As they both had much to lose, they actively worked to compartmentalize their feelings and desires in such a way that allowed them to coexist in a fashion that did not overly disrupt their individual lives.
They chatted on a variety of social media platforms regularly, both trying to keep their eyes focused on work and what was in front of them. They both were committed to remain close, but also worked hard to keep the arm-length distance that they had both agreed to.
And so it was for a time where life for each of them went back to normal. However, neither of them was willing to let go of what they shared, but also the were both committed to keeping their "real" everyday lives intact as well. He kept tabs on her through her social media as she played golf, hiked, camped, skied and a myriad of other activities she did to fully embrace her life. She made sure that she checked in with him just enough to make sure he was fully aware that she was doing the same, she knew his regular movements and the fun things he was doing in his life as well.
They had both effectively insulated their time together in as healthy a way as possible for almost a year when she got a text from him advising her that he would be attending a conference held in her city and if she could meet him for dinner. She immediately started texting him a negative response when another text from him hit and noted that he "got her some local wine."
As fate seemed to intervene, it looked as if she was going to be alone that week as her significant other was going to be out of town for work and so she agreed to have dinner with him. She selected a quaint little restaurant, far away from the hotel he was staying at, but known for its fantastic food. The night of their meeting finally arrived, and she dressed in a pair of form fitting jeans and a blue blouse that she knew made her look ravishing. She was dressed casually but knew that she looked amazing and figured she was going to ensure that he at least got to remember what he was able to sample, just that one time.
He was already parked in the dirt parking lot when she pulled up and he quickly stepped out of his truck to greet her. He opened her door, and they embraced warmly, perhaps taking a few seconds longer then would be comfortable for people who had not once experienced the charms and offerings of each other, and he secretly hoped that she would once again take his hand and show him the places on her that it should go. His moment of fantasy passed and while he was disappointed to not have her engage. However, he was extremely pleased to be enjoying her embrace and honestly he was simply thrilled to be in her company once again. She led him from the dirt parking lot into the restaurant and then back to a quick table in the back corner.
They sat down and quickly fell into their respective motions, talking about work, life and all that had happened since the last time they had been together and before they knew it 3 hours had passed, and they had enjoyed a wonderful evening. As they stood to depart, he told her he had a bottle of wine for her in the truck. She smiled at that and took his arm as they walked out together. As it does, night had fallen while they were enjoying their time together and so she walked close to him noting that she needed to stay warm.
They arrived at the truck, and he opened the door and he handed her the bottle he had selected, at the recommendation of a friend. She opened her door and set it in the back and as she closed the door she felt him wrap his arms around her waist, inhaling her scent deeply and telling her that he just needed to feel her for a minute.
She grabbed his arms and pushed back into his body, feeling his warm and tender embrace. As she reached up to move her hair away from the side his face was on, she felt his lips lightly brush her neck and he apologized as he told her that he had missed her so badly.
With her left hand, she reached up around his head and closed her eyes as she felt him continue to embrace her neck and cheek. She was pressed tightly against him and could feel his growing erection and she consciously thought to herself that if she was going to bail out, now was the time. She lessened the pressure she had against him and he was certain he had taken things too far when she turned and stood up on her toes kissing his lips deeply.