Just as Much

Erica's POV

“So you're all packed up?” Heath leans against the door frame, crossing his arms looking at me.

“Yep!” I zip my last bag closed. I've already sent some things home this week, leaving me with just the two bags I came with, a little stuffed from all my things I've bought. I lean back on my feet taking one last look around.

“Well, I'm going to miss you kid.” I stand and hug Heath. I didn't really know him all that well before but we got along famously while he was here. And I now consider him and Kristen my dear friends.

“I'll miss you too Heath bar.” We stand looking at his room. “When are you and Kristen leaving?” Heath checks his watch and I can see his brain working to remember things.

“Three hours. I have to swing by and pick her up. You okay with taking the subway?” He pulls my bags out of my room and into the hallway.

“I might just take a taxi. That way I don't have to fight the crowds with these bags.” I cringe at the thought of trying to get my luggage through the gates.

“Where are you guys staying at?”

“Um, the Hotel Elysee off of 54th st.”

“Sounds fancy lady.” He teases. “You know, you should come to Christmas with us at Grandmas and Grandpas. They'd love to have you.” I grin at the thought.

“I know, maybe next year, Christmas with no cold weather would be nice. Tell them I said hello? And your mom, and Auntie Margaret as well. Maybe one year you and Kristen can come to London and spend Christmas with me!” I suggest, suddenly my mind racing with thought as Heath just laughs.

“Don't mention that to Kristen. She'd ditch our plans in a heart beat, you know she's always had a thing for Harry too. She's already disappointed that we're leaving early and she won't be able to meet him.”

“Well I can always pass things along.” I smile, everyone always wants Harry. I remember when Niall was so self conscious about thinking girls weren’t attracted to him. I don't think he has any clue.

“All right. Lets get this good bye over with. Have fun downtown. Don't give it away on the first date.” I laugh.

“Heath Patrick Tanner!” I smack his arm. “You shouldn't say those things.”

“I'm a grown man. I'll say whatever I want!” Sometimes we get along more like brother and sister than cousins. “I should get going. When is Niall suppose to get there?” I pull my phone out, he text me an hour ago telling me his room number. Helps when you know all the security detail, they just let you right up.

“He's already there.” My smile massive, and nerves boiling up in my stomach. We've talked almost everyday if not via the phone then through texting. When he was in Australia it was a little difficult but they're far enough ahead of us in the time zone that it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. He was always the one that called, I don't know his schedule or when he's free so I left it to him, and to my surprise, he would call me multiple times a day. And sometimes early in the morning, late at night, or in the middle of the night, I didn't care.

We talked about anything and everything but I'm still nervous to see him. I just can't wait.

“All right then, I'll let you get to him.” We hug one last time and walk out of the building together. I'll miss this flat and living with Heath. I've had lots of good memories here, that's for sure. Heath calls me a taxi and hugs me one last time before we part ways. I settle in the back seat and try to calm myself, my toes tapping and my eyes darting back and forth. I don't know the next time I'll be in New York City, I'm trying to take it all in and settle my nerves before I see him.

But all I can focus on his him. Niall. I don't know what it is about him but he's just exactly what I want. He knows exactly what I need to calm down, he knows my favorites, he knows my dislikes. Things are just easy with him, this is our first date but I know things won't be awkward between us because we've gotten past the whole “who are you” phase.

We stop at the front doors, fans plastered right and left waiting to catch a glimpse of any of the boys or a familiar part of their team. I could see their faces fall when they saw me step out of the taxi. No one really knows who I am, they're just assuming I'm another guest. I smile at my secret and walk past them quickly, bags in tow.

I find the elevator easily enough, already in love with this hotel. It's a bit historic, things are a little older, little more classical, it feels very comfy. I click the button to level seven, clutching my bags as I've refused services from the bell hop. I'm quite capable of holding my own things. When the elevator stops on my floor I'm stopped by security, thankfully one is someone I've met before and he quickly lets me pass. I haven't told Niall that I've even left yet, I want a little bit of the upper hand since he's taken the liberty of planning the whole night without my knowledge.

