A gentle knock at the door wakes me up. I must have fallen asleep during the movie. I sit up and stretch before wiping my face and getting up and walking to the door. I open the door just when Harry wants to knock again. His fist lingers in the air before dropping to his side.

"Hi." He gives me a small smile which I return.

"Hi." I say sleepily before yawning. I wonder what time it is.

"Were you sleeping?" Harry looks at me guiltily.

"I dozed off while watching a movie, but don't worry." I reassure him and gesture for him to come in. I walk over to my kitchen and decide to boil the kettle for some tea.

"Would you like some tea?" I offer. Harry takes a seat on the bar stool and nods.

"That would be lovely." Harry murmurs. I turn my back to him and start preparing the tea. The whole time I can feel his eyes on me, but he doesn't say a word.

When the tea is finished I place the cup in front of him and round the corner to take a seat next to him. He turns in his chair to face me. He sighs and runs a hand through his hair before opening his mouth to speak.

"I'm sorry for leading you on." He mutters and looks me in the eyes. I nod and wait for him to continue.

"It wasn't my intention. I really want you to like me." Harry eyes never leave mine as he speaks. He licks his lips and takes a hold of my hands. My heart feels like it wants to pound out of my chest.

"I like you Ash, but I'm horrible at relationships." He blows out a breath and I feel like my pulse is running a thousand miles per second.

I want to open my mouth to speak but I'm cut off by Harry's lips. At first I'm shocked at the sudden kiss but I easily recover and kiss him back. The kiss sends sparks throughout my body making me feel energized. I reach up and intertwine my hands with his hair which makes him groan in approval. He runs his tongue across my lip asking for permission and I grant it. The kiss quickly deepens and I can feel a heat starting to build in the pit of my stomach. Harry bites my lip causing my stomach to flip. Instinctively I inch closer to him to feel more of him. He grabs my waist and pulls me as close as what is possible due to our seating arrangement. I can feel his fingers digging into my sides as the moment gets heated. Harry confessed to liking me and now he's kissing me like there's no tomorrow. Slowly the intensity of the kiss dims and Harry detaches his lips from mine.

"I like you too Harry." I say breathlessly and quickly.

I feel my cheeks burn as the reality of my words sink in. Not just did I admit to Harry that I like him I just admitted to myself that I like him. I study Harry and notice how his eyes close and a smile spreads on his face. His smile slightly falters and his eyes open, staring right into my soul.

"Would you like to get something to eat?" Harry suggests and removes his hands from my side. I slightly lift my eyebrows in surprise. Did he not hear what I just confessed?

"Aren't yo- um well yeah sure. I can eat." I shrug and decide not to ruin the moment. Harry confessed to liking me and I didn't reply so why does he have to.

"Anything specific?" Harry questions and gets up from his chair.

"Not really." I frown and follow him out the door.

Silence surrounds us as we walk toward his car. I can't wait to have my own car. He opens the car door for me and I get in. I watch him as he steps around the car and enters the driver's side. I silently sigh and play with my fingers.

"A-are you okay?" I question him, not quite understanding his change of mood.

"Why wouldn't I be?" He gives me a tight smile before returning his gaze to the road.

"You're tense. What's stressing you out so much? If its about what you said, don't worry abou-"

"I'm fine Ash, really. I don't really know how to act around you." He sighs and hesitates slightly before resting his hand on my thigh.

"Don't think too much about it Harry just do it." I answer simply and cover his hand with mine. I bite my lip as I think about the advice I just gave him. I should practice what I preach and not think about how long I've known Harry. What does it matter anyway?

"I'll try to keep that in mind." He smiles and squeezes my leg before removing his hand and turning into a parking spot.

 "Pizza." I grin as I look at the sign of the place.

"You don't mind right?' Harry gives me a worried look. I chuckle and shake my head.

"Stop worrying Harry. I'm not that much of a fussy eater." I shrug and reach for the door handle to get out.

'No wait, I'll open it." He commands and gets out of the car. He quickly opens my door and helps me out of the car.

"Your parents must be proud of the gentleman they raised." I compliment him. I notice the frown on his face at the mention of his parents.

"Shit sorry. Bad relationship?" I pry knowing that I probably shouldn't pick at it.

"Dead." He mutters and starts walking toward the entrance of the pizzeria.  I gasp and widen my eyes. I frown and rest my hand on my heart while following him like a scolded puppy.

"Sorry. I didn't know." I whisper when I stand next to him in the line. I honestly feel bad for prying.

"It's alright. Let's not talk about it." Although I'm a very curious person I agree with Harry to not talk about it. Someday when he's ready he'll open up to me.

"What are you doing for the weekend?" I try to change the subject.

"Nothing much. The lads and I are thinking about playing some soccer Saturday afternoon. How about you?" Harry nudges me with his shoulder. I smile at him and shrug.

