I could still feel the warmth of Rebecca as I walked into Whitmore Publishing the next morning the memory of our night together made my heart flutter, as I settled into my desk.
As I opened my laptop, a notification for an email popped up. My stomach did a little flip when I saw it was from Rebecca.
Emma,
I'd like to discuss a new opportunity with you that I believe could significantly impact your future in publishing. Let's meet in my office at 4 p.m. today.
Best,
Rebecca Whitmore
I reread the email, trying to push aside the anxiety bubbling up inside me, this was a professional opportunity something I'd been hoping for since I started my internship but the fact that it came from Rebecca, after everything that had happened between us, made it feel like there was more at stake than just my career
The rest of the day dragged on as I tried to focus on my work the usual office hum, the clatter of keyboards, the muted conversations everything felt distant, overshadowed by the anticipation of our meeting
What could this opportunity be? A permanent position? A major project? And more importantly, how would it affect our relationship?
By 3:45, I couldn't take it anymore I gathered my things and made my way to Rebecca's office the familiar path felt different today, each step heavier with the weight of uncertainty I hesitated at her door before knocking softly
"Come in," her voice called out, and I pushed the door open, my heart pounding
Rebecca looked up from her desk, her eyes meeting mine with that same intensity that always made my breath catch but today, there was something different in her gaze something I couldn't quite place
"Emma, please have a seat," she said, gesturing to the chair across from her
I sat down, my hands resting in my lap to keep them from shaking Rebecca leaned back in her chair, studying me for a moment before she spoke
"I've been really impressed with your work," she began, her tone professional. "You've shown a lot of potential, and I believe you're ready for more responsibility."
A thrill of excitement shot through me this was exactly what I wanted a chance to prove myself beneath the excitement was a knot of anxiety, tightening with every word she said
"This opportunity," she continued, "would involve working closely on several key projects It's a significant step up from your current role, and it could open doors for you in the publishing world but..." She paused, her eyes searching mine. "It also comes with certain challenges."
I nodded, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I understand."
Her gaze softened, and for a moment, the professional mask slipped. "Emma, I need you to understand that this opportunity is based on your talent and hard work, not our relationship whatever happens between us, it doesn't affect this."
The air between us felt thick with unspoken words. I knew she was right, but it didn't make it any easier to hear.
"I trust you," I said quietly, though the words felt heavy on my tongue.
Rebecca nodded, her expression unreadable. "Good I believe in you, Emma, you're talented, and you've earned this opportunity but we need to be mindful."
I swallowed hard, the weight of her words settling in my chest. This was what I wanted a chance to prove myself in the industry I loved but at what cost?
The rest of the meeting passed in a blur Rebecca outlined the details of the projects, the expectations, the deadlines I nodded along, trying to absorb everything, but my mind kept drifting back to the other things left unsaid what would this mean for us? For our relationship?
When the meeting was over, I stood up to leave, my heart still heavy with uncertainty as I reached the door, Rebecca's voice stopped me.
"Emma?"
I turned back, my hand on the doorknob
"I'm here for you," she said softly, her eyes searching mine. "In whatever way you need."
I nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Thank you."
As I walked back to my desk, the weight of the decision ahead of me pressed down harder this was my chance a step forward in my career but it also felt like a step away from Rebecca, or at least from the simplicity of what we had
I sat down and stared at the email still open on my screen, the cursor blinking at me as if waiting for me to decide could I really separate my feelings from my work? Could I navigate this new role without letting it affect what we had?
The rest of the afternoon was a struggle I tried to focus on my tasks, but my thoughts kept circling back to the same question: Was I willing to risk my career or my relationship for this opportunity?
By the time I left the office, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the city streets I walked home in a daze, the weight of the decision pressing down on me with every step
When I finally reached my apartment, I collapsed onto the couch, exhaustion washing over me I replayed the conversation with Rebecca in my mind, trying to make sense of it all
This was my dream an opportunity to prove myself in the publishing world but it was also something more—something that could change everything between us
Could I really do this? Could I work closely with Rebecca and keep things strictly professional? And more importantly, did I even want to?
I didn't have the answers yet; one thing was clear: Whatever I decided, it was going to change everything
YOU ARE READING
The Space Between Us
Romance"If you wanted to feel my touch, you only had to say," her voice was a sultry whisper, her fingers brushing against my heated skin My breath hitched as her lips hovered near her ear, "All this tension, Emma don't pretend you're not drawn to me." Emm...
