Vulnerable (Book One) Complete!

chapter twelve

Jensen

     "Jensen?" Reese's voice broke my intoxicated state. I instantly backed away from Harry, looking at the door. Reese stood there with a confused expression.

     "Reese?" I brushed past Harry, walking over to my sister, "It's past midnight, what are you doing here?"

     "I couldn't sleep." She shrugged, rubbing her arm uncomfortably, "Who is that?" She pointed to Harry, causing him to turn around. I could see her jaw practically unhinge and smack against the concrete floor. Of course she'd be a Harry Styles fan.

     "Hi, I'm-" Harry stared walking towards us to introduce himself but my sister interrupted before he could even finish.

     "Harry Styles!" She squealed, trying to keep her composure. I crossed my arms over my chest, rolling my eyes as I watched the scene unfold.

     "Uh yeah, that's me." He laughed, putting his hand out to shake hers. "And you are?"

     "Reese Ames," She shook his hand, "I'm a big fan. I was a One Direction fan too of course but I really enjoy your sound now. I LOVE your new album! I tried to get tickets to the forum for the show tomorrow but they sold out quick." Reese was rambling, as she always did when she was nervous.

     "Well, how about I give you and your sister here tickets and backstage passes?" Harry looked over at me, his grin somehow widening. I could kill him. I really could because I couldn't say no to Reese.

"Are you serious?" Her eyes were so large as she pulled Harry in for hug. He looked startled for a second before she let go. "Oh my god, I can't believe you know Harry Styles and you didn't tell me?" Reese smacked my arm.

"I didn't know you were a fan Reese, otherwise I would have told you." Harry stood there chuckling. I glared at him, waiting for the moment Reese left so I could kick him out.

     "Oh wow this is so awesome! I'm so excited! Okay, I'm leaving before I start rambling again. Bye, Harry! See you at home, Jensen!" Reese was heading out the door, as I yelled for her to text me when she got home safe.

     "Looks like you're coming to the concert tomorrow." I clenched my teeth together, walking away from Harry. I didn't say a word, knowing that whatever I had to say would not be received well and while Harry was not my favorite person, I didn't want to say something I would regret.

     "So you're just not going to talk to me now?" Harry was smirking again, leaning on his elbows at the bar. "I could get used to this. However, I am a bigger fan of you sassing me. Makes things interesting." He winked at me, running his tongue over his lips once again. I wanted to roll my eyes but his action ignited this small fire inside of me.

     "When I get angry, I say things I regret later because in the moment I don't think about it. I just blurt words out. It's a habit I got from my mom and right now, I'm pretty angry at you so I'm choosing to take the high road." I turned off the TV's and a few of the bar lights I could reach.

     "Any other person would be delighted to have tickets to my concert." I looked over at him. Did that smirk ever leave his face?

     "Harry, do I act like every other person in this world? I didn't even know who you were last week." I sighed, moving over to him. "I'm going because one, I love music, even coming from you and two, because I know Reese really wants to go. I couldn't disappoint my sister." I messed with my cast as I spoke, feeling this overwhelming sense of exhaustion falling over me.

     "You're right Jensen, you're not like everyone else and I think that's what I like most about you." I looked up at Harry's smiling face. I felt confused and conflicted. I'd almost kissed him tonight, I wanted to kiss him tonight. I'd never admit that, but I know with every cell in my body I would have if Reese hadn't come in.

     "It's almost closing time. I need to finish closing and you gotta get back to, well whatever you do when you're not here." My voice felt small and defeated. I lacked my usual sass, as Harry said earlier.

     "I'll text you with details later, get home safe Jensen." And with that, he was out the door. I sighed, shutting down the rest of the bar before locking up.

     My head was a mess walking home. I'd almost kissed Harry Styles tonight. I was so close and I wanted to. I wanted to kiss him. What was wrong with me? I never let any boy mess with my head like this. Not since Ryan.

     I trudged up the steps to the apartment, unlocking the door and being met with the smell of freshly baked cookies. I set my stuff down on the kitchen counter, noticing the source of the smell on the stove but no Reese in sight.

     I made my way over to Reese's room, opening the slightly ajar door to see her passed out on the floor in the middle of stacks of paper and her laptop as usual. I smiled, shaking my head at the sight of her. Mom would be so proud of her. Hell, I was so proud of her. 

     I shut her light off before grabbing a cookie from the kitchen and jumping in the shower. The hot water ran over my sore muscles, my mind still racing with thoughts of Harry. I turned off the water, wrapping myself in a towel before throwing on underwear and a large t-shirt. I brushed my teeth and hair before settling into bed.

     My phone went off and I reached for it on my nightstand. It was a message from Harry.

     A limo will be at your apartment at 6pm tomorrow. I'm both excited and nervous for you to hear my music. Sweet dreams, Jensen xx

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Sort of a filler, more to come soon!