Niall’s POV

It was late and the dim light of the candles played gracefully on her skin. She was beautiful. I saw myself reflected in her eyes and ours mirrored amazement. I took her gently in my arms, encircling her body in mine. I felt her small arms wind around my waist and we held each other for what seemed like hours.

I drew back and whispered, “I think I love you.” She met my gaze and leaned forward, barely any distance between her lips and mine. I could smell her sweet, cool breath as it billowed out across my face. Her eyes shone as she smiled. I could take this no longer; I placed my hand on the back of her neck and pulled her toward me, pressing my lips against hers. For so long I had wanted to do this. We kissed each other softly, quietly. It was a sweet kiss, a tender kiss. It sang out with love and care and compassion and wanting and happiness.

I felt her smiling into the kiss and I grinned, moving my mouth down her jawline. She tilted her head back, giving me a better angle. I trailed delicate kisses down her neck and then stopped with my lips pressed against her collarbone. She adjusted to where she was sitting sideways on my lap, one arm hooked around my shoulders.

“God, you’re so beautiful,” I murmured, my hand skimming down her side, the tips of my fingers finding their way underneath her jumper. I felt a shiver run through her small body at my touch and this pleased me. I traced random patterns on the warm, vulnerable skin of her stomach and back. Her head lie in the crook of my neck and occasionally she would press a chaste kiss to the spot just below my ear.

With my eyes closed I kissed the top of her head. We sat like that for a while. Then she sat up, shifting so that her legs were on either side of my hips. I ran my hands up and down the outside of her thighs and she looked into my eyes, breathing deeply. She looked as if she wanted to say something, but no words came.

“What is it?” I asked softly, playing with her tiny hands. They never ceased to amaze me, those delicate little fingers and knuckles with the pale, smooth skin. She just stared at me.

“Talk to me, I’m here for you,” I urged, but she shook her head and reconnected our lips, more urgently this time. I tried to pull back, but her hand found my neck and held it there. She fisted my hair softly and I couldn’t help but moan quietly.

“Please,” I whispered against her mouth, but she simply took the opportunity to snake her tongue in my mouth, exploring every contour and my body ignored my mind and responded. My tongue met hers and they moved together, the speed increasing until we were both gasping for breath. But she didn’t stop; her hands flew to the hem of my shirt and she deftly removed it. Continuing the kiss, she ran her hand up and down my bare chest and abs, causing me to shiver involuntarily.

My hands wove through her long hair, catching it in my fists. She paused to slip her jumper over her head and toss it on the floor behind her. My eyes traveled down her torso and she could not have been more beautiful to me. We kept kissing, with things only getting more heated. I wondered briefly how far this was going to go, but that thought quickly left my mind as I felt her hand on my belt buckle. I opened my eyes and looked up at her. She returned the gaze and didn’t break it as she slid my belt off. My breath hitched as the button of my jeans came undone in her fingers. She was just about to pull my jeans down when a loud noise interrupted.

“Oi! Nialler! Wake up laddie!” An extremely annoying voice pestered me. I blinked a few times, trying to focus on my surroundings. I was sitting on a leather couch, a pillow on my lap. My arms were wrapped tightly around the pillow, stroking it. I looked up to see Louis staring at me. Harry and Zayn were standing behind him, whispering and laughing while Liam leaned against the doorframe, silently assessing the situation.

“Have yourself a good dream, did you?” Harry asked with a smirk. I looked around, confused. As I began to realize my little fantasy was in fact only a dream, the confusion only increased. I couldn’t tell whether I was disappointed or not, but the idea of kissing Maddie did excite me. I forcefully pushed that thought from my mind.

Louis gave me a hand up and I steadied myself. He could tell I was a little shaken up by something, but he didn’t pressure me to tell him. That was one thing the lads were good at; giving me space whenever I needed it.

We were at rehearsals and after lunch we had an hour break. I guess I had fallen asleep. “Time for rehearsals again?” I asked.

Zayn grinned at me. “Actually, they said we’re done for the day, so if you’ve got something to go do…” he trailed of and I heard Harry cough, “Or someone.”

I ignored the pair of them and collected my phone and car keys. “Well, I’m off,” I told them and left before they could taunt me anymore. It was only three in the afternoon, so I wasn’t quite sure where Maddie would be right now. As I reached my car, I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text.

Hey I finished early. Where are you? Xx

A minute later I felt a buzz, indicating she had replied.

Turn around.