10 HOURS AWAY | Harry Styles AU

chapter 23 - second chance

10 HOURS AWAY | Harry Styles AU

chapter 23 - second chance

This was the first time in my entire life, a guy had asked me to continue where we left off or call it quits. It was unnatural to me to be in charge of someone else's feelings because I was used to being on the other side.

Maybe it was a good thing, I got to witness what it was like to have the power. I wasn't going to abuse it by leading him on – I would never. But it gave me a slight confidence boost to know it could be the other way around, too.

"Let's stay together." I said.

"You mean that?" he questioned me.

"I do, Harry."

Once his eyes expressed utter joy, his mouth transformed into a bright grin. He tried to hide it but realized his happiness took over his features. "That makes me really happy." Harry said, as if I hadn't noticed yet. "You won't regret it." he promised me.

Harry took my hand in his. This was the first time, in a long time, I felt his skin. My eyes focused on his fingers that brushed against mine, and I knew I had made the right decision. Experiencing his touch made me understand I wouldn't have been able to miss out on this. Knowing he had already such an effect on me when we hadn't taken any serious steps, made me wonder what was about to happen during the rest of my stay.

You won't regret it, were his words – now burned in the back of my mind.

I truly hoped he wouldn't because I already knew it would break my heart if he did.

Allowing us to find out if we could be together was a big step I usually wouldn't take, but for Harry I would happily make an exception.

I wish I could've stayed longer and spend time with Harry, but I was distracted when I got a notification. As I let go of his hand and retrieved the phone from my pocket, I saw I had received an email from my new mentor. She introduced herself shortly and asked me to share my latest work with her. Also, she wanted to see me tomorrow afternoon – I felt myself getting nervous already.

If Mrs. Jones was going to replace Mrs. Clark, she'd be my mentor for the upcoming months and see me publish my debut novel. It was still difficult for me to accept I wasn't going to see Mrs. Clark ever again because I trusted her, but I had no say in this whole change. I had to accept the replacement and get myself to trust Mrs. Jones.

"I have to go." I said, sounding gloomy.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Yeah. I just got assigned to a new mentor. She wants to read my latest draft." I explained and showed him the email from Mrs. Jones.

"Do you want me to take you home?" Harry asked and I nodded.

Despite wanting to spend more time with Harry, I had to get back. I didn't have access to my work from anyone else's laptop, so I needed my own.

During the drive to my home, I tried to look at him as much as I could – without making it too obvious. He was handsome – incredibly handsome. And I couldn't get enough of him. From the moment we met, his looks had always amazed me.

As one of his hands rested on the steering wheel, the other was intertwined with mine. After we buckled our seatbelts, he automatically took my hand in his. I was surprised at first but didn't mind the small gesture. Earlier today I was afraid we wouldn't see each other ever again, but it had taken a drastic turn – one for the better.

Harry dropped me off at my apartment and insisted on walking me to my door. I liked to have him by my side for a little while longer.

"I'm glad we worked things out today, Liz." he said.