The days that followed crