Our Little Secret {n.h}

chapter 33

"I don't wanna get up." Niall mumbled against my neck as the alarm went off again.

"I need to leave in half an hour." I whispered, not opening my eyes and Niall hummed, tightening his grip on my waist.

"Same, but I don't wanna." Niall said and I laughed a little, turning around in his hold.

Niall looked down at me and pouted his bottom lip making me laugh a little. Since I had showered last night, I didn't have to worry about doing it this morning. I eventually untangled myself from Niall and went to the bathroom, turning the light on. I rubbed my eyes and huffed, looking at my reflection. I ran a brush through my hair and put part of it in a small bun, letting loose strands fall in my face. I applied a little bit of makeup and soon enough, Niall stumbled into the bathroom, his hair a mess.

He shot me a sleepy smile and used the toilet, making me roll my eyes. Sure, I've seen it a bunch, but I don't like seeing him pee. Niall brushed his teeth next to me and combed through his hair, making it not look so messy. I slipped on my glasses and went back to the bedroom to get dressed. I pulled on some patterned tights and almost fell, making Niall laugh as he picked out a suit. I buttoned up a suede brown skirt and yanked a black long sleeve shirt over my head. I fixed the sleeves and went to put on my heeled boots, sitting on the edge of the bed to tie the laces.

"Do you wanna meet for lunch?" Niall asked and I nodded, standing up.

"Yeah, sounds good." I smiled a little and we both made our way downstairs to the kitchen.

I grabbed a granola bar and gave the dogs food and water before heading out to my car. Niall kissed me and got into his own car, pulling out of the driveway. I started driving to work and fears rose inside of me since it was my first day back. I didn't want Lana to think of me any differently. I parked in the lot and got out, slinging my bag over my shoulder. Taking a deep breath, I headed inside and immediately was pulled into a hug.

Lana claimed she missed me a whole bunch and the gallery just wasn't the same without me. I laughed and thanked her, heading to my studio. I walked in and noticed that everything looked the same from when I left a month ago. I saw a bunch of order papers on the desk and I sighed, taking a look. There were at least ten and they all needed to be done next week. Fuck. I brushed hair out of my face and set to work, knowing that this would be a long day.

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"Ari," I snapped out of my thoughts to see Niall looking at me from across the table with his head cocked to the side.

"What?"

"I've said your name like four times." He laughed a little and I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

"Sorry." I mumbled and took a sip from my glass of wine, watching Niall cook dinner.

"You okay?" He asked, drinking from his beer bottle and I nodded, staring down at the red liquid in my cup.

"Yeah, I just have a lot to catch up on at work." I said, looking over at him and Niall frowned, stirring the fried rice.

I put my head in my hands and rubbed my eyes, feeling beyond tired. I had no time for breaks or anything today because I was painting so much and I even had to stay two hours late just to finish something. Niall finished up dinner and dished the rice out into two bowls, sitting down next to me at the counter. I took a few bites and stared down at the food, knowing that Niall was looking at me. If I don't eat, he'll just bug me about it. I ate about two thirds of the bowl and slid it back, feeling extremely full.

I helped wash dishes and then told Niall that I was going to take a shower before heading the bedroom. I shut the bathroom door behind me and turned the water on, stripping my clothes off. I put them in the hamper and stepped into the shower, sighing as the hot water hit my back. I quickly washed off and shampooed my hair, ready to climb into bed. I got out after a while and wrapped a towel around my body, going to the bedroom to get clothes. I grabbed some underwear and a long sleeve t-shirt from Niall's drawer along with spandex shorts. Just as I dropped my towel, Niall stepped into the room, his eyes trailing up and down my body.