Just A Little Bit

Elizabeth barely got home last night. She kept saying how she wasn't able to talk to Harry and blah blah blah. I was glad she didn't bring up the incident with Zayn- either she was too tipsy to remember or thought it unnecessary to comment on it.

It was almost noon by the time I woke up. I barely had enough time to take a shower, find clothes, and brush on some makeup. The fact that I was going out to brunch with Zayn Malik felt odd but brought a sense of pride to me. What other girls got that satisfaction? I stared at myself in the mirror- self conscious all of a sudden. My skinny jeans were slightly too tight- making my thighs pop and some of my stomach to roll over the waistband. Shit. I needed new clothes. Was I gaining weight? Fuck.

A knock sounded from the door and I sent a short look to Elizabeth who was currently sleeping naked in her bed. I bit my lip.

"Hi." I said breathless, making eye contact with Zayn. He looked immaculate- as usual. He wore low hanging jeans with a long sleeved black shirt and a leather jacket pushed up to his elbows. A warm smile found his lips when he greeted me. My heart decided to take his smile as acceptance and started pounding on my ribs. Could he hear it?

"It's a bit cold outside, do you have a jacket?"

I nodded, leaving the door open slightly so he could step in if he wanted. I skipped towards the dresser, shuffling around in the bottom drawer where my sweats and blazers and jackets were. After finding a simple white hoodie, I turned back to Zayn. He was already staring at me. Glee that he hadn't been looking at Elizabeth's naked body soared over me.

"Where are we going?" I asked, shutting the door behind me. He watched me shrug on my hoodie before replying. "I was thinking Egg and I." I wrinkled my nose. "What's that?"

He chuckled and I blushed. "It's a brunch place."

Right. We made our way to the stairs and started walking down. Twice I nearly slipped but caught myself on the railing. When the last four steps came into view, I felt confident enough to let go of it. My foot his the edge of the next step, slipping down and causing me to launch forward. Zayn caught me, balancing me with his hands.

Our eyes met and my breathing was erratic. Concern was evident on his face.

"You okay?"

I nodded and he let me go on the last step. I pat my hands down my shirt, flustered from our close proximity. I was such a fucking clutz.

"Grace?" My breath hitched and I looked past Zayn to Calum and Luke. They looked between Zayn and I and I cursed under my breath.

"Hey, guys." I said awkwardly. They stepped forward cautiously, making a wide space from Zayn. Calum smiled at me. "Funny, I was just on my way to your room. I was going to ask you for a movie later."

"Oh! I'm just going out with my friend," I paused putting emphasis on friend. Zayn and I weren't dating and to be honest, Calum seemed nice enough to go out with. Right? "I can give you my number and you can text or call me later?"

His face lit up and I smiled at it. He really was handsome.

"That'd be awesome. I hope you like action movies." He gushed, rubbing the back of his neck before pulling out his phone. I laughed and nodded. "Yeah, I do. No worries." I gave him my number and he was off again.

Zayn and I walked in silence until we got to the parking lot. A light sprinkle of rain ghosted over the environment- giving everything a fresh scent and a depressed aura. I hadn't noticed how tense he was until he stopped walking. I looked up at him curious. He was staring at the pavement, eyebrows hunched low over his features and pursed lips, like he was concentrating really hard.

"Do you like him?" He asked suddenly. "What?"

"Do you like Calum?"

"He seems like a nice guy."

"You agreed to go on a date with him." He pointed out, hands flexing at his sides.

"I wouldn't say its a date..."

"What would you call it?"

"A...get together."

"He likes you. Its obvious." My jaw dropped and I didn't know what to say. What was he even getting at? Yes, I have friends that are guys! Well, Calum, that's about it. From what I can tell he's kind enough to ask me out politely and not demand it.

"I don't like it." Zayn whispered, barely audible for me to hear.

"What?" I asked again, leaning closer. He shook his head, looking up at the sky and letting a couple drops of water plop on his tan skin. I watched in awe as they slid down his jaw. Dammit- now I'm thinking about showering with him.

"Come on." He grabbed my hand- a shot of warmth rushing up my arm and down my spine. All the way to the pit of my stomach. Who knew a simple touch could send my mind whirling to us in bed?

Zayn Malik would be the last of me.

Notes