"Goodnight J."
"Night Ames."
Amy shuts her door and I walk down the softly-lit hotel hallway back to my room.
Amy and I have been coworkers for almost two years. We are on different teams, but my boss and her boss have know each other since forever and climbed up the ranks together; as a result, we end up on a lot of the same projects. We like to joke that we are our respective boss's right-hand man and woman. We have developed a great working relationship, over many long brainstorming sessions and even longer coffee breaks. Last month, we were told we would be going on our first work trip together to secure an important client. So here we are.
As I am walking away my mind wanders back to Amy and what I am missing on the other side of that door. She must be taking of her shirt now. I wonder what her breasts look like. Does she go to sleep naked? Does she think of someone when she's lying in bed?
I rush back to my room.
The next day, we work hard and get a lot done. We make a great team; our bosses will be happy. It's a pleasure to spend so much time together. Sometimes I think I catch her staring at me. Or is it me staring at her? Either way, she's cute. Every so often she gives me a wry little smile. The day goes past in a breeze.
Once again, after dinner I walk her back to her hotel room. I imagine we're a new couple on a weekend getaway.
"Good work today J."
"Back atcha, partner."
"Well, goodnight."
Amy leans forward and gives me a peck on the cheek.
Before I can think of what to do, I hear the click of the door closing in front of me.
"...goodnight", I stutter, to the empty hallway.
The following day is one of heavy strategizing. I am determined not to be caught off guard again when the goodnight moment comes. Amy notices I am absent-minded. This time, the day drags on.
Naturally, by the time my moment finally comes, I have completely overthought it; before she can even open her mouth, I blurt out "Wellgoodnightthen!" and clumsily bend forward to kiss her on the cheek. She is somewhat taken aback by my enthusiasm. I think I've blown it. Then, as she collects herself, a knowing grin breaks out on her face.
"Goodnight then." She moves a step closer and plants the gentlest of kisses full on my lips.