robert and Courtney make me breakfast this morning."

He nods. When we get to school, his arm snakes around my waist, pulling me close to him in attempt to make not an inch of space between us.

I feel oddly safe in his arms like nothing can happen, but happy thoughts. My life is full of a complicated mess and Harry seems to make all that go away. I allow myself to just calm down and stop over thinking things. I'm going to enjoy this birthday!