rom a mile away. I should have known that

ugh. It made our emotional energy rise sharply, especially

r intended to cross that boundary. But as days went on, it

magnetic, confident. Strong, successful, infl

I looked at her like no one else was in t

ut she couldn't help h

r, through everything. She knew Isla's secrets and flaws. But Fiona

th me, while Fiona felt like she'd stood still. She never felt good en

that my marriage was

dren yet... or maybe I just needed some

could make me laugh. It started with small things, harm

at work. At first, it felt innocent. But then... the sp

in love with Fiona...the way her eyes softened, the way

itely cross

corners of the office, those shared rushes when no one

eone to turn to, someone to comfort me when I felt alone. Tha

I spent with Fiona,

ght when I was tired, the one who helped me forget about the stress of the company and my life.

, Fiona" or "I wanted to make sure you're not overwor

he office, working

tween us buzzed with something unspoken, somet

tings. Leaning in just a bit

ngering

ng these more when

rd to them. Missed them when they w

shoulder for a second. My fingers br

dangerous game w

it was

thought no one could see, I didn't care. I told myself I

but she was beautiful in her own way. S

office bega

idden smiles. But then the whispers started. When we

ut the pieces together. We tried to keep our affair hidden. We had

built. All of it could be destroyed in se

ouldn't help how fast my heart bea

lf from hovering too

ncing between love and betrayal w

he was sorting through papers. It was already

e hoped no one would notice. When I saw her, a small

the cold exterior, they all dr

, I was ju

ay," she whispered,

Always. But I'm glad I work with

closer, just close enough for me to

tomorrow," she said. "But

k too hard. You need a break, Fiona." I grazed her h

ft but full of longing. The world disappeared for a m

to pull away. "Lachlan," she wh

"I know," I whispered back. "

iona..." I said, guiding her inside

e than you can

ose, helped her

ly as we made love right there in th

o my suitcase and handed

she exc

from my heart

lan," she said.

en she heard a sou

cret wouldn't last. Sooner or

ked at her, the glances we exchanged when we thoug

, in those stolen moments, I was winning. In the end,

deep now to pull back... not when everything sh

ing to feel so