“Knock-knock!” The man standing in her doorway had tousled hair, a crooked grin, and twinkling eyes that she knew well. “Tony!” Ash jumped up from her desk, pulled him into her office, and closed the door. “You’re here! It’s so good to see you!” She wrapped her arms around him for a hug, but he stiffened in surprise, and she felt something firm poking against her hip. “What’s…?” She looked down and grinned. “Oh! Well, hel...

Ash wasn’t surprised when Tony texted the next day asking if she wanted to get lunch again. They’d had a very nice time together. He paid for her food with his per diem. They chatted about college. He gave her a polite hug, the kind you’d give to an old friend you were just seeing briefly while you were in town. He said goodbye as if he wouldn’t see her again anytime soon. She smiled, kissed him on the cheek, and didn’t b...

When Tony arrived at her office the next day, she was stuck on a never-ending phone call. She waved him into the room, motioning for him to shut the door, and making a “won’t stop talking” gesture at the phone. He nodded knowingly and wandered over to the couch. “Okay, Linda, I’ve gotta wrap this up. I’ve got… Yes… Uh-huh.” Linda was the HR rep in the Springfield office. She was a very nice person, and great at her job, b...

Ash had been up late with a confusing mix of thoughts. On the one hand, there was the kiss. They’d never kissed like that before. There had been a few experimental kisses back in college, while they were still exploring their boundaries. But those never had the heat or the passion they’d shared yesterday. What did it mean? Was she catching feelings? Was he? How would happen when he flew home after this week? Was this stil...

The morning seemed to drag on forever. Meeting after meeting after meeting. Ash kept checking the clock, astonished at how slowly time was passing. She was restless and distracted, and all she could think about was how long she had to wait until lunch. Finally, shortly before noon, Tony texted: “On my way!” She responded with a biting lip emoji and went back to pretending to listen as the other department heads droned on....