You hadn't noticed it on your way into Harry's office (funnily enough you were a bit distracted by the events that had just unfolded) but there was a whole little desk area set up outside his office door. A large curved desk and chair were placed diagonally to the left of the door; opposite that on the other side, a few comfy leather chairs were placed around a low coffee table - a small waiting area. Plants, expensive looking paintings and a few random objects were placed here and there to make the space more appealing. Half walls with glass trimmings added some privacy to the area, but not making it feel secluded at the same time.

"Feel free to add any personal touches to the area, you'll be spending a fair amount of time here," advised Harry.

"It's great," you assured, "it feels like I've got my own office, rather than just being stuck out front like a secretary...not that there's anything wrong with that," you added quickly.

"No I understand, your role is more than just a pretty face," his eyes were hard to read, but you were sure you saw a flicker of pride, was it?

After showing you how to log in to the computer and set up an account, Harry was just about to return to his office to bring you some information on his clients before you asked for the directions to the toilet.

He pointed you in the right direction and you grabbed your phone and made a beeline for them, immediately dialling Emmy's number as soon as you were out of earshot. She picked up by the time you were locked in a stall, "Hel-"

"You didn't think to mention to me that the man I had a one night stand with was potentially going to be my new boss?!" you whispered in exasperation down the phone to your best friend.

"Well hello to you too, sunshine," her response dripping in sarcasm.

"I'm being serious!!"

"Uhhmm...surprise! Cecy, he's Harry Styles for Gods sake, it's beyond me why you even snuck out on him after all that hot sex you had the other week!"

You groaned out loud at that, how had you not thought she would some how turn this into a match-making attempt.

"Because that's just it, Emmy! He's Harry Styles! You know I can't risk the reputation I've built up, especially now I'm working for him-"

"Cecelia, you know I know that, more than anyone! But I also know that you're using that as an excuse because you're scared." She said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Scared of what?!"

"Being hurt again - I know you don't like mingling with famous men with big egos because of what happened with-"

"Yes, yes okay I know, but what's that got to do with anything?" You demanded.

"Because," she began, extending the latter 'e' in a way that implied whatever she was going to say next was completely obvious, "Harry's the first guy you've had an interest in since Damon, it wasn't just a coincidence he was at my birthday last week you know, and I think he would be really good for you Ceece. You can't just shut your heart off forever, and I know that you felt a spark between you and Harry at the club and not just in a physical way so don't even try to deny it."

You sighed defeatedly - she wasn't wrong in the slightest. When you had first arrived in New York, you had fallen hard and fast for a man whose confidence and charm had attracted you instantly. As your career grew you used your connections to help his budding career as a photographer, but in the end those two things that you loved about him had been the downfall of your relationship as it seemed hoards of other women came hand in hand with his growing fame. It had nearly destroyed you; not only the cheating but more so the feeling of being used. From that point on you had vowed not mix work with play, as your hard work, and admittedly naivety at the time, would never be taken from you like that again.

"I know..." you muttered, "but I slipped up with Harry, that was the whole reason why I did walk out that morning,"

"I think you just need to give him another chance - at least at being friends! Things with Damon ended a year and a half ago now and Harry isn't like that, just relax and get to know him a bit more." She reassured you.

"Hmm, okay, okay relax, be friends, I can do that right?"

"Yes of course you can! You're Cecelia Stone, superstar PA with a gorgeous booty and - what's that word you use? Oh! - a peng face!" You laughed at her use of your London slang.

"What would I do without you..." you mused lovingly down the phone.

"I ask myself that very same question, now go and kick some ass on your first day!!"

◇

You returned to your desk feeling rejuvenated and confident; Emmy was right, it had been so long since all of that had happened, there was no harm in progressing your friendship with Harry and maybe seeing where it went - maybe being the key word, as your professional relationship came first - but you knew your feelings from that night together were not in solitude.

The door to Harry's office opened, "Cecelia," he motioned to come and join him.

Once you were settled opposite him at his desk he handed you a couple of files, "Here's a rundown of all my clients, have a read through whenever suits," he sat back in his chair and swiped his thumb across his nose; you noticed a small cross tattoo on his hand which you hadn't before, "Today is mostly just about me transferring some of the key information about the company and my schedule over to you; boring I know but-"

"Has to be done," you finished with a smile.

Harry gazed at you wonderingly; the phrase finishing each others sentences came to mind, it was something his mother had always said was a good indication of your connection with someone. He shook the thought away - he couldn't carry on thinking like that however, you had decided on being friends and that would have to do since he was now your boss and he knew (a little too well) the consequences that came with dating co-workers.

The rest of the day carried on with no issue; the commotion that had happened this morning already seemed like years ago. You began to shut down your computer, and double checking no one was around, pushed back against your desk straightening your arms and legs and span around on your new swivel chair. A massive grin spread across your cheeks, now the feelings of embarrassment and shock had died down you could fully appreciate your excitement and gratitude of what this new position meant for you.

"You look like you're having fun,"

You slammed your heel clad feet down on the tile floor loudly at the deep voice that had interrupted your daydream. Harry stood leaning against his office door, showcasing his long, lean body (had you mentioned how good he looked in a suit?) his suit jacket draped over his arm and a shit-eating grin on his face at having caught you out.

"Oh God, this is embarrassing," you muttered as you rose from your chair and grabbed your things.

"Nah not at all, when I first moved into my office I spent a good ten minutes jumping on my sofa,"

You giggled at the very amusing image of Harry's lanky body bouncing like a child who'd been allowed to jump on their parents bed forming in your head.

"You did some great ground work today," Harry complimented you as you walked towards the elevator together.

"Thank you," smiling softly up at him, "I like to think I've got a good system with organising all this sort of stuff by now,"

Conversation about your work continued as the elevator opened and you travelled down to the ground floor and through the lobby to the main entrance.

"Well, see you tomorrow then Mr - oh sorry, Harry, I mean. Gonna take me a while to break that habit,"

"I'm sure you'll get there darling," he replied with a smirk. You smiled and began to turn away to leave the building just as Harry grabbed your wrist, pulling you close to him and saying in a low voice, "Oh, Cecelia, I meant to ask you - did you want me to bring your panties tomorrow? Since we work together now I can give them back to you,"

You stared at him, lips parted, speechless for once. Harry gazed at your lips thinking how easy it would be to close the distance between you both and kiss you, slipping his tongue softly into your mouth.

"I...um- forgot about those," you finally breathed out, "b-but yes if you wouldn't mind, I do quite like those ones,"

He raised an eyebrow at you, and hummed in agreement, "Yeah, so do I...see you tomorrow, love." And with a cheeky wink he was gone, leaving you stood frozen in the lobby. 

not gonna lie I imagine Damon as Damon Salvatore, because in my dream world having both him and Harry would be ideal, but you're welcome to imagine him (as well as Emmy) as whoever you like, of course, to make this book as personal and enjoyable for you as possible :)

hope you're still enjoying! things should start heating up a little more now that we've established a fair bit in the last few chapters

also, the pictures attached are some inspo for how I imagine Cecelia's little office area to look like!

please keep voting and commenting!!

kait x