Carly’s POV

I looked at myself in the mirror just to make sure I looked alright; my dark jeans clung to my legs just right, my jacket looked nice over my lace tank top and my boots made my legs look longer than they are. Everything about my outfit made me feel more confident about tonight knowing all the risks involved. My dark rimmed glasses made me feel hidden, like the whole world wasn’t looking at an aspiring model but at a teenager going on a date. I looked to the end of sleeves and saw the infinity symbol tattooed on my wrist; seeing that made me feel stronger, like I could take on the world.

My eyes wandered to the edges of my mirror touching the wall where I’d hung the signs that the guys had made me. I smiled and turned away to grab my phone off the bed and walk to the door. Before I walked out of my room, I took one last look in the mirror and smiled knowing that no matter what happened tonight, I’d still have them. I walked down the hallway and into the living room where Zayn was sitting watching TV. with Niall.

“Hey.” I said sitting down next to Niall.

“What’s up?” He asked looking at my outfit. “Where’re you going?”

“Out.” I shrugged because I really didn’t know, Zayn hadn’t told me.

“Okay then?” He looked confused and kind of hurt but went back to watching the TV while Zayn stood up.

“She really doesn’t know where we’re going.” Zayn piped in making Niall look at him and then at me with a smile growing on his face.

“You two are going out, together?” He seemed so happy.

“Is there a problem with that?” Zayn laughed stretching his back.

“Nope, just surprising.” He looked at me and smiled as I stood up and walked toward the door with Zayn ahead of me. “Have fun tonight.”

“You too.” We both laughed.


“It’s so beautiful!” I said in awe looking down at Central Park from the bridge.

“I make a point of coming here every time we come home, I absolutely love it here.” He smiled down at me.

“Thank you for bringing me here.” I looked up at him and saw him take his bottom lip between his teeth. “Stop looking at me like that Zayn.” I giggled looking away.

“Why should I?” He asked tightening his grip on my hand.

“Because the paparazzi are around.” I pointed at them and then looked up at him again.

“Well, let’s give ‘em a show then.” He leaned closer and let his lips touch my cheek.

“That’s not a show.” I giggled.

“You know that the paparazzi is going to say we’re together, right?” He asked grabbing my hand.

“I do and I’m okay with that.” I was fine with them saying that is because I wanted to be with him, things were complicated but I knew that I wanted to take things further with him.

“You are?” His eyes widened.

“Like I said before, I don’t care what they say, they don’t know the truth. They don’t know what’s going on between us but they think they do.” His hands slid to my hips as I spoke.

“What is going on between us?” He laughed. “I don’t really know what you're trying to say.”

“I’m trying to say that I’m okay with anything that happens, I like you.” I mumbled out. “That’s all I’ve been trying to say to you without really saying it.”

“I like you too.” He touched my cheek and spoke softer. “This whole situation is kinda messed up but I don’t care. I want to be with you no matter what anyone else has to say about it.”

“I-I want to be with you too.” His eyes were pleading as his lips curled into a smile.

“You do?” He asked receiving a nod from me. “Then will you be mine and only mine? I don’t want to call it ‘dating’ I just want it to mean that we wont be with anyone else.” It was cheesy but cute.

“Yea but that’s basically describing a couple.” I giggled watching his cheeks flush.

He didn’t say anything; he just smiled and grabbed my waist, pulling me into a hug and a quick kiss. When we pulled back, my hands found his and entwined them selves.

“We should probably go.” He mumbled looking over at the growing crowd.

“Okay.” I shrugged and followed him back to the car.

His hand landed on my thigh as we drove back to Eleanor’s, the music played loudly and I watched the brightly lit buildings pass by. I couldn’t stop thinking about what might happen tomorrow or what Eleanor would say but I was happy.