You ever get that feeling that you're dreaming even when you know you aren't so you pinch yourself or scratch your skin just to see if it hurts? That's the way I've been feeling for the past few weeks. Harry and I met in the middle of July. It's the middle of August now and we've been talking nonstop.
When he dropped me off at home the night we met it was almost two in the morning. We'd driven around the city with the windows down just listening to music and enjoying each other's company, it was like a dream. I ran into a frozen yogurt shop just as they were closing to grab us something to help cool off from the sticky warm night then hopped back in the car to ride around more. He showed me all of the typical tourist sights, promising they looked better in the day time, but I enjoyed them nonetheless.
For me the most exciting part about our wandering, besides being with him, was the sight of the buildings. Even though I work downtown I never take the time out to really glance at the towers that surround me there. I'm always so busy getting into the building or leaving or working I never get to take a step back and enjoy the sights. Ever since I was a little girl I've loved the city. On special occasions like birthdays or if I got good grades in school, I'd beg my parents to take me. The skyscrapers awed me and filled me with wonder of what it'd be like to be in one, work in one, live in one. I'd wonder who I'd have to be to be able to do all of those things, what kind of importance I'd have to hold. In a sense I equated skyscrapers and city living with success and people who had made it where they needed to be in life. As silly as it sounds seeing those buildings gave me something to work towards.
Being here is something I often thought was unattainable. Now that I'm here living out my childhood fantasies I almost can't believe it. It's almost as bizarre Harry and I meeting let alone us becoming friends. Throughout our month of knowing each other we hung out nonstop initially. If he wasn't busy with 1D business and I wasn't busy with work we were together. For the past week though he's been in the UK handling business so phone communication is all we have. We snapchat all of the time and text mostly since the few times we tried talking on the phone I could hardly understand him. How deep his voice is mixed with his accent and bad reception made for a call filled with "What?" "Who?" "Huh?" so now we stick to pictures and text.
Surprisingly enough we've been able to avoid getting caught by the paparazzi. I scour the internet for hours checking to make sure my face isn't plastered everywhere and there's never a thing. I always make sure we never go anywhere too public. We've gone to Jet's mostly or we stay at my place and hang. I've invested more hours into Mortal Kombat than I thought possible because neither of us like to lose. Somehow a quick one off game turns into a full tournament because once I lose I have to win in order to feel better and he's the same way. We normally end up playing another game as the tie breaker and by then it's midnight or later.
I hate sending him out on the road so late but it's not like I can ask him to stay the night. Essentially we just met and although we're both incredibly comfortable around each other already I don't know how appropriate asking him to stay over would be. The last thing I want is for him to think I'm some kind of groupie or that I'm using our budding friendship as an avenue for more. Although it's something that crosses my mind in the loneliest parts of two in the morning I know it'll never happen so I don't even allow the thought to live.
"Hey Bailey," Berkley greets, bringing me out of my thoughts and back into the office.
I smile up at him from my computer, "Hey Berkley, what's up?"
He strides over, taking his usual seat on top of my desk. "Well, I was wondering if you'd like to assist me with another client."
I roll my eyes, "What'd I tell you about special treatment?" The rumors had barely died down from us working on the Coke account. No one knew about us and for now that's the way I want to keep it.
"Not special treatment," he promises, hand to God, "I just admire your work ethic. Any time I needed anything done for the Coke account it was already finished, you worked late, you came in early. That's ambition I don't see often and definitely not in veteran workers. They just aren't hungry anymore, they're complacent and secure in their jobs so they don't try any harder than necessary. You do."
I'm flattered by his sales pitch. I work the way my parents taught me to, efficiently. They always told me to work smarter and not harder, if I got what I needed done early I'd have all the time in the world later.
"Thank you for that," I'm honestly grateful for the confidence boost, "Who's the client?"
He smiles that devilish grin of his because he knows he has me. It makes me question for a split second if he just gamed me but his next words knock that thought out of my head. "Oak Market Publishing, have you heard of them?"
Have I heard of them? Hell yes I had heard of them. They're the publishing house that's been snapping up Spoodle authors left and right. This could be the break I need. Sure they're a small publishing house from Canada and they publish mostly fantasy novels but this is the first time I'll ever get to communicate with a publishing house one on one.
Of course I can't tell Berkley any of this without revealing too much of my online life so I nod in response to his question instead.
"Great," he continues, completely oblivious to my inner freak out, "they'll be here any minute. Grab your coffee and follow me."
"It's tea," I correct, standing to my feet in a panic, "They're coming today? I thought I'd have time to prepare a portfolio of my work. I don't want to seem unprepared or underqualified to handle their case Berkley."
