This isn't my first story ever, but it's my first N/CC story. I had a rush of inspiration while watching an early episode of The Nanny, where CC was still semi-kind to Niles, and this is what came of that silly little notion. I hope you enjoy! It's rated as such because of one little word, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I don't own The Nanny or any of the characters in this story. But if I did, there would have been less unresolved sexual tension between the butler and socialite. They would have gotten all that out of the way already. :D

Chapter One

"Oh come on, it'll be fun!"

CC Babcock looked doubtfully at the petite blond standing before her in front of the coffee shop, hands on her hips and a smug smile on her face. If CC ever feared for her life, it was when Sarah Sheffield smiled at her that way. That little quirky grin had meant nothing but trouble during college, as CC found out on more than one occasion. Once, they'd been studying at the library and CC had found herself looking at that grin as three cute guys walked by. The next morning, she and Sarah had stumbled back to their apartment from the massively wild dorm party that they'd wound up at. And that wasn't even the worst of it. No, the worst part was that CC's cousin had been at the party and blabbed to CC's mother about how drunk her daughter had gotten. It'd nearly gotten CC killed. Then again, she had to admit that her best friend certainly did always look out for her. Sarah had taken all the blame, never wavering as the formidable BB Babcock ranted and raved about 'proper society behavior'.

"Sarah, you know I'd love you come work for your husband, but I can't. Mother would have a fit! You know how badly she wants me to marry into money and never work," CC said blandly, though once the words were out of her mouth, she realized that maybe this was the perfect way to get back at her mother for such a rotten childhood. Sighing and running a hand through her perfectly coifed brunette hair, she shrugged.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to go for an interview."

Sarah squealed happily and clapped. CC laughed and shook her head at her best friend's childish excitement, then grew serious.

"Sarah, are you sure it would be a good idea? I mean, anything to put a knife in Mother's back," she said. "But are you sure that Maxwell would even want a secretary?"

"Of course he would," Sarah said with a nonchalant shrug, patting CC's arm. "Besides, I've already spoken to him about your qualifications and he thinks you'd be perfect. He wants you to come over this afternoon at four-thirty. Think you can do that?"

"Definitely," CC replied, glancing down at her navy blue pantsuit and wondering if it was interview appropriate. She quickly decided against it. As comfortable she was with Sarah, CC wasn't sure how she felt about Maxwell. Sure he was her best friend's husband, and CC had been the Maid of Honor at their wedding, but Maxwell was British and very successful. For some reason, he intimidated her. As if reading CC's thoughts, Sarah reached over and grasped her hand.

"Chastity Claire, are you feeling self-conscious?"

CC smiled at the only person who'd ever gotten away with calling her by her full name and her friend's ability to so completely understand her. Nodding, she played absentmindedly with the strand of pearls around her neck. They'd been a gift from her father the day she graduated from college. It had been the only gift CC had ever gotten from her father; Stuart Babcock wasn't very good at showing his affection. In fact, her college graduation ceremony was the first time CC could remember a look of pride on her father's face.

"Give me a break CC! I can't believe you'd be nervous about an interview with Max. He loves you! Plus, you don't really have to worry. You've got the job, I just thought an interview would be fun," Sarah said, using her nonchalant tone again as she began walking away from CC. "Just be at the mansion at four-thirty. You'll stay for dinner afterwards."

CC spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon shopping for the right outfit. She felt more at ease knowing that Sarah had already secured CC's position, but she still wanted to make the right impression on Maxwell. By two-thirty, she'd managed to find an exquisitely gorgeous black strapless Dolce and Gabbanna dress. It fell to just below her knees, hugged her curves perfectly, and cut low in the front without being vulgar. She'd also found a stunning pair of black 5-inch stiletto heels that made her legs look like they went on for miles.

Once she was back at her Park Avenue penthouse, a gift from her mother, CC showered and started the process of getting ready for her evening. Dressing quickly, she spent twenty minutes on her makeup, and then another twenty pulling her hair into a simple twist at the nape of her neck. She decided to forgo the pearls and chose a simple diamond pendant threaded on a delicate white gold chain that settled right beneath her collarbone. A quick dab of Chanel Number Five completed her routine, and when she studied herself in the floor-length mirror next to the bathroom sink, she felt stunning. She added a red knee-length fitted trench coat and headed out.

Her Bentley was waiting for her when she exited her building at four o'clock, the driver standing statuesque by the rear of the black car. Smiling softly to herself as she watched him open the door for her, CC slid into the car and settled in to the backseat. Once she'd given her driver the address of Sarah's mansion, CC relaxed, finding herself more and more at ease as the city slipped past the window. She stared out the window with little interest, and was pleasantly surprised to see that they'd arrived far more quickly than she'd anticipated. The driver pulled up along side the mansion, stepped around the car, and opened the door for her while offering his hand, which CC gladly accepted.

"Be back around nine," she told him, then took a deep breath and walked to the front door of the Sheffield mansion. Lifting her hand, she pressed the doorbell and waited. What she saw when the door opened, however, was the very last thing she'd expected. A pair of brilliant blue eyes met hers, and before she could compose herself, she heard the most breathtaking voice she'd ever heard.

"You must be Miss Babcock. Please, come in. Mister Sheffield and his wife are expecting you."

The British accent threw CC for a loop, but it was the deep baritone in which in the words were presented that captured her mind. Never had she heard such a melodic voice. Blinking, CC stepped into the house and stopped in the foyer, turning to see the angel that owned the voice. The man was dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt, gray vest, and light blue tie that matched his eyes. There was a twinkle in those eyes that intrigued CC, and the blondish-brown hair cut and styled impeccably matched the perfect image that presented itself to her.

"May I take your coat, Miss Babcock?" the angel asked, shutting the door and stepping up to her. CC nodded, and had to bite her lip to keep from gasping at the feel of his soft hands on her shoulders. Then they were gone and he was hanging her coat in the closet by the front door. CC watched the man shut the door and just as he opened his mouth to speak again, there was a squeal of delight from behind her.

"Chas, you look amazing!"

CC turned to see Sarah rushing to meet her, and gave her friend a quick hug. Sarah pulled back and gave CC a once-over before turning to the now silent man and smiled brightly at him.

"Doesn't she look amazing Niles?"

"She does indeed, ma'am," Niles said, smiling. Sarah looped one arm around CC's shoulders and stepped the both of them forward.

"CC, this is Niles. Niles, this is CC Babcock. CC and I go back to freshman year at Yale," she explained to Niles, then turned to CC. "Niles is Maxwell's oldest friend."

CC tried desperately not to stare, but found herself once again lost in the blue eyes that seemingly bore into her soul. She smiled at Niles, who smiled back, and again opened his mouth to say something when a softer, more familiar British voice rang out.

"Darling, is this the savvy businesswoman you've been telling me about?"

Damn him for his incredibly frustrating timing, CC thought and turned to face her best friend's husband.

You know the drill . . . read and review! I appreciate any and all comments.

~Chas