Unprecedented Passion

Smoothing down a wayward strand of her auburn hair, Evelyn Hartman looked in the office restroom mirror at herself. She tucked in her blazer to make sure her appearance matched her work ethic. Her pride as Gabriel Torres' executive assistant was professionalism. But today she had a strange thrill of anticipation. Evelyn has always kept her personal and work lives quite apart. Every lady in the office had conjectured about Gabriel's personal life because he was mysterious and seductive. By contrast, Evelyn had deliberately tried to act in a very professional manner when around him. She could never ignore the spark she got whenever he was around, though. Once back at her workstation, Evelyn saw an email alert. Gabriel had written it. Evelyn, kindly come to my office. Something has to be discussed with you. And Gabriel." A beat went out of her heart. Possibility of what? She had worked very hard to make sure nothing was overlooked. Breathing deeply, she got her notepad and pen and went to Gabriel's office. She knocked and his deep voice said, "Come in." Entering, Evelyn looked up at Gabriel's fixed stare. He was sat behind his big mahogany desk, his face unreadable. Perfectly framing him was the metropolitan skyline, the late afternoon sun bathing his form in a golden glow. Her voice firm in spite of her pounding heart, she said, "You wanted to see me, Mr. Torres?" Actually, Evelyn. Kindly have a seat," he replied, pointing to the chair across from him. "I need your aid for a new project that I have coming up. It's a big one, and you have my unqualified trust. Trying to hide her amazement, Evelyn nodded. Before his initiatives were nearing completion, Gabriel hardly ever disclosed specifics. A rare confidence vote, this one was. "Obviously. About what is the project? Leaning back, Gabriel never took his eyes off of her. "There is an international company involved in this cooperation. It calls both a great deal of coordination and judgment. I need the logistics and communications handled by you." The ramifications whirled through Evelyn's head. Though she was thrilled, the strain was tremendous because this was a great duty. "I get that. I'm going to get right on it." A little smile curled Gabriel's lips. "I knew Evelyn I could rely on you." Evelyn had the uneasy impression as she left his office that Gabriel was hiding something about this endeavor. She was committed to demonstrating her worthiness of his confidence. Evelyn got a text from her best friend Claire later that evening as she was relaxing after a demanding day. Gloss and wine night? About your enigmatic employer, I need specifics." Evelyn laughed, then typed back, "I'll be over in thirty." Taking her belongings, Evelyn unintentionally texted Gabriel instead of Claire, saying, "Can't wait to dish about my hot boss tonight." It was a cold blooded realization of her error. Once panic struck, she texted back right away, "Sorry! That was intended just for my buddy. Ignore me please. Waiting for his answer seemed like hours, not minutes. She checked her phone grudgingly when it chimed. Recorded. We ought to talk, though. I'll be over at your apartment in an hour. Heartbeat hammered in Evelyn. He was coming over for what reason? This lacked professionalism in the extreme. The next hour she nervously cleaned her flat, her head buzzing with ideas. Evelyn inhaled deeply when the doorbell did ring at last and opened it. She had never seen Gabriel appear more laid back than he did standing there. His dark shirt and jeans in place of his customary suit and tie made him even more incredibly attractive. In a lower-than-normal voice, he inquired, "Can I come in?" Then Evelyn said, "Of course," moving aside. Entering, Gabriel took in the comfortable, well-furnished area. Good location, he said. Many thanks. To the words, then..." Gabriel raised a hand as Evelyn began. Not that explanation is necessary. I came here to try to figure out why you believed it necessary to conceal such ideas from me." Catch off guard, Evelyn blinked. "Explain that?" Putting a hand through his hair, Gabriel groaned. "Evelyn, your professionalism has always impressed me. I have, yet, also sensed a connection with you. Though maybe we both need to be honest about our feelings, I didn't want to violate any boundaries." Evelyn was thinking his comments through under a thick layer of anxiety. Saying that you feel the same way, are you? Stepping up, Gabriel looked into her eyes. Actually, Evelyn. Though it's getting harder, I've tried to remain professional. It was time to take care of things, I knew when I saw your SMS tonight." Heart rate rose in Evelyn. He was acknowledging that he felt the same way, the man she had adored from a distance who appeared so untouchable. Gabriel, this has long been my feeling. I didn't want to endanger our professional relationship, though. Her spine shivered as Gabriel took her hand. "Perhaps it's time we explore this outside of work. Thoughts? Evelyn grins, exhilaration and relief mixed together. "I believe we ought." Heartfelt talks and laughing flitted by all evening. They discussed their future goals and anxieties as well as their dreams. Gabriel exposed to Evelyn aspects of himself she had never seen, a vulnerability that exacerbated her slide. Gabriel stared at Evelyn with such passion as the night grew late that her heart raced. This evening is too good to end, Evelyn. Her voice quivering with expectation, she said, "Neither do I." Gabriel leaned in and planted a kiss that seemed to be the result of all their whispered words and unfulfilled wishes. It was gentle yet bursting with a passion that stopped them both in their tracks. Evelyn's heart hammered and her cheeks reddened as they at last drew away. How now? Warmth beaming in his eyes, Gabriel grinned. Now we approach it one step at a time. But Evelyn, I swear that we will deal with whatever comes up together." To Evelyn, the words were like balm. She felt really recognized and loved for the first time in a very long time. Evelyn could not help but sense that this was merely the start of a lovely, if unexpected, adventure as they sat together, hands entwined. Their bond grew in the days that followed, in work and outside of it. Being aware of the professional limits they still had to uphold, they managed their newfound relationship with caution. But each sidelong glance and covert grin strengthened their relationship. Working late on the new project one evening, Gabriel glanced up from his laptop. About this relationship, Evelyn, I have something to tell you. Evelyn was curious now. It is what? Gabriel hesitated and then inhaled deeply. Our international partner is headed by a former colleague of mine. Someone I never expected to run across again." A beat went out of Evelyn's heart. "Whose?" She goes by Isabella. We had a disastrous end to our engagement. I haven't seen her in years, and until now, I had no idea she was involved." Though it lingered, Evelyn forced the jealousy away. Do any aspects of the project change as a result? Gabriel threw back his head. Professionally speaking, no. However, as there could be some complexities, I wanted you to know. Between us, I want no secrets." Though she was experiencing a range of emotions, Evelyn valued his candor. Kindly let me know. Anyway it comes, we'll manage it." That smile of Gabriel was comforting. Cooperatively. Evelyn couldn't get rid of her suspicion that this discovery was only the beginning as they carried on working. She knew they would tackle obstacles together, though, and she trusted Gabriel. She had no idea that their trip would take even more surprising detours that would try their relationship in ways neither of them could have predicted. They had each other for now, though, and that was sufficient. Talks in whispers and dreams exchanged filled the night as it went on. Evelyn understood that she had been lacking this connection—a love that offered both passion and partnership—as she lay in Gabriel's arms. She gave herself permission to completely enjoy the possibilities for the first time, knowing that she and Gabriel were in this together, whatever was ahead. And that added up to everything.