Follow Your Heart

Nichole spent the last two weeks before she left out at the ranch. Riding Buster every day, helping her dad and Dylan as much as she could, but mostly she just spent time taking it all in. Imprinting it all in her mind. She would be so far away from home and wanted to remember every detail.

Dylan found Nichole in the barn one afternoon, brushing Buster after a ride and talking to him softly.

"Sis, this is breaking my heart. He's going to miss you, too." She turned to Dylan and he could see how sad she was. Her eyes were shimmering with tears. He immediately took her in his arms and let her cry it out. "It's going to be great, Nicky. Don't cry. I'll take care of him."

"Promise me you will ride him, Dylan. He hates not getting out to run," she sobbed into his chest.

"I promise. Hannah will help me. We'll look after him, I promise." She stepped away from him and wiped her eyes. "We're all going to miss you, Nick. I'm very proud of you. I hope you know that." She just nodded her head. She was proud of him too. He was going to take over the ranch in a few years, and keep it going strong into the next generation.

~*~*~*~

Nichole came down to the kitchen the day of her going away party to find her Nanna drinking tea while she chopped potatoes for her favorite potato salad. She leaned down kissed her cheek before pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Good Morning, sleepy head," Her Nanna teased. She just smiled,

"How long have you been here?"

"Since before your daddy woke up."

"Goodness, Nanna."

"Early bird..."

"..Catches the worm." Nichole finished for her. They both laughed as Nichole I sat down next to her with her coffee.

Nichole's Nanna, Charlotte, was a big part of the reason that she chose her career. She was the "wild child" in her family. She ran off with Nichole's Poppa, who she had just met hardly a week before in San Antonio, and got married when she was just seventeen years old in 1965 and they lived the hippie life of the sixties. She traveled the country, went to Woodstock, and even lived in England for nearly a year. She'd even known the Rolling Stones then, and would often reminisce about times she and Poppa had spent with them.

Then in 1970, she and Poppa came home. Nicole's mother was just three years old then. They had come home to leave Carolyn with Nichole's great grandparents, so they could go to Africa and work for the Peace Corps. They came home a year later, and she swears that time there changed her life forever.

The stories she'd told of the things she saw there and the work they did then, inspired Nichole from an early age.

Charlotte's blue eyes still shone with a wildness and sense of adventure. She refused to wear her hair like and "old lady" and kept it long, loose, and gray. She had on jeans and boots and a gorgeous kurta top that Nichole would kill to have in her own wardrobe.

Charlotte smiled back at Nichole, put her work down and held her hand as she spoke.
"I told your momma the day you were born that you were going to change the world. Now look, you are off to do just that. I am so proud of you, my sweet girl." Nichole squeezed her hand softly.

"I'm going to do my part anyway." she sighed and said, "Nanna, I love you."

"I love you, too. I want you to promise me something, Nicky Marie."

"What's that?"

"Do your work...do great things...but don't forget to love and be loved."

"Nanna...I don't..."

"No, I don't want to hear it. You make time for love, honey. I loved your Poppa the moment I set eyes on him until the day he died. He was, and will always be, the love of my life. He made everything I did better, he made me better. Just by loving me and letting me love him."

Nichole's mind went straight to Harry. She sighed softly, "Well, if the right man comes into my life, then we'll see."

"I think he already has, sweet girl. I can see it in your eyes. You are thinking about him, aren't you?"

"Nanna...Harry is just my friend and my employer; his sister is my best friend."

"Of course he is your friend, as he should be. But don't let any of that stop you both from allowing yourself happiness. I listen when you speak about him. I can see the way your eyes light up."

Nichole just shook her head and went back to her coffee. Charlotte stood up and rubbed Nichole's back.

"That's enough rambling from this old lady. Come help me with these salads, little miss."

~*~*~*~

Nichole stood in the airport, hugging her family goodbye and it was even harder than she thought it would be. Her dad just told how proud he was of her and as expected, her mother cried. Dylan and Hannah both hugged her close and made her promise to call as soon as she landed. She waved one last time before she turned and headed towards her gate, wiping her own tears as she walked away.

Her phone pinged not long after she sat down with a cup of coffee, waiting to board.

