After that meeting, something changed between the two of you. You weren't exactly sure what it was but you certainly felt a lot closer to Harry, and you could tell he felt the same. He had conducted some strongly-worded phone calls to HR immediately after the events from the meeting happened, even though you insisted he didn't have too. Something about his persistence and protective nature made you reluctant to push too hard against his wishes. You also knew deep down that what happened was unacceptable. Luckily, you hadn't dwelled on what had happened and the way it had made you feel; and that was almost all down to Harry and his support.

You and Harry worked like a well oiled-machine and you had only been at the company for just under a month; even though it felt like so much longer. Emmy was ecstatic with the relationship you and Harry had built and was convinced he was in love with you, and didn't fail to tell you that each time you filled her in on any gossip.

"So I was wearing that burgundy dress - you know the tight one, makes my bum look good?"

"Yes!"

"And I shit you not, when I went into his office he practically undressed me with his eyes -"

"Yess!!"

"Anyway, I turned around to start walking out, but turned back to say something and guess where he was looking?"

"Where? Where? Tell me!"

"My ass,"

"Yesss!!! I knew it,"

"But then you wouldn't believe what he said after,"

"Oh my god it gets better?!"

"He said, 's'not fair for you to be looking this good at work Cecelia' and when I asked him if he wanted me to change that, he said 'God no'!"

"YESSS!!!" You nearly missed the rest of Emmy's sentence as you had to pull the phone away from your ear since the level of decibels her squeal reached could've burst your eardrum, "He loves you Ceece, I'm telling ya!"

That wasn't the only moment things had been slightly more than just friendly between you two, but you both knew deep down that nothing more could happen; co-worker relationships were not uncommon, but you and Harry unconsciously shared the belief that work and romance should be kept separate.

It was an exceptionally fresh day in early February so you had opted for a pair of blue trousers, rather than your usual skirts and dresses. You picked up some coffees for you and Harry on your way to the office, hoping the hot liquid would warm you both up. The warmth of the building embraced your cold body gratefully as you arrived.

Tapping lightly on Harry's door you opened it slightly and paused as you noticed he was on the phone. He beckoned you in with a warm smile regardless, mouthing the words 'my Mum' as he indicated the phone pressed against his ear. Nodding, you walked quietly to the coffee table in front of the terracotta sofa you loved so much and placed the coffees down.

"Thanks Mum, I'll look out for it when I get home later,"

You heard a muffled response before Harry said, "No I don't have anything planned, works been busy and you know I'm not the biggest fan of birthdays..."

Your eyes snapped up in shock - it was Harry's birthday?

Their conversation wrapped up soon with Harry thanking his Mum again and finishing with a sweet 'miss you, love you' before locking the phone and slipping it into his dark green dress pants, noticing his brown boots that were decorated with an intricate Chinese dragon; you loved them.

"Harry! Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday?" You pouted up at him.

"Mmm, you're wearing trousers today, that's new...I like them, very girl-boss," he mused.

You rolled your eyes at his attempt to deflect the conversation of his birthday, even though his compliment made your heart thump in your chest.

"Nice try, party pooper." Crossing your arms and giving him a stern expression to indicate your previous unanswered question.

He sighed, mimicking your crossed arms, "Cecelia, I'm turning 29 - it's not exactly a monumental birthday."

It always slipped your mind that he was a few years older than you, but it made him even more attractive for some reason, "Every birthday should still have a celebration though, birthdays are the best!"

"Why am I not surprised you love birthdays," he smirked.

"Because what sane human wouldn't love a day dedicated to them?" You teased.

His melodic laugh rang out through the room as he began to slowly walk towards you, "Not sane am I then, love?"

"I mean, take what you want from that - but that's besides the point! We have to do something to celebrate,"

Harry stood close to you now; so close you could feel the heat radiate from his gorgeous body, "Fine. What do you suggest we do then?"

