Nuts About Her Coworker

Blake Blossom and Emma Hix share lunch every day. Today Blake digs into her salad, toasted walnuts scattered like treasure across the greens. She spears a bite, holds it out. "Try this. The nuts make it stupid good." Emma leans back. "Can't. Nut allergy." Blake freezes, fork hovering. "Shit. Am I putting you in danger just eating these near you?" "Relax. It's not that bad," Emma says, smiling. "I just can't have any in my mouth or swallow them." Next week Blake brings the same bowl, but the walnuts are gone. Emma notices. "Where are your nuts?" Blake shrugs, suddenly busy with her food. "You ordered it without them," Emma says. Understanding dawns, then laughter. "Blake, you don't have to give up walnuts for me. It's not like we're about to make out." Color creeps up Blake's neck. "I have a crush on you. Figured if the moment ever happened I didn't want to be the reason you ended up at urgent care." Emma's smile turns slow and warm. "Then let's not waste the effort." She reaches across the table, cups Blake's jaw. "I want to kiss you." The kiss starts careful, then opens. Blake tastes mint and heat. Hands fumble with buttons, fabric sliding, skin meeting skin. They sink onto the break-room couch, half-dressed, mouths hungry. Emma pulls Blake over her, legs wrapping tight. Every roll of hips makes the cheap cushions creak. Blake sucks a mark into Emma's throat while fingers slip between them, finding wet heat. Emma comes with a stifled cry against Blake's palm; Blake follows seconds later, teeth gritted to keep quiet. Best lunch hour they've ever clocked.