Hey Angel - H.S

5

[ Nicole ]

"Nic, do you have a picture of this guy?" Katie says casually.

"I don't, sorry." I need to get one though, I think to myself.

She groans and flings her head back as multiple knocks come from the front door. Our heads snap in the direction of the noise, unsure of if it actually happened.

"Nicole?" Harry calls my name on the other side of he door.

My eyebrows furrow together as I get up from the couch and quickly answer the door. Harry stands there with a tired expression and a disheveled man bun. Elli sleepily lifts her head from his shoulder and gives me a little smile.

"What's wrong?" I immediately ask him.

Harry lets out a heavy sigh, "I'm really sorry about this, but could you watch Elli for a couple hours? Something urgent came up and I can't bring her with me-"

He pauses as his gaze shifts behind me. I turn and see Katie with her cell phone in her face, like she was taking photos. I glare at her before returning my attention on Harry.

"Of course I can watch her, I hope everything's okay." I tell him reassuringly.

He smiles at me before placing Elli on the ground and kneeling eye level with her.

"El, I have to go now. I'll be back soon to pick you up from Nicole's, okay?" Harry speaks slowly to his daughter.

"Okay, daddy," she yawns, rubbing her eyes with her small fists.

Harry kisses her forehead before leading her over to me. He hands me a purple backpack while saying, "it shouldn't take me more than two hours. I'll text you if it's longer than that though. This backpack has her toys, favorite blanket and movies. I really appreciate this, Nic." He then proceeds to peck my cheek and wave goodbye to us.

After he hurries down the hall and is out of sight, I lead Elli into my apartment and close the door.

"Looks like it's a girls day, Elli." I say to the sleepy child.

"She looks really tired, do all kids look like that?" Katie wonders aloud.

I shake my head. "No, she's not usually this tired."

"Does she have a nap?" Katie questions.

"Is it your nap time, Elli?" I ask.

She shakes her head quickly, "movie time!"

I look to Katie, asking silently if it was okay with her. She smiles and pats the empty spot on the couch beside her.

"Well lets open your bag, shall we?" I say as we sit down with Katie.

Katie grabs the blanket off the back of my couch and lays it over herself and Elli, who cuddles up next to her.

I gasp when I see my favorite Disney movie and Katie immediately chuckles.

"Is The Little Mermaid okay?" I question Elli.

She nods and I get up to put on the disc, turn off the lights, and return under the blanket with them.

About halfway through the movie, Katie and I realize Elli is fast asleep. We begin to quietly talk together about the child.

"Why do you think Harry left so quickly?" Katie questions me.

I shrug my shoulders. "Maybe something with work?"

She furrows her eyebrows together. "But you guys have barely known each other, why would he leave her with you so urgently?" I glare at her and she adds soon after, "no offense, you're an amazing baby sitter."

I roll my eyes before shrugging again and leaning my head on the couch. "You're right, but I'm sure it's a good reason."

"What if it's Elli's mom?" She wonders, wiggling her eyebrows at me.

"If it is. . ." I stop talking, not sure how to feel. We aren't even official, just friends. So why should I be upset? Why am I upset?

A few minutes after the movie ended and Katie was long gone, Harry returns for Elli.

"Thank you so much for watching her," he smiles.

I nod solemnly as I place her toys into her backpack. "No problem, I hope everything worked out."

Harry sighs. "I hope so, too."

I glance over to him and smile a little before zipping the bag closed. He places his hand over mine and squeezes it gently.

"You're so beautiful, Nicole."

My eyes widen as I snap my gaze to his face, which is inches from mine. My cheeks heat up and the room becomes increasingly warmer within a second.

"I'm- i- im really not," I stutter out.

Harry's smile turns quickly into a frown, "don't say that. You are one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. No, you are the most."

He gently brushes the hair from my face and neck, his fingers grazing my skin ever so lightly. His hand rests on my jawline, cupping the edge of my face and pulling it closer to his.

His lips pull into a goofy grin, the kind with one dimple showing prominently. My eyes flutter closed and I can feel the heat of his minty breath fan over my mouth in anticipation.

"Daddy!" Elli squeals and runs into Harry's side.

We both slightly grumble as I feel my face burning in complete embarrassment. Harry says hello to his daughter while I notice a light tint of blush on his own cheeks.

I smile and we all crowd around the door and say goodbye. Harry nods and awkwardly leads Elli down the hall and around the corner. Just as I close the door, I hear heavy footsteps and rapid knocks on it.

"Harry? What-"

He firmly plants his lips against mine, both of his giant hands cupping my cheeks. My own hands grip onto his elbows as he pulls away slowly.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help it." He breathes out.

I bite my lip to keep myself composed and shake my head. "I'm glad you couldn't."

He chuckles and kisses me again, a lighter kiss this time. Elli calls for him and we say goodbye officially this time and he skips down the hall while I squeal happily in my empty apartment.