Vince, the security personal, has given me his copy of Niall's room key and I press my ear to the door, tying to tell if I can hear anything before I surprise him. I can hear the tv softly playing, the hallway is quiet or else I'm sure Niall would have been alerted of my arrival as the boys tend to be loud. I slip the key in and open the door swiftly.

“Oy! Knock first!” Niall yells from the bed, not looking up.

“Sorry, didn't realize I had to.” I laugh, peeking around the corner to see a half naked Niall laying on the bed, clad in just boxers, watching a football game.

“Erica!” He scrambles off the bed, tripping on the sheets, making me laugh. Before I have time to respond he grabs a hold of me and pulls me in for a bone crushing hug. “I've missed you!” He speaks into my shoulder, finally letting me go.

“Hi.” I catch my breath.

“Hi.” That laugh. The laugh that makes me laugh, makes everyone laugh. I smile nervously when he grabs my neck gently with one hand and wraps the other around my waist, pulling me close to kiss me. It's been a month and I've already forgotten how his lips feel against mine. I slip my hand under his shirt, just trying to get closer to him. It doesn't take long before we're both breathless.

I pull away and our foreheads meet, both smiling. “Right, so I missed you.” Niall laughs, stealing one more quick kiss.

“When is our date?” I ask as Niall looks over his shoulder to the clock.

“In about an hour and a half. Is that enough time for you?” He's always been quite caring and considerate.

“Yes, plenty.” I kick my shoes off. “I haven’t seen the guys yet, it would be nice to stop by.” I suggest as Niall starts shaking his head.

“No, wait till after. If you go see them they'll grill you about us like they've been grilling me. Plus you like to chat, if you see them, you'll talk for hours and we'll be late.” He starts heading towards the door.

“I'm going to Harry's to get ready. I'll pick you up in an hour and twenty minutes.” He looks at his phone. “I've got my things over there.” He gives me a quick kiss and heads towards the door.“Where are you off to?” I ask.

“Niall, wait. What should I wear?” I have no idea what we're doing.

“What ever you want. You'll look beautiful in joggers and trainers.” He rubs my cheek and then leaves. I sit on the bed and look around, taking in my surroundings. I feel a bit like Cinderella, except I've already met my prince.

I open the door just a bit and peek my head around the corner to see Niall anxiously biting his lips, rocking on his feet, hiding his hands behind his back. “Hey there nervous nelly.” I catch his attention as the smile on his face grows.

“Hi.” I open the door a little more. “Um, I got these for you.” He pulls flowers out from behind his back as my jaw drops a bit.

“How did you manage this?” I grab the daisy’s and automatically smell them, clutching them against me.

“A gentleman never tells.” I keep the door open and walk to the bathroom, filling the sink with cold water and putting the flowers off to the side, I feel like a school girl excited for her first dance. I feel his arms around me as I lean back into him. “You look very beautiful tonight.” He whispers in my ear, making me giggle, I seem to laugh a lot around him.

“You don't look so bad yourself.” I turn to face him, admiring his change of clothes. Actual dress pants and a button up shirt. Very classy with dress shoes as well. Not his usual attire so it makes me feel better about my dress choice.

“Let's go before we never get out of here.” He takes my hand and laces his fingers with mine, politely pulling me towards the exit. “I'm sorry but Vince and a local guy, Richard, have to accompany us. They'll sit away from us though.” He promises me. One drawl back to dating Niall, you can never just date him. Someone else is always around.

“No Mark?” Mark usually always joins him when he goes out.

“Night off.” He looks back at me. “Come on.”

Notes

Goodness, writing about these two just makes me sick sometimes. In a good way. It's so easy to write them all happy, I should try it more often. :) Thoughts on the chapter? Love them? Hate them? Let me know!

Thank you for all being amazing as usual! Love each and every one of you! Off to write! :)

Happy Wednesday!

xoxox