Harry: You excited yet?
Nichole: Yeah, I am kinda. You know I've never been to a 1D show.
Harry: Really? Wow, I'm hurt
Nichole: Whatever, I'm coming tonight though...and really, I am thrilled about it
Harry: I'll make it special for you
Nichole: Oh really – now I am intrigued
Harry: I've done it, haven't I?
Nichole: mmhmm – your work is cut out for you now
Harry: Yes, I guess so...see you in a few hours then xx

Nichole just stared at her phone and those two little x's at the end of his text. She felt heart skip a beat and she giggled to herself.

~*~*~*~

Harry tossed his phone on the seat beside him after texting Nichole. He rubbed his hands over his face and exhaled a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Louis looked over, grinning like the cheeky fucker he was.

"So, was that Nichole that had you holding your breath like that?" Harry rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Shut up."

"It was...the Goddess Nichole is on her way and Harry Fucking Styles is at a loss for words."

"She's not a goddess, she is my employee. Why are you such an asshole?" Louis laughed and elbowed Niall,

"Look at his face...employee, huh? This is the same woman he's gone on about for the last four months."

"I believe the words you used were 'amazing' and 'brilliant', H.", Niall joined in, his laughter filling the bus. The security guys just chuckled.

"Oh and let's not forget, 'gorgeous' and 'great arse' boys," Liam chimed in as well. "Although he was pissed out of his head when he spoke about those 'assets'."

Harry stood up, gave the group of them the finger and headed to the back of the bus. They took his retreat as a victory and high fived each other as the door to the bunk area clicked shut. Harry knew they were right; Nichole had been on his mind almost constantly. She was beautiful, clever, and funny. There was no questioning the mutual attraction they both felt. What happened now that they were getting down to work and would be face to face just about every day?

~*~*~*~

Nichole arrived in Ottawa at around 1:30 in the afternoon and was met by Gemma and one of the band's security guys. She was sure she would never get used to needing security, but guessed this was her life now.

Just as they came to the door leading out to the waiting car, Nichole noticed a couple of paps waiting outside.

"What's with the face? You took one of these guys on single-handed two years ago." Gemma laughed at her.
"Please tell me I won't have to do that again."

*Flashback San Antonio, 2014*

"Harry, I'm fine. Thanks to Nicky. Just send someone over here. I'm not going to be able to get out of here otherwise.... Yes, I know, I should've listened to you. I'm sorry....I don't know, I'll ask her."
Gemma put her hand over the phone and asked,
"Are you coming to the show tonight?" Nichole shook her head 'no.' She turned back to the phone conversation with her brother, "No, she's not coming." She looked at Nichole again and asked, "Do you want to? Harry is insisting you come over so he can thank you properly."
"No, no...that's ok. I'm meeting friends for dinner later. Tell him I said thank you though." She went back to her call and let him know that she wouldn't be coming. Then she told him she would not move until someone came to get her and disconnected the call.
"Well at least let me buy you another coffee. Can you sit with me until Security gets here?"
"Yeah sure." So we ordered more coffee. Nichole laughed as they both sat down.
"What's so funny?"
"I rescued Harry Styles' sister. My life, I swear."
"Well, I can't thank you enough. I really should learn to listen to him. At least about stuff like this. I just needed to get out of the craziness for a bit. I had no idea that this would happen."
"I have an older brother, and I probably should listen to him more, but I don't. We're sisters, that's what we do."
They ended up having a nice conversation for about thirty minutes before a rather large guy in a black t-shirt showed up. Gemma stood up and said,
"It was nice meeting you, Nicky. Thank you again."
"Any time."
"Mike, you should talk to Paulie about hiring her, she's got a wicked grip and a tongue that would scare the boys into behaving." She said, giggling to the guard.
"I'll keep that in mind if we have any openings." They started for the back door when she turned around and asked,
"Can I have your number? I like you." Nichole smiled and unlocked her phone and handed it to Gemma as she did the same with hers. They added contact information to each other's phones and passed them back. Gemma hugged her again and said, "I'll text you later."

~*~*~*~

"No, that's why Harry made me bring Jeff. Its fine, they don't want us anyway. They'll take a few pictures. Just keep your head down and get straight in the car. Let him do what he's paid to do." Gemma looped her arm in Nichole's and they made our way out the door. They could hear the cameras going but no shouting at them. One guy even said told them to enjoy their day and to say hello to Harry. Canadian Paps...nice as can be.

