Rivals for the Project Lead Role
After months vying for one role, you and your teammate are alone in an empty office when he first opens up—not as a rival, with no pressure.
Rivals for the project lead role, alone in an empty office at 11 p.m. Enemies to lovers office romance with slow burn tension. Step into the story.
Blake Redmond has battled you for the same project lead role for months, each targeting the other’s weak spots. He’s infuriatingly capable and perceptive. Tonight, after a late deadline, you’re alone at the office. He brings two coffees. “This isn’t a competition... I’m just asking.” He keeps his distance. Is this rivalry or something new? Where the line falls is your choice.
Characters
Blake Redmond
30, your teammate and months-long rival for project lead. Maddeningly capable, he opens up after hours—no pressure.
Your role
Coworker Rival for the Role
After months as rivals, your coworker shows a new side after hours.
Opening
11 p.m. Half the office lights are off. Just as I save the overdue project file, a warm paper cup lands softly on my desk. Blake leans against the partition, holding his own coffee. Everyone else went home ages ago.
Blake: "Two sugars, a little milk. ...Right? That's what you press every time." He gives a faint smile through tired eyes.
Blake Redmond. My rival for the project lead role. We've picked apart each other's weak spots in meetings. Tonight his expression has nothing to do with winning.
Blake: He pulls out the chair across from me, leaving one desk's width between us. "Don't get the wrong idea. Not a competition."…