You should probably stay, probably stay a couple more days
Come on, let me change your ticket home,
You should probably stay here with me a couple more days
Come on, let me change your ticket home,
Don't go, it's not the same when you're gone
And it's not good to be all alone,
So, you should probably stay here with me a couple more days
Come on, let me change your ticket home
‘Change Your Ticket’ – One Direction

Bella's POV

Her eyes were wide open. Her arms were statues by her sides. Her feet were planted on the floor like roots. Her mind wasn’t working. The beat of her heart exploded as she felt Harry’s lips move with hers in a passionate but gentle manner. His long fingers twisted themselves in her hair, pulling her closer so their chests were almost touching. Harry’s mouth broke free from hers for a moment to breathe before kissing her again softly. Bella still hadn’t moved. Her eyes were still open. She didn’t have any control over her frozen figure. For the second time, Harry pulled back and Bella stared at him in shock.

“I’ve wanted to do that ever since I met you.”

His words made her heart weep with complete joy. A young man as handsome and as famous as Harry had wanted to kiss her ever since early February. Bella remembered how soft his lips were and how warm his breath was, the tender touch of his fingers in her locks. She didn’t have any words. She had lost her voice. What can I say? She thought. Bella slowly raised her trembling hands and placed them around Harry’s wrists, feeling the softness of his designer jacket. His face was even more handsome in the dim light, creating a silhouette of gold around his curly hair and lean shoulders. Her heart was pounding as her hands moved up his arms, coming to rest on his shoulders. She stared up at him before tugging his face down to hers and this time, it was Bella who initiated the kiss.

It was just as amazing as the first two. Harry’s lips tasted even better than she had imagined. They were soft and warm, gentle against her own. It was definitely the best experience of kissing a guy she had ever had. She wished her first kiss could have been like this. So perfect. So sweet. So fervent. Bella felt Harry move his hands into her hair, careful to avoid the pins in it. It was the most arousing feeling, Harry’s fingertips touching her scalp, sending goosebumps all over her skin. She grew confident and moved her fingers into Harry’s hair. What his locks felt like, there was no way to describe it. So soft and silky and they smelt so good. Whatever hair products he used, they certainly made his hair as perfect as it could be.

Bella felt Harry smile into the kiss. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard him chuckle softly, his arms going down to wrap around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. Her fingers ran through his hair in repetitive motions as she rose herself up onto her tiptoes, craning her neck up to deepen the kiss. After it ended, Bella only had one thought.

Wow.

Harry’s pupils were dilated and she knew hers were too. Blood rushed through her body, sending a flushed warmth over her skin. She couldn’t believe three simple kisses could have such an effect on her. It was like she had been kissed for the first time. Except Harry’s kisses had been far better than her first kiss. Not knowing what else to do, Bella wrapped her arms around Harry’s neck and hugged him as tightly as she could. Her feelings for Harry were reciprocated and she couldn’t be any happier than she was in this moment. Her heart bled tears of happiness and her eyes filled up with real tears but they held a completely different emotion than the tears that had fallen that afternoon after reading the article about Harry and her in the magazine. But that didn’t matter right now. Bella focused on the feeling of Harry’s arms around her, returning her embrace. She felt him bury in his face in her hair as his fingers traced patterns over her back. She closed her eyes and thought of home. Newtown was her home. It had been for nearly 20 years. But tonight, Bella found a new home. A place where she could be with Harry. Just the two of them. Alone.

Their arms slowly fell away from each other, reluctant as they were to let go. Harry moved a few strands of hair behind Bella’s shoulder, his fingers ghosting over her neck briefly.

“You hungry?” He asked. Yes. For you. Bella thought. But she knew she couldn’t say that, even if Harry wanted her to. She shrugged her shoulders.

“Not hugely.”

“Just a snack then?”

“Just a snack.” Bella repeated with a smile.


It was almost 11 o’clock when Bella and Harry retreated upstairs to hit the sack. Harry turned to head towards his bedroom but Bella grabbed his wrist, making him look at her.

“Sleep with me.”

It was not an invitation to have sex. Just to hold each other. And this time, it wouldn’t be awkward because Bella suggested it. Harry moved his hand down to weave his fingers with Bella’s, his green eyes positively glittering in the light.

“That’s a request I cannot decline.” He smiled and kissed her forehead. Bella squeezed Harry’s fingers and closed her eyes, cherishing the pressure of his soft lips on her skin.

“I’ll leave you to get changed, love.” Harry whispered and turned his heel, letting go of her hand and disappearing into his bedroom across the hall. Bella smiled to herself and went into her bedroom, stripping off her clothes and throwing on her normal bed clothes; a singlet and black leggings. As she removed her jewellery and took the pins out of her hair, she felt a pair of hands on her waist and lips on her left shoulder. Bella gasped, her heart jumping from shock. She heard his laugh and took a breath.

