Life in the middle-Harry Styles Fanfic AU COMPLETED

Chapter 41

I felt like I couldn't breath, like my heart was literally throbbing in my chest and I felt the biggest lump forming in my throat. How was he here? Why was he here?
I thought I crushed him enough when I let him go and the fact that he never tried contacting me left me thinking he hated me.
But there he was, supporting me once again.

I take a big sip of my wine and look at him out of the corner of my eyes.
He's hair had grown, he looked absolutely breath taking in a black button down shirt, half done up, as always and a pair of tight black jeans and his faithful brown ankle boots. He looked like heaven and smelt amazing a scent of musk and citrus engulfing my senses.
I could feel my heart racing and my palms getting sweaty because I was not sure how to start a dialogue with him after everything I had done. Lucky for me, Harry somehow sensed my apprehension and spoke first.
"This is amazing Echo, I'm so happy for you, your getting the recognition you deserve love, even if you don't think that" he knew me more then anyone.
"Um thanks Harry, I'm so sorry about things, you, me, us, I mean...I don't know what to say to you? Why are you even here?" I'm feeling breathless after that spill. He turns his body to face mine and we are inches away from each other. I can feel the heat between us rise. God I've missed him, this smile, and his tender touch.
"I'm here because this is important to you" he pauses and smiles one of his dimples smiles, "I'm here because I couldn't stay away from you any longer" he finishes.

The lump in my throat feels larger and my eyes begin to sting. I stop the waiter and grab another white wine, downing the glass in a big gulp.
"Easy there love" Harry chuckles at me and I melt when I see him smile at me. The combination of his presence, the wine and the attention from tonight is overwhelming and I really just need a moment to myself.
I excuse myself and walk towards a balcony, opening the door and feeling the cool breeze. I shiver slightly and feel goosebumps on my skin. My heads swirling. Harry's here and I shouldn't have had that wine so quickly.
While I'm thinking and admiring the full moon in the midnight sky.

I hear the sound of the room pouring out of the open door, I turn my head to see Harry walk outside and towards me.
I simply knew I did the wrong thing months ago and I didn't know how to mix it, didn't know what to say to him.
"Hey you ok?" He asks and gentle nudged my shoulder with his. That small amount of contact makes my stomach swirl with butterflies.
"Yeah, Yep I'm ok, just needed some air" I reply as I turn towards him.
"I'm really glad to hear you and Gemma have become close" he looks out at the view and thousand of lights glittering the horizon. I take a step closer to him and look out towards the view.
I clear my throat to reply.
"Yeah she's been so good to me and I'm really proud of her ability to support me when she has her own issues", I really meant that.
"Yeah I'm really proud of her too, we still talk every other day, I just like to know where she's at, she has mentioned you a little" I'm going to kill Gemma when I see her, she told me they didn't discuss me at all. I know she couldn't have said no to her brother, she respects him so much.

We both stand there while I shuffle my feet around because I can't stand still and I'm cold. Sensing this Harry takes his jacket off and slides it on my shoulders, it's so long, anyone seeing the back of my would think I'm naked under the jacket. I giggle to myself and Harry gives me a questioning look, cocking up an eyebrow.
"It's nothing" I smile. He takes a swift step towards me and the next thing I feel is a hand cupping my cheek and a hand on my hip.
"You look so beautiful" he tells me talking in a low raspy voice.
I look down at feet my feet and feel my cheeks redden.
I finally look at him and add "I don't think I am". He smiles and says "that's what make you beautiful, the fact that you don't think you are, you're a beautiful person inside and out, and I've missed you terribly, I can't stop thinking about you and us and all the things we did and said", he stops and looks away for a moment before he inches his face closer to mine.
"I need you, I haven't been able to let go and I can't, please let me be the one to lift your heart up?" I take in his words and before I can speak, his lips close over my mouth. His kisses are light, and a little held back. He waits for me to reciprocate and when I do, his tongue touches mine and over kiss deepens and I can feel the urgency behind his kiss. His hand moves to the small of my back and he pushes me gentle closer to him while his other hand move to the nape of my neck.
I move my hands towards his back and one hand gets tangled into his long locks. I tug lightly and I get the same moan response I did months ago.
We kiss until both of us pull away when the gallery's curator walks out on to the balcony and gentle gives a cough to grab our attention.
"Urm Hi, sorry I just needed some air" I spit out. She gives me and Harry a smile.
"There are a few people I'd like you to meet, it won't take too long and then you're free to enjoy your evening" she says.
I look at Harry and he gives me a smile and nods, "go on love, I'm not going anywhere" he's answer pacifies my anxiety and I give him a quick kiss on the cheek and walk back inside.

I spend a while being introduced to various people and by the end of it I get a few more requests for art and two other galleries wanting me to display my work. This couldn't have gone better for me. I was really proud I did this and although my family didn't support me at all, being in this position just made me feel accomplished.
I walk around looking for Harry and I spot him with Gemma and Nicolas. They are looking at the largest green eyes painting. As I approach, Gemma smiles at me and I can tell she can recognise these eyes anywhere, giving Harry a knowing look.
Harry places one had on my back and gentle rubs circles with his hand.
Harry leans into me and whispers in my ear "Are you ready to go love?" He asks then looks at my face waiting for an answer.
I lean into him and answer
"Yeah, I'm done for the night". He's smile beams at me then at his sister and I'm sure I catch a shared moment between them, but I don't overthink it. I just wrap my fingers around his and allow him to pull my towards the exit and into a waiting cab.