Bonding with the CEO

Sometime after our most recent major event, I became aware that things were beginning to change between Amelia and me. Initially, our arrangement amounted to nothing more than an essential pretense, a skillfully crafted deception to deter the vultures. But now I could not ignore the fact that something else was beginning to surface. Something real.

In the quieter times, such as when we were by ourselves in her office going over the specifics of our upcoming public appearance, I noticed that our talk would stray from work and turn to more intimate subjects. Something about the way her gaze remained on mine for a little longer than usual, or the way her laugh felt more real when I joked. I sensed that our bond was strengthening and becoming deeper than I had expected.

One evening, as we sat together in her palatial apartment, going over the guest list for an impending charity gala, this reality hit me hard. Although it was later than I usually remained up, none of us had felt like calling it a night. The room was softly lit by the shimmering city lights outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. With a glass of wine in her hand and her legs tucked under her, Amelia was seated on the couch across from me.

"You know, this has turned out better than I ever could have imagined," she remarked, her voice reflective.

I looked up from the study list I was feigning to work on. "What do you mean?"

"The entire plan," she retorted, pointing ambiguously between us. "I assumed it would be uncomfortable, perhaps even intolerable. However, it hasn't. It's been kind of lovely."

"Nice?" I raised an eyebrow in response. "That's not exactly a glowing review."

Her laughter was pleasant and full-bodied. "All right, perhaps 'lovely' isn't the best word. We've succeeded in making this work better than any of us could have imagined, though, you have to admit."

I acknowledged her accuracy with a nod. Something that had begun as a frantic attempt to solve a challenging issue had inexplicably developed into more. "I guess we make a good team."

Her eyes met mine with such intensity that my heartbeat quickened. "Yes, we do," she said in agreement. We were both reluctant to admit it aloud, yet there was something unsaid between us.

There was a long, pleasant silence that was also tinged with something deeper. I was observing her face, the way her hair draped over her shoulders, and the way her lips fell when she took a sip of wine. Indeed, she was stunning, but it went beyond that. I respected the strength and tenacity she possessed. And behind all of it, a weakness she hardly ever showed to anyone.

Abruptly, she whispered, "Lucas," ending the quiet. "Do you ever wonder what it would be like if this were real?"

I was surprised by her question. Though, to be honest, I had wondered, I was unsure how to react. On multiple occasions. "Yeah, I have," I said, speaking softer than I had intended.

Glancing down at her wine, she stirred the contents in the glass. It's peculiar, isn't it? How could something that was originally false be so real?"

I understood exactly what she meant, so I nodded. "We're not lying, I believe, which is why. We're still who we are; we're simply in a different situation."

With a non-readable expression, she glanced at me. "But what happens when the line between the lie and reality starts to blur?"

To that, I had no response. All I knew was that I felt this connection with her was something I didn't want to lose the more time I spent with her. I was aware, though, that allowing myself to think that way was risky. We made a deal that once our arrangement was no longer needed, we would part ways.

I kept telling myself that I didn't want this to end, but I still couldn't get rid of the feeling.

Amelia put down her drink and got up, approaching the window before I could reply. Her back was to me as she gazed out at the city, and I could tell that her shoulders were tense. I trailed after her, pausing a few steps distant.

"Amelia, what are you worried about?" I murmured.

I could see her reflection in the glass, even though she didn't turn around. "I fear that I'm growing too accustomed to this. alongside you."

I moved in closer, close enough to be able to reach out and touch her if I so desired. "Is that such a bad thing?"

With a sigh, her breath misted the glass before her. "That's when I realize that this cannot go on." When I realize that this will all just be... over when you walk away, sooner or later."

That was it, the terror that had been there for both of us, just beneath the surface. No matter how real it felt at the time, we knew that what we had was fleeting. I was at a loss for words when I wanted to tell her that things didn't have to be that way and that we could make this work beyond the parameters of our contract. I reached out and put my hand on her shoulder instead.

"Amelia, I I I i" She abruptly turned around, interrupting me as I started.

She spoke the word "don't," in a hardly audible voice. "Say nothing until you mean it. There's no turning back if you do it."

With our gazes fixed on each other, I could sense the vulnerability and fear of further hurt in her eyes. I wanted to tell her that I would not hurt her and that I was open to exploring the possibilities, but I was aware that there was a danger involved in making such a commitment. Furthermore, it wasn't equitable for either of us if I wasn't positive.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to think of the perfect words. "I don't want to commit to any commitments that I can't fulfill, Amelia. I don't want to act as though what I'm experiencing isn't real, though. It means something to me that we have this connection. I believe it holds significance for you as well."

I thought for a split second that she was going to pull away when she closed her eyes. However, upon opening them once more, I could tell by the expression on her face that she shared my fear. She acknowledged, her voice quivering a little, "It does mean something." "But Lucas, I'm scared." I'm afraid of what will happen if we allow things to go out of control and then collapse."

I put my hand back on her shoulder and murmured, "I know." "But maybe we should stop worrying about what might happen and just focus on what we have right now."

Her gaze shifted to me as she searched my eyes for comfort. "And what is it that we have, Lucas?"

Saying it out felt like stepping over a line we couldn't unstep over, which is why I hesitated, not because I didn't know the answer. I knew, though, that I couldn't continue to suppress my feelings as I stood there with her so close.

Finally, I said, "We have something real." Something that was once a lie but developed into something more. It's real, Amelia, even though it could be frightening and complex at times. And in my opinion, that's worthwhile."

She simply stared at me for a considerable amount of time, as if unsure of whether to believe me. Then, very slowly, she reached up and covered my hand, giving me a gentle squeeze. "I believe it holds value as well," she murmured.

The weight of what we had just recognized hung between us as we stood there in silence. Something had changed, no matter what happened next, because I could feel the warmth of her touch and the steadiness of her stare. Our relationship had evolved beyond a simple gesture. It was real, and every day it was becoming more powerful.

I couldn't help but worry about where this would lead us as we eventually started to separate, and I got ready to go. There were still a lot of barriers in our path, and the future was unclear. I felt like we had a shot, though, for the first time since this whole thing started. An actual opportunity at something beyond a business deal.

And all that night, as I was leaving her place, I kept imagining what that something more may look like.