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

Chapter 81

Ashley was still laughing when Lucas dropped off she and Harry at the cottage. Harry quickly jumped out and went around to Ashley's side to open the door and help her out. He'd had enough of all the younger guys jockeying to get close to Ashley all evening.

"Thank you for the ride," Ashley said to Lucas who had also come around to the passenger side of the Rover.

"You are very welcome. Remember, we are going riding again in the morning."

"Of course, I look forward to it." She reached out her hand and he took it; first shaking it, then kissing it.

"Good night," he said to her, then nodded at Harry.

****

Once they were inside, he turned to her, "What the hell was that all about?" he asked angrily.

"What are you talking about?"

"Lucas has practically thrown himself at you all evening and now you're going riding with him in the morning!"

"First, you need to calm down and stop raising your voice at me!"

"Okay," he said pushing his hand through his hair and jerking his jacket off.

"I'll tell you what, you take a breath and get ahold of yourself. I'm going to change into something more comfortable," she said.

"Do you know how damn sexy you look in that dress?" he said pulling her against him.

"Harry, you are squeezing my arms too tightly," said Ashley in a warning tone. He let her go so suddenly she almost fell backwards. "Okay, that's enough. If you think I will tolerate this behavior, you are sadly mistaken. Get your things and move to the guest room. I've had enough tonight!"

She turned her back to him and walked away. When he heard the bedroom door slam, he knew just how much trouble he'd made for himself. Damn Lucas. The guy was going to be a nuisance. Right now, though, I need to forget about him and concentrate on making up with Ashley if she'll let me, he thought frantically.

He walked to the bedroom door and tapped lightly. "Ashley, may I come in? Please. I'm very sorry. Could we talk?" Harry turned the knob to find the door unlocked. "Ashley," he called out.

"Get your things and please go," he heard her say from the other side of the master bathroom door.

"I promise I will do that as soon as we talk."

"I do not want to talk with you right now. Good night."

Harry gathered a few of his things and left the bedroom, closing the door quietly.

****

Ashley sat in bed going through the notes she'd taken while they toured the cask room. All the processes were fascinating, and she wanted to learn everything she could about this side of her uncle and aunt's business.

What about Harry? The thought intruded for the umpteenth time since she climbed into bed. She was resolved not to talk with him until the sun came up. She'd debated with herself for the last hour over whether she should go riding with Lucas. Harry was right, and she knew it. Lucas was making it plain that he liked her.

She sighed, laid the notes on the nightstand, turned out the lights, and pulled up the covers.

****

Is she still awake? I messed up. It's Lucas. She doesn't see what this guy is up to. He was fawning over her all night. How can I convince her not to go horseback riding alone with him? he wondered.