Things got complicated between Kasie and Jake, following that afterhours talk in the office. They had shared a vulnerability, an almost-confession, that left each of them more aware of the other in a way that felt intense—and a little dangerous. Kasie found herself glancing at him during meetings, her gaze lingering a moment too long as she caught herself wondering what he was thinking. On the other hand, Jake appeared to be more supportive, attentive, making the extra effort that she should have all the material she needed to succeed in the projects that they worked on together.
However, given all the underlying animosity between them, each of them refused to take the next step. Instead, they danced around each other, circling closer and closer, their conversations filled with teasing and hidden glances, each testing the waters of this new, uncertain connection.
One evening, as the office buzzed with post-meeting chatter, Jake and Kasie ended up walking out together. The autumn air was crisp, the city lights casting a warm glow over the quiet street as they strolled toward the nearby coffee shop—a familiar, unspoken tradition they had started recently. But tonight, Jake seemed different. He was more reserved, thoughtful as if he wanted to tell something but he couldn't.
"Long day, huh? he finally said, his voice casual but his gaze intense as he looked over at her.
Kasie laughed softly, hugging her jacket closer. "Tell me about it. These deadlines are brutal."
They arrived at the coffee shop and, stepping inside to the comfortable warmth and soft murmur of intimate chatter. As they waited for their drinks, Kasie looked over, feeling that familiar spark of curiosity. "So, what's up with you tonight? You seem... off."
Jake locked his eyes on hers, his gaze serious enough to make her heart race. "Kasie, can I ask you something? And feel free to tell me to back off if I'm crossing any lines.
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Alright, shoot."
He took a breath, gathering his thoughts. Do you ever feel like. [we are] just finding reasons to stay around each other? I mean, this isn't just work anymore, is it?"
His question hung in the air, a challenge that dared her to confront what they'd both been feeling but avoiding. Kasie's heart quickened as she scanned his countenance and noticed only sincerity in his features. He wasn't teasing her, wasn't playing games. He was giving her a choice.
"Jake..." she began, her voice wavering. She tried to brush it aside, to laugh it off, minimize the stress, make life as easy as she could get it. But that didn't feel right anymore. Not with him. "Maybe. maybe it's more complicated than I thought it would be.
They stood in silence for a moment, their drinks forgotten on the counter as they grappled with the truth they'd been trying to ignore.
At last, Jake uttered the sound of a low murmur. "Look, Kasie, I don't want to complicate things if you're not ready. But I think we can both agree that it"s not going to just disappear.
Kasie looked down, biting her lip. Some of her did want to say to him, "Stop,–to allow her to maintain the respectful distance, which to her, meant staying protected within the confines of professionalism. However, there was some part of her, the part that still lived in the memories of their Parisian evenings and how he used to look at her in those still hours, that felt the urge to make a risk.
"Maybe you're right," she said quietly, meeting his gaze. "But maybe I'm not ready to figure out what it means. Not yet."
Jake nodded, his face softening. "Fair enough. We'll take it slow. He gave her a warm smile, his usual teasing tone returning as he added, "But if you ever decide you're ready to face the facts, let me know.
Kasie sighed, and laughed, even though a tenderness in her heart couldn't be denied. Maybe Jake was right. Maybe this was something worth risking. However, for now, she was happy to let the suspense continue, enjoying every electric minute and every lingering stare, knowing that at some point, they'd have to address whatever it was that had been ripening between them.
Walking back to their own apartments, Kasie got a tingle of exhilaration. She was afraid of what lay in between them, of becoming close to another person. However, for the first time, she was open to the idea that maybe—just maybe—Jake was worth the risk.