She sniffles, not making an attempt to stop her tears. They slowly glide down her cheeks, shining like pearls in the brightly lit hallway. So hauntingly beautiful—just like our tragic love story.

“Once we start, we won’t be able to stop. You and I both know this,” I state in a trembling voice.

Cupping her cheeks, I lean my forehead against hers, using every ounce of my willpower to not crush my lips on hers. I’m holding on to my last strand of control.

She searches my eyes for love that is no longer hidden behind a thin veil of anger and prudence. Imploring me with her tenacious gaze, she plays on my vulnerabilities that are no longer guarded by my ironclad need to be righteous. She is stripping away everything that was keeping me from her, and I’ve never felt so light and free.

My voice can’t get through the ball of emotions stuck in my throat. It’s so easy to release the words frozen on my tongue – yes. But what would that make me? I’m the adult here. The one who has to shoulder her responsibility, while still being a man who keeps his word and sticks to his principles. But how can I get myself to refuse her when she’s looking at me like that? Like a mere yes from me and she’ll be the happiest—on top of the world. I want that more than anything else, but at what cost?

“I need time. I really need to think this through. I don’t want to make a decision in haste that I’ll come to regret later.”

My response appeases her. Relief floods her eyes as her lips upturn.

I expect her to peck me on the cheeks, like she used to do before—teasing me, testing my limits, and giving me hints. But to my surprise, she doesn’t, and steps back instead, putting a respectable space between us.

“Well, okay. I understand. It’s still progress. I hope you’ll tell me your decision soon. When we meet in the office, perhaps?”

“Two days. You can start in two days.” It’s hard to contain my eagerness. I was content with her learning from me and just being around me, but her proposal has opened up possibilities that I had never dared to consider before.

Her smile widens, eyes gleaming with excitement. “Sure, boss. Whatever you say. I can’t wait.”

She just addressed me as ‘boss.’ Is that what she’d be calling me in the office? I can’t wait to find out. Fuck. I love the sound of that.

“Okay then, I’ll take my new car for a drive…see you soon.”

She waves bye, swaying her hips as she heads out.

I’m in trouble. Deep trouble.