Our Little Secret {One Direction}

Chapter 41

-RILEY'S P.O.V-

Maybe it was the way he smiled? The way the bridge of his nose would crinkle up when he let out a giggle? The way he'd squint his eyes and roll his head back, like nothing in the world was funnier than what he was hearing through his very own ears. Or perhaps its the way he scruffs up his hair? His long, dainty, fingers lifting up his cap and brushing back the tips of his golden mess. I'm not sure what is about him. But, whatever it was, it was making me nervous.

I hug my knees to my chest as I take in the area around me. Louis screaming at Liam as they race in an intense game of mariokarts, banging each other's shoulders as they try to push each other off of the track. Harry watches from his seat, hugging Zoe close to his chest as they snuggle up on the couch. Zayn laughs at Niall as he shows him something on his phone, his eyes lighting up like they do when he's happy - something I've picked up on throughout my short stay. I find myself smiling too, the sides of my lips tugging up into a small, closed-mouthed grin as I watch him in his element. He's so beautiful. Everything about him. Niall shakes his head as he pats jokingly on Zayn's shoulder, standing up and circling around the couch before walking over to the kitchen. I watch him innocently, following his every move as he moves from cupboard to cupboard, searching for a clean cup. "Riley!" Zayn calls, capturing my attention.

"Hmnmm?" I mumble, clicking embarrassingly out of my daze. I hope he didn't see that...

"Wanna go for a walk?"

"Umm..."

"Could I come too?" Niall asks, slamming another cupboard door shut. "There's literally nothing to eat here."

"There is, there's just no clean tableware." Zayn says, grinning up at Niall knowingly.

"So..?"

"Nup. Just me and Riley tonight. Sorry." Zayn laughs, standing up and giving Niall a short bro-hug before strolling over to the door.

"Oh, come on..." Niall whines, following Zayn. "That's just mean! I'm starving!"

"Riley?" Zayn asks, opening the door and waiting for me to pitch in.

"I don't mind..." I mumble, dodging past the couch and joining them at the door.

"See?" Niall grins. "Riley loves me."

"Okay, yeah," Zayn laughs, "Come on then."

I quickly follow him out the door, skipping down the steps and hopping onto the pavement. To be honest I'm not exactly sure where we're going but I'm glad to be out of the bus for a change. Niall comes up beside me, smiling faintly as his steps come into tune with mine. "You alright?" he asks, searching my face for any signs. "You seem a little... off?"

"No, I'm fine." I assure him, chuckling nervously. Geesh this guy is a stunner, no wonder Zoe loves him so much.

"You sure?" he presses.

"Niall, I'm fine!" I giggle, shaking my head and walking closer to Zayn.

"Hey princess," he grins, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me towards him.

I smile up at him in return, giving his side a little squeeze as my arm finds its way around his hip. "So, where exactly ARE we going?"

"I'm not sure. I thought we'd just walk around a bit - get some fresh air. But, Niall wants food so..."

"I think I saw a pizza shop on that road over there?" Niall perks up, grinning like a madman as he points to the street opposite us.

"That'll do." Zayn nods, looking down at me with a smile.