**
The morning after the storm, Ava Collins sat at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen. Sleep had eluded her, replaced by the memory of Liam Kingsley's kiss—the warmth, the truth, the danger of it all. Every rational part of her urged her to put an end to this before it spiraled further. Yet her heart… her heart had already taken a different direction.
When Liam arrived, he was unusually quiet. His usual confidence seemed overshadowed by something softer—perhaps hesitation or guilt. But when their eyes met, they could no longer pretend. There was something real between them now.
Later that day, he called her into his office, the door closing softly behind her. "Ava," he began, his voice low, "I need to be honest about what's going on."
She swallowed hard. "So do I."
They stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity, the air heavy with unspoken emotions. Finally, she broke it. "This… whatever this is, can't affect our work. People will talk. It could ruin us both."
Liam nodded slowly. "You're right. But pretending I don't care about you is becoming impossible."
Her breath caught; she hadn't expected him to say that—not Liam, who was known for his discipline and control.
He stepped closer this time, careful not to touch her. "I've built my career on rules and distance. But you—" his voice softened, "—you've made me forget how to maintain that distance."
For a moment, she couldn't move. His words touched a vulnerable part of her heart she hadn't realized existed. She wanted to tell him she felt the same and that she was scared too. But before she could speak, his phone rang, shattering the fragile peace.
Liam sighed and stepped back. "We'll talk later."
Ava nodded and forced a small smile as she left his office. Yet deep down, she knew something had already shifted.
That night alone in her apartment, she sat by the window watching the rain return. Pressing a hand to her chest, she whispered to herself, "What am I doing?"
The next morning brought a familiar world outside, but Ava was changed. She had made a silent promise—to protect both her heart and her secret.
Because what had begun as one stolen kiss was rapidly evolving into something that would be impossible to hide much longer.
Something that would change both of their lives forever.