"Ok, that wasn't so bad." Nichole sighed as they pulled away from the airport.

"It's the guys that get it so crazy. They will rarely bother us. I promise you....well, unless you start shagging my brother...then you are in trouble." Gemma teased. Jeff laughed and said,

"Well, as often as they have been talking the last four months...you never know."

Gemma giggled and looked at Nichole.

"You've been chatting up my baby brother, Nicky?"

Nichole's face went flushed pink and she put her hands over her face. "I've not been 'chatting him up' for God's sake. He's my boss. Oh my god. We've just talked about work and stuff."

"And stuff...mmhhmm" Gemma teased.

"Oh shut up," Nichole blushed

~*~*~*~

Nichole threw open her suitcase and made Gemma pick something for her to wear to the concert, while she took a quick shower. She came out to find her the orange retro paisley print mini dress she'd just bought across the bed while Gemma dug through her makeup bag. She kept her hair down and wavy and though she usually kept her make up to minimum, she let Gemma do it for her. She was nervous as hell and wanted to look nice for Harry, though she would never admit it to his sister. Gemma knew though...she'd spent the last four months listening to the two of them talking about the other one to her. And what she saw made her happy.

~*~*~*~

The door to Harry's dressing room opened and Liam walked in and sat next to him on the sofa, took out his phone and started texting someone, not saying a word. Harry just grinned at him. He was well aware of what was going on.

One...two...three...

The door opened again and in walked Niall, who made himself at home on the other side of Harry. Again...not a word spoken. At least he left the door open for Louis, who walked in right after and made himself comfortable right in the chair across from Harry.

"Is there a meeting I didn't know about?" Harry asked, slightly amused at them.

"No," Niall replied, "just hanging out...waiting."

"Waiting...right. For what?"

"The Goddess Nichole is arriving today." Louis piped up, cheeky grin and all, "we're not missing the grand reunion." Niall and Liam both laughed as Harry gave Louis the finger.

"Jesus..." Harry was excited to see Nichole again. After the texts from earlier, he decided it was no use trying to pretend. They were friends, and he should be happy to see his friend, right? Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

After about twenty minutes and three texts letting him know they were in the building, Gemma and Nichole could be heard laughing as they approached the dressing room. Gemma stuck her head in the door and looked around.

"Full house I see. Hello, boys." Then Nichole came up behind her. She immediately found Harry, both of them smiling at each other.

"Hey, Harry."

Harry hopped up off the sofa and walked across the room, hugging Gemma , then pulling Nichole into a close hug. Nichole looked amazing and smelled so good that he almost forgot the guys were in the room until Niall cleared his throat. They quickly pulled apart and Harry turned around to introduce her to his band mates. Louis' grin was even cheekier, if that is even possible.

"Nichole, meet the rest of the guys..." before he could even introduce them, she walked across the room to Niall, gave him a hug and introduced herself.

"Hey Niall."

"Hiya Nichole...or Nicky? Which to you prefer?" He asked, being charming as usual. Usually Harry loved how easy it was for him to speak to people, but today...with Nichole, he didn't like it.

"Either or, darlin'. Harry prefers Nichole, but Nicky is fine."

"Nicky it is then." They both laughed and Nichole turned to Liam, introduced herself with another hug and then turned to Louis.

"Hey, Louis. Nice to finally meet you," she said, again as she hugged him. Harry didn't like this at all. But he tried to grin and bear it.

"Nice to meet you too, love. H has done nothing but talk about you for months now. You are much more stunning than he let on." She turned to look at Harry, her face flushed slightly. Then she looked back to Louis and said,

"Harry is to kind, and so are you, darlin'."

After the introductions, there was a bit of standing around awkwardly and a bit of small talk before the guys started to filter out of the room. Louis leaned over and whispered in Harry's ear as he walked out,

"You are so screwed, mate." And he walked out giggling to himself.

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

"So...," They both said in unison, causing them both to giggle.

Nichole sighed, and rubbed her hands over her thighs, a nervous habit she had that Harry had picked up on.

"Do you want a drink, Nichole?" He asked as he moved towards her.

"Beer?" He made a face that looked something akin to disgust and panic. She thought maybe she might have messed up asking for alcohol. She sat on the sofa while he looked around.

