Back to the Start

Intruiged

**Noel's POV**

I continued work all day. Mostly business was slow. The usual regulars along with a few new people, none as strange or good looking as that Styles guy. Ever since he came I can't get him out of my head! I don't know what's wrong with me, but if I don't keep myself busy the image of his sparkling emerald eyes, dark, curly brown hair, tight black skinny jeans with rips in the knees, and a tight, white shirt showing off his toned stomach.

Okay this needs to stop even if he comes back I can't acknowledge him. He can't get dragged into my awful life. I just hope he didn't see my scars. That would be a huge problem. My dad always says that if anyone finds out about what he does to me he will hurt me AND them, and my heart tells me that if something happens to Harry I will never forgive myself. I'll always regret the fact that because I felt something when our hands touched or the way he made me feel when he talked with his raspy British accent he had to get hurt. The pain would be so much more unbeatable than never seeing him again.

"Hello miss?" An old women said while waving her hand in my face.

"Oh yes sorry um.. What can I help you with?" I stutter.

"I just wanted a refill on my black coffee please."

"Oh yes! Coming right up!" I turned to start making her drink still stuck in my thoughts.

Okay twenty more minutes. Just twenty before I can head home and enjoy my summer night and my birthday! Well not enjoy because joy is never present in my house, but at least I won't have to be at work where Harry could come any minute. It would only make him harder to forget if he shows up again. Twenty minutes, I have to make it through twenty minutes without Harry coming back. You can do it Noel!

Again, a voice interrupted my mini pep talk. Gosh I'm weird.

"Hey Noel!"

I turned around to face one person I hoped it would never have to. I stood there looking at him in shock and fear maybe staring for a little too long.

**Harry's POV**

As soon as I saw her behind the counter I could tell she was deep in thought. I walked straight over and greeted her.

She turned around and stared at me. Her expression was.. Fear maybe? Shock? I don't know, but she definitely didn't look happy to see me. Well this should be fun.

"I-I'll be with you in a moment." She stuttered out after a few seconds.

"Okay, I'll be waiting!" I replied with a wink. Jeez Harry hold back on the cheesiness for once!

About five minutes later the line she was helping had cleared and I stepped toward the counter.

"You never seem to stop working!" I say jokingly.

"Harry you shouldn't be talking to me. I told you, you don't want to get involved with me! So many things could go wrong and I'd never forgive myself if someone got hurt because of me so it's better that you forget my name, or me at all for that matter." She replied totally serious and almost frantic sounding.

"And why is that? I want to get to know you better!" I said calmly. Why can't I know her? Gosh she intrigues me! And the butterflies are coming back. Ugh.

I was cut from my thoughts when her sweet voice began to speak again.

"Look Harry, you seem great and is love to get to know you, but I can't. I'm sorry you should go. It's my birthday and I'd like to get home and relax. I've been working all day. So if you'll excuse me..." She said whirling around and walking away around.

"Bye Noel! See you tomorrow!" And old lady shouted leaving the cafe. Noel turned and waved before turning to leave again.

"Noel wait!" I said softly gripping her wrist and spinning her to face me. She jumped a little at my touch but composed herself.

"Seriously Harry I'm not kidding. You have to leave me be." She spoke softly removing herself from my grasp.

"But Noel..."

"Harry you have to leave! If I'm not home on time I..." She trailed off.

"You what?" I inquired curious of what might happen if she was late.

"N-never mind I just really have to leave. Goodbye Harry."

And with that she turned and walked into the back room. I just stood there flabbergasted. Her touch lingering on my skin making my stomach like a zoo. Why is this girl so intriguing?

After about five minutes she reemerged from the back and walked right past me toward the door. Our shoulders barely brushed, yet my whole body erupted into fireworks.

I was shaken out of my thoughts by here voice,

"Harry I'm locking up. You need to go now."

I turned on my heels and walked toward her and the door.

"Hope to see you around, love." I smiled at her, not a fake cheesy smile or my famous smirk, a true smile.

"Bye Harry." Was all she said and with that I walked out.

A/N: Sorry this is more of a filler chapter just to get the plot started. Bear with me I'm just setting you up for the rest of the book!

Love you all💕