Chapter 3 The Connection

At the end of the session she felt like she had done a good job. She had been instrumental in getting Ryan to express himself and face his fears.

But there was something in his eyes that sparked attraction for Emma. She did acknowledge that it was wrong, but she needed to ignore their seduction.

"Thanks, Emma," Ryan said, rising to his feet. "I feel I've made a real change."

Emma smiled and forced back her emotions. "You're welcome, Ryan. I'm proud of you."

Emma sensed that Ryan was in trouble as he got up to leave. She understood that she had to suppress her feelings, but she couldn't resist the bond.

Emma was coming to grips with scary and exciting emotions in the weeks that followed. Sarah knew better than to feel attracted to Ryan, yet she could not deny that the chemistry between them was undeniable.

During her time spent with Ryan all Emma wanted was to be a part of his world. She knew she had to be cautious, but she couldn't help the way she felt.

One day when they were working together, Ryan looked at her with an odd expression.

"Emma, you know can I ask you something?" he said.

"Yes Ryan, with a smile Emma answered. "What is it?"

"You ever feel like you're just going through the motions? Ryan asked. "Where you're like, you're living someone else's life?"

Emma felt the pang of recognition. She had been feeling that way for a lot recently.

"Yes, Ryan," she said. "I think we all feel that way at times."

Ryan nodded without breaking eye contact. "I'm in a rut," he said. "Like I'm just sitting here waiting for something to happen."

Emma felt a surge of empathy. She knew precisely what Ryan was referring to.

"I think that's how we all feel sometimes," said Emma. "But maybe we just need to step outside of that. Perhaps it's time we rolled the dice and see what comes out."

Ryan smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "You're right, Emma," he said. "Maybe we do."

When they said goodbye, Emma felt as if something were about to change. She didn't know what it was, but she felt it in her bones.

Ryan thought about Emma's words for long after their session had ended. He had the feeling of being in a rut, waiting for something to happen. But what?

Ryan walked home with an odd restlessness. He knew he needed to take a leap of faith, but he was terrified. What if he failed?

Ryan was snapped from his thoughts by the ringing of his phone. He paused briefly before responding.

"Hey, Ryan," said a friendly voice. "It's Alex. I wanted to know if you wanted to get a drink tonight."

Ryan hesitated. He hadn't seen Alex for months, not since the falling-out. But there was something about Emma's words that spoke to him. Perhaps it was now time to have a little faith.

"Yes, Alex," Ryan finally said. "I'd love to grab a drink."

Ryan hung up the phone feeling somewhat trepidatious. What had he just signed up for