The Only Exception // a.i [book 1]

3

Ashton’s POV

Neither of us says anything for a long while. The blanket from my bed is pulled up over her as she sits up and gestures to the floor. I lean over and grab her clothes. Bella puts on her bra and underwear before standing up to go to the bathroom. I put on my boxers and a pair of sweatpants. “So do I stay or go?” I ask awkwardly when she returns, not sure how this works now.

“Um it’s up to you, but you can stay if you want. I was just going to watch a movie.” Bella offers while slipping on her sweat pants and tank. I nod and follow her downstairs. “Popcorn?”

“That sounds good, thanks.” I smile at her and flip through her stack of movies, landing on Captain America. Bella returns with two big bowls of popcorn and plops onto the couch next to me. There is a bit of tension in the air. Thinking quick I grab a fist full of popcorn and toss it at the side of her face.

“What the fuck?” she turns and glares at me.

“It was weird in here. Needed to diffuse the tension!” I grin proudly at her. Her will breaks down and she collapses into hysterics.

“You literally just threw popcorn at me after we fucked!” I had to laugh with her. It was ridiculous. Eventually we regain our composure and focus back on the movie.

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“Should we go over Heartbreak Girl one more time?” I throw out at band practice the next day.

“Yea, then I have a new song I want to show you guys!” Calum says excitedly. We finish Heartbreak Girl and Cal gets out his lyric notebook. My eyes scan the page titled Gotta Get Out, taking the words in.

“Holy shit Calum. This is amazing. We have to learn this!”

“Tomorrow though. I’m so hungry!” Luke whines. We all agree and head out for food.

“So me and Maykayla are done,” I tell the boys in between bites of pizza. I figure I should tell me that much. I don’t dare tell them about me and Bella. Their eyes go wide.

“What happened?”

“She was cheating on me. But had the balls to tell me not to see Bella anymore,” I scoff at how stupid I was for falling for her. The feelings aren’t totally gone yet, though I am hurt.

“That’s fucked up!” Michael comments. “You know what you need to do?”

“What?”

“Just have a rebound. Like someone only for sex.” I have to stifle a laugh.

“Yea, maybe. I’ll think about it.”

Bella’s POV

It’s been a few days since the start of my arrangement with Ashton, I’m stuck at work on a Saturday and it’s gorgeous outside. The bell over the door of the café chimes, signaling someone coming in. Looking up I see Ashton with Luke, Michael and Calum. “Arabella!” Calum smiles.

“Hey, Cal! What are you guys doing here?” I ask as they sit in their booth in the corner of the almost empty café.

“I wanted to see your pretty face!” he winks at me. I laugh. This is our thing. Ever since Ashton met them Calum has always hit on me playfully. He’s cute, and sweet but I told Ash I’d never have a thing with one of the guys.

“Well lucky for you Calum, flattery gets you everywhere! Your coffee is on me!”

“Hey what about us?” The other three complain, glaring at a smirking Calum.

“Neither of you gave me nice compliment!”

“You’re amazing!”

“You’re the coolest girl!”

“You’re a good kisser!” They fire off compliments as I turn to walk away, the last one coming from Ashton. I stop and turn. “I mean I’m just guessing. You uh, er, have nice lips?” it comes out as more of a question. I glare at him for a second.

“Right, ok I’m going to get your drinks.” I hurry away. When I reach the back my phone vibrates in my pocket. Pulling out I read a text from Ashton, ‘IM SO SORRY! IT JUST CAME OUT!’ I sigh and shake my head. ‘It’s fine. Just don’t blow our cover! Come over tonight?’ As I start to make their drinks I watch as he smirks at my text. ‘Definitely ;)’   

“So, Arabella. Luke’s aunt is letting us use her beach house next weekend. You in?” Calum asks when I bring their drinks out.

“I’ll see if I can get off work, but sounds fun!”

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“Hey Bella!” Ashton announces himself walking into my room.

“Hey dude.” I glance up at him from my sitting position on my bed. He sits next to me saying nothing. His lips connect with my neck, placing kisses down my jaw line. “Can I help you?” I ask jokingly.

“Maaybe,” he sing songs. I laugh and close the book I was reading as Ashton pushes me back onto the bed.

“So the guys didn’t suspect anything?” I ask while pulling my bra and underwear back on.

“Nah. The thought I was crazy for a second, but nothing serious.” He laughs, pulling his shirt back over his head. “I should go, I have to watch Harry tonight for my mum.”

“Tell him hi for me!”

“You could just come over you know. I live like a minute walk away.” For a second I completely forgot. How could I forget that my best friend lives around the corner from me? “Come over later?”

“Yea, I’ll be by in a bit!” 

Soo they almost let it slip to the boys! :O Updates will be spurratic as I have classes, but please stick with me! :) so -Rachel