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

Chapter 58

Ashley had come back to the hotel much sooner than she anticipated. She had grown incredibly tired around mid-day and decided she had better try to get some rest if she was going to make it through the evening.

She'd showered and put on her makeup before going down to her salon appointment at 3:00.

It was now 5:45 and she was fretting over the fit of the formal dress she'd be wearing for the evening. She purchased it before she'd gotten sick and now it wasn't fitting properly. In desperation, she called concierge asking whether a seamstress might be available from the boutique downstairs to help her with a minor emergency.

When she heard the knock at the door, she breathed out a sigh of relief. The seamstress introduced herself and led Ashley to the mirror. She pinned the dress at the waist and helped Ashley slip out of it. As Ashley pulled on her robe, the phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hi, about to pull into the drive," he said.

"There's a slight problem."

"Alright," he said nervously.

"Could you valet park and come up?"

"Sure. See you in a moment."

"Thank you."

Ashley paced nervously as the seamstress worked on the dress. She was so anxious that when Harry knocked, she jumped. Pulling her robe more tightly around her, she walked to the door and opened it.

"Hi," she said.

"You're not even dressed yet."

"I was."

"And now you're not. What happened?"

"My dress is too loose. I'm sorry. With everything that happened, I hadn't tried it on again until this evening."

Harry glanced at his watch. "We have plenty of time. No worries."

"Would you like anything?"

"A bottle of water would be great."

"Of course."

She came back to the small living room with a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

"Thanks."

"Miss Russo, I think we're ready to try the dress."

"Thank you. I can try it on in the bedroom."

Harry watched as Ashley disappeared behind the bedroom door. Everything about her was gorgeous. He'd noticed the complicated braid ending with a French twist at her neck. The stones of the beautiful choker reflecting little sparkles of light. She'd had a manicure since he'd seen her earlier and likely a pedicure as well. He couldn't wait to see what the dress looked like.

He walked over to the balcony window and looked out at the coming darkness wondering how tonight might end. The possibility that he could wake up with her in his arms was an exciting one. He couldn't even lie to himself.

He turned when he heard the bedroom door open. Ashley thanked the seamstress and walked her to the door. She turned to see Harry watching her, obviously admiring what he saw.

"The dress is almost as beautiful as you," he said walking over and giving her a kiss on the cheek. He stepped back again to look at the vintage floor-length evening dress she was wearing. The dark sapphire blue was beautiful against her skin. The strapless dress hugged her body until it reached her waist then flared out until it reached the floor.

She blushed a little as he continued to stare at her. "I'm going to have to wear a sweater or something to cover my arms," she said crossing them self-consciously.

"Is there anything I can get for you or help with?"

"I don't think so. Let me check my things to see what I have to wear over the dress."

When she walked out of the bedroom, she was carrying a short-waisted light silver-gray sweater. She handed it to Harry who held it as she slipped her arms in.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

"Absolutely."

He followed her as she grabbed a small evening purse from a chair and locked the door behind them.

"Are you feeling alright?" he asked.

"A little tired. I came back here about noon and went to sleep for a while."

"Perhaps you need another early night."

"I'm afraid the time change has me thrown a bit."

"Give it another day or two. Your body will adjust."

He carefully took hold of her elbow to avoid hurting her arm when they stepped from the elevator. He guided her through a large number of people before reaching a valet.

"It's a little chillier than I expected."

"There's a lot of dampness that contributes to that seeping cold feeling."

He handed the valet his ticket and paid the fee including a nice tip. He'd driven the Range Rover which was well off the ground. She would not have to worry about gathering her dress too much to get in and out. "Thank you for driving this vehicle."

"You're welcome."

He helped her in and swept his hand under the side of the dress to tuck it in making sure it didn't get caught in the door. Walking around, he climbed in himself and pulled away from the hotel.

"So, what can I expect tonight?" he asked.

"The judging comes first. The team will be responsible for pouring, answering questions, and taking notes on the judges' responses. Once the judging is complete, awards will be announced and presented followed by the auction. Many of the wineries donate most the funds to charities. It's more about being able to market your wine as award-winning."

"Anyone attending can bid?" he asked.

"As long as you register and have a number."

"Great."

"Are you planning to bid?"

"I may. I recently started collecting wine."

"This is our entrance," she said pointing to a driveway at the side of the building.

"I'll drop you so you don't have to walk in the garage and call you once I'm inside."

"Thank you."

"He pulled up, got out, opened her door, helped her with her dress, and squeezed her hand before watching her walk into the building."