Yours, Always....

Chapter 5:-Unspoken Longing

The evening was calm, and Emily had invited Daniel to her flat for dinner. She'd been thinking about him more than she liked to admit, and the idea of spending time together outside their usual therapy sessions had felt both exciting and nerve-wracking. She had no idea how he felt, but she couldn't deny the growing warmth she felt whenever he was near.As she set the table, she tried to steady her nerves. It was a simple meal—spaghetti—but she hoped it would feel special somehow. The candles flickered gently, casting a soft glow over the room. It all felt so personal, more intimate than she'd ever let it be before.When the knock came at the door, her heart jumped a little. She hurried to open it, and there was Daniel, standing with a smile, holding a bottle of wine."I hope this is okay," he said, his voice easy and warm.Emily smiled, her heart fluttering at the sight of him. "It's perfect. Come on in."As they sat down to eat, Emily felt a strange mix of excitement and anxiety. She wanted to tell him how she felt, but the words just wouldn't come. Instead, they talked about small things—work, how Daniel was feeling, and the usual light conversation. But underneath it all, her thoughts were swirling, much deeper than the surface chat."Every time I look at you, I wonder... do you feel the same? Do you see me as more than just your therapist?" Emily thought, stealing a glance at Daniel. He smiled at her, and for a moment, her heart ached. "If only I could tell you... how much you mean to me."As the meal went on, she found herself imagining what it would be like to truly be with him—to hold his hand, to wake up beside him, to be someone more than just the woman helping him recover. She had fallen for him, and it was impossible to hide that from herself anymore.After dinner, they moved to the couch, sitting side by side, but not too close. She poured them each a glass of wine, hoping it would help ease the tension she was feeling. The air between them felt warm, and as Daniel leaned back, relaxing into the soft cushions, Emily couldn't help but imagine herself leaning into him, resting her head on his shoulder."If only you knew how badly I want to tell you... how I've fallen for you." She sighed quietly, swirling the wine in her glass. Her heart was racing, and she wondered if he could tell. "You're so close, and yet so far. I can't say it. Not yet. Not while you're still searching for who you are."Daniel turned to her, breaking into her thoughts. "This is nice, Emily. I'm really glad you invited me. It's been a long time since I've felt... relaxed like this."Emily smiled, trying to keep her feelings in check. "I'm glad. I wanted us to spend time together, outside the office. It feels... different, doesn't it?""Yeah," Daniel agreed, his voice soft. "Different, but good."As they sipped their wine, the silence between them was comfortable, but Emily's heart was anything but. She wanted to lean over and kiss him, to close the distance between them, but the fear of ruining everything held her back. Instead, she kept her thoughts to herself, though they were louder than ever."You have no idea what you do to me, Daniel. I want to be the one who makes you smile. I want to be the one you lean on, not just as your therapist, but as someone who loves you."Daniel looked over at her, his eyes soft and warm. "You've really done a lot for me, Emily. I don't know what I'd do without you."Emily's heart ached at his words. She knew he meant them sincerely, but she couldn't help but wish he'd say them in a different way. "I wish you knew how much I care about you, how much I want to be more than just the woman helping you piece your life back together.""I'm just happy to help," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. "But I want to do more than that. I want to be the one who stays by your side, through it all."As the evening went on, the closeness between them felt stronger, but Emily still couldn't bring herself to say what was in her heart. She laughed at his jokes, smiled at his stories, but inside, she was aching to tell him everything. "Why can't I just say it? Why is it so hard to tell you how I feel?"At one point, Daniel sighed softly. "You're a good person, Emily. I don't think I say it enough, but I'm really thankful for you."Her heart clenched at his words. "I want to be more than that. I want to be the person you think about at night, the one you can't wait to see."Emily looked at him, her chest tightening with the weight of her unspoken feelings. "I'm happy I can be here for you, Daniel. I really am."Their eyes met for a moment, and Emily thought she saw something in his gaze—a flicker of something deeper, something that mirrored her own feelings. But she couldn't be sure, and the fear of losing what they had kept her silent.As the night came to an end, Daniel stood up to leave. Emily walked him to the door, her heart heavy. She didn't want him to go, but she couldn't find the words to ask him to stay. Not yet."Thanks for tonight, Emily," Daniel said, smiling softly. "It was really nice."Emily nodded, forcing a smile. "I'm glad you came. Maybe we can do this again sometime?""I'd like that," he replied, his voice warm.As he stepped out into the night, Emily closed the door behind him and leaned against it, her heart heavy with everything she hadn't said. "I've fallen in love with you, Daniel. But I'm too scared to tell you. Maybe one day I'll find the courage. But not tonight."