Friends With Benefits

Chapter 15

Harry's POV

The doorbell chimed through the apartment and I felt my head about to burst with the pressure.  I groaned long and loud, traipsing across the room, scooping the shrieking baby into my arms. I approached the door, throwing it open carelessly – I really could not have give less of a fuck at this point.

Tamara stood smiling happily at me in an immaculate, short, plum colored dress that stuck to her curves and revealed her soft, slightly tanned skin beneath the two cut-outs on her sides.  The fact that she looked perfect only added to my irritation and rage – I wanted so badly to fvck her sideways on the floor, to bang her from behind, to make her scream.  But unfortunately, the wriggling, howling child in my arms was a blaring reminder that I wouldn't be getting any tonight, and definitely not sideways on the floor.

Her cheerful expression melted away as she gazed horrified at the screaming baby in my arms.  While Lux was usually an adorable delight, she now looked like a snotty, howling nightmare.  And Tamara was clearly less than impressed.

“I, eh,” she stuttered, looking taken aback as I bounced the distraught baby, trying to calm her unsuccessfully.  “Wow, I didn't know this was what you had in mind when you said Valentine’s surprise…”

I rubbed my forehead, noticing the thumping pain in my brain, staring back at her with an indifferent shrug.  “I’m sorry, Tamara. I wanted tonight to be so great and special and then I got dumped with Lux, and then she knocked my cologne over and it smashed and I yelled at her and so she’s crying, but then the steak burned and so there’s no food, and I’m pissed off and I’m sorry I wrecked the whole night…”

My words tumbled out in an overemotional gush of frustration, and she rubbed my arm soothingly.

“Hey, slow down, Harry,” she murmured, smiling weakly at me.  “It’s not your fault.  Now let’s get things in order.  First of all…how come you have no pants on?”

I furrowed my brow in confusion, glancing down to see all that covered my lower half was a pair of tight boxers. I sighed, the memory rushing back to my mind.  “I was changing when Lux knocked my cologne on the floor and I got distracted…everything sort of went downhill from there.  I guess I forgot.”  I stared at my feet, rolling my eyes at my own stupidity, but I glanced up as I heard her musical giggle escape her plump lips.

“What’s funny?” I huffed, glaring at her as she continued to laugh.  “You don’t know how annoyed I am, everything’s ruined, and I wanted it to be special…”

She gazed at me, evidently fighting back another giggle as she bit down on her lip.  “Harry, you’re so…I don’t even know what to say.  Hilarious?  Adorable?!”  She continued chuckling like my suffering was something humorous, and I became even more frustrated, frowning sulkily at her.  She reached up, smoothing a gentle hand across my frown lines.

“Don’t sulk with me, Styles!  Come on, I’ll help clean up…”

She stepped into the apartment past me, tottering along in her heels, and grimaced as she faced the stove that was soaked in foam.  Lux had begun to calm in my arms, simply whining and whimpering for attention every now and again.  Tammy turned to me; a shocked glance passed my way.

“Quite the mess…” she mumbled, smiling feebly.

I nodded, shrugging.  “No food.  I’m sorry.”

She shook her head, walking over to me and, to my surprise, plucking Lux from my arms to nurse her.  “It doesn't matter, Harry, we can order something in and watch a movie or something.  Like the good times.  It’s still nice to spend time with you!”