RUN AWAY || H.S

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟕

Harry's POV.

I want Alana to get this job. I want her to succeed in that interview—more than anything. But I can't help her during the interview. Nick Styles might be my uncle. He might love me to death. He might even have taken my dad's place in my life—at least, partly. And he might sometimes play wingman when we go out, every now and then. But he takes this company seriously. He and my dad built it from the ground up, working their asses off. He wants only the best worker in this company—only the best.

So whether Alana lands this job depends solely on her performance during the interview. All I did was get her this opportunity. If she doesn't get it, I'll happily ask Louis's dad for help.

I sit at my desk in my office, trying to focus on work—though "trying" is the keyword. Every time I try to concentrate, my mind wanders back to that interview and the wild night before. The moment I introduced Alana to Uncle Nick, he politely ordered me to leave and "get my ass back to work." I know he's letting her be tested—he loves to pick someone's brain, and I'm sure he's doing that right now with her.

I really fucking want Alana to get this job.
I know, I know—I've already said that. And you might wonder why I want her to succeed so desperately. It's not just professional interest. I still can't get my head straight after that insane make-out session between us last night. I can't stop thinking about her. Yet, the worst part is, she says she only wants to be my friend. Just friends.

That rejection stings in a way I've never experienced before. I've never been rejected—ever. And though it shouldn't hurt, it does. I understand her; she's been through a brutal breakup. I don't know all the details, but I know she's still healing. I don't want to be someone's rebound. I'm 27 now. I've always dreamed of settling down, getting married, having kids—just like my parents. Their love was so over-the-top, so sickeningly perfect that I wanted that for myself. My dad worshipped my mum, and she adored him. I wanted that kind of love—if only I could find it. But I don't want it with Alana. I want her to want me, not just one-sided. I want her to see me the way I see her.

If being her friend is the right path, then so be it. I'll be her friend. Hell, I'll be her best fucking friend. I'll give her as much time as she needs. And when she's ready, I'll be first in line—because I saw her first.

I know I sound crazy. But what am I supposed to do? Up until now, my relationships have been shallow—a few serious ones, but they were all about my looks, my money, my power. No one ever tried to truly know me. I never cared, until now. I always thought that when the right time came, when the right person arrived, I'd finally have that cringy, all-consuming love. And now I'm hoping Alana will be that person. I'm not saying I want to marry her immediately, but I want to be on that path.

Fuck, I'm supposed to be working, and here I am, thinking about Alana. I hope the interview goes well. What the fuck is this girl doing to me?

Focus, Harry. Focus.

Okay. Alana is out of my mind. Period.
Maybe I should go to my Uncle's office and eavesdrop?
No. Fuck, I can't. Martha is there—and if she finds out, she'll whoop my ass.

Martha is an honest woman. She started working here fresh out of college. I was just a kid then. Originally, she was my dad's assistant. After my dad passed away six years ago, Uncle Nick ensured she kept her job. She's one of the best employees in this company.

God, I've been blessed with amazing women in my life—my mum, my sister, Aunt Bella, and Martha. I owe them everything. I'd do anything for them.

Then there's Alana.

A knock on my office door snaps me out of my thoughts.

"Come in," I call.

The door opens slowly. Martha enters, followed by Alana.