You had one rule: no dating coworkers.

It kept things clean, simple, safe. You repeated it to yourself every time Olivia smiled that slow, knowing smile… every time Alex looked at you over her glasses like she already knew what you were thinking.

They were hot—painfully hot. But it wasn’t just that. They were kind. Thoughtful. The kind of people who remembered how you liked your coffee, who defended you in meetings without making a show of it. The kind who walked you to your car after late shifts, just to be sure.

You told yourself it was nothing. Just coworkers. Just friends.

But then Alex touched your shoulder one night, just lightly. Olivia laughed at something you said, too closely, her eyes lingering just a little too long.

And for a moment, your rule wavered.

Damn it.

You weren’t going to break it… …but they were making it really, really hard.