"Well..." you began, but Harry had zoned out as he began to imagine what his perfect suggestion would be to celebrate - birthday sex. After some pondering he settled with fucking you up against the window of his office; something about the thought of you being so exposed pressed up against the window, but at the same time having privacy from being so high up made his skin tingle and the blood rush to his dick.

"...but I get the sense that's not your style, ha get it, so I'm thinking a dinner party with some friends. How does that sound?" Luckily he had zoned back in just in time to catch you final question.

"Dinner party sounds great," his heart fluttered as you beamed at his response, "Who's hosting?"

"Well my apartment is quite small and from what I remember of yours when we...oh, um - anyway, yours is probably best," you looked sheepishly towards the floor at bringing that night up, "but I'm more than happy to cook."

Bottom lip pulled between his perfect teeth, hand cupping his chin in the classic 'I'm thinking' pose, he finally nodded, "M'kay, so a dinner party-"

"Formal attire I'm thinking,"

"Yes definitely, formal dinner party, my apartment, you cooking? Sounds like a plan, kiddo."

"Perfect," your smile showed how happy you were to have achieved convincing him to celebrate, similar to a child who had got a sticker from their teacher for doing a good job so his pet name for you was very fitting.

You reached for your coffee from the low table, span on your heal and with a bounce in your step began to walk to the door of his office.

"Thanks for the coffee!" Harry called just before you left, you shot him a radiant smile over your shoulder as you pulled the door open and he admired how your glossy hair swirled with your movements perfectly.

Shaking his head he muttered under his breath, "She's gonna be the death of me I swear."

◇

The day was coming to a close, later than usual but it had been very busy today. Niall was releasing a new album in a few months so there was a huge amount of planning events and interviews on your part, and a lot of finalising production and marketing on Harry's part.

However, earlier in the day you had snuck out to get Harry a little cupcake from down the block and was going to present it to him just before you left. The little shop even had a candle floating around which they'd kindly given to you.

Lighting it carefully you rapped on Harrys door, opened it and began singing, "Happy birthday to you..."

Placing his pen on the desk and gazing at you with a look that said 'really?' plastered on his face, he couldn't help but melt a little at your cute gesture.

As your song came to a close you put the cupcake down (chocolate with vanilla frosting and sprinkles) and was greeted by his piercing emerald stare which displayed adoration so strongly your breath caught in your throat.

Recovering quickly you said impatiently, "Well c'mon then make a wish!!"

Chuckling, he closed his eyes and blew softly on the candle. Clapping gleefully you asked, "So...what did you wish for?"

"I can't tell you that Ceece otherwise it won't come true," your heart fluttered at the use of your nickname, he had never called you that before.

You stayed in his office sharing the cupcake, laughing and messing around until it was completely dark outside. Emmy had been right; Harry was different, you could see it the more you got to know him. Even though he had a confident, serious outer aura - which you certainly liked - spending time with him had shown his inner self; one that was silly, cheeky, witty, but above all the product of a kind heart and gentle soul. Which is why it pained you to know you could never be more than friends - the risk it brought was too much for you to put at stake.

Later on, Harry lay on his back in bed reliving his evening with you; the way your hand covered your mouth in laughter and shock when he'd make a cheeky comment, how you'd unconsciously tuck your hair behind your left ear only to fluff it up moments later, and how cute you looked when a bit of icing got caught on your lip. There was no denying he was starting to feel something for you; he thought that by being your boss it would make him forget how you made him felt, but he was mistaken. Harry knew he couldn't let his feeling be known - work was the priority at the moment and one of the things you both shared was your ambition and drive in your respective roles. Nevertheless, he drifted off to sleep that night with his wish from earlier still on his mind; that you could be his.

things are defo gonna start heating up a bit more now! next chapter is going to be a long one so I hope you enjoy it :) 

some chapters might seem a bit like filler ones but thats just cos I wanna make sure I develop their relationship in the best way - I have lots planned!! hopefully this chapter has given you a little bit more info on how they both feel, and the irony in the fact they both unknowingly feel the same

keep voting and commenting!!

kait x