Maria and I had been best buddies for years — sharing countless laughs and late-night chats, and the kind of comfortable silences that only the closest friends can enjoy. But underneath all that camaraderie simmered a pulsing tension — an attraction that had been brewing since our early days together. But I had never acted on my feelings because I had convinced myself that our friendship was too precious to risk. But recently, things changed between us — for the better.

Maria and I were sprawled on her couch with the dim light from the TV flickering as a romantic comedy played on the screen. Half-empty takeout containers cluttered the coffee table, remnants of our evening dinner indulgence.

My good friend was sitting beside me in a cozy oversized sweater, her dark hair cascading over her... Read More