"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?" Harry was seriously like freaking out over a beer. Nichole couldn't stop herself 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 the both of them, then handing her the glass as he sat across from her. She 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 she was certain she could get lost in.

Nichole turned away, looking at her feet, if for no other reason than to just catch he breath. Harry reached over and touched her knee. She closed her eyes and held her breath.

"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 as 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 her, allowing Mark to sit across from them as we went over everything, explaining anything that needed clarification. Everything was pretty standard and they'd already discussed most of it. So Nichole happily signed away. Then Mark handed her something she hadn't ever seen before, and they hadn't discussed. A non-disclosure agreement. She had to agree not to discuss anything she may become privy to regarding Harry's personal life with the press at any time during and after her employment. Mark made it very clear that her employment was contingent on her signing that document. It seemed pretty reasonable considering who he was. He had to protect himself. As Mark explained it to her, she looked up at Harry and she 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." Nichole 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?" Nichole teased. He grinned at her, "I understand, Harry, and it doesn't bother me one bit." And she signed that last document and handed all the papers back to Mark and he left as quickly as he came in.

Neither of them seemed to have any intention of moving, feeling comfortable sitting next to each other. Nichole put her feet up on the table and leaned her head back on the sofa, getting comfy. Harry grinned and mirrored her movements. They looked pretty dorky sitting there like a couple of kids grinning at each other, but neither of them cared,

"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 others 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." Nichole shook her head, completely amazed at how they'd kept this pace going for so long. He reached over and touched her leg again, with a big dimpled grin on his face. "Are you excited for your first One Direction concert?"

"I think you are more excited about this than I am."

"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 she could see him trying to place the name. She sat there just looking at him, waiting for him to figure it out.

"You like that outlaw country stuff?" He seemed amazed and oddly puzzled by it.

"Yeah, I do. It's not all I listen to, but I do like it a lot."

"I've been known to listen to a bit of country music, Miss Davies. I think you might be surprised."

"Oh, I'm sure nothing you could tell me would surprise me, Harry. I've known your sister how long?" He just laughed and held up his hands in defeat,

"Point taken. 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?" She let out a 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. Still love listening to them now."

"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." She said, teasing him and poking him in the side.

"It's never too late, Nichole. This concert could change your life."

"I think it already has, Harry". There was a knock on the door and he called out for them to come in. One of the wardrobe assistants opened the door.

"Lou's looking for you. 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 Nichole stand. When their hands touched both of them felt something, not the stereo typical bolt of electricity, more like a magnetic pull that drew them together. Nichole wanted to let go, but she couldn't. She was feeling like a ridiculous school girl, but couldn't stop herself. He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles as he helped her stand, his eyes never leaving her. The feeling of wanting to get lost in those gorgeous green eyes was only intensifying for Nichole. And he was feeling the same thing about her chocolate brown eyes and it was scary and comforting at the same time. He slowly released her hand and they headed out to find Lou and Gemma.

~*~*~*~

Harry was standing with the guys ten minutes away from show time and it was taking everything he had to focus. He could still feel Nichole's hand in his. Liam noticed how he kept running his fingers over the spot she touched.

"You alright, mate?" Harry looked up obviously dazed, "Oh man, you are NOT alright are you? What is it? Nicky?" Harry glared at him and he grinned, "Oh it is." He 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 he 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?" Liam put his arm around Harry's shoulder.

"Roll with it. 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, I've seen the way this works. 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, 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."

~*~*~*~

One Direction hit the stage and all the worries Harry had before were left backstage and they put on their show. This is why they had been going nonstop for as long as they have; for the fans, and for themselves. They loved being on stage and you could see it.
Harry had promised to make the concert special for Nichole and had spoke to the lads about doing this, while this particular song was one that Liam normally introduced. This time, Harry was going to do it.

"My sister is here tonight. Everyone say hello to Gemma!" The crowd all yelled Hello to Gemma as the camera landed on her and Nichole. Their faces were on the screens and everyone could see Nichole's blush. "She's got her own security with her tonight, too. The lovely lady with her, Nichole. She looks so 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!" Harry saluted Nichole and Gemma as the song started and laughed as he saw her lean over to say something to Gemma. Probably something concerning his death taking place after the show.

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