The usually low fan was now buzzing prominently, and no one spoke.

My business partner has just revealed that his affection for me extended past the workplace.

“Why must men ruin everything?” I thought. Just when I felt safe to let my guard down, I realized he had been studying me this whole time under different pretenses.

Was this his motive all along?

Do his emotions for me undermine his respect for my work?

I began to reflect on our late-night brainstorming sessions and early team bonding activities and began to wonder if I had given off any mixed signals.

After all, wasn’t long hours and cold pizza typical for a startup culture?

I had no idea he had been romanticizing our time together, and I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed as I mustered enough strength to crack a smile and speak.

“Aww, I’m flattered,” I said, hoping to mask my discomfort.

His face dropped, and I immediately felt guilty. Scrambling for more words to ease the blow, I continued:

“I would just prefer to keep our relationship purely focused on work.”

His face softened, and he seemed pleased with that explanation, but the damage was done.

How could I continue to work with someone who has a crush on me? Would things be awkward between us forever?