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

Chapter 21

The remainder of the day and most of the following went by in a blur for Ashley. She got through her obligations by simply shutting down her emotions, something she had been good at since childhood.

A flight delay landed her in LA at midnight. After stopping by the bathroom and waiting out the usual line, she trudged down to baggage claim to pick up her luggage before grabbing a cab to her place. Kristen had not contacted her other than to text that she had picked up Ashley's car. At least that was done.

She located the baggage carousel number corresponding to her flight on the monitor and headed down to find her bags. Harry was standing there with luggage in hand waiting for her.

When she approached him, the emotions she had carefully tucked away threatened to break loose.

"Hello," he said. She noticed the dark circles under his eyes as if he hadn't slept. Probably out partying, she thought angrily.

"I'm not sure why you are here, but . . ."

"To pick you up from the airport as we had planned," he said tiredly.

"Are you really egotistical enough to think I'd want to see you after . . ."

"I was hoping you'd allow me to explain. It's my fault for not discussing . . ."

"What? That you wanted an open relationship?" she asked angrily. "Look I should have known, should have been more cautious. It's no big deal. I just want to get a cab and go home. The last three days have been exhausting."

"You think so little of me that . . ."

"I saw you on the entertainment segment with that blond the first night after I left!"

"You are misunderstanding and giving me no opportunity to explain."

"Misunderstanding! Are you kidding! The two of you were holding hands and when paparazzi got close, you wrapped your arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. What is there not . . ."

Harry placed a hand on each side of her face and pressed his lips to hers. Ashley was initially shocked but quickly realized what was happening and pushed his hands away from her face before slapping him across the cheek. "How dare . . ."

"You do care," he said rubbing his cheek. Are you going to give me a chance to explain or would you prefer to simply remain angry and hurt?"

"Who said I was hurt?"

"I would be."

"Why pursue me if you were already involved? What have I done to warrant this treatment?"

"Could you be quiet for one minute?" he said attempting to place his fingers against her lips.

"Would you like to lose some of those?"

He laughed at this.

"I see nothing funny," she said.

"May I talk?" When she remained silent, he continued. "That outing has been planned for several weeks to stir up talk about a movie still in the works. Speculation has run rampart about the two of us and PR simply wanted to build on that."

"Good for you!"

"Ashley, she is engaged to be married soon. I barely know her. You have to understand the PR side of this business."

"I don't have to do anything," she almost shouted.

"You're right. I apologize. If I had been thinking clearly, I would have explained in advance. I was too focused on you, on your uncle, on missing you. It was an honest mistake."