If It's What You Want A Harry Styles Fanfiction || h. s.

Chapter 4

Kristen's eyes were wide as she stared at something over Ashley's shoulder. Ashley slowly turned her head to see what had caused her normally talkative friend to stammer her way through a simple toast.

There he sat partially shielded by a large potted plant. His deep dimples appeared as he smiled and waved a hello.

"Shit, Ashley! Do you know him? What the hell?"

"Shut up!" whispered Ashley between her teeth.

"He's standing up. Oh my god . . . Oh my god," said Kristen breathlessly.

Ashley sat rigidly.

"Hello, again," said Harry extending his hand for the second time that evening.

Ashley pasted on a big smile and looked up as she reached to shake his hand. He instead lifted it to his mouth and planted a firm kiss on the top. "Happy birthday, Ashley."

God, he was one of the insufferables. So sure of himself. So certain that I'm ready to swoon. He's beautiful. No doubt he has plenty of options. Why is he bothering me? What was it Derek had said to her when they broke it off? Something about the façade reaching too far into her heart.

"Ashley?" said Harry.

She realized he was standing there awkwardly waiting to be introduced.

"Sorry . . . I . . . uh . . . everyone, this is Mr. Sty . . . I mean Harry," stammered Ashley.

"Hello, everyone," he said good-naturedly.

"Why don't you have your friends join us and we'll introduce ourselves," suggested Sheena.

Ashley could have thrown the beer-filled mug at her head.

"I think that's up to the birthday girl," he said smiling.

She stood to almost his height in the heels she was wearing. "Suit yourself," she said before pushing past him. Her friends took over creating space for the three guys while Kristen followed Ashley inside.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" asked Kristen once they were both in the bathroom.

"You know how I feel about that type?"

"They aren't all the same. You were rude in front of the entire group. That's not like you," Kristen said shaking her head. "Get your ass back out there and apologize!"

"I see. So you can have a chance at him?" asked Ashley with a smile.

"Not him, idiot. He's not my type and you know it. The blond. Now get out there."

Kristen pushed Ashley out the door and onto the covered patio. Another table had been added and the guys were interspersed among those already seated. Ashley breathed a sigh of relief to see Harry seated several chairs down next to one of his friends and the blond in the chair next to Kristen's.

"Apologize to him," said Kristen again as they approached the table.

Clearing her throat, Ashley drew Harry's attention. "Excuse me. Could I speak with you for a moment?"

"Of course," said Harry as he pushed back his chair and stood.

Ashley walked to an alcove before turning to find Harry quite close to her.

"I . . . Kristen said I should apologize," she said raising her chin just enough to meet his eyes.

"Do you want to apologize?"

"Look, I'm not a rude person. It's just . . . it's nothing personal. You're welcome to stay if you'd like."

"So, no apology?" he asked with a smile.

"Let me ask you something. Would you appreciate a stranger joining your birthday celebration?"

He looked at her thoughtfully for several seconds. "I'm an ass. I'm sorry. My friends and I will go," he said looking away.

"No . . . I mean . . . you're already here and one of my friends is interested in one of yours."

"You sure?"

"Yes. Besides, the rest of my friends would kill me if you left," said Ashley.

"And you?" he asked seriously.

"I promise I will be on my best behavior."

"Are you dating the owner?"

"What?" asked Ashley in surprise.

"It's just that I noticed his familiarity with you."

"Do you understand boundaries?" said Ashley stepping back from him.

"Not so much with friends," he said smiling.

"Harry, we aren't even acquaintances. You and I move in quite different circles, trust me."

"I'm not so sure that's true," he challenged.

"Trust me. Not even close."

"My friends tell me that you and I have met. Is that true?" he asked looking more puzzled than ever.

"I need to get back to my friends. Like I said, you are welcome to stay," she said walking away.