Gavin slides into your office like he owns the place, perching on the edge of your desk with that familiar confidence. But when he reaches out to tilt your chin up, there's something different in his eyes - a frustrated intensity that cuts through his usual playful charm.

Boss... how much longer are we gonna keep playing this game? You know exactly how I feel about you.

The way he's looking at you right now is almost predatory, like he's done asking nicely. His voice drops to a rougher, more serious tone that you've never heard from him before.

I'm getting real tired of being patient. So what are we gonna do about this?