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

Chapter 12

Ashley smelled the coffee as soon as Harry opened the door for her. "That smells like fresh-brewed coffee," she said.

"It is."

"How can there be fresh-brewed coffee?"

"I made a lucky guess and set the brew timer before I left."

"Did you pay that blond to interrupt our dinner?"

"I did not, but I am going to keep that in mind as an option should I need a plan in the future."

"Hm. Where would you like this?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," he said reaching for the bags. "Would you like to eat at the bar in the kitchen?"

"Sounds perfect."

"Would you like any more wine or would you prefer to go straight for the coffee?"

"Actually, I'm not sure what I want anymore. I think I'm hungry again," she said shrugging.

"You barely ate anything despite what you said. Why don't we eat our meal, have a glass of wine, and then get back to dessert?"

"Sounds like a plan. What can I do?"

"I'll open the wine if you'd like to plate and warm some of the food and slice the bread," he said.

"Got it."

He quickly grabbed wine glasses and a corkscrew before moving to a counter out of her path. He couldn't even make a pretense of opening the bottle as her movements caught his attention. She was graceful and efficient, he thought for the 17th time.

Ashley reached up her sleeve and pulled an elastic from her wrist. Placing it between her teeth, she gathered her hair between her hands until she could get all the hair into a high ponytail. She carefully rolled up her sleeves before washing and drying her hands. When she turned toward the cabinets, she placed an index finger against her lips in thought before pointing to a cabinet. Having found plates and silverware, she soon had places set, food warmed, and bread sliced for them both.

She hadn't realized he was watching her until she turned to tell him the food was ready. He stood with his back against the counter turning the corkscrew in his hands.

She cleared her throat, "That bottle is not going to open itself."

"Oh . . . I . . ." He didn't finish only turned his back to her to open the bottle and fill their glasses.

"I'm going to put these take out boxes in the refrigerator if that's okay."

"Of course. There is plenty of space. How much wine would you like?"

"Half a glass. I could really use some water."

"Bottles are in the door," he said gesturing toward the fridge.

"Would you like one?"

"Sure. Thanks."

Harry placed a glass of wine next to each plate just before Ashley added the bottles of water. "Is that everything?" she asked him.

"I think so. Would you like some music?"

"Sure."

"If you have a playlist, I'll be happy to link your phone."

"Okay. Here," she said handing him the phone.

She held her breath for a moment as he scrolled through the songs. "Collectively, these are rather melancholy," he said looking up at her.

"I . . . I haven't created a new list lately. It . . . I was going through a rough patch."

"My god, I never want to have a break up with you," he said making a horrified face.