**Nicky’s POV**

Harry and I were left alone after the other guys left and Gemma said she wanted to go say hello to Lou.I stood there awkwardly looking at him, not really sure what to say. It seemed so much easier talking on the phone.

“So…,” we both said in unison. We both giggled then. Yes, Harry Styles giggled and it was absolutely the cutest thing ever.And the fact that I even thought that was killing me. I knew I was going to love my job, but thinking my boss’s giggling, or anything about him, was cute…oh god, was I in trouble. I took a deep breath and sat down.

“Do you want a drink, Nichole?” He asked as he moved towards me.

“Beer?” He made a face at me. Something akin to disgust and panic.I thought maybe I messed up asking for alcohol.

“I don’t have beer in here, I don’t drink it. Louis or Niall might have some…or I can have someone get you one?”He was seriously like freaking out all of a sudden. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing at him.

“No, really. Whatever you have is fine. It’s not that serious.”

“Wine?”

“Wine is good. Thanks.” Then he turned to the bar and poured a glass for me and for himself. He sat across from me as he handed me the glass. I took in everything about him. The signature skinny jeans, black shirt, brown boots. His hair looked amazing as always. And those damn green eyes that I could get lost in. This was bad. I was in deep and the job hadn’t officially started yet. Nicky Marie...get a grip, woman. I quickly turned my face away, looking at my feet. Trying to just catch my breath for a minute. Harry reached over and touched my knee. I closed my eyes and held my breath. No, Nicky…he’s your boss, and your best friend’s brother…

“Nichole? Are you ok?” Harry asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just been a long day.” Then someone walked in with a file folder full of paperwork. Harry immediately introduced me to his lawyer, Mark.

“He’s got your employment contracts here. I thought since you are officially working now, we should probably get this bit out of the way.”

“Sounds good.” Then Harry moved to sit next to me, allowing Mark to sit across from me as we went over everything, explaining anything I needed clarification on. Everything was pretty standard and we’d discussed most of it. So I happily signed away. Then Mark handed me something I hadn’t ever seen before, and we hadn’t discussed. A non-disclosure agreement. I had to agree not to discuss anything I may become privy to regarding Harry’s personal life with the press at any time during and after my employment.It seemed pretty reasonable considering who he was. He had to protect himself. As Mark explained it to me, I looked up at Harry. I could see how much it bothered him that this had to be done.

“I hate this part, Nichole. I even had to have my housekeeper sign one of these.” I smiled at him and leaned over and touched his leg.

“Well, I should hope you would have her sign one. She would know all your dirty secrets, wouldn’t she?” I teased. He grinned at me, “I understand, Harry, and it doesn’t bother me one bit.” And I signed that last document and handed all the papers back to Mark. He left as quickly as he came in.

Neither one of us seemed to have any intention of moving, feeling comfortable sitting next to each other. I put my feet up on the table and leaned my head back on the sofa, getting comfy. Harry grinned at me and mirrored my movements. We looked pretty dorky sitting there like a couple of kids grinning at each other. Finally I asked,

“How are you sleeping? I missed your call last night.”

“I thought I would leave you alone last night and let you rest.”

“Did you sleep at all, Harry?”

“I did some. I’ve got the other lads to keep me company on the bus. We all have problems sleeping then. Thankfully we’ll be in the hotel tonight. But back on the road again tomorrow night.” I shook my head, completely amazed at how they’d kept this pace going for so long. He reached over and touched my leg again, with the big dimpled ‘Harry Styles’ grin on his face. “Are you excited for your first One Direction concert?” I laughed and said,

“I think you are more excited about this than I am. I’m certainly dressed appropriately, don’t you think?” He looked my outfit over and snorted,

“Yeah, you could take over for me and I can have the night off. Do you think they will notice?”

“Oh, I think they would. They remember things you said five years ago, they are definitely going to notice if some Texan gal with tits is up there singing ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ instead of you.” We both fell into fits of laughter imagining that scenario playing out. Finally, he asked,

“What was the last concert you went to?”

“You don’t want to know.”

“Oh now I really want to know. Who was it?”

“Jason Aldean.” His eyebrows furrowed a bit and I could see him trying to place the name. I sat there just looking at him, waiting for him to figure it out.

“Country, right?”

“Yeah, you’re good.” I teased.

“You like country music?” He seemed amazed and puzzled by it.

“I’m from Texas, Harry. It’s the law, darlin’. It’s not all I listen to, but I do like it a lot.”

“Now, I love Stevie Ray Vaughn.” I smiled at him, “That counts, right?”

“Stevie is Blues, but yes, he most definitely counts.”

“What else do you like?”

“Do we have time for this? I could talk all night about the music I like.”

“Ok, what did you listen to in High School then?” I giggle, knowing he’s going to laugh.

“I was into Avril, Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, Panic! at the Disco, The Academy is…,and nevershoutnever, and Paramore, of course. Basically anyone on the Fueled by Ramen label.”

“Oh you were a little emo girl then.” He teased.

“I was…the worst little emo fan girl ever. It went over well in my town, let me tell you. Too bad I missed the One Direction explosion. I could be sitting here with my biggest crush ever.” I teased him, poking him in the side.