"I'm thinking about buying myself a car tomorrow, but other than that nothing much." I purse my lips and think about what car I would buy.

"You don't have a car?" Harry furrows his brows. I narrow my eyes to try and remember if I have told him before but I don't think I have.

"Nope. Always take a taxi." I bite my lip and step toward the counter as it is our turn to order.

"Wow." Harry says quickly before placing the order with the cashier.

I take the time to study his features once again. I can't place his personality but I can tell that he's a good person. He doesn't show it but I think there's a lot more to him that he lets people know. Harry glances at me and smiles making his dimples evident. I feel my stomach flutter at the sight. Once Harry finishes our order we head to a nearby table and sit down to wait.  I feel my curiosity from earlier start to resurface as I recall the moment Harry said his parents are dead.

"Do you have any siblings?" I can't stop myself from asking. Harry freezes and looks at me. He studies me for a moment and sighs.

"I have a sister." He replies simply. I nod and play with my fingers.

"Does she live with you?" I shoot another question, testing my limits. I notice Harry's jaw tense and can't help but feel guilty. Why can't I just forget about it.

“No, now please. Change the subject." He says with frustration laced in his tone.

I feel disappointment fill me. I want Harry to be able to speak to me. I sigh and  brush my hair out of my face. I really shouldn't be so nosy. He'll tell me when he's ready, besides he knows nothing about my family so I guess its fair. The cashier calls our order number. Harry is quick to get up, ridding himself from my prying self.

"Do you want to eat here?" Harry questions as he reaches or table with the box of pizza.

"We could eat at my place?" I suggest and Harry nods.

Once again we walk in silence to the car and I can't help but get frustrated.

"Look I'm sorry that I continued prying. I'm just curious."  I sigh and rub my temples.

"I get that, but I don't want to talk about it Ashley." He snaps and heads to his side of the car to get in.

Holy shit how can things escalate so quickly. I get in the car and slam the door shut.

"Fine we won't talk about it." I mutter and cross my arms.

We drive for a few minutes, silence and tension filling the air around us. We're acting like a damn married couple.

"Why don't you want to talk about it?' I whisper. I notice Harry's nostrils flare slightly while he clenches his jaw.

"For the love of- don't you realize that it's upsetting me?" He almost yells and I shrink back into the car seat. My frown deepens at his tone and I subconsciously scold myself. Why the hell can't I just shut up?

"Just drop me off at home please." I state simply and look out the window. I'm not in the mood for a tension filled night and I'm sure as hell not feeling like 'talking it out' with Harry.

"Fine." I feel my ears getting hot as my eyes start to water.

The rest of the ride back to my apartment is pure torture. Neither of us speak a word and I feel guilty for starting this whole argument in the first place. If it wasn't for my pride I would have apologized and then everything would be okay, but instead I want him to apologize first. His anger was really unnecessary though. I sigh as we stop in front of my apartment.

"Bye Harry." I whisper as I reach for the car handle.

"Ash, I'm sorry." Harry says in a tone almost equal to mine. I close my eyes and frown.

"I'm sorry too Harry. I tend to overdo things." I mumble and take a shaky breath.

"I've noticed." Harry chuckles lightly bringing a small smile to my face.

"Thanks for spending some time with me today." I say and open the door.

"I still have pizza if you want me to join you?" Harry suggests but I feel too drained to spend more time with anybody.

"I'm okay, maybe some other time?" I offer and see the small smile on Harry's face turn sad.

"Yeah, sure. Goodnight Ash."

"Night." I whisper and close his door. I slowly drag myself toward the door to my apartment.

Being with Harry feels fantastic, but somehow draining at the same time. I sure hope next time we spend some time together he's not so unpredictable. I grab the keys for the door from my handbag and open it. I step inside and close the door. I glance at the darkness before I gently lean my head back and take a deep breath.  The light suddenly flicks on which startles me. I blink a few times to adjust to the light. Once my eyes focus I feel my blood run completely cold.

"Hello sis." Stephen grins wickedly at me. I open my mouth to scream but with one stride he's next to me and covering my mouth.  Instantly I regret declining Harry's offer as I stare into his devilish blue eyes.

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A/N:

Just to throw it out there- "Lies & Deceit" has some smut towards the middle of the story. I didn't really want to rush into Harry and Ash "doing" it 😂, I was tempted, but I decided to wait it out a little bit.

I know its frustrating, but bare with me? It'll get more intense as the story progresses, I promise. There are so many smutty books out there that I just want to make sure it doesn't seem like I'm copying.

I'm still indecisive about the end of the book so if anyone has any ideas please inbox me.

Also, please do comment and vote. I love reading the feedback on my story, it motivates me to keep writing.