Their sessions became routine. Each meeting brought them closer, their professional boundaries blurring with every shared laugh and lingering glance.
One evening, after an especially heated discussion about character arcs, James leaned back and studied her. "You're passionate when you argue. I like that."
"Do you always flirt with your clients?" she shot back, though her voice betrayed her nerves.
"Only the ones who fascinate me," he said simply.
The silence between them was electric. Lily's heart pounded as James stood, crossing the room until he was inches away.
"This feels... complicated," she murmured, though her body swayed toward him.
"Good things usually are," he replied, his hand brushing her cheek.
Before she could talk herself out of it, she closed the distance, her lips meeting his. The kiss was slow at first, a tentative exploration, but it quickly deepened, fueled by weeks of pent-up tension.
When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless.
"This changes things," she whispered.
"Everything," he agreed, his voice rough.