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

Chapter 71

Ashley was feeling nervous as Harry drove them toward his London home. His parents were arriving the following day to spend some time with him while he was in London. She was beginning to wish she'd stayed at a hotel to give her the freedom to come and go as she felt comfortable. Now, she'd be faced with staying no matter how things were going.

"Hey, you're awfully quiet," he said.

"Just nervous."

"About what?" he asked as if surprised.

"Tonight, tomorrow, your parents."

"I think you'll find my parents very easy-going. I'm going to invite Colin and Kristen over for lunch tomorrow. How does that sound?"

"Great. Listen, if you'd rather spend time focused on your family, I'm happy to book a hotel. I don't want to intrude."

"Sweetheart," he said reaching for her hand. "You are amazing with people. Just relax and do what you always do."

"Okay," she said blowing out a big breath.

Harry began to laugh. "Stop it!" she said pulling away her hand

"Ashley, you have an easy way with people. Well, not with me but with most people."

It was Ashley's turn to laugh. "I was easy with you last night," she said taking his hand back in hers.

"Yes you were, baby."

He kissed the back of her hand. "Would you like a snack? We didn't have lunch and our reservations aren't until 8:00."

"Sure, I can go in somewhere to get take-out."

"Don't want to be seen with me?"

"That's it."

"Thanks a lot."

"You're welcome."

"That's just not nice."

"I love you," she said laughing.

"I'm not sure how I feel about you at the moment."

"Maybe I can help you decide when we get to your house."

"I don't know." She could see his dimple and the smile even in profile. He is incredibly handsome. How lucky am I to be loved by him, to be in love with him! The idea sent her thoughts into a tailspin. In love with him, in love with him! She felt herself beginning to panic, felt old feelings crowd her mind.

"Hey, want to loosen up on my hand," he said softly. This is more than my parents. Something else is going on. He decided to approach the subject after they'd gotten to his place and eaten something.

****

Ashley had been surprised when they parked in the underground garage of what appeared to be a flat. When Harry opened the door, she was pleased with the muted colors in the living room.

"Just set everything in the hall and we can take it back in a moment. The kitchen is here," he said. White cabinets lined the walls of the kitchen, surrounding stainless steel, restaurant-quality appliances. The farmhouse style table and chairs took up the whole of the breakfast nook.

"Do you cook?" she asked.

"I'm afraid I don't. The kitchen just came with the flat."

"Could I cook a couple of meals while we're here?"

"Of course. I have a grocery service that will deliver. I can log on and you can place the order."

"Do you mind?"