39
The office was quieter by late afternoon, the energy shifting into that pre-evening hum where the rush had passed, but the work hadn't quite stopped.
Amanda sat at her desk, deep into organizing the framework for the spring campaign shoot.
Her tablet was open beside her, a document half-filled with notes, schedules, and a growing list of vendor contacts.
Everything was moving.
And for once, she didn't feel like she was just keeping up—she felt like she was leading it.
The buzz of her phone broke the rhythm. She picked it up without glancing.
Ericka: 6:45. Be ready. And wear something comfortable.
Amanda smiled, cheeks warming just slightly.
They hadn't officially named these evenings they shared—these post-work dinners and quiet moments that bled into longer conversations, longer stares. But they kept happening. And Amanda never wanted them to stop.
She responded quickly.
Amanda: Are you saying a cocktail dress wouldn't be appropriate for takeout on the couch?
Ericka: Only if it comes with matching heels and zero complaints when I steal the last spring roll.
Amanda chuckled to herself and shook her head. She finished her notes, saved the project updates, and began shutting down for the day.
At exactly 6:42, she ducked into the restroom to change into black high-waisted jeans, a soft tucked-in tee, and a relaxed blazer—just enough polish to keep things... neutral. Comfortable. Still her.
When she stepped outside, the sleek car was already waiting.
The door opened, and Ericka sat inside, one leg crossed over the other, dressed down in a black long-sleeve shirt and simple slacks, the tiniest smirk curling the edge of her mouth.
"You're early," Amanda said as she climbed in.
"So are you," Ericka replied.
The car pulled away from the curb, melting into city traffic as the skyline burned golden through the window.
They didn't talk for a while. They didn't need to.
The quiet was warm, familiar. Amanda glanced sideways once or twice, catching Ericka mid-thought, her gaze on the city but her mind clearly somewhere else.
"Long day?" Amanda asked softly.
Ericka nodded once. "Just one of those days where everyone wants something and no one knows exactly what."
Amanda tilted her head. "Including you?"
Ericka's eyes flicked toward her. "Especially me."
Amanda didn't push. She reached out, fingers brushing lightly over Ericka's hand resting on her thigh. It was barely a touch, but Ericka didn't move away. She turned her hand over and laced their fingers together instead.
For a long time, they just sat like that.
Not as CEO and assistant.
Not even as two women trying to define something.
Just as two people—trying, feeling, slowly learning how to be in this together.
By the time they arrived at Ericka's apartment, the lights were low, the air soft with quiet music. Amanda kicked off her shoes while Ericka poured two glasses of wine without asking.
They settled into the couch like it was second nature.
Ericka passed her a glass. "To surviving another Monday."
Amanda clinked hers gently. "To building something bigger than one."
They sipped in silence, Amanda curling her legs beneath her as she leaned against the cushion.
Eventually, Ericka looked at her, eyes clear, voice low.
"You're good at this," she said.
Amanda raised a brow. "Sitting on a couch? Drinking wine? I've trained my whole life."
Ericka gave a quiet smile. "No. This. All of this. Work. Pressure. Me." She hesitated. "I'm not easy."
Amanda didn't even blink. "No. But you're worth it."
And just like that—no kiss, no dramatic moment—Ericka reached over and took Amanda's hand again, her thumb brushing slowly against the back of it.
And they just sat there.
One drink.
One night.
One silent promise at a time.
They were getting closer.
Not just to each other.
But to something that felt like the real beginning.
_____________________________
The wine sat half-finished on the table. The soft hum of music played in the background, blending with the faint city sounds beyond the window. Night had folded gently over the apartment, cocooning it in a quiet warmth that made everything outside feel a world away.
Amanda's head rested lightly on Ericka's shoulder now, the kind of closeness that didn't feel bold or risky anymore—it just felt right.
Neither of them spoke for a while. Not because they had nothing to say, but because they didn't need to say anything.
This, whatever this was, didn't ask for performance or definition.
It just... asked for presence.
Amanda smiled faintly as Ericka's fingers idly traced patterns along the inside of her forearm—barely-there movements that somehow said I'm still here. I want you close. Don't move yet.
"You always this quiet after a long day?" Amanda asked softly, breaking the stillness with her voice like a gentle ripple across water.
Ericka tilted her head, her cheek brushing Amanda's hair. "Not usually. But with you... it's easier to be quiet. I don't have to fill the space."
Amanda closed her eyes for a moment. "That's kind of the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."
"I didn't mean it to be nice." Ericka's tone was teasing, but the way her fingers tightened gently around Amanda's hand gave her away.
Amanda turned slightly so she could look up at her. "It still counts."
Ericka looked down at her, something unreadable softening the edges of her face. "You're making it really hard not to fall for you."
Amanda's breath caught. Not because it was dramatic or sudden—but because it was honest. Raw.
She didn't say anything right away. She just shifted so their faces were closer, so Ericka could really see her.
"I'm not in a rush," Amanda whispered. "But if you fall, I'm not walking away. Just so we're clear."
Ericka studied her like she wasn't quite sure how she ended up here—with Amanda, with someone who saw her at her messiest and didn't flinch.
Someone who didn't need her to be perfect.
Someone who stayed.
Then, wordlessly, Ericka leaned in and kissed her—slow and intentional. The kind of kiss that didn't ask for more, didn't push past what was already there. It was just real. Quiet and full of feeling.
When they broke apart, Amanda leaned her forehead against Ericka's and whispered, "You're kind of stuck with me now, huh?"
Ericka smirked. "Somehow, I'm okay with that."
Amanda smiled, settling back into her side.