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

Chapter 13

Ashley started clearing the dishes while Harry put the coffee on to brew. He stepped to her side and reached for those dishes she'd already begun to rinse. "You are very efficient," he said.

"That is the most romantic thing anyone has said to me lately."

"No wonder you don't have a boyfriend," he laughed.

"Who said I wanted one?" she said looking over at him.

"Perhaps you need one."

"I've had plenty of boyfriends. I'm just not good at those kinds of relationships," she said.

"Why not?"

"A few bad experiences, trust issues, daddy issues, mommy issues, stupid choices . . . take your pick."

"Wow. That's quite a laundry list."

"I'm not sure which ones currently apply," she sighed.

"What happened with Derek?"

"I told you that is private."

"It's not like I'm going to tell anyone," he said.

"How would you like it if we had been in a relationship and I was discussing it with someone else?"

"Touché."

"Thank you. I will say the issues were all on my side. He is absolutely amazing. I couldn't ask for more."

"Do you still have feelings for him?"

"You just don't give up,"

"Perhaps I'm fishing around because as I said before I'd like to ask you out," he said.

"I thought we were out. I mean . . . we went out and now we're in. You know what I mean."

"That wasn't official. It was more an impromptu invitation to have a meal together. I don't think that qualifies as going out."

"Harry . . ."

"Wait," he said interrupting. "Every time you begin a sentence with Harry, it's never something good. I'll be here for the next couple of months. Let's have some fun together," he said excitedly.

"My schedule will be getting complicated in three weeks while you have lots of free time," she said attempting to deter him. "Surely you have lots of friends to keep you occupied."

"True, but I'd like to occupy some of that time with you. Come on. Let's give it a try, see what happens."

"Look, I'm sorry but you aren't my type."

"So, you're boxing me into some category again?" he stated more than asked.

"Harry, I like you well enough, but . . ."

He hooked one arm around her back, pulled her against his body, and gave her a lingering kiss.

"I think you like me more than well enough from your response," he said still holding her tightly.

"I don't think it's more than just a sexual response. It's been a while and let's be honest, you are easy on the eyes, you are a good kisser, and . . ."

"Good! Only good? I've been told I'm a great kisser," he said pretending to be offended.

"Sorry, I've had better," she said smiling.

"Really?" He was so close she could taste his breath. "Then perhaps I deserve another opportunity. I must not be putting in the right amount of effort."

He slipped one hand under her hair to rest at the side of her neck and used the hand resting on her hip to pull her close to him.

"Show me how you like to be kissed," he said to her.

She was so surprised she tried to step back.

"Please, Ashley."

She pushed aside everything; his failure to recognize her, Derek, her mother, crappy relationships, his celebrity, her past, all of it to make the most of Harry's request. She loved lingering, purposeful kisses. Her hands ran the length of his arm from his biceps to his wrists and back up again. She kept her mouth pressed against his for several seconds enjoying the feel of his lips on hers. Her tongue lightly touched his bottom lip before exploring further.

His tongue glided across hers before he placed a hand on each side of her face and gave her one more firm kiss. His hands stayed where they were as he pulled slightly away to look at her face. Her cheeks were slightly flushed and her eyes were still closed.

"How was that?" he asked.

Without opening her eyes, she said, "Better."

"I guess that's the best I can hope for at the moment."

"Probably so," she responded.

"Okay, then. Are you ready for a donut and coffee?"

Just as they sat down, Ashley's phone began to ring. "I'd better check it," she said getting up and reaching into her purse.

"Aunt Margarite," said Ashley trying to hide the panic in her voice. "Is everything okay?"

"I'll be there in a few minutes," said Ashley as she grabbed her purse.

"Has something happened?" asked Harry.

"It's my uncle. He wasn't feeling well. My aunt called an ambulance. I need to go to the emergency room. I'm sorry to leave like this."

"It's okay. Let me drive you. I can tell you're really upset."

"I . . . alright," she said shakily.

Harry quickly turned off the coffee maker and extra lights before taking Ashley's hand and leading her to the door connecting the garage to the house. After he pulled out onto the road, he took her hand and began to reassure her that everything would be okay.

When they reached the emergency room, Harry dropped her at the entrance telling her he was parking the car and would be in shortly. Ashley raced in stopping at the nurse's station just long enough for directions. When she reached the closed door to the room where her uncle was being treated, she paused for a moment to compose herself.

"Hey there," she said as she peaked her head around the door.

Her uncle smiled weakly and reached out a hand for her. "How are you feeling?"

"I wish I could say I'm fine. I'm actually not feeling so well," he sighed.

Ashley looked to her aunt for further information.

"A tech just finished an EKG, blood was drawn, his cardiologist happens to be on call and is on his way down, and he's had medication. That's about it."

Ashley answered a knock at the door from a nurse letting her know someone was waiting in the lobby to speak with her.

"Excuse me for a moment, Aunt Margarite."

"Who is it, dear?"

"It's Harry. I was at his place when you called, and he drove me here. I'll be right back."

"Tell him I said hello," said her uncle.

"I will."