Christopher began to find reasons to be around Ashley . He also found reasons to touch her in a brotherly or even fatherly way — a squeeze of the hand , a touch on the shoulder , a hug of greeting or farewell .
One day , Christopher was waiting for a cab to the airport as Ashley left the office for the day . “ The airport ’ s on my way home ,” she reminded him . “ I ’ ll give you a ride .” They talked business on the way . At the curb , he looked into her eyes and thanked her warmly .
In the ensuing weeks and months , Christopher and Ashley slowly began to depend upon each other emotionally . They went from telling each other what good friends they were to making their conversation more personal , more meaningful .
At a convention out of town , they found opportunities to be alone together . After a late dinner one night with everyone from their office , Ashley called Christopher ’ s room and said she couldn ’ t sleep . “ I ’ m not tired either ,” he lied .
“ What do you want to do ?”
“ I don ’ t know . Just talk .” her . She slipped her hand around his waist . They walked silently for twenty minutes until they came to a dark spot between streetlights . Christopher slowed to a stop , his emotions racing . When he took her in his arms , they embraced so naturally , so perfectly , that it seemed right . He could feel her heart pounding . “ Dare I kiss you ?” he whispered in her hair .
She held him tighter , as if stalling to decide . “ Your call ,” she said , mimicking his favorite expression to subordinates .
Theirs was one long , soft , meaningful kiss that spoke volumes . They stared into each other ’ s eyes for a slow moment , then headed back to the hotel , his hand gently on her arm . “ This will never work , Ashley . It didn ’ t happen . We should go back to our respective rooms , still just good friends who happen to like each other very much .” Her eyes filled .
He stuck out his hand . She shook it but held on . “ Why do I want to kiss you again , Christopher ? I agree we have to end this , but it seems so incomplete .”
She smiled bravely and headed into the elevator .
“ You wanna go for a walk ?”
They met in the lobby and strolled the deserted city streets . He put his arm around
Christopher stared at the ceiling until four in the morning , dredging up every negative detail of his marriage . In twelve years , he and his wife had become known as a successful
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