The Space Between Us

The Game of Boundaries

The next few days at work were a test of my composure, every time I crossed paths with Rebecca—something in the air between us felt charged, a quiet hum that no one else seemed to notice It didn't help that she seemed to find every excuse to be near me

I wasn't sure what she was trying to accomplish were these small interactions calculated, or was I overthinking things? Each time she smiled at me, or her hand briefly brushed against mine when passing documents, it felt intentional, or maybe that was just wishful thinking on my part It didn't help that she had asked me to call her Rebecca in private, making the boundary between boss and intern feel thin, fragile even

Every morning, I would arrive at the office with the hope that today would be different, that I'd get through the day without thinking about her, without feeling that pull toward her every time she entered the room, yet it never worked, she was there, always in the back of my mind, no matter how much I tried to focus on my tasks

One morning, I was going over a stack of documents in the break room, when I felt her presence behind me, my breath hitched, and I turned to see her standing in the doorway, a mug of coffee in her hand

"Good morning, Emma," she greeted, her tone casual, but her eyes lingered on me just a little too long.

"Good morning, Ms.—I mean, Rebecca," I replied, feeling the familiar flush of warmth spread across my cheeks I quickly turned back to the documents, pretending to be engrossed in my work.

She walked closer, and I could feel the tension rise with each step, she leaned against the counter beside me, her presence overwhelming in the small space. "Busy morning?" she asked, taking a sip from her mug

"Yes, just catching up on some reports," I answered, keeping my eyes firmly on the papers in front of me, even though I could feel her gaze on the side of my face.

"Hmm," she hummed thoughtfully, setting her mug down. "You know, you've been doing an excellent job, Emma. I've heard nothing but praise for your work."

"Thank you," I said, trying to keep my tone even, compliments from her always carried more weight, like they meant something more than just acknowledgment of a job well done

She paused for a moment, and I could sense she was about to say something else, but instead, she just smiled and walked out of the break room, leaving me standing there, feeling the weight of her absence as much as her presence. What was she doing to me?

The rest of the day went by of meetings and deadlines I tried to focus on work, but Rebecca was a constant distraction, every time I passed by her office, I found myself glancing inside, hoping for a glimpse of her It was ridiculous, really. I was supposed to be a professional, and yet here I was, acting like some lovesick teenager

At the end of the day, as I gathered my things to leave, I heard my phone ping with an email notification I glanced at the screen and felt my breath catch in my throat when I saw the name: Ms. Whitmore, I opened the email, and my pulse quickened as I read the message:

"Emma, would you mind staying a bit late tomorrow evening? I have a project that requires your attention, let me know if that works for you. Best, Ms. Whitmore."

My heart raced as I read the words over again, she wanted me to stay late? Alone with her in the office? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, what could she possibly need my help with that couldn't wait until regular working hours?

I replied quickly, trying to sound professional, even though my mind was racing with possibilities. "Of course, Ms. Whitmore. I'll be happy to help with the project. See you tomorrow evening."

The next day felt like it dragged on forever, I couldn't concentrate on anything, my mind constantly wandering back to what might happen when everyone else had left for the day, yet the time the office began to empty out, I was a bundle of nerves