FLICKER (h.s. au)

4.

Four

Emery Rivera

I carried Luna on my hip as she peacefully rested her head against my shoulder. Her soft breaths tickled my neck, and I gently stroked her back to keep her calm and undisturbed. I tried my best not to wake her from her nap when I parked in the car garage, but it was nearly impossible. Thankfully, though, Luna was the type of kid who could easily fall back asleep with just a couple of shushes and a soothing touch.

"Hi..." I smiled warmly at the person at the front desk, a friendly receptionist named Emilio M. "My name is Emery Rivera. I'm here to see Mr. Styles."

Emilio's face lit up with recognition. "Yes! He notified us that you'd be coming. Here's the keycard," he said, extending it towards me. "Take the elevator, and his penthouse is on the top floor. Just be sure to scan the keycard before you press any buttons."

I thanked him, grabbing the key card from his hand. Luna stirred slightly in my arms as we waited in the elevator.

I had done a good job pretending like this wasn't actually happening all week. I consumed myself with work and left absolutely no room for me to think about this arrangement with Harry. That partially meant avoiding him at all costs but if Harry noticed, he never made it known. Harry and I managed to not speak of it at all in the office. The only time we'd even acknowledged our deal was earlier today when Harry caught me on my way out. All he said was, "I'll see you tonight?" I nodded at him with a tight lip smile and scurried out of the office building.

I didn't really have time to mentally prepare for our meeting tonight. As soon as I was off, I had to pick Luna up from daycare, and then, we went home for a little bit before we had to head out again. To be honest, I'm still telling myself that this isn't real, this arrangement is purely a fiction of my imagination.

But now that I'm in the elevator literally being lifted up to Harry's penthouse, there was no denying the sudden nerves that bubbled inside of me. I mean, am I a complete idiot for agreeing to do this with him?

The elevator dinged before the doors slid open. I sucked in a breath before stepping into the penthouse. Everything pretty much looked the same as the last time I was here, except the aroma immediately hit my nose. Something was cooking, and it smelled delicious.

"Harry?" I called out into the house, stepping cautiously. I didn't want to just burst in here like I owned the place.

"In the kitchen!" His voice echoed back, and I followed its direction, my curiosity piqued. As I entered the kitchen, my gaze fell upon Harry, standing at the stove with his back to me. He had shed his formal work attire in favor of a simple black T-shirt and comfortable sweatpants, exuding a relaxed aura. I couldn't help but find him unexpectedly appealing, although I swiftly pushed those thoughts aside, reminding myself of the professional boundaries we needed to maintain.

I'd never really seen the appeal. I know Harry's attractive, you would literally have to be blind to not be able to see that, but in the office, he's my boss and nothing more. I don't let myself even think about Harry in any other way than my boss.

But we're not in the office anymore and seeing Harry outside of the usual office environment in his house clothes, cooking dinner, now I see the appeal.

"Hey! Sorry about the mess..." Harry turned to face us, his eyes immediately drawn to the small child in my arms. In that moment, his usual hardened demeanor seemed to melt away. His gaze softened, and a subtle relaxation washed over his shoulders. I've never seen him look at someone like that, so softly.

I shifted Luna in my arms, angling her towards Harry so he could have a proper view of her. As I looked down at Luna, her curious eyes met mine.

"Hey, lovebug," I greeted her with a smile. Luna's eyes darted between Harry and me, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. "Can you say hi?" I gently prompted.