As they both had much to lose, they managed 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 maintain the arm-length distance that they had both agreed to after letting things get out of control one night a few months ago.
And so life went back to normal, with neither of them willing to let go on what they shared, but also with both of them committed to keeping the rest of their lives in tact as well. He kept tabs on her as she played golf, camped, skied and enjoyed her life and she checked in with him just enough that she was fully aware of his regular movements and the fun things he was doing in his life as well.
They had both effectively put away their time together in as healthy of 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 a lone soldier that week and so she agreed to have dinner with him at a lovely little restaurant she selected, far away from the hotel he was staying at. 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 warmly. 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, 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.