Just doing my Job

Her car was whisked away. He took her hand and led her to the red carpet. The yells from the pit of paparazzi was unrelenting. “Niall, over here. Niall, who’s the pretty lady? Is this serious?” She loosened her hand from his grip. Letting him have his lime light was important. He stood there, a seasoned vet, while the flashes constantly popped. His body was at ease. He would stare in one direction for a few moments and turn another way. The charming smile on his face was like crack to these photogs. She stood back admiring his prowess. The cameras loved him and he seemed to be right at home in front of them.

In the midst of her staring, she felt a strong hand grasp hers. He looked into her eyes, “If this is a cover then come on. You have to be on my arm. You’re gonna knock em dead.” She took a deep breath. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her in tight. She leaned to his ear and whispered, “Is that a gun or are you just happy to see me?” His famous laugh rang out. That was what the people needed to see. A young couple who looked to be into one another. His grip tightened. Her smile widened at his motions. She leaned in; her head rather close to his. “If only they knew I was turning you into a lean mean killing machine.” The two shared a smaller laugh. Slowly but surely, they made their way down the carpet and into the door.

The moment the noise of the press was drowned out, she made a beeline to the open bar. “Two shots of your top shelf whiskey please.” Niall stood to her side with his eyebrow cocked up. The bartender lined them up and she downed them one after the other. She took a deep breath. “None for me?” “Sorry kiddo, just a quick pick me up. It takes a whole hell of a lot more than that to hinder my performance. Want in on the next round?” He nodded and slapped a crisp hundred on the counter. “Um, excuse me sir? This is an open bar.” “I know. It’s your tip.” They downed one more shot before she hesitantly pulled back. He ordered her a champagne and himself a glass of Jack to nurse until they entered the gala floor. She immediately straightened up, scooped up her champagne and put her hand lightly on his arm. He turned and it began. The schmoozing with other famous and rich patrons. If a show was what they wanted, then a show they would get.

After a few minutes of mingling, she leaned to his ear and quietly said, “I’ve got to visit the ladies room and check in with my guys. Be back shortly. Jenson is in the room. You may or may not see him. Just be your natural self.” He nodded and she pecked him on his cheek. She allowed her lips to linger just a bit longer than he expected. A faint blush spread over his face. She sauntered off. The older gentleman he was talking with spoke up. “She is a lovely creature isn’t she? Where ever did you meet? What does she do for a living?” “My charity event a few months back? She was there and our paths just crossed somehow. She’s in emergency medicine. She is beautiful isn’t she? If you’ll excuse me.” Niall made his way back to the bar. He needed another drink if he was going to make it through the night.
He was staring intently at the amber liquid in the glass when he sensed another presence to his right. “You ok kid? Something wrong?” Jenson had appeared from the crowd. He knew not to look so he kept focused on the whiskey. “Dude, she is freakishly good at this.” His friend nodded. “Is she in emergency medicine? I kind of panicked back there. Please tell me that’s not a far reach.” The bigger man laughed. “It’s not. You’re actually right on the nose. She is a nationally registered paramedic. She was a medic in the military. She’s damn good too. See kid, you’re doing just fine. She’ll be back in a moment. Slow down on the alcohol though. We want you to enjoy the night, not forget it all.” Niall smirked and downed the drink. He rotated on his seat and glanced at the dancefloor. The music was playing and he wished he was out there.

“Wish granted big boy.” She reappeared and held out her hand with the clutch hanging from her wrist. The smile took over his face as he followed her to the floor. The light pop song had them moving from side to side. She was spinning endlessly. The grace he’d come to know and expect from her was evident when she moved. A slow dance worked its way into the rotation. He grabbed her hips to still her. He pulled her body flush with his and all but commanded the lead. She willingly followed. She looked into his eyes. “You’re handling this night so well. Maybe I should reward you when we get home. A drive in my Impala? A trip to the gun range? Free range in my kitchen?” His eyebrow was cocked up and a wicked grin crossed his face.

“What?” “You gotta stop doing that.” “Doing what?” “Saying things that make me wanna kiss you.” Her head moved dangerously close. “Then let’s not break cover.” Her lips landed on his and their bodies stilled. Her hands on his neck and shoulders roamed up to his hair. They buried themselves in the blonde locks and she let out a muted moan only he could hear. He was aggressive in the kiss. She could feel it going too far but it felt way too good. The music around them had disappeared. Abruptly, she put her hands on his shoulders again and gently pushed away. His eyes were still closed and he whispered, “Wow.” He looked frustrated. Almost like he was waging a war inside. “What’s wrong?” she inquired. “All night, I wondered about something.” “And what’s that?” “That if I kissed you,” he said as he leaned in, “if I kissed you, I didn’t think I’d be able to stop.” “Easy killer. We don’t want to give the old folks heart attacks.” He laughed but felt disappointed.

“Can we go?” “Are you sure? The event is almost over.” “Yea, I’ve made my appearance. Shown you off. Acted as natural as possible. I’m just tired I guess.” “Alright, let me let the guys know. Just don’t leave me. You’re driving.” That insatiable smirk reappeared. “I do, don’t I? This is going to be a fun ride home.” “Oh Lord. I’ll be just a moment. He waited patiently as she made her rounds. When she came back to his side, he possessively took her hand and led them out. The paps were gone so the exit wasn’t as stressful as it was earlier. Her car was there and waiting. He got her situated in the car and he entered himself. “Oh God it feels good to get out of those shoes. I’m so glad I don’t have to wear those all the time. Give me boots any day. By the way, you did excellent tonight. You managed to have normalcy while maintaining a good cover. You’d make a decent spy I do believe.” He laughed and gunned the engine. “Hold on tight. We’re going for a drive.”

Notes

Can someone say sexual tension? HAHAHAHAHAHA Keep in mind, there is only a 7 or so year difference. Their ages haven't quite come up in the story yet.