He tries to calm me with his relaxed smile and when that doesn't work he comes over and wraps me in his arms, insuring to pull us away from any possible prying eyes at the door.
"Just calm down," he soothes, rubbing my arms. "They came to me for help and I'm giving you the green light so you're good, okay? You have to go into this knowing that you're as great at your job as you are. You weren't even this nervous for the Coke account."
I close my eyes, allowing myself to lean into his chest. His body is warm against mine, heating up my already rising temperature. My nerves are getting the best of me here, I need to reel them in before I have a full on panic attack. Taking deep breaths and thinking about things that make me happy help me to calm down slowly. I start to think about Venom, and seeing my family for the holidays. My friends I've made here and the way I feel when I'm around them float through my mind. Harry coming back to LA tonight comes to mind and puts a smile on my face. By the time I realize it I'm calm and Berkley is still holding me. It's... different. I haven't been held in a long time, not by someone I'm seeing at least.
"You realize this is the first time you've let me hug you for this long?" he laughs as if reading my mind.
I nod into his chest. It's warm here and comfortable, I think I'll stay.
"I wonder what else you'd let me do," he sings, ruining the mood with his dirty little mind.
Just as I look up to tell him so he dips his head down and kisses me.
Initially I don't respond, it's awkward. Here I was about to tell him off and now he's kissing me, at work no less! But I have to admit, it's nice. His lips are soft plump pillows. They ignite my lips to action, working against his roughly. Neither of us was prepared for this, I can tell. We're all fingers and thumbs, fumbling and grasping onto each other like it's our first time doing it.
As our lips part and we come up for air he takes control and backs me up until I'm sitting on top of my desk in his typical spot. His mouth descends on mine before I can rethink it. I give into the feeling of wanting and being wanted. It's been so long since I've felt the rush that comes along with locking lips. It's unlike anything else. It's a game of taking from someone what they give to you and making something magical with it. I can feel myself getting wet as his tongue plays with mine and our kisses heat, growing more carnal.
Desire bubbles in the pit of my stomach, urging me forward. Begging me to grip the emerald green silk of my dress between my fingers and pull it up. Pleading with me to pull him between the heat of my thighs, to let him feel me and allow me to feel him. Imploring me to take everything a step further and get it over with, let him have me, let someone have me finally.
But I push the feelings down and Berkley away, shaking my head. "We're keeping Oak Market waiting."
I hop down from my desk, straightening my dress on my way to the door. I stop to fix my lipstick before leaving completely. As I'm halfway down the hall I hear my office door close and Berkley step out. After our heated exchange I assume he had to adjust himself, if the stiffness I felt against me was any indication.
I have to admit it felt good to lose myself for a moment and not care about the consequences but ultimately there are consequences. There always are. I'd hate for one of them to be a sudden change in my relationship with Berkley. We've had a good thing going so far. Neither of us is overly committed, we talk when we want, hang out when we want, and when we want to be alone or see other people we do. There weren't many strings attached but I'm afraid I may have just added another to the web.
The beaming faces of a pair that could pass for father and son greet me as I walk through the conference room doors. Both men are cocoa and tall with fades and goatees, the salt and pepper color belonging to the older of the two.
"Hello," the older man welcomes, standing to his feet, "I'm William Frost and this is my son Jackson Frost."
I take his extended hand then his sons, shaking them both. "Bailey Duncan, I'll be your market researcher. My boss, Mr. Reynolds, will be in shortly he was right behind me on the way here."
"Alright," Jackson agrees, as if I was asking for his permission for something. He has an authoritative air about him that's appealing.
"Could I get you gentlemen anything?" I offer, walking over to the conference room phone.
Both shake their heads in almost the same way, it's comical. Berkley walks into the room seconds later, taking their attention.
They go through their pleasantries and then get down to business. For a while they're discussing money and what will be profitable and how they can make a deal that works for both parties. I'm open to admitting I tuned out most of the meeting as I often do. As silly as it may sound I couldn't care less about the negotiations I just need to know what my job is so that I can do it and get it over with. However, if I understood correctly Jackson runs the publishing house and his father is the money behind his dream. It's a cute idea, father and son going into business together. I instantly like William more for how much he must believe in his son.
Once I tune back into the conversation they're discussing what they need from me and my bonus for doing the job on short notice. I'm thankful for the talent I perfected years ago of seeming alert even though I'm miles away.
"What we're going to need from you is to work numbers for how much it would cost for us to branch out into other genres. We need to know the probability of things going well because the last thing I want to be doing is wasting money," William explains honestly.
