One Plus One

Chapter Nineteen

HARRY'S POV

Marlie was draped across my body, her chest slowly rising and falling. I felt her warm breath across my stomach and the occasional twitch of her fingers. I couldn't sleep. The nights events played over and over in my head. I'd committed myself to this girl, something I didn't think I'd ever do. I almost had to think twice that I'd said it, or if it was just a dream sequence.

I hadn't stopped playing with her hair. The action comforted me, and I had noticed it comforted her. She seemed to relax in my hold every time I circled it in my fingers. I dropped it for a second, feeling around the pillow for my phone. Marlie stirred at the movement beneath her, her eyes fluttering open.

"What's wrong?" she whispered sleepily.

"Nothing, go back to sleep."

"You haven't slept yet have you?"

I shook my head, it baffled me as to how she could tell. Her smaller hand found mine, entwining our fingers. Her thumb rubbed over mine, an attempt to relax me that worked. I kissed the top of her head, inhaling her sweet shampoo. A warmth rushed through the body. Marlie was mine, I had to protect her, I had to show her that a guy can care.

*****

MARLIE'S POV

I was overly warm when I woke but I felt safe. Harry was sound asleep beneath me, his hand still tangled in my hair. I carefully shifted to admire him. His chestnut curls sprayed out on the pillow, a few stray ones dropping over the side of his face. I traced the contours of his toned stomach with my fingertips before entwining our fingers again. Harry's other hand twitched in my hair as I sponged a light kiss to his bare chest. It was followed by a deep inhale and Harry's hold on me tightened. His eyes were still closed but I knew he was awake.

"Morning." I spoke as I slid from his grasp to kiss his pink lips.

"Mmm. Morning." his gruff morning voice replied.

His emerald eyes were bright when he opened them, finding me now parallel to him. His large hand was placed on my bum as he rolled forwards, lightly sprinkling kisses on my lips. We were interrupted by a buzzing against my head board. Harry felt around for the source of it and pulled out his phone.

"That's my alarm. I have to go."

"What time is it?"

"Half 8. What time are you in work?"

"Half 9."

"I'll drop you off. Come on, we best move."

"Harry."

I placed my hand on his chest to stop him from getting up. He looked at me inquisitively.

"Did you mean it last night, when you asked me to be your girlfriend?"

"Of course I meant it. I only want you."

My heart swelled. It wasn't just a dream. Harry's lips quirked into a smile as my cheeks reddened. His hand reached for the pendant around my neck.

"As long as you've got this, you've got me."

Harry used the necklace to pull me towards him, kissing me then pulling away. The sensation lingered as I felt him stand up and heard him shuffling along the carpet.

*****

I was last to arrive but the girls didn't mind. They seemed to have pre-empted that I would be last, staring at me wide-eyed as I walked in. They remained still, only their eyelines followed me as I placed my bag down at the front and flicked off my shoes.

"What?" I finally said, breaking the silence.

"Oh, nothing. You're just a bit behind time. You've been early the past few days. Something you'd like to tell us?" Lily asked, knowing the answer.

I could feel my cheeks flushing at the mere thought of what had taken place the previous night. I cleared my throat and began to roll up my leggings in the hope of concealing my reddening cheeks.

"It's Harry, isn't it? Oh my gosh, look how red she's gone! What happened?"

I batted her away as she poked at my sides. I certainly wasn't going into any detail about what had happened.

"Harry asked me to be his girlfriend."

I was hoping that would satisfy their needs but Lily knew me too well, she knew I was holding information back. Before she could ask anything, I directed her gaze to Craig who had just entered the studio, saving me from having to talk. Lily tutted in annoyance but gave me a look that said, "I'll ask later" but thankfully I'd have a convincing story worked out by then.

Unfortunately for me, Craig was called away for a family emergency, meaning I was stuck with the overly inquisitive girls. I could see their excited expressions as soon as Craig set foot out of the studio.

"Marlie, tell us, please?" begged Lily.

"There's nothing to tell."

"Yeah, I'm sure you got that glorious purple mark on your neck falling over."

"Fuck." I whispered under my breath, forgetting how Harry had marked me for the second time in a period of days.

"Spill."

"It's between me and him."

"I knew you'd done something! Yes, our little baby Marlie is finally climbing out her box."

"Oh shut up, Lily."

My cheeks were ferociously burning, much to the girls' amusement. They were taking pleasure in tormenting me, and I knew this was only the start, they could be so much worse.

I was grateful when we made the mutual decision to finish early. The quicker I could escape how awkward they were making me feel the better. I was first to grab my bag and head for the showers. I could hear them chatting away and remained in the shower until it fell silent. Once I was sure they were gone, I emerged and quickly got myself ready. On my way out, I glanced over to the sports centre next door to our studio. I knew Harry worked in there, I just didn't know what he did. My curiosity was sparked once more, my feet carrying me into the building.