“Jesus, Harry! You scared me.”

“My apologises, love.” When he lowered his voice, it made Bella shiver with elation. His English drawl was like honey and the sound of his voice when he sang was like melted chocolate and caramel. A man’s voice shouldn’t be allowed to be so delicious, so delectable, but Harry’s was.

Bella turned around in his arms, her forehead meeting his. Each second was so precious. Each moment felt like an infinity. She placed her hands on his shoulders as her eyes travelled down his naked torso, decorated with tattoos. His skin was warm but refreshing to touch. Bella looked up to see Harry staring deep into her soul, searching inside her heart. No words were spoken as their lips sealed together in a sweet kiss that left Bella breathless.

She got into the large bed first then Harry followed her in, pulling the sheets over the two of them. He held her in his arms, her back pressed against his front.

“Good night, beautiful. Sweet dreams.” She heard Harry whispered, kissing the back of her neck. Bella closed her eyes and laid her left hand over his.

“Good night, Harry.”

And that night, Bella fell asleep in the arms of Harry Styles. And boy, were her dreams were sweet!

0*0

Harry's POV

He felt her shift in his embrace, her legs entangled with his perfectly. A sheen of sweat covered the back of his neck, the ends of his hair sticking to his skin, curls falling around his shoulders. He could hear Bella’s heart thump and pound as her body moved up and down each time she took a breath. Her hair was soft and smelt so good when he inhaled its floral fragrance.

Harry didn’t want her to leave. When the week was over, he wanted her to stay. He realised how alone he felt in the house when Louis wasn’t around. But there was a difference of sharing a house with a best friend and living with a beautiful girl. He wanted to wake up like this every morning. Holding Bella in his arms, keeping her close as if she would disappear if he let her go. He knew she had a job, a family and a home back in Australia but he wanted her to stay. Just for a little longer.

A sigh left his lips as he pushed himself up, putting all of his weight on his right arm. Harry kept his left arm around the front of her waist and she moved her body to the side so that he could see her peaceful face. How can a woman look so gorgeous in her sleep? Because to Harry, Bella looked like an angel with her eyes closed. Her lips were pressed together and her facial features were calm, her chest moving up and down as she breathed.

“Beautiful…” Harry murmured, the word falling out of his mouth like he had always meant to say it to her. Slowly, he saw slivers of hazel appear as Bella groggily opened her eyes. It was a wonderful moment to see her wake up in his arms again. The last time, she had cried. Now, she smiled softly.

“Hey.”

Her sweet voice echoed in his ears. Harry remembered her laugh when they had kissed last night. The feeling of her hands fisting in his hair and the cherry taste of her lips, both of them sharing air as their mouths connected together like the perfect puzzle. Not caring that neither of them had brushed their teeth yet, Harry leaned down and kissed Bella. It was a chaste kiss, simple and warm. She placed his hand on his hot chest and kissed him back.

“Good morning, love.”

As he left a soft kiss on her forehead, he sensed Bella put her hand on his upper arm. It was a beautiful morning once again, the curtains blocking out most of the sun’s light, but what made it more beautiful for Harry was waking up with Bella by his side. He didn’t want a fling with her, not something that lasted a couple of months. Harry wanted something serious with her. He hoped she felt the same way.

“How did you sleep?” He asked, sitting up, the sheets falling to his waist.

“Very well, thanks.” Bella whispered, also sitting up, bundling the sheets in her hands at her navel. Her cheeks were already pink and her lips were so kissable, making Harry want to kiss her again and never stop. Her wavy hair was messy, falling over her left shoulder and down her back. Her leg touched his bare one underneath the sheets and the contact did something to Harry. Something that made a certain part of Harry’s body twitch with arousal.

His sleep had been the best it had been for quite a few weeks. He loved touring and seeing all of his fans but it was tiring. Staying in dozens of hotels and living life on the road on a bus. Harry always loved coming home and sleeping in his own bed. And now, he had found someone to sleep with, and he wanted to have her in the same bed as him for a little while longer. Harry wanted to explore the relationship he had with Bella further. My family already love her. I can’t let her go. He stretched out his hand and placed it over both of hers. She made eye contact with him; his eyes held a pleading emotion.

“Stay with me, Bella.”

A small smile crept across her lips, the ones Harry wanted to kiss again. Her hazel eyes suddenly no longer looked tired and a simple sparkle glittered in them.

“I am staying with you, Harry.”

“No, I mean…Stay with me longer. Don’t leave after a week. Don’t go. Please.” Harry said, lowering his voice, tightening his hold on her hands. He couldn’t look away from her eyes, which were now wide with surprise. Please say yes, beautiful. Please.