I have to respect him for that, at least he's real. "No problem, I can't give you specifics obviously, but what I can give you are solid enough numbers that you can work a business plan around."
He nods his head and looks to Jackson for any input before he stands to leave.
"We'd like a two week window on this," Jackson adds standing to go as well, "I've got my eye on a few authors I'd like to get my hands on before the competition can."
"That can be arranged," I assure, getting to my feet, "I'll let be sure to keep you well-versed on the progress."
We all shake hands again and Berkley walks them to the elevator.
Just as I finish washing my hands with hand sanitizer I get a text from Harry.
Kidnapping you from work. Be out front - H
I laugh out loud unintentionally before responding.
I have caller ID, I know it's you, you don't have to sign your texts. You're texting like an old person lol
He replies quickly like he always does.
Respect your elders then. All the love - H
I laugh again, this time not caring to stop. He's such a little punk.
My car is in the shop with a leak so I'm glad I won't have to take an Uber home like I had to this morning. The driver I had on the way to work was rude and his car smelled weird, not to mention he got me to work late. I walked in in a huff and for the better part of the day was self-conscious that I smelled like his musty car.
~*~
I wave as Berkley drives off, the bright yellow of his Porsche speeding down the surprisingly empty street. After seeing William and Jackson off he came into my office so we could talk. I explained to him that I wasn't really ready for a serious relationship and although I enjoyed our kiss, and wouldn't mind it happening again, that's as far as I would go. He agreed and gave me one of his secretive little smirks before kissing my cheek and leaving under the guise of having work to do. It wasn't as awkward a conversation as I thought it would be although I could see he was holding back his true reaction.
Whatever feelings he might've hidden earlier seemed to have no impact on our chemistry and for that I'm glad. He walked me out like he always does and before leaving planted a huge kiss on my lips. Somehow he always gets me by surprise and it takes a few seconds for me to respond but when I do, it's smooth like butter. His hands sheepishly slithered from my waist lower until his palms rested at the top of my aÅs while his long fingers gripped it. Caught off guard, I abruptly ended our kiss and bid him farewell. Reluctantly he turned to go only stopping to peck my lips one last time. I could tell he wants more, in what way I'm not sure.
Looking around the empty parking lot I don't see Harry anywhere. His classic Mercedes is nowhere to be found and it's starting to get late. He's not the type to keep me waiting especially not out on the street.
Just as I reach into my purse to grab my phone a horn blows, catching my attention. When I look up I lock eyes with Harry in a sleek black Audi, parked at the side of the building. I smile widely when I see him as does he. It's been an entire week since we were together last but it feels much longer than that. I watch as he pulls the car around and into the parking lot until he's right in front of me. He pushes the door open from the inside and waits for me to get in.
"Nice wheels," I compliment sliding into the buttery smooth leather seats. The black of the paint matches the seats that seem to hug you from behind.
"Thanks," he smiles, not taking his eyes off of me.
I laugh nervously, pushing my wavy hair behind my ears. I hate doing a middle part on my hair but it looks great on me, or so I've heard.
"So," I drawl, "how was your trip?"
My words seem to alert him of his staring and push him to put the car into gear. "Fine I guess. I just feel like they're redundant you know? We gather and have these things but what we want isn't heard all of the time. It's always put to us in a way that says we don't know what's best for our careers or our fans. It's frustrating."
I look over to him, his face confirms his frustration. His lips are in a firm line and his brows clench together forming a dip between them that looks just as upset as he is. Without thinking it through I reach out and place my hand over his on the gear shift. A quick burst of electricity shoots from my hand to his like the snapping of a rubber band. I always slide my feet when I walk, I guess I created too much static electricity. I almost recoil when I shock him but he quickly flip his hand over and laces our fingers.
"Thank you," he grins, giving my hand a quick squeeze before letting go.
"No problem. I'm always here if you want to talk or need advice. I was the therapist in my group of friends back in high school," I laugh, shaking my head at the late night memories.
He laughs as well, "I can see that."
We sit in silence thanks to the traffic, it's heavy as usual. Classic rock softly filters through the speakers surrounding us, giving a soundtrack to our comfortable silence.
My stomach however has no intentions of being unheard and growls loudly causing us both to laugh.
"Hungry?" Harry inquires unnecessarily.
"Not at all, my stomach just had something to tell me," I reply sarcastically, "I could fůck up some Taco Bell right about now."
His face turns to one of confusion, "Is there food any good? I've never had it."
My eyes bulge. "Are you kidding?" I ask, to which he shakes his head, "How in the hell do yall not have Taco Bell in the UK? I need to talk to the Queen and you need to head to the nearest one."
