The Other Side

Chapter 14

Much like I predicted, on Tuesday the internet was stating that I had a boyfriend in Sam. Harry hadn't sent me any indication that he'd seen this, but then again, maybe management had told him not to. I was frustrated to no end that they could control him like that, so I hadn't messaged him, and he hadn't messaged me.

Mum had found out about the pictures from one of the young receptionists at work who liked keeping up with gossip. She had quickly recognised me from the pictures Mum and Dad had in the office at work. Mum and Dad weren't angry or upset, but they could tell I was. They told me I was ungrounded in order to sort this out with Harry, but I told them it didn't matter - I couldn't see him anyway.

I drifted through the next two days at school, ignoring everyone - students, teachers, photographers, even Sam at times.

'Are you still coming for dinner tomorrow night?' I send to Harry - short and to the point.

'Do you want me to?'

'I don't care, I just want to know if management will let you'

My phone rings, and of course it's him.

"Hi," I answer, sounding guarded.

"You're upset," he replies.

"What gave it away?" I say snidely.

"Lexi, come on," Harry says, sounding exhausted by me already.

"I just want to know if I need to go shopping for groceries," I shoot back, sounding super pissed.

Nothing. And then a second later, a beep, and I look to see that the call has been terminated. He hung up. I growl, dropping my head onto the kitchen bench.

"That doesn't look very comfy," Harry's voice says as the back door opens a moment later.

I gasp sarcastically. "Hope you weren't seen coming here."

"They got a picture of me jumping a fence, so what?" he shrugs and walks towards me, making like he wants to hug me.

I retreat, putting my arms up. "Don't. Don't come in here doing that, thinking it'll all be better."

"Then say what you need to, don't shut me out," Harry counters.

"I get it, ok?" I start. "I get that you're famous. You're Harry Styles of One Direction. But I didn't realise that meant that your little group of music producers and stuff got to control your personal life."

"They don't," Harry says defensively.

"Ok, so them telling you not to see me. What's that?" I demand of him.

Harry sighs. "I didn't want people harassing you anymore than they already were. So I asked our PR what I should do. She suggested I don't give them anymore reason to want to stalk you, so maybe giving you space until the situation cooled off was the best idea. So I did."

"This was your idea?" I ask, bewildered.

"I was just doing what I thought was best for you. But turns out it wasn't." Harry looks down, his boyish features mixed with pain.

I blink a few times, and then suddenly I feel like I'm the one who's done wrong. "Harry, I wasn't upset about the pictures or the paparazzi. I've kinda had to deal with it since you moved in next door. I can handle it. I got upset because I thought you were avoiding me to uphold your superstar image."

"Why would you think that?" Harry asks, coming toward me, and this time I don't dodge his hug.

"I've seen the girls you've been with before," I say matter-of-factly. "I'm not a TV star or a model or anything special."

Harry laughs. "I'm glad you're not a TV star or a model, I've had enough of them. But you are special." He kisses me, his hands rubbing my back in a comforting way. He then picks me up, sitting me on the kitchen bench, kissing me more urgently now. I wrap my legs around his waist and hold him tightly to me, my hands tangling in his unruly curls.

The phone ringing interrupts us, and I unwillingly detach my mouth from Harry's to grab the phone. I keep my legs wrapped around him so that he can't escape.

"Hey Mummy," I say, looking at the caller ID.

"Have you spoken to Harry? Are they coming for dinner tomorrow?" Mum sounds like she's rushing around.

I try to hold in a giggle as Harry kisses and nips at my neck. "Yeah, we're sorting it out." I smile at him as he makes goofy faces, well aware that we're talking about him.

"Your Dad and I can stop in at the store, do you want us to grab something for dinner?"

My eyes pop at this. "Yeah, sounds good. Just get whatever you want. How long til you're home?"

"Maybe an hour?" Mum guesses.

"Okie dokie, see you then," I say, hanging up the phone. I look at Harry mischievously.

"What?" he asks slowly.

I do nothing but smile, hopping off the kitchen bench and taking his wrists in my hands. "We have an hour," I whisper into his ear as I stand on my toes, "alone."

"No falling asleep this time," I say breathlessly.

"No promises," Harry says drowsily, pulling me into his side.

I put my head up on his chest and lazily trace my fingers over his stomach and chest. I squint and raise my head up. "What are those?"

"What?" Harry asks, propping himself up on his elbows, and I point to the objects in question. "They're my extra nipples. You've never seen them before?"

My eyes bulge. "I'm sorry, did you just casually say you have extra nipples?" I start laughing.

"Don't laugh at me!" Harry says with a huge grin on his face. "I can't believe you haven't noticed them!"

I stop myself laughing enough to say, "Well, I wasn't particularly looking for them!" When I look up at his pouty face I compose myself. "I'm sorry. They're really cute, and to be honest I should have expected something as crazy as extra nipples on you."

"Well now you know my secret," Harry shrugs. "Now I just have to figure out yours."

"Ha! I don't have secrets. I'm perfect," I say dramatically.

"Mmmm," Harry hums into my neck. "You are."

"That's sweet," I say, then quickly add, "You have to go now. Quick, get out of my bed! Get out of my house!" I pull myself up and start getting dressed.

Harry pulls on his Calvin Klein briefs, and I can't help but stare at him. He's gorgeous - all four nipples included. I can't stop myself as I hop back on my bed and crawl over to him, kissing him again.

"So, you want me to leave or not?" Harry teases.

"Yes!" I cry, pulling myself away from him. "Get out!"

He quickly gets dressed and I follow him out to the back door. He kisses me again before leaving, and I'm left standing in the doorway in a lust filled haze. Decision made - no matter how crazy fans or paparazzi get, no matter how much time Harry has to spend away - there's no way I can do without that in my life.