I throw my notebook on the conference table.

“That case was mine!” I practically grumble.

It’s not like me to throw a temper tantrum at work, but I’ve been an attorney for 9 years now and partner is just cases away, I can feel it.

“You just don’t have what I have.” Seth says with a smirk on his face.

“And what’s that, an STD?” I snark, feeling equally embarrassed and proud at my comeback.

I can tell Seth wants to smile. I’ve been studying his face for three years now. The tension between us is always sexual, so I stay clear. Because rule number one, you shouldn’t mix work with pleasure.

“Charm.” He says.

I roll my eyes and step up towards him,

“If you are the reason I don’t make partner this year, I will…” I stumble trying to think of something clever but non threatening. I do work at a law firm after all. He must catch me stalling because I look at him and he steps closer towards me.

“You’ll what?” He’s in my bubble now. My quiet, rule-following bubble.

I go to pick up my notebook behind him but he thinks I’m making a move and he kisses me. His lips are soft, cool, and taste like spearmint gum. Our kiss doesn’t last long before he takes a step back, noticing my hand on my notebook.

He realizes what I went in for, and it wasn’t him. I haven’t thought about kissing him for three years, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.

Before I can say anything our boss and some colleagues come into the conference room for our mid-morning meeting.

Seth takes a seat and I do the same.