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

Chapter 82

"Ashley," he called when he didn't find her in the living room.

"In the kitchen."

"Hi," he said.

"The tea is steeping. Would you like some?" she asked hopefully.

"Of course."

"Harry . . ."

"I love you, baby," he said as he kissed her on the forehead.

"Are you going to tell me what is wrong?"

"Sweetheart, everything is more than right. Here, I'll carry the tray into the living room."

"Do you want a snack?"

"Only if you do."

"I'll be right there." She pulled a tin out of the cabinet and placed several of the small cookies on a plate.

"How much time is left?" asked Harry when Ashley sat down on the sofa next to him.

"Should be finished. Want to check?"

Harry lifted the delicate lid from the porcelain tea pot and lifted the bags out. He tilted the pot to look at the color, "I think it's good."

He poured tea and sat back while Ashley added honey and lemon to her cup. She picked up one of the small cookies and took a bite.

"Marie makes the best tea cookies," said Ashley.

"They are tea biscuits."

"These are cookies. They are nothing like a biscuit."

"If you say that in London, you will be banished," he said.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I can't sit here making small talk when I don't know what's going on with you."

"Alright," he said setting down his cup. He leaned forward and took Ashley's as well. "Now, I'm not sure how to begin this discussion."

"Just say it outright, Harry."

"Very well. I have never had a woman do for me what you just did."

"I don't believe you."

"It's not that I haven't received all sorts of offers during the last few years, but none of those had anything to do with loving someone the way you just showed me how much you care," he said reaching out for her hand.

"Harry, I just . . ."

"Sweetheart, you didn't owe me anything. I was the one apologizing, the one who should have been doing something special for you."

"I wanted to reassure you that you are my number one priority."

"Well then, you more than accomplished your goal, baby." He leaned forward and kissed her on the mouth remaining nose-to-nose with her. "You are my number one priority as well, sweetness. Are you going to let me do something for you?" he whispered as he placed a hand at the back of her neck to hold her in place.

"Yes," she breathed out.

"What would that be?"

"Cook breakfast," she said with a giggle.

"Breakfast," he said pulling back to look at her fully. "Breakfast."

"Yes."

"Couldn't we just . . ."

"No."

"Ashley, come on."

"That is what I would like. I'm going to go out on the veranda and call my uncle. I know he'll be up even though it's early."

"You are going out like that?"

"Why not?"

"Ashley Jane, go put some clothes on! You know there is occasional traffic along the road. In fact, I would be surprised if Lucas doesn't come by to check on you."

"Jealous?"

"Baby, you know the answer."

"Sorry, I'll stop teasing you."

Harry stood and grabbed her hands. "Come on," he said pulling her up. "Get some clothes on," he said swatting her on the rear.

As she walked away, she looked over her shoulder and smiled sassily at him.

"I will remember that later," he said.

****

"Here you go," Harry said handing Ashley a plate of scrambled eggs with toast. "There's butter and honey for the toast."

"No jam?"

"You are so demanding," he said.

"Maybe."

"Definitely."

"I'll be right back," he said throwing the dishtowel over his shoulder.

Ashley enjoyed the playfulness they shared, the easy way they teased one another, the love that was obvious.

"Okay, it appears the pantry was stocked with mixed berry jam and orange marmalade. What will it be?" he asked with a smile.

"Mixed berry," said Ashley as she covered the mouthful of egg she was chewing.

She drew in a breath when his biceps flexed as he opened the sealed jar. He saw her eyes go wide, knew what had caught her attention, suspected her fascination because of the attention she gave to the muscles in his upper arms when they were intimate. He could feel her hands on his upper arms, her nails grazing his skin as she caressed their length.

"Hey, what's up?" she asked when he shivered.

"Oh, nothing. Just a chill. How is your uncle?" he asked as he sat down next to her.

"Coming along nicely. He's still really weak and tires easily, but he says he's doing a little walking."

"That's great, sweetheart. I'm glad to hear it."

"Thank you. You know, the festival will be starting soon. I feel bad for not going into town and helping with the booth."

"I'm sure they understand that you're here with an irresistible man and just can't tear yourself away."

"Right," she said rolling her eyes. "I need to get a shower."

"Great. I'll shower with you," he said.

"Nope. No way."

"Why not?" he asked in his most indignant tone.

"Because we will get distracted," she said standing to her feet.

"At least come here for a moment," he said taking her arm and pulling her toward him. She sat down on his lap and curled up against his chest. "Hey." He waited for her to look at him.

"Yes."

"I love you."

"I love you," she said.

He pulled her close and kissed her for several seconds until he heard the sound of an engine. He opened one eye to see Lucas' profile through the rolled-down window, pulled Ashley closer, and kissed her more deeply.

Maybe now he'll get the message, thought Harry.

"Okay, okay," said Ashley pushing at his chest.