Harry Styles- hopelessly devoted

Chapter 13

Harry and I exited the cafe in a hurry. I'm not sure what the rush was for, but I felt euphoric in that moment. Harry was coming to my apartment. Not really something I would ever expect to say.

We arrived at his car and he opened the passenger door for me. I climbed in and he followed suit. Christmas music began to play again on the radio and the warm air from before began to blast on our faces. 

"So, your apartment, huh?" Harry said raising an eyebrow, a mix of intrigue and surprise spreading across his features. 

His teasing tone only made me more nervous, yet added to that euphoric feeling. "I said what I said. Now lead the way, my noble steed." I said confidently. 

A grin spread across his face and he unlocked his phone. He handed me it and had maps pulled up. I typed my address in, and noticed that my hands were jittery. I needed to calm down or else he might think I'm a nervous wreck.

As the car pulled away, I glanced at Harry. I could not help but look at him as his features were illuminated by the car light. He shot me a quick glance, as if he was trying to gauge my mood. I turned my head back to the road, yet kept Harry in my peripheral. 

"What should I expect at your place?" He asked, partially teasing but laced with curiosity. 

I thought for a moment before replying. What could he expect? "Uh...books, a little fireplace, and maybe a few too many stuffies," I said, trying to sound nonchalant, yet likely came off sheepish.

Harry chuckled. "Stuffies? What kind?"

"Mainly Squishmallows. I have quite the collection." I admitted.

Harry smirked playfully. "Squishmallows? Can't say I've heard of them."

I felt a small flush creeping up on my cheeks. I wasn't sure if he was teasing or not. "How? They're giant, round, and look so cute! Plus, they have added personalities!" 

"Alright, I'm intrigued. You'll have to show me this collection of yours." Harry said, still smirking playfully. 

"Absolutely." I replied. 

"It does sound like I'm in for a wild night," he said mischievously. "Books and stuffed animals. I didn't peg you as the daring type."

My mouth dropped open and shoved him softly in his seat. It would've been a full shove if he wasn't driving.

"Hey, don't knock it till you try it." I shot back. "You might end up having a collection of your own after seeing them."

He looked at me for a brief moment and giggled. The soft giggle that made me fall for him in the first place.

As we approached my building, the rush I felt from before returned. I wasn't sure if it was nerves or the euphoric feeling. Either way, butterflies danced in my stomach.

"You can park here," I stated, pointing at an empty space in the guest parking lot. He parked the car swiftly and I took a deep breath to steady myself. "Are you ready for this?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

He unbuckled his seatbelt and patted his hands on his thighs. "Absolutely. Lead the way," he replied confidently. His confidence was infectious and I decided to plaster that personality on my face for the rest of the night. 

We exited the car and I lead my way to the apartment entrance. He followed me close behind and I could feel his tall figure behind me. It was warm and all I wanted to do was hold him closer. 

We finally made it to the entrance of my apartment. I fumbled with my keys and realized how fast my heart was pounding. I felt my Apple watch go off with an alert, but I ignored it, knowing it was an elevated heart rate notification.