The Risk Of Loving You

N'S

iver his fare, my fingers briefly trembling-not from nervousness, but from the anticipation that had been building in my chest since I woke up this morn

roached this architectural marvel, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of pride and intimidation. Two months ago, this building represented nothing more than a distant dream-a place wher

eady beat that matched my heartrate. My reflection caught in the building's glass doors-black tailored trousers that fit perfectly, a crisp blue dress shirt that I'd ironed twice this morning, and

ten complimented my professional appearance, but they had no idea how uncomfortable I felt beneath the polished exterior. Especially during Chicago's humid summer months, when the muggy air seemed to

the arrival of my ride to the fourteenth floor, where my small corner of this corporate empire awaited. As the elevator climb

I'd first accepted it. The work itself was demanding but rewarding; I prided myself on my efficiency and attention to detail. My supervisor had already

myself, the job had become secondary to so

g thought I'd had since my first day. There was something about her presence that transformed the sterile office environment into something warmer, more vi

partment. The morning routine was always the same-a brief walk past the conference rooms, a nod to the

sk, her computer screen glowing with what appeared to be spreadsheet data, but her attention was entirely

e you're having a good start to your day." My response was warm but measured-friendly enough to mainta

asking." There was something in her tone, a musical quality that suggested she was genuinely pleased to see me. After a mo

too professional for that-but there were subtle signs that were impossible to ignore. The way she volunteered to help with my projects even when her own workload was heavy. The way

ive, intelligent, and kind-hearted. Any reasonable person would consider themselves fortunate to have caught her

ork and returned the greeting with a casual wave before diving back into his work. Jake was one of those naturally foc

cs while maintaining some privacy. Setting my briefcase down with a soft thud, I settled into my swivel chair and took a mome

health, and for the chance to grow both professionally and personally. It was a habit I'd dev

f arriving fashiona

teasing humor. My eyes snapped open, and I found myself looking di

a charcoal gray blazer over a white blouse, her platinum blonde hair pulled back in a style that was both professional an

ut of respect, "I apologize if I'm cutting it cl

y right on time. I was just making an observation." Her ice-blue eyes sparkled with something that mig

rough my chest that I tried desperately to suppress. "I suppose I like to maxim

shifting back to professional mode. "I have several items I'd like t

Ma'am. I'm at

is was my reality-spending eight hours a day in close proximity to the woman who had somehow become the center of my universe,

to call her something else. Something warmer, more

w, I had w