Black Ink [Harry Styles]

Chapter 7

Nessa

I shouldn't have kissed Harry and led him on. Once again, I am running away from him, he must think I'm crazy. But I don't think I can take being hurt again and I know it is just better this way. It's not a far walk home and soon I swing open the front door and stand by myself in the kitchen. It was such an amazing night, why didn't I just keep my distance from him. But I can't get the image of him on stage out of my head, his sexy voice, the way he lent down to kiss me afterwards, the feel of his lips moving with mine and his taste.

The next morning, I wake up and luckily it's a Sunday, so I have the day off. I laze around the flat nursing a hangover and obsessing over Harry for most of the day, before throwing some old jeans and a sweater on and heading over to Angus and Letty's house for our weekly family dinner.

They live in a semi-detached 2 story just a couple of tube stops away and it doesn't take me long the get there. As I walk up the front steps, I notice a shiny black top of the line Range Rover parked outside, and think to myself that the neighbors must have some posh friends.

I use my key to open the door and announce myself "Im here! you better bring me those cute babies to spoil and some yummy food because I am beyond hungover".

I hear the chatter in the kitchen go silent which is strange, and I realize why as I enter the room. Harry fucking Styles is sitting at the kitchen table, cradling Alex and giving him his bottle.

I cannot believe it and as I look around at my brothers, Lettie and Ravi, they at least look a little sheepish.

Harry looks unsure, but says "Hi Ness, I hope you don't mind, I was desperate for a home cooked meal and couldn't pass up Lettie's offer".

My stomach flutters when I hear him use my nickname but I am fuming both at Harry and my family. I have made it clear that I don't want this.

They realize how awkward it is, so suddenly they get very busy. Letty and Angus grab Alex from Harry and Levi out of his carrier before leaving the room to change their diapers. Ravi and Jude mumble something about watching an episode of Ru Pauls Drag race and head to the sitting room.

I don't know what to do, so I grab a glass and pour myself some wine before downing half of it and slumping onto a chair across from Harry. I know I am acting like a surly child but I am beyond caring.

I don't say a word but manage to sneak a glance at him. His curls are messy and pushed back by a pair of brown framed reading glasses. He has on loose fitting corduroy bell bottoms, a well-worn rolling stones t-shirt and an oversize black cardigan. This man can wear anything and look amazing.

He seems a little unsure of himself, and mutters while looking out the kitchen window "It's pretty cold outside today".

I look gobsmacked and say somewhat loudly "I cannot believe you are talking about the weather when you are colluding behind my back with my family and barging into my life".

"It's hardly colluding Nessa" he says with a smile on his face. "you make me sound like a criminal and by the way, maybe I just like your family and want a home cooked meal".

"That's bullshit Harry and you know it, at least have the decency to fess up" I say.

He looks a bit taken aback before responding "You know maybe I did want to see you and check you are OK after last night. I am sorry I kissed you, I was a little drunk. Can we start over and be friends"?

Even though I don't want to be with him, his words hit me like a punch in the stomach. Is that the only reason he tried to make a move? Because he was drunk. I am not sure how to reply, can I be friends with Harry? But I look over at him and his beautiful face and questioning eyes and I know that I will say yes.

I stare at him and say honestly "I would really like that".

His eyes light up and it looks like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. His giant dimple makes an appearance as he smiles and he excitedly says "Great, so how do we do this then?".

"Let's start with a glass of wine and my family embarrassing me and take it from there".

The rest of the night goes by in a blur. We eat too much of Letty's vegetarian fajitas, and Harry has us in stitches over some of the crazy experiences he had while in One Direction after which Angus surprises us by knowing all the words to "What Makes you beautiful".  We end up singing and dancing to some terrible 90's hits, and as I watch Harry spinning Ravi around and laughing, I hope that we really can be friends.

Just before midnight, we decide to call it a night and as I am getting ready to call a cab, Harry volunteers to drive me home. I'm not sure it's a good idea but he insists.

He opens the door for me and runs around to jump into the driver's seat. The Range Rover smells like him and I am aware that we are now alone and sitting so close together. But we are friends now right, so I try push it aside.

I tell Harry I live just above the tattoo studio, which he didn't realize, and it doesn't take us long to get there.

As am climbing out the car, he grabs my hand and asks "would you like to hang out this week?".

I say sure, trying to keep it light and friendly, and we swap numbers before he drives off.