Curls [H.S. A.U.]

Curls: Chapter 9

Harry

Two months since she managed to seduce her way into my bed. Two whole months of Louis asking for 'my girl' to come cook for us again. Two months since I've seen her in person. Two months of my mother wanting to meet the girl that's been on my mind.

I've known the woman for three months and now my mother wants to meet her.

"Harold!" My boss bellows from her office. I make my way across the hall to see my boss and Kendall Jenner waiting for me.

If this was three months ago my palms would be sweaty, my speaking would be choppy, and my entire face would be a deep shade of red.

But Kendall Jenner is nothing compared to my Ara.

Kendall tosses me a smile and a wink. She's flirtatious and I used to love it. Now I don't know how I feel about it. Besides that it has so effect on me anymore. Her eyebrows scrunch up but she turns her attention back to our boss.

"There's a huge V.S. shoot at the beach and they specifically requested Harold. And I just need Kendall to accompany you to help with the equipment." We're both excused, me smiling and my partner not so smiley. I bump shoulders with her.

"Cheer up, we get to leave at least."

She looks at me with a raised eyebrow. "I've never been someone to accompany."

I grab my camera and things I'll need while Kendall grabs the rest. We head out in one of the company vans.

➖✖➖

Immediately I see Oswald yelling.

Ahh, memories.

The fat man spots me a mile away. A smile grows on his face. He points at me and chuckles before pulling me in for a hug. "You! Oh you! You're the best photographer in the business."

Kendall's eyes fire up. Uh oh.

"I wouldn't say--."

He hushes me with his own words. "Nonsense. I had never seen Bella so relaxed in front of the camera. You make her feel comfortable. Therefore I have a proposition for you."

Kendall puts the equipment down where the smiley woman tells her. She takes a seat by the things.

"Okay," I say slowly.

"We need a full-time photographer to travel with us when it comes time. Bella hates everyone we hire, but she might not hate you."

Ara feels comfortable in front of me. She's relaxed when I'm taking pictures of her.

He continues to ramble about how much money I'd make and how many other models would want me, but I'm not listening. Ara comes out of her tent in a stunning two piece. Her hair is loose and bouncing as she takes her dainty steps towards Oswald.

"Osw--." She stops in her tracks when she sees me. The fat man jumps between the two of us telling her what he just told me. "Is that true, Harry? You're going to be my full-time photographer?"

I don't even think about it. "Of course." She gasps and covers her mouth. The excitement is evident in her eyes. She jumps into my arms. Oswald watches, interested in what's happening before him.

Ara blushes at her manager. "Harry and I are sort of dating. It's not like boyfriend-girlfriend dating: we're just going on dates."

"Interesting. Now you can actually make love to the camera."

Oswald goes back to screaming at someone, leaving Ara and I. My hands travel up and down her body. "You look magnificent."

She rolls her eyes and presses a kiss to my cheek before leaving to her makeup artist. I reach Kendall and she stands with a hand on her hip.

"You're dating the model? Since when?" I don't understand why she looks so angery. Her and I never talked more than the occasional hello in the hall or going to a gig together.

"Yes," I drag out slowly.

"Since when? I didn't even know you dated people casually!"

I look at my partner, not sure where this came from. We aren't friends in the slightest. Yes, I had an attraction towards her because of her physical beauty. I was never in love with her, and I don't think I will ever be.

"This isn't casual," I mutter as I position my stand perfectly. My back is turned to her. "She's. . . Special." Kendall grips my shoulder softly to get my attention back on her.

The woman sighs and takes a deep breath. "Will you go to dinner with me?"

I turn back to my work and I hear her gasp. "If this was high school or, hell, even three months ago I would jump at the opportunity. But I'm perfectly happy with Bella."

"But you aren't dating exclusively."

I continue setting up my laptop to my computer. "Like I said, I am perfectly happy with Bella."

She drops the subject and watches me set up. Ara stands by herself only two feet away from me while her makeup artist makes the final touches and her hair stylist prays even more hair spray.

She's gorgeous.

Soon enough the shoot starts and I can't help but smile as she does these sophisticated poses and I know how easy going she is in person. She looks completely at ease in front of my camera.

She defiently chose the right profession.

There are about fifteen models in the entire shoot and it takes over three hours before everyone is released. As Kendall tosses everything back in the van Ara meets up with me.

"Hazza," she sighs happily once she's pulled into my arms. "I'm sorry I've been so busy the last couple of months. I had all--."

My lips cut her off. She looks up at me through her eyelashes. "It's all right. We all have things to do. But I think we should squeeze in something very soon."

Her smile grows. "How's tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow my mother wants to have a family gath-- You know what, come with me."

Her eyes widen. I know asking her to meet my family is probably a long shot but I like her a lot and she'd be the first girl I've brought to meet my family. There's something so pure about Arabella.

I open my mouth to tell her to never mind and reschedule a meet up but she shushes me. I can suddenly feel Kendall's eyes burning holes in the back of my head.

"It's not that I don't want to meet your family, I really do Harry. But don't you think that's something for a girlfriend?"

"If you having the label girlfriend is what's needed I'm willing to sacrifice," I chuckle. She giggles along with me and gazes at the ground. I know she's blushing without even looking.

Kendall slams the door to the van. That's my que to leave but I can't leave without knowing her response. A car honking stops her from speaking. Four grown men in a convertible stare me down.

She yells for them to hold on a second. "Sorry about them. Jesus is getting married so we have to go shopping for my dress for his wedding. I'll see you later," she stops for a second and presses a kiss to my cheek, "boyfriend."

She actually sprints to meet her brothers. Once she's out of sight an uncontrollable smile breaks out. I take the driver's seat in the van and pulls away from the beach entrance.

Kendall sits beside me with a frown on her face. "I thought you were in love with me."

I smirk and glance at her. "I don't fall in love with narcissistic, high and mighty people. You want me now because I don't want you."

I speed the van up to get back to the office to file for my two week notice. I don't think I've ever been so happy.

Maybe now I know why Louis is always so high on life.