He looks at me with an eyebrow raised, an amused expression on his face. "I don't know where one is. Do you?"
I purse my lips but end up laughing, breaking my annoyed façade, "If you don't just ask Siri, Harold. I've seen you ask her if it's true that whoever smelt it, dealt it. You can ask her where a Taco Bell is."
He howls out a laugh but seconds later asks Siri where to go.
It doesn't take long to arrive and luckily for us when we do there isn't a line. The parking lot is pretty empty as well making me a little leery that the food isn't good. Pushing that thought aside I ask Harry to pull around to the drive through.
No one comes on the intercom right away so we have a chance to search the menu for what we want to eat. Gazing at the colorful menu I wish they had a sampler plate so he could try a bit of everything.
"Welcome to Taco Bell my name is Jill how can I help you?" the intercom blasts suddenly, scaring me so badly I jump.
"Just a moment," Harry says then looks over to me, "You okay?"
I nod ignoring Jill telling us to order when we're ready. "What do you want to eat?"
"I don't know really. What's good?" Harry questions, putting the car in park.
"Everything really," I reply with a giggle, "It's nowhere near as good as real Mexican food but it's okay on the go."
We study the menu a little longer but I notice headlights shining behind us. Initially we were the only ones in line but now, as it often goes, everyone and their mama wants Taco Bell. I feel more pressured to make a decision.
"I'll order for us both okay?" I assure Harry and he nods his agreement.
It doesn't play out in my mind the way I'll have to order until I actually have to do it. Unbuckling my seatbelt, I give him an apologetic smile before leaning over the middle console and inevitably over his lap. My knees are in my seat, my torso is hovering over him, my aÅs is in the air, and my hands are resting on his car door to hold myself up.
I'm not sure what it is I order, all I can focus on is the feeling of his body heat against me. Every time he exhales, the cool wind blows through the fabric of my dress, cooling my warm flesh. My heart is racing in my ears so loud I can hardly hear Jill tell us the total. As invigorating as it is to be draped across his frame I return to my own seat in a flash, hoping my body temperature returns to normal.
My purse hits against my ankle as the car moves as if to remind me to pay. Without hesitation I reach down and pull out my wallet unzipping it carelessly.
"What are you doing?" Harry queries reaching for his wallet from his pocket.
"I'm paying for this and I won't take no for an answer," I state matter-of-factly and pull out my cash.
He shakes his head, "Not going to happen."
I nod, "Yes, it is. You've paid for everything since I met you, it's my turn."
Just as he opens his mouth to argue again the window opens and Jill, a woman probably in her early thirties, repeats the total to us.
She's completely oblivious to who he is and I watch his shoulders relax slightly. It's crazy to me that he still gets nervous about being recognized but understandable.
I assume my position from earlier before he can try and pay. "Hi Jill," I greet, handing her the one hundred dollar bill in my hand. I see the shock on her face since our bill is only ten bucks but I explain, "I don't want change back. Pay it forward until your shift is up and anything left you can keep."
She smiles, "Sure."
I return to my seat when she leaves to grab our food. I don't think she'll steal the money, she seems nice enough but who knows. I watch her return and hand Harry the bags of food and our Fruitista Freezes.
"Thank you," Harry says accepting our meal, handing the piping hot bags to me.
He doesn't say anything but I feel him sporadically looking at me as we ride down the street. By the time we get to our mountain the food is at a decent temperature to eat.
Quickly Harry hops out and opens my door for me, something I've become accustomed to him doing. Each of us carry a bag and a drink as we create a spread on the top of his car. I don't want to sit down again but when he hops up he pats the seat next to him, inviting me.
"That was pretty cool what you did back there," he mentions before biting into a taco.
I shrug, it's no big deal really. "I used to do it all of the time back in Texas. My mom did it with me in the car and I thought it was an awesome idea so I started doing it."
For a while the only sounds that can be heard are us chewing and picking up then sitting down our cups. It feels good to be in his company again, natural even.
"Was that guy your boyfriend?" he asks suddenly, sipping on his drink.
I blink rapidly at the question. No one's ever asked me because no one knows. It's not even a question I've asked myself. I wasn't even aware that he saw us. My heart races knowing he saw Berkley grabbing my ass and shoving his tongue in my mouth, it's embarrassing.
"Kind of, I guess. It's not anything... serious or complicated. I don't know," I finally end with a laugh.
He joins in, "What do you mean by that?"
I shrug throwing my trash in my bag. "Things with Berkley are casual. We're just seeing each other. I mean I'm still finding myself let alone a soul mate or anything."
