Chapter 2: You're not the only one with feelings

Violet's hand trembled as she opened the door, her straightforward nature wrestling with the pity she felt for her ex-boyfriend. The familiar scent of her lavender hand cream mingled with the crisp autumn air as she gripped the doorknob. Chad's eager smile greeted her, a bouquet of roses thrust forward like a peace offering.

"Hey, Vi," he said, stepping inside uninvited. "I've missed you."

The flowers' cloying scent made Violet's head spin. Or was it the lingering memory of Eve's subtle perfume? She unconsciously touched the collar of her blouse, remembering how Eve's scent had clung to it after their strategy session for a whole afternoon.

"Chad, this isn't a good time," she began firmly, but he was already making himself at home on her couch.

As Chad launched into his rehearsed speech, Violet's mind drifted. She saw Eve's enigmatic gaze across the conference table, felt the ghost of her professional touch on her arm as they pored over quarterly reports.

"Are you even listening?" Chad's voice cut through her reverie, sharp with frustration.

Violet straightened her shoulders, her natural forthrightness taking over. "I'm sorry, Chad, but we're over. For good. You need to leave."

After a tense moment, Chad left, slamming the door behind him. Violet leaned against it, heart racing, feeling both liberated and guilty for the pity that had allowed this situation to continue for so long.

The next morning, Violet arrived at the office early. She found Eve already there, silhouetted against the floor-to-ceiling windows, the early morning light casting a golden halo around her.

"Good morning," Eve said, turning to look at Violet. Her eyes betrayed a flash of something more than professional interest before she quickly composed herself. "Ready for our dinner meeting tonight?"

Violet nodded, trying to keep her eagerness in check. "Yes, absolutely."

Throughout the day, Eve found herself increasingly distracted by Violet's presence. The brush of Violet's arm as they leaned over a report sent an unexpected thrill through her. Eve caught herself staring at Violet's lips during a conference call and quickly averted her gaze, her conservative upbringing warring with her growing attraction.

Evening arrived, and they found themselves at a small, intimate restaurant. As they settled into their booth, Eve's knee accidentally brushed against Violet's under the table. The contact sent a jolt through both of them. Eve didn't pull away immediately, relishing the touch for a moment before her ingrained caution reasserted itself.

"So," Eve began, her voice slightly husky before she cleared her throat, "let's talk about the layoffs."

For the next hour, Eve explained the company's situation, her voice filled with compassion as she detailed the comprehensive plan she'd developed. "We're not just cutting them loose," Eve said, leaning forward earnestly. "I've negotiated partnerships with three other companies in the industry. They've agreed to fast-track interviews for our affected employees."

Violet listened, impressed by Eve's thoroughness and genuine concern for the staff.

"Additionally," Eve continued, "we're offering a severance package that goes beyond industry standards. Six months' salary, extended health benefits, and..." She paused, a hint of pride in her voice, "I've set up a team to help with life transitions. They'll assist with everything from updating resumes to applying for unemployment benefits or retraining programs."

"That's... incredibly thoughtful," Violet said softly, reaching out to touch Eve's hand. "You really care about these people."

The moment their fingers met, a spark ignited between them. They both froze, eyes locked. Eve felt herself drawn in by Violet's warmth, her fingers unconsciously intertwining with Violet's. For a breathless moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it would be like to give in to these feelings.

Then reality crashed back. Eve pulled her hand away, fear and confusion warring in her eyes. "We can't," she whispered, more to herself than to Violet.

Just then, a commotion at the restaurant entrance broke the spell. Chad stumbled in, clearly drunk.

"Vi!" he slurred, spotting her. "So this is your 'focusing on yourself'?"

Eve stood, placing herself protectively between Violet and Chad, her professional mask firmly in place. Yet her hand reached back, briefly squeezing Violet's shoulder in a gesture that was anything but professional.

As Chad was escorted out, Violet turned to Eve, hope shining in her eyes. Eve felt her resolve wavering under that gaze.

"I think," Eve said, her voice trembling slightly, "we should keep our relationship strictly professional." Even as she said it, her eyes betrayed her true feelings, lingering on Violet's lips before she forcibly looked away.

As they left the restaurant, Eve maintained a careful distance between them, even as every fiber of her being longed to close that gap. She caught herself reaching for Violet's hand, then quickly shoved her own hands into her pockets.

"Goodnight, Violet," Eve said, her voice a mix of longing and regret. She turned to leave, then paused, looking back at Violet with an expression of such raw emotion that it took Violet's breath away. For a moment, it seemed Eve might say more, might give in to the attraction crackling between them.

Instead, she simply nodded and walked away, her steps hurried as if she was fleeing temptation. Violet watched her go, hope and frustration warring within her. She had seen the desire in Eve's eyes, felt it in her touch. Eve's conservative background might be a barrier, but Violet's characteristic determination kicked in. She would respect Eve's boundaries, but she wouldn't give up hope.

As Violet turned to walk home, her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number: "I know your secret. Meet me tomorrow, or your precious Eve finds out everything."

Violet's blood ran cold. The battle wasn't over; it had only just begun, and the stakes were higher than she could have imagined.