The Real Deal

Chapter 1

Rowan. Harley age nineteen

"You're coming tonight, right?!" I asked Harley through text. Tonight is our New Year's Eve party at the apartment.

"Hey, I'm going to make a beer run. You need anything?" My roommate Ethan asked.

"No, I think I'm good. I'm going to finish setting up for tonight." He nodded as I rechecked my phone, seeing if Harley texted back. I have not talked to her since last week after we kissed. I saved her from a horrible date, and we shared a moment.

"You good?" Ethan asked as he walked back into the living room.

"Yeah, all good. I'm going to get ready." I checked my phone one last time before setting it down on my dresser. I grabbed a towel before heading into the bathroom.

The party was in full swing when I finally decided to leave my room. Knowing Harley was not going to show up hurt. Knowing I messed up, our friendship did not sit well with me.

"Hey, someone is looking for you," Ethan smirked as he made his way over to me. I looked over his shoulder to find Harley. She looked stunning. Her hair was straightened while her makeup was light. Her black dress sent heat down my body.

"I didn't think you would come." I wrapped my arms around her, nuzzling her neck.

"Honestly, I didn't think I was going to."

"Can we talk?" She pulled away, looking for Layla, who was talking to some guy I did not recognize.

"Yeah, just let me tell Layla." I nodded, reaching for her hand, not wanting to let her go. She looked at our hands before making her way over to Layla.

"You need me. You come to get me," I told my cousin as she shook her head. I pulled Harley's hand, bringing her back to my room, where it was quiet.

"Harley," I whispered, feeling the tension coming off her. Everything in me wanted me to press her against the wall and press my lips hers. But, the more rational side knew she was not ready for that.

"I hate how awkward this is."

"It doesn't have to be awkward. I'm sorry for ruining everything." I shook my head, pulling at my hair.

"Can we forget it please?" I nodded, reaching for her. She smiled, wrapping her arms around me. Having her in my arms felt right, and I would do everything in my power to make it stay that way.

"I need you in my life." She whispered against my chest as I kissed the top of her head.

"I'm not going anywhere, I promise."

"Let's go back out to the party." I nodded as I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. Layla smiled once she saw us. She grabbed her drinks quickly, bringing them over to us.

"You two okay?" Harley looked at me and smiled.

"Yeah, we're good. ,But, hey if you two need a bathroom, use mine. No one is allowed in my room other than you two."

"You're a hero," Layla smirked, hugging me.

"Speaking of, I will be right back." Harley pulled away, leaving me with Layla.

"You okay?" She asked.

"Of course."

"Give her time, and she will come around. Right now, she is confused and scared. You're a big part of her life."

"I know your right. I feel the same way but the feeling I have when she's in my arms." She nodded, taking a sip of her drink.

"I hope you two find your way."

"Hey, I've been looking for you." The same guy she was talking to a few ago came over.

"Sorry, I was talking to my cousin."

"You guys have fun. Layla, if you need me, I'll be here."

"Hey, what did I miss." Harley came back over, taking her drink from me.

"Nothing, just catching up. Nick and I are going to play beer pong. You two want to play?" I shrugged, looking at Harley as she nodded her head.

As the night went on, I found both Harley and I were reaching out to hold onto each other. If my arm was not around her, our fingers were entangled.

"Ball is about to drop." A girl yelled as I brought Harley closer to the tv. Harley's eyes locked onto the tv as my eyes locked on hers.

"Happy New Year's." Everyone cheered as Harley turned to look at me. I leaned in, kissing next to her mouth as she sucked in a breath. Before I could pull away, she turned to bring her lips to mine. My arms wrapped around her, bringing her closer.

"Happy New Year," Layla yelled, making us pull apart.

"Happy New Year." I smiled, giving her an annoyed look.

"Let me know when you're ready."

"You know you can crash here," I said, trying to get Harley to stay a little longer.

"A little bit longer." She nodded as Layla ran off again. I looked at Harley, realizing she was shutting down again.

"Don't overthink it," I said, reaching for her hand that she pulled away.

"Rowan. This changes everything." I shook my head no, stepping closer to her.

"But it feels right." I smiled, resting my forehead against hers as she looked up at me. She surprised me by pressing her lips to mine. My arms wrapped around, holding her to me. Slowly I pulled away, kissing her cheek before nuzzling my face into her neck.

"You smell so good." Her arms wrapped around me with her hands resting just above my butt. I smirked, bringing my lips back to hers. I reached for her hands, pulling her back towards my room. She pulled away, reaching for my shirt once the door was closed. I helped her with my shirt before bringing my attention back to her. My arms wrapped around her helping her jump up as her legs wrapped around me.

"Harley."

"Hmm." She pulled away, resting her forehead against my chin.

"Can I take you out tomorrow?"

"Yeah."

"As much as I want to keep this going, you should probably go find Layla." She nodded as I slowly set her back down. I watched as she grabbed her phone, checking it. A frown appeared on her beautiful face.

"She went home with Nick. She said to stay here." I silently thanked my cousin for giving me more time with Harley.

"Are you ready for bed, or do you want to go back out there?"

"Honestly, I'm ready for bed." I nodded, opening my drawer finding clothes for her.

"Here, I'll let you use the bathroom while I change out here."

"You can go back to the party."

"No, I'm right where I want to be." I smiled, making her blush. I walked over to the door and locked it before changing. She came back a few minutes later, letting me use the bathroom.

"You okay?" I asked as I climbed into bed next to her.

"Yeah, I just keep thinking this a dream." I nodded, reaching over, taking her hand in mine.

"Are you happy?" She thought about it for a second before nodding and smiling.

"Yeah, I am."

"Good, me too." She moved over, resting her head against my chest, sighing.