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

Chapter 31

So finally, Harry and Ashley are intimate. The next few chapters will include multiple instances of increased intimacy, but don't get too comfortable. They are far from being out of the woods.

"Hi," she said with a smile when she walked into the kitchen and pulled out a chair at the island.

"Warm enough?" he asked.

"Better," she said shoving her hands in the deep pockets of the hoodie she was wearing.

"I adjusted the setting. The house tends to get warm during the day with all the windows, so I keep the temperature lower to keep it cool."

"I'm okay."

"There's your chocolate. Tea's almost ready," he said pointing with a teaspoon.

"Thanks."

She was surprised to see him get formal settings out of the cabinet for tea. Was he pulling out the stops to impress? she wondered.

"Do you always set a formal tea at 2:00 in the morning?" she asked.

"Only when I'm trying to make a good impression. Otherwise, it would be a ceramic mug," he said smiling over his shoulder.

Ashley broke off one square of chocolate before carefully wrapping the remainder of the chocolate bar and placing it in the refrigerator with the others. She sat back down and savored the salty bittersweet taste of each small bite of the treat.

"Want to sit in the living room?" he asked.

"Sure. Can I help?"

"Grab the remote. We can watch something or listen to music."

She found the remote on one of the end tables before taking a seat.

"How would you like your tea?" he asked.

"One teaspoon of sugar," she answered.

"Here you are. Is that sweet enough?"

She took a sip from the steaming cup. "It's perfect. Thank you."

"Of course. Do you need a blanket?"

"I'm okay. It's just my feet that are still cold."

Harry got up and opened a long drawer on the lower part of a wall unit. He pulled a blanket out and spread it over Ashley's legs and feet.

"How's that?"

"Great. Do you mind if we listen to music? I'd like to talk," she said.

Had the time come so quickly? Did she want to have THE talk? he wondered.

"Music is fine. Need help?"

"No, I think I've got it." She selected a classic rock channel and turned the volume down. "The tea is really good."

"Thanks," he said taking a sip from his cup.

They sat quietly for several minutes.

"Harry?"

"Yes?"

"Can we talk?"

"Sure. What would you like to talk about?"

"You know," she said softly.

"Actually, I don't."

"Intimacy," she said putting down her cup and reaching for his hand.

"Why now?"

"Why not?"

"Well, you've consistently let me know you weren't ready for that kind of relationship. I guess I'm confused."