This is my first time ever trying to write something and English is not my first language. Still I hope my mistakes are bearable ;)

Everything you recognize belongs to BBC.

Anything might happen

Chapter 1 – Beautiful

It was morning in the Lyell Centre. Snow that had been falling heavily for days now, had made traffic nearly impossible so Harry was late again. He was pleased that at least he had a good reason this time. Approaching offices through the glass wall he could see Nikki. Immediately he knew something was wrong because she was sitting at her own desk, her head buried in the big pile of folders in front of her. She didn't hear him coming. Her back was turned to him and he could see just a tiny bit of her naked skin between her blouse and skirt.

Don't go there – he warned himself. God, she's beautiful.

- This really isn't the best time for making jokes, don't you think? You are late and now you are teasing me – he could see she was upset but couldn't come up with a reason.

- What do you mean?

G- ood morning, beautiful – she imitated his voice – that's a joke, right? Not only I'm not beautiful in this horrible weather, but I also feel like crap. Both which you can obviously see. But no, instead of offering your help, you make jokes.

- I couldn't possibly say that – he said then realizes how it sounded.

- Oh, please, stop it, you are so full of compliments this morning.

- Nikki, don't be silly, you know what I mean. And besides stating something so obvious can hardly be considered compliment.

- You really don't know when to stop, don't you?

He didn't know how to answer that. This was bad. Really bad. Words that would escape his mouth before his brain had time to process them were always bad. And so true.

- So, how can I help? – he asked putting his best apologetic smile.

He hoped that problem was work related. He'd rather spend hours doing paperwork, than spent ten minutes watching her crying over some loser.

- Police expect us to send the full report for one of the last week PMs. For whatever reason it's urgent and it needs to be sent in the next two hours.

- How come Leo isn't here? He is usually two hour early, not an hour late? – Harry asked amused.

- You think something might have happened?

- No. Bad news travel fast. He and Janet are probably just working hard on their plan – he said and Nikki giggled.

There was no sound in this world that he liked more than that.

Someone who laughed that beautifully should never have to cry.

- I heard that, Harry – they jumped slightly on the sound behind them – you two will make me regret telling you about it in the first place.

- You are right. Sorry Leo – Nikki apologized, small smile still on her lips.

- Yes, sorry Leo, it was slightly out of line – he grinned.

Nikki couldn't help but smile again. It seemed like Harry's feelings reflected on her instantly. Not that it was surprise to her. Involuntary response, she remembered, and Harry and Nikki both smiled at the same time like they were having exactly the same memory. For a moment they just stared at each other like they were exchanging some thoughts that even them couldn't put in words.

- I am pretty sure that pile of folders has something to do with the money you get on your bank accounts every month – Leo said.

He didn't however get any reaction from his younger colleagues who were still little dazzled staring at each other.

- Apparently, my jokes are too smart for the two of you – he tried again.

- What? Yes, right, I'll be in your office with the right file as soon as I find it. Just give me a minute – Nikki said and Leo just shrugged his shoulders.

He already knew they were hopeless when it came to their emotions.

- Take your time, the three of us will make that report in no time – Leo said and with that their boss disappeared into his office.

- No apologies on why he was late, but you know I was right – he whispered to Nikki's ear.

When she giggled in such a close proximity to him, it took all self – control he had to stop himself from kissing her lips. Instead he pressed a kiss on her cheek and said

- I should go and grab us some coffee. Then I will indeed help you with whatever you need. Unless of course there's a new interesting body when I get back.

- Be careful, please Harry. Weather is a mess, anything can happen.

He just winked at her and left.

She smiled again and for a moment got lost in her thoughts.

Put yourself together, woman. Beautiful was just a joke.