I woke up and immediately picked up my phone from my dresser. I took in the time and then noticed the text off Eric that I'd been expecting. That usual 'good morning beautiful' text that would get me teased in work if the team ever found out about them. Today he'd put a heart on the end of it. Oh how sweet I thought as I pushed the cover off myself and stood up to make the bed. The shirt I'm wearing smells of him, it somehow makes me feel close to him although he's probably out surfing right now and I need to get ready for work. Opening my closet I pick out a cream dress and blue cardigan and a pair of navy leggings. I'm feeling slightly girly today but stick with the new boots my mom sent me last week. A lovely light blue pair with little heel on them but enough grip that I don't slip on the Ops floor. That happened once…..

Once I'm dressed, I've brushed my hair and the shirt is put folded back on my double bed I head to my kitchen. It's cosy but I don't really spend much time in it. I quickly make some toast before checking my phone and realising that it's time to go pick up Melissa from her house. I sigh as I realise I wish I didn't have to work today. I wish I could spend all day with Eric at the beach and just enjoy the day. I'm thinking this as I pull up outside Melissa's and beep the horn to let her know I'm outside. As usual she is prompt with her travel mug in her hand and her bag on her shoulder. I notice her pink shirt however teamed up with jeans as usual.

'Pink?' I ask

'Yeah I'm feeling kinda girly…' She shrugs as she puts her belt on and sinks into the seat.

'Not trying to impress anyone then?'

'No why would I?' She answers looking at me questioningly.

'It's Valentine's day….' I cautiously respond. I'm aware that Valentine's day is not a day Melissa enjoys. It's come up in a few conversations in the past few weeks as I've fussed over making plans for tonight with Eric. Only Kensi and Melissa are aware of our relationship although the others probably have guessed about us. Hetty is sure to know. Eric and I have agreed to go slow because I have type A with borderline ADD. Mom is suspicious too. She asked me five times last night what my plans were today.

'So what are you up to today?' I ask realising that there has been a silence for a few minutes.

'Work then go home and probably just sleep.' Melissa answers shrugging again.

'So Sam's not asked you to babysit yet?'

'Why would Sam need a babysitter?' Melissa enquires

'No reason.' I lie as I pull into my space in the car park. I hate lying but I'm aware of a plot by Sam to push Callen and Melissa together tonight. As far as I'm aware he plans to have them both babysit his little girl in the hope that they stop dancing around each other as they have been since the start. It's a risky plot however as I don't doubt Callen or Melissa would take it lightly their partner trying to meddle or coddle as they call it. Turning the engine of I grab my bag from the back seat as Melissa unbuckles her seatbelt and gets out of the car. She isn't saying anything but I wonder if I've given something away. I'm a terrible liar! Why did Sam have to tell me?

I'm pondering this as we walk into the bullpen and I notice a cupcake box on Callen's end of the desk as Melissa puts down her bag and travel mug without a second glance. Hetty has just arrived I realise as Melissa greets her.

'Morning Hetty.'

'Morning Miss Jones. Miss Createn.' Hetty answers. 'Do either of you know where that delightful looking cupcake box has come from on Mr Callen's desk?'

Melissa shrugs looking innocent. I quickly glance over to the box once more.

'No sorry Hetty. Maybe Callen will know.' I respond truthfully.

'Maybe.' Hetty repeats before walking off leaving me and Melissa looking at each other in the bullpen. I have my suspicions that Melissa knows more than she is letting on but if Hetty is pretending to believe it then so will I….

'I'm gonna get started. See you later…'

'See you Nell.' Melissa replies as she opens up a file on her desk.

I walk upstairs bewildered by todays already unfolding events. Melissa is unaware of Sam's plans. I'm unsure as to my plans with Eric. Hetty is cheerful and Deeks, Kensi, Sam and Callen are all late into work well for each of their normal times anyway. I walk into the hub in thought and soon notice a vase of roses. The vase is simple and there are many coloured flowers. Some Are deep pink, some lighter shades of pink, white, lavender flowers with ivy mixed in too. I understand perfectly the message that Eric is trying to convey to me and it makes me fall in love with him even more. How does that guy understand me so well? I take a sniff of the delightful flowers and take a seat at my monitor to find a chain of love heart post-it notes on my computer each one with a handwritten message.

'Morning.' 'Happy Valentines Nell.' 'Pick you up at 7 from yours' 'Don't ask any questions… x'

I smile as I read the last one which has a star drawn on it too. I immediately pull them off my monitor careful not to crease them. Eric has put a lot effort into them and they feel so precious in my hands. I've never had a guy give me flowers before or write me love notes and leave them in plain sight. I'm glad that Melissa stayed downstairs. I sigh willing the day to pass quickly so I can find out what Eric has planned…..