Chapter 1
She sighed before she forced a charming smile to her face bid the hotel manager a friendly goodbye. The day had dragged on longer than most and between spending the entire afternoon in the studio writing and the dozen interviews she had done that morning, she was certain she would be asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Still, she had one last appearance to make at a friend's birthday party before she could crash for the night.
The manager waved happily, and she lowered her gaze to the floor, preparing herself for the swarm of paparazzi as she exited the hotel. Today, there were more than usual, and she smiled to herself as she understood the reason. Ever since she had been photographed hanging out with a certain heartthrob member of the world's biggest boy band, it seemed the press followed her every move.
Her name was called from every direction in a variety of different pitches. Smiling brightly, she waved hello to the fans as her security team pushed her towards the awaiting van.
It all happened so quickly. She had just gotten out of a relationship and wasn't ready for a new one quite yet. However, her manager had insisted that being seen with Harry Styles would create buzz for her upcoming tour. The arrangement would be beneficial for him as well, as his band was set to kick of their world tour in a couple months. Being seen together would keep both their names in the headlines and keep the public interest piqued.
What she hadn't counted on was actually developing feelings for him. They were just supposed to hang out casually a few times, seeing as musicians out with musicians always seemed to cause much excitement. But the more time she spent with him, the more she had found herself captivated.
He was sweet, charming, and polite. He listened to even her most ridiculous stories with such great intensity, it was as though it was the most fascinating tale he had ever heard. But above all, she was drawn to his passionate consideration. He cared immensely for each person he came in contact with, whether it be a fan on the street or the lead singer of the world's most famous rock band, Harry treated everyone with kindness and compassion.
Sighing, she smiled softly to herself as she was pushed through the last wall of paparazzi, climbed into the waiting van, sank back on the plush leather seats. She still found it miraculous that he felt the same way. No matter where her life took her, she swore she would always remember the moment he took her cheeks between his palms, kissed her, and whispered, "I want this," against her lips.
They had dated in quiet bliss for a few weeks, exchanging secret glances across crowded rooms and stealing kisses when no one was looking. Then both their management teams insisted they take their relationship public, claiming it would increase their popularity and the public needed a new young power couple to fawn over.
What they hadn't counted on was the intense passion of One Direction's fans, especially in regards to the band's youngest member. Such enthusiasm would be great, were it not for the fact that much of it was negative. She wasn't completely naïve. She knew what they thought of her.
They believed she was using him to write her next hit single. That she fell in love too quickly and would eventually break his heart, leaving the only remnants of their relationship in a harshly worded song.
What they didn't know was that she rarely fell in love at all. She was wide eyed, hopeful, and optimistic and sometimes too idealistic. With each relationship, she went in hoping he could be the one; the man she would fight for. Despite the fact that she had been disappointed time and time again, she entered her relationship with Harry with the same hopefulness.
She hoped in time his fans would come accept her as well. She hoped once they knew more about her, they would learn she was like an iceberg: they only saw what the magazines and tabloids published, they had no idea the depths of her which lay beneath the glamour and polish.
As the van came to a stop outside the hotel where the party was located, her phone buzzed, indicating she had a text message, and she smiled when she saw it was from Harry.
Just left the hotel. See you soon, babe. Xx
A soft blush tinted her cheeks and she couldn't help the grin which spread across her face as the van door opened and she stepped outside. She already had a feeling tonight was going to be fantastic.
