The days passed in a blur of work, but the growing tension between Emily and Nathan was impossible to ignore. They danced around each other, both aware of the unspoken attraction but careful not to cross any lines. Emily found herself caught in a constant push and pull—wanting to give in to her feelings for Nathan, but also terrified of what it could mean for her career and their working relationship.
One evening, after another late night at the office, Nathan approached her as she was getting ready to leave.
"Emily, wait," he said, his voice low and urgent.
She turned to face him, her heart pounding. "What is it?"
Nathan took a deep breath. "I know we said we'd take things slow, but I can't stop thinking about you."
Emily's chest tightened at his words. She had been thinking about him too, constantly, but hearing him say it out loud made everything feel more real, more immediate.
"Nathan..." she began, unsure of how to respond.
He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "I'm not asking for anything right now. I just need you to know how I feel."
Emily swallowed hard, her mind racing. She wanted him, there was no denying that. But was she ready to take that step? To cross the line from colleagues to something more?