He nods his head understandingly, "I get that. Uncomplicated sounds about right for me too at this point. Love and relationships, they can be fleeting you know?"
I nod but want to steer the conversation as quickly as possible. Love is not a topic I'm okay with discussing, at least not at this point in my life.
"How'd you like the food?" I ask, trying to get us back to a playful atmosphere.
He grins then, slightly until it breaks into a full on smile. "I have a confession, I've had Taco Bell before. They have them in the UK."
I laugh and smack his arm playfully, "Liar! I knew I should've googled it!"
I'm still giggling until I see a flash from beside me. I glare turn to him glaring and he takes another picture.
"Sorry, you look cute when you make your angry face," he laughs putting his phone back into his pocket.
I roll my eyes, used to his slick comments about my looks by now. He's sweet to say anything, I've seen the stunners he's dated. I'm average compared to them.
"When's your next trip out of the country?" I ask, getting the conversation back flowing in hopes the slight fluttering in my stomach will calm.
"You're ready to be rid of me already?" he laughs, turning to see me shake my head no. "We're on a break from touring so I shouldn't have to go anywhere for a few months."
"Good," I state, my tone serious, "You won't be popping up and disappearing like Harry Houdini then."
He laughs at that, his eyes squinting together, covering their beautiful green hue.
Even in the dark there's no denying his beauty. I never thought I would call a man beautiful until I met Harry. From his dark long locks to his green hazel eyes and long lashes, there's no other word for him. He's beautiful inside and out, a rarity in men and women in this day and age.
"Someone has a birthday coming soon," he says suddenly as if it just popped into his head.
I roll my eyes, "Don't remind me, Houdini."
He laughs, "I hate this nickname already! Here I was planning this epic birthday for you and you saddle me with this horrid thing."
I snicker, shaking my head, "So dramatic, it's not that bad. What are these plans of yours? Because mine consisted of me eating a store bought cake while I watch The Walking Dead."
His nostrils flare as he laughs, "You should be ready at ten so we can go to breakfast. The rest of the day is a surprise."
I groan, "I never told you I hate surprises?"
He smirks assuring me, "You're going to like this one, B. I promise."
I cackle at that, "Are you from New York now?"
"If you're giving me nicknames you should have one too, B," he replies with a shrug of his shoulders.
I groan, "I feel like I'm on Gossip Girl now. You're lucky Blaire was my favorite."
He gasps, "She was so rude though."
I hoot loudly before my hand can clasp over my mouth, "I shouldn't be surprised that you've watched the show."
He rolls his eyes, something I hardly see him do with as much as I do it, "A fellow brit was on the program. I like to support."
I narrow my eyes at him suspiciously, "Right."
He looks away then back at me, "Fine. It started out that way but once I watched one show I was hooked and had to find out who Gossip Girl was."
I can hardly breathe from laughing. He's so different and silly. I think the funniest part about him is he doesn't realize how funny he actually is.
"You and your weirdness crack me up. I feel like you would be the kind of dad from that gogurt snack time and lunch commercial."
He laughs but then asks what it is.
My eyes widen in surprise that he doesn't know, that commercial was everywhere for a while. I whip out my cell and look the video up to show him.
He watches the video the looks at me stunned before revealing, "I think you quite literally know me better than anyone else in the world."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
What's up my good people!!!!
Yall this was a hard chapter for me to write. I think I was just rusty since I haven't written a thing since last chapter but damn I struggled with this one. For some reason I kept writing parts as if it was in 3rd person rather than 1st so please excuse if yall see any of that that I missed, I haven't edited. I'm in a bit of rush because I have family coming into town and then I'm babysitting for the next week so yeah. This was just a filler chapter anyway in a sense. I wanted to show the comfortability between Harry and Bailey. I also wanted to show a little advancement of Berkley and Bailey's relationship.
She's starting to care for him more but can she really be what he needs? Can he be what she needs? Find out on the next episode of Dragonball Z!! lol Sorry I couldn't resist :)
This chapter's song...
Jungle by Drake. I feel like parts of the song fit this chapter. Especially his line about soulmates, I mimicked it in the chapter because I feel like that's exactly where Bailey is right now. She's a character who wants love but she's ultimately afraid of it because of how it made her lose herself. She's finding herself again and wants to fully do that before finding a soulmate.
As for new follower S/O's...
This time we have: singerini28, and ErebusBeloved!!!!
Thanks so much for following and I hope I don't disappoint!
Invite your friends to read and follow and leave me some feedback!! I love hearing from yall!!!!
Until Next Time,
WBN