“It’s never too late, Nichole. This concert could change your life.”

“It just might.” I smirked at him.The swung open and Paul, the tour manager, said,

“Lou’s looking for you, Romeo. Less than two hours to go and your hair, man…she’s having a fit.” Harry Rolled his eyes and stood up.

“I better get going. Gemma’s probably still with Lou, if you want to come with me.” He held his hand out to help me stand. When I took his hand I felt my heart drop into my stomach. It was like a jolt of electricity shooting from his hand to mine. I wanted to let go, but I couldn’t. I was feeling like a ridiculous school girl, but I couldn’t stop myself. He rubbed his thumb over my knuckles as he helped me stand, his eyes never leaving mine. The feeling of wanting to get lost in those gorgeous green eyes was only intensifying. I had a feeling he was feeling the same things I was and it scared me.He slowly released my hand and we headed out to find Lou and Gemma.

**Gemma’s POV**

When Harry and Nicky walked in you could feel the tension between them. I looked at Lou the same time she looked at me and we both grinned. Harry’s arm was behind Nicky, his hand on her lower back, leading her into the room.Nicky looked equal parts petrified and ecstatic.I had no idea what happened when we left them alone, but something did. I know they both wanted to keep things professional and they should. But there was an undeniable “something” happening between them since we were at the ranch. I heard it every time either one of them spoke to me about the other one. I was meddling and I shouldn’t be, I know. But, they were perfect for each other.

“Right love, sit.” Lou said to Harry as I moved out of the way, “You must be the beautiful Nichole Harry has told me so much about.” She said looking at Nicky, “I’m Lou.”

“Hiya Lou. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“I promise it was all nice things I said, Louise.”

“Harold, you are bad liar,” Lou teased as she set to work on his curls.

“I’m not lying! Nichole, back me up here.” We all just laughed as both their faces flushed. I grabbed Nicky’s hand and said,

“Right, that’s our cue to go find our seats. See you out there.” And I drug Nicky out of the room.

**Harry’s POV**

I was stood with the guys ten minutes away from show time and it was taking everything I had to focus. Nichole’s touch still burned on my hand. Liam noticed how I kept running my fingers over the spot she touched.

“You alright, mate?” I looked up obviously dazed, “Oh man, you are NOT alright are you? What’s is it? Nicky?” I glared at him and he grinned, “Oh it is.” I wasn’t in the mood for another piss take from anyone, but Liam was a bit more…understanding than Niall or Louis would be at the moment so I just blurted it out.

“Fuck me, Liam. She’s the perfect person for the job, but when I’m around her I can’t breathe. What the hell have I done?” He put his arm around my shoulder.

“Roll with it, Haz. She is everything you have told us she was, intelligent, down to earth, and beautiful. And that accent, man. I could die listening to her speak all day. Gemma loves her. That should say something right there. You know how she feels about the women you have dated in the past. And I could be wrong about this, but I don’t think so. Nicky seems to be in the same place you are. There is no reason you can’t work together and see what else can happen.”

“Technically, I’m her boss.”

“Mate, You may be signing the checks, but she is the boss. She knows what she is doing, and you are learning on the fly. She’s going to be telling you what to do.”

“I know, that’s why I hired her. I have no clue what I am doing. If I mess this up though, my foundation fails, I ruin my sister’s friendship. Hell, I will ruin my own friendship with her.”

“Harry, mate. Let yourself be happy. For someone that comes off as so carefree and happy on that stage, you don’t allow yourself to be happy. You worry too much about what might happen, or what people will think. I’m not saying rush out there and snog her senseless. Just let whatever is going to happen, happen.”

<.><.><.>

We hit the stage and all the worries I had before were left backstage and we put on our show.

I had promised to make the concert special for Nichole and I spoke to the lads about it before, while this particular song was one that Liam normally introduced. This time, I was going to do it.

“My sister is here tonight. Everyone say hello to Gemma!” The crowd all yelled Hello to Gem as the camera landed on her and Nichole. Their faces were on the screens and I could see Nichole’s blush from where I stood. “She’s got her own security with her tonight, too. The lovely lady with her, Nichole. She looks sweet and cute. Yes, Nichole, you are cute. Look at those pink cheeks on her.” The place erupted in awwwws. And Liam said,

“Don’t tease the girl, man. She could hurt you!”

“I know…she’s right scary that one. She protected Gemma from some not so nice people a while ago. So we’ve decided she should stay around, to keep my sister out of trouble. What do you think?!” Again the place erupted in cheers and screams. “So this next song is for Nichole…our Girl Almighty!” I saluted Nichole and Gemma as the song started and laughed as I saw her lean over to say something to Gemma. Probably something concerning my death taking place after the show.

Notes

Another long one, I hope you enjoy it! It may be a couple of weeks before I get the next one up, but I won't abandon ya'll! I'm leaving tomorrow to go spend the Holidays with family, and I will be back before the New Year. I won't have a lot of time to write, but I have some ideas. Floating around in my head,

What do ya'll think? There's a thin line to cross when you work with someone you are attracted to. Will it all implode, or will they work it out?

Love ya'll!!