Niall's P.O.V.
I tugged at the navy blue polo I was wearing for probably the fifth time. The collar didn't look right and I felt like the length of the shirt itself was a bit too short. I gave up on my shirt with a sigh as I moved onto my hair. Rather than having it in a quiff I had it lying flat across my forehead, swooped to the side. My fingers were shaking slightly as I ran them through my hair, trying to make it look perfect. It had grown out a bit so my hair was nearly half brown and half blond. I needed to get it bleached pretty soon.
I heard a light giggle behind me. Looking past my reflection in the mirror I saw Natalie standing in the doorway. An amused smile adorned her soft pink lips. Just the sight of her made a smile form on my own lips.
"You look perfect, Niall. Quit fussing over it. It's just lunch with my mom," she said walking towards me. Her small arms wrapped themselves gently around my neck as she stood on her tip toes so she could place a quick kiss to my lips.
"Okay, fine. When you're stressed over your appearance when you meet my mom I get to laugh at you," I smiled.
"Sounds fair to me, but when you don't get any kisses later on don't come crying to me," Natalie smiled cheekily.
"I could say the same to you darling."
"You wouldn't, you love my kisses too much," Natalie whispered as she pulled my head closer to hers, rubbing the tip of her nose against mine.
"You have a very good point there," I whispered against her lips.
I moved my head forwards, closing the last few millimeters between our lips. Her lips tasted like strawberries. I couldn't help but smile into the kiss as the memories in the meadow back in L.A. began to replay in head. I felt Natalie lightly bite down onto my lower lip, so I parted my lips believing that she wanted to kiss more deeply. Instead I was surprised when she pulled away with a cute little smirk dancing on her lips.
"Told you," she said playfully winking at me. I leaned my forehead against hers as a small laugh fell from my lips.
"You my darling are a tease," I said as I pulled away from her grasp.
"But you love me anyways," she smiled.
"Of course I do," I replied with the same smile.
"Come on, I'm sure my mom is waiting downstairs by now." Natalie grabbed a hold of my hand and began to lead me downstairs.
As we drove to the restaurant my nerves were a complete mess. I really wanted Ms. Oakland to like me so Natalie wouldn't feel obligated to choose between her family and myself if she didn't. If it came down to that though, I wouldn't allow her to pick me. I couldn't stand to come between Natalie and her family. I can't - no won't - allow that to happen. As if on cue I felt Natalie squeeze my hand gently. I looked into her dazzling green eyes. They shimmered with happiness and hope. A soft smile played on her lips as she leaned over and kissed me on the cheek reassuringly.
Oddly though her good mood didn't seem to last for too long. For some reason when we arrived to the Texas Road House, Natalie's attitude completely shifted. She was no longer smiling, but rather scowling. Her gaze was fixed on a man that stood by the front entrance. Natalie turned to her mom and tried to talk to her in a hushed tone, but I managed to catch most of what she said.
"Are you kidding me, mom?" Natalie asked, "You invited dad?!"
"He said you forgave him," Ms. Oakland stated in an almost confused tone.
"I did, but that doesn't mean that I wanted Niall to meet him just yet."
"Oh stop being so over dramatic, Natalie."
YOU ARE READING
Running Into Destiny (Niall Horan)
Fanfiction[BOOK ONE] She puts on a tough girl act and tries to prove to the world that she can take it on single-handed. In reality, she's just scared. Scared of being left, of being hurt. But what happens when she runs into someone who makes her feel safe...
