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

Chapter 9

As promised she was back in a less than five minutes. "Everyone there had been served already. No wait," she said holding up the bag of warm donuts once she was in the car.

"Yea for us," he smiled.

"Honestly, I don't think I can wait until I get home to dive into this bag," said Ashley.

"Then don't. Come in when we get to my place and I'll make some coffee," he suggested.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea. I . . . Kristen said . . . that your friends . . ."

"Was it something about a stupid bet? Are they still doing that? When I get my hands on them . . ."

"Is that what it's all about when you meet a girl?"

"Absolutely not. My first thought is not how quickly I can get a girl into bed. Give me a little credit."

"I don't know you well enough to give you credit for anything," she said seriously.

"How much about me do you really know?" he challenged.

"I know the type," she said.

"You're making assumptions about my character because I fit some criteria you've established. Is that it?"

Ashley watched out the window wondering how to answer. I've managed to insult or treat this guy badly from the time he introduced himself at our table earlier in the evening, she thought. How can I justify my behavior? What has he done? He's a reasonably nice person, pleasant enough . . . but . . .

"I feel like we've been really out of step or something for a reason I can't put my finger on at the moment. Have I said or done something to hurt or insult you?" he asked glancing over at Ashley. When she failed to respond, he sighed. "Whatever happened, I'm sorry. I don't . . ."

"I'm sorry. Did you say something? I . . . my mind is . . ."

"Wow. What is the last thing you heard me say?" She looked over at him to discover he was shaking his head in disbelief.

"You asked about assumptions and criteria."

"So, you heard nothing I said or asked after that. Great, I'm sitting over here talking to myself. I could have called car service or Uber and gotten the same experience."

"Could we just set aside the questions? I'll apologize and you can say no problem," she said turning toward him. She leaned forward a bit trying to catch his eye. "I'm sorry I've been less than polite," she said smiling.

He glanced at her, smiled, shook his head, and said, "No problem."

"This is my street," he said making a right turn off the road on which they'd been driving. He pulled to the gate, rolled down the window, and punched in a code. "If you'll wait, I'll come around and take the bags from you," Harry said after they were parked in the driveway.

He walked around the car, opened the door, took the bags, and reached for her hand. "You might want to put the keys in your purse before I misplace them."

Harry unlocked the door and disarmed the alarm before inviting her further into the house. "If you want to set your purse on the sofa there, we can have the coffee and donuts in the kitchen. If you'd like, we could have them in the living room. Either is fine with me. You choose."

Ashley followed him into the kitchen discovering a large island surrounded by bar-high chairs on one side. "This is nice. We could sit here," she said pulling out a chair.

Harry rolled up his sleeves before washing his hands. "What kind of coffee would you like?" he asked over the sound of running water.

"If you have something bold, a French Roast or espresso. I won't be going to bed anytime soon."