“Harry, I have to go back. My plane ticket home, it’s for next Thursday.” Bella said.

“Let me change it.”

It was a split second decision for Harry. He would do anything to keep her with for just a little while longer. Whether she asked or if he offered, he would do anything. He realised that if Bella left, he’d be alone for three weeks before meeting up with the other boys, bringing songs together for the new album and getting ready to go back on tour. Three weeks was a long time. But Harry wasn’t asking for her to stay for those three weeks. Just a couple more days.

“Harry…I can’t let you do that.” Bella sighed.

“It’s no trouble at all, Bella. Seriously. I don’t want you to go.”

“I’ve got a job, Harry. I’ve got a family to get back to.”

“I know, love, I know. Just a couple more days. Instead of flying out next Thursday, you can leave on Saturday.” Harry suggested. He had never wanted anything more than he wanted for Bella to stay with him for longer. She was a girl he couldn’t let go. He was stuck to her. She was the honey on his fingertips. She was the flame and he was the moth. Harry moved his fingers up her arm, spreading them out across her tanned skin.

“I…I don’t know, Harry. I’ll have to ask my parents.”

“You can do that, love. I hope they say yes.” Harry said. Then, Bella looked at him deeply, her eyes another dimension that Harry wanted to fall into and never resurface.

“Why, Harry?” She asked.

“Why what?”

“Why me? Why do you want me to stay longer? Why do you like me?”

“I think the way I kissed you last night makes my answer abundantly clear, Bella.” Harry smirked, licking his own lips, remembered the taste of her lips, the feeling of her warm breath travelling down his throat. She cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow at him. OK, she wants a serious answer. So Harry gave her one.

“I want you to stay because I like you, probably more than you think I do. You have a sweet charm that draws me to you. I want to explore what we could be. A week is too little time to do that. I want to know everything about you. I want to spoil you. Why? Because you’re beautiful, just like your name says. And you’re a fantastic kisser, so that’s a bonus, love.”

Bella smiled and blushed at his compliment. The way her cheeks turned pink matched the colour of her skin and made her hazel eyes turn green. Harry believed she didn’t need any make-up to look gorgeous. She was perfect the way she was now. Bed hair with pink cheeks and a stunning smile. How could a morning get any better?

“I’ll call my parents now. The earlier I have an answer for you, the better.” Bella said. Harry gently caressed her arm with his long fingers and leaned over to press a kiss to her warm cheek. He felt her tilt her head to the side, accepting the contact from his lips. She wrapped her left arm around his neck, her hand finding its way into the curls at the nape of his neck. The sensation made Harry’s heart tremble with delight.

“Breakfast will be waiting for you, beautiful.” He whispered in her ear before getting out of bed and heading off to get dressed for the day, flashing her a smile as he left.

0*0

Bella's POV

First ring. Nothing. Second ring. Nothing. Third ring. Nothing. It was on the fourth ring that someone picked up.

Hello?

“Dad.”

Hey there, sweetheart. How is your time with Harry going?

Bella sat on the floor, resting her back against the side of the bed. She still remembered the begging in Harry’s voice, his deep voice speaking in a hushed whisper that sent her heart racing. The feeling of his hand on her arm and his lips on her skin. Waking up with Harry looking down at her, saying good morning with a kiss that was just as good as the ones they shared the night before. Bella moved her hand through her hair, clutching the strands as she closed her eyes.

“He wants me to stay longer.”

Who? Harry?

“Yes, Dad! You know how my ticket home is for next Thursday? He wants to change it to Saturday.” Bella gasped.

So…why are you calling me?

“Well…I told Harry I had to ask you and Mum first.”

You didn’t have to, Bells. You’re 19. It’s your decision.

“Seriously? That’s it?

What do you want me to say? No, you can’t stay?

“No, Dad, of course not...”

Well, that’s that, Bells. If you want to stay with Harry longer, do that. I know you like him. And my guess is if he wants you to stay with him for two extra days, he must like you too.

Bella rubbed her cheek with her hand, moving her fingers over her eyes before resting her palm on her forehead. There was so much for her to consider. Staying with Harry sounded amazing but the con was there would be paparazzi lurking outside his house and Bella would be under the spotlight of the media. She wasn’t sure if she could handle it. She could easily go home when she had planned but she knew she would long for Harry the minute she’d land in Sydney. It was a hard decision. Most would think it shouldn’t be. But it was.

“So you’re saying I should stay with Harry?”

I’m saying go with what your heart feels, Bells.

But what does my heart feel? Bella didn’t know. Could my feelings for Harry deepen? Her fingers went through her hair again, imagining what a great time she would have with Harry. Walks on the beach, fingers weaving together, camera flashes the moment they stepped out into the world, soft kisses in the privacy of the house. It sounded so beautiful, too good for Bella to resist.

