The Runner ➳ Narry (Book One)

Chapter Sixteen

(Niall's POV)

The knock at the door made my heart jump a little, doing little dances against my rib cage. I checked over the living room to make sure it was nice and clean before skipping to the door. I took a deep breath before swinging it open with a smile plastered on my face to reveal Harry doing the same on the other side. 

"Hey Ni," he greeted, stepping over the threshold. He looked extra hot today. 

"Hey," I breathed out, my eyes following him as he walked to my side. 

"Hey, I'm Louis," another voice said. I ripped my eyes away from Harry to greet him. His feathery brown hair was a bit long, the fringe swept up and over almost like bangs. Little hairs were sticking out here and there from the back of his neck, making him look reckless.

 He stuck out his hand for me to shake, which I did with a smile. He also stepped over the threshold to stand beside Harry as I shut the heavy door, silence taking over the hallway.

I turned to look at the duo, Harry smiling but Louis staring me up and down with a blank expression. I shifted on my heels a little bit, feeling a little self-conscious of Louis staring at me. Was my hair not correctly done? Did I look like a stuck up rich kid?

I coughed awkwardly, waiting for Harry to get the hint that his friend didn't like me. Louis continued to stare at me, his glare spreading into a wide smile. I cocked an eyebrow in confusion. Louis turned to Harry with a smirk. "You're right, he is pretty cute."

Harry's cheeks turned bright red as he scowled at Louis, shoving him a little. I chuckled loudly, my face also heating up because Harry thinks I'm cute. I let that sink in for a while, my face feeling warm and my stomach churning slightly. 

"Harry talked about you all night," Louis said, laughing a little from Harry's scowl. "He thinks you're se-"

"Louis!" Harry interrupted harshly. Louis and I both burst out in laughter, him shamelessly giving Harry a little side hug in fake-apology. My face was crimson red, burning like fire but in the most amazing way possible. Maybe Harry does like me...

"Your house is huge, Niall," Louis commented as he scanned the front hallway. Just like Harry had done, he spotted the archway into the kitchen and wandered in.

"It's just the ceilings that are tall, it's actually quite a small house," I replied, following Louis with Harry close behind. I stopped at the counter as Louis walked into the living room, disappearing behind the wall. 

Two arms suddenly wrapped my waist from behind, causing me to lose my breath for a minute. "You look good today," I felt Harry's warm breath on my neck as he spoke in a low whisper, goosebumps erupting all over my skin. 

"You too," I breathed, letting my arms wrap themselves around Harry's. This felt so right. I wonder how Louis would react to something like this. 

Just like that, Louis appeared back in the doorway, Harry quickly removing his arms and stepped back like nothing ever happened. Louis clearly hadn't noticed as he continued looking around, almost as if he's never seen such a big house in his life. 

"You have a nice place," Louis said, finally bringing his gaze to my face as he stopped at the far end of the counter. I mumbled a shy 'thanks' and squeezed past Harry, opening cabinets and drawers to find a large bowl and some popcorn. I put the bag in the microwave and let it heat up while ushering Harry and Louis into the living room to sit down. 

"The remotes on the coffee table," I offered, turning back into the kitchen to make the snacks. I waited for the popcorn to be done, pouring drinks as well. 

"Do you need help?" A deep voice said from the kitchen entryway. I looked over to find Harry walking closer towards me, a smirk playing on his perfect lips. 

I shook my head, smiling at his offer. "No, I'm good." I expected him to walk back into the living room, but instead he came closer and closer to me. My breathing sped up a little, excited at what he might try. If he did try anything. 

His hands collided with my hips, spinning me around so my lower back was against the counter. His green eyes blazed with curiosity as my arms found their way around his neck, pulling him closer. I wanted to kiss him so bad, his lips were so inviting.

 His hands slid around to my back and down, slipping over my ass. I gasped, the smirk only growing bigger on his face. His large hands passed my bum, grabbing hold of the back of my thighs and put pressure on them. In one quick movement, he had me up on the kitchen counter, easing himself in between my legs. 

My arms never left his shoulders as he began to trace circles into my thighs, his eyes boring into mine. My face was beat red, my breathing coming out fast and nervous. His eyes flickered to my lips, lingering there for a moment. 

Just kiss me already!

I began to get impatient, hooking my ankles together behind his back, forcing him to move closer. I scooted forward a bit on the counter, pressing myself against Harry. His face was inches from mine, our breath colliding in the air between our mouths. I nudged my forehead against his, confidence taking over me. I want this so bad. I want him so bad.

 "Harry," I pleaded, trying to get his mouth against mine. 

"Hmm?" He hummed questioningly, his gaze still on my lips. 

"Kiss-" my voice was interrupted by the loud beeping of the microwave, signalling that the popcorn was done. I let out a loud groan, causing Harry to chuckle. 

He lifted his forehead off mine and quickly pecked my cheek, backing up so that I could jump down from the counter. I shakily opened the microwave, my nerves still bouncing around from what just happened. Well, almost happened. 

I prepared the popcorn, Harry standing close behind me. I felt a tickle on my neck and a body softly pressing against me from behind, almost making me drop the popcorn bag. 

A warm breath cascaded over my neck and exposed collarbones, making my breath weaver. "Maybe later."