chapter twenty two

4.9K 110 43
                                    

Jensen

     I woke up to an alarm that I was sure I didn't set. I groaned as I reached my hand over to the nightstand where my phone was, doing my best to blindly hit the snooze button. When I finally hit the screen, making the obnoxious noise stop, I opened my eyes to realize I was in bed alone. My eyebrows scrunched together in confusion as my eyes adjusted to the light.

     I rubbed my eyes with the palms of my hands before spotting a note taped to the back of my door. Throwing the covers off, I placed my bare feet on the ground and snatched the note from the door.

Future Mrs. Styles,
You didn't possibly think you could get away with me not finding out about your birthday, did you? You underestimate me, love. Put on your prettiest sundress, your first clue is in the kitchen!
P.S. Pip is in good hands, so don't worry that she's not there.
Love,
H

     I sighed, making my way back to the bed, falling onto the sheets with a huff. Whoever told him about my birthday was going to hear an earful from me later. I wanted to be angry as he knew damn well I hated surprises but at the same time, no one outside of my family had ever gone over the top for my birthday as I've always done for everyone else. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't at least a little bit excited for what the day held.

     I made my way over to the closet, knowing I did not have a sundress in here but quickly realizing I was wrong when I opened the doors. All of my usual clothes had been pushed off to the sides, leaving a large amount of space for the gorgeous yellow sundress to make its presence known.

I reached out to it, feeling the delicate fabric beneath my fingers. Yellow was way out of my typical color range but Harry knew that. The dress had an open top that tied about mid abdomen, the top being held up by two thin straps. The bottom was more of an open skirt that landed at about my knees with buttons all down the front. It was definitely not my usual color but for some reason I could wait to try it.

I laid the dress on the bed as I did my best to get ready in a hurry, knowing that while Harry didn't tell me I was on a time crunch, I knew how punctual he was and that he had a plan. I showered, curled my hair in beach waves, threw on some light make up before settling into the dress, which really complemented my body but also showed a bit more cleavage than I was used to. Still, it was extremely beautiful. I grabbed a pair of my sandal wedges before rushing down the stairs.

I was brought to a halt when I got to the main floor, a garden of multiple colored roses covered hardwood. My eyes grew wide as I made my way to the kitchen, being careful not to knock any of the bouquets over. There was a small path for me to make my way through but I just kept turning in amazement as the roses were almost never ending.

As I reached the kitchen, I swiped the envelope off the counter, squinting at Harry's handwriting.

Love,
Start off at the place we first met, that's where you'll find the second clue.
H xx

I snatched my purse, keys, and Harry's yellow sunglasses from the counter where they laid right beside the note. I was extremely thankful for this as I didn't know if I would have been able to find everything in this rose garden. I ran out the door, putting the key into the ignition and driving to the bar with the biggest grin on my face.

     I pulled into the parking lot in record time, knowing my dad was the only one here seeing as it was only 9:30. I hopped out of the car, rushing to the door and finding an empty bar. I frowned, calling out for my dad who made his presence known with a loud yell from the kitchen.

     "It's on the bar!" He stated as I made my way into the kitchen. He was packing the cooler, grunting with every box he lifted. He stopped when he saw me, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand and breathing heavily.

     "Can you give me a hint?" He just smiled at me, shaking his head as he walked to the front. I was right on his heels, doing my best to give him an award winning smile for answers.

     "Not a chance, kiddo. I'll be in big trouble if I ruin this." He laughed, handing me the envelope. I groaned at his secrecy, opening up my next clue.

Baby,
You'll find the next envelope at the spot we first kissed.
Always yours,
H

     I looked up to my dad with eager eyes as he just chuckled before telling me to get going as I didn't have all day to stick around. I hugged him quickly, telling him I loved him before running towards the door.

     "Happy birthday kiddo! You look beautiful!" I yelled back a quick thanks before making my way to my old apartment. Reese's car was parked out front, making a sneaky grin appear on my face as I was hoping I could weasel the information out of her.

     My small legs sprinted up the stairs as I used my old key to open the door, finding the apartment decorated in various birthday decorations, including a floor full of balloons. I spotted the orange envelope on the kitchen counter, my feet instantly moving towards it as Reese popped her head out of her bedroom with a cheesy grin.

     "Happy birthday favorite sister!" She jumped out of her room with her arms up and waiting for a hug. I rolled my eyes at her lame attempt of a compliment before hugging her. She pulled away first, eyeing me up and down with a nod, "You look gorgeous! I did well picking out this dress."

     "Can you please tell me-"

     "Not a chance, J. Harry swore me to secrecy too. You're going to love it, I can already tell you do." I narrowed my eyes at her before opening the envelope in my hands.

Sweets,
Take a little time to visit your mom. She's got your final clue.
Your thoughtful fiancé,
H

*********

What do you think his angle is guys? Where's the last clue lead?

Exposed (Book Three) COMPLETE! Where stories live. Discover now