“OK. I’m going to call Mum now. I’ll see you soon, Dad.”

Bye, sweetheart. Make the most of your time with Harry.

“I will, Dad.”

And she hung up. Next is Mum. Bella tapped on her mother’s contact and raised the phone to her ear. Her mother picked up quicker than her father, only two rings in.

“Hey, Mum.”

Hello, darling. I got your text this morning so I’ve been waiting for your call all day.

“I just got up. And I’ve got a few things to tell you.”

First, Bella told her what happened when she met Harry’s family. How welcoming and accommodating they were. Second, she told her mother about the kiss last night.

Oh, sweetie, that’s wonderful!

“Mum…I kissed him back.”

Of course you did. I may be 45 but I can see he’s a very attractive young man.

“Mum!”

What? After being forced to look at him for the past five years by your sister, his face has left an impression in my mind.

“God, Ashley’s going to go nuts when she finds out.”

I think she’ll be ecstatic.

“She’ll be jealous. She practically adores Harry.”

So you do. I can hear it in your voice when you talk about him.

Bella giggled. She truly liked Harry. She definitely didn’t expect for him to like her back, maybe even more deeply than she did for him. Thirdly, she informed her mother that she and Harry had spooned together in bed and to Bella’s surprise, her mother found it very sweet. And finally, fourthly, the most important thing to tell her mother.

“Harry wants me to stay with him for longer.”

Really? For how much longer?

“He said a couple more days after next Thursday. So I would leave on the Saturday instead.”

Oh, Bella, he must really like you.

Bella could hear the smile in her mother’s voice. She tucked her knees against her chest and threw her head back to look at the high ceiling. When she heard the word “like”, it meant something more. Bella didn’t just like Harry but she didn’t love him either. She was the middle somewhere.

“I don’t know if I should stay.”

Bella, why would you say that?

“You know about Harry’s fame, Mum. He’s photographed everywhere he goes. If I’m with him, I’ll be photographed too. People will want to know literally everything about me. His fans would poke and prod my life down to its core. I…just don’t think I can handle it…”

Listen to me, darling. What does it feel like to be with Harry?

Bella took a moment to ponder on her mother’s question.

“It feels… incredible.”

Do you feel safe when you’re with him?

“…Yes…I do.”

Then stay. From mother to daughter, I’m telling you to stay.

“Really?”

Yes, darling. You had your heart broken by Jacob and I don’t want that to happen to you again. After what you’ve told me, Harry seems like the real deal. Don’t let him slip through your fingers.

Bella wrapped her right arm around her knees and hugged them close, keeping a firm grip on her iPhone, pressed against her left ear. Harry was the perfect guy. He came with everything. It wasn’t about the money or the publicity. It was about the man behind the popularity. Bella had seen him with his family. She had felt his lips on her own. She had been wrapped in his embrace on two mornings. The luck she had been given was a debt Bella would never be able to repay. If I leave, I’ll be pining for him…I can’t do that…

“I’ve made my decision, Mum.”

That’s my girl.

“Uh, I’ve got to go now. Give Ashley a big kiss from me.”

I’ll certainly do that. Enjoy the rest of your time with Harry.

“I’m pretty sure I will. I’ll talk to you soon, Mum.”

OK. Bye, darling.

“Bye, Mum.”

The line disconnected. Bella lowered her phone and clutched it to her chest. She had made her choice. After speaking to her parents, she knew she had to go with her gut feeling. With her heart and not with her head. Bella smiled to herself and stood up, throwing her iPhone on the bed and rushing down the stairs, the wood cold beneath her bare feet. She turned the corner and found Harry standing by the kitchen counter, two plates of eggs and toast in front of him.

As usual, he looked stunning. His feet were also bare and he had those black skinny jeans on again, emphasising his long slim legs. His shirt was a red and white Hawaiian pattern, the bright colours matching his deep green eyes. His gaze met hers when she appeared and a nervous expression washed across his face. Harry just started to ask what her parents said but she cut him off quickly with a smile.

“I’m staying.”

Harry’s face morphed into one of pure delight. He abandoned the food and walked in her direction. Bella could only smile when he enveloped her in his arms and placed his lips on hers, pouring all of what he felt for her into the one kiss. Bella welcomed it and she welcomed the emotions she felt when Harry kissed her. In that moment, she knew she had made the right decision. She would stay with Harry and explore what they had. She would stay wherever it would take them. No matter what, the feelings she had for Harry were already growing. And what Bella didn’t fully realise was that Harry’s feelings were growing as well.

Notes

OK, the rating has gone down from 10.0 to 8.6. I’m not that bugged by it but I wish to know why. Is there something that you guys would like to see in this story that can get the rating back up? Thanks for all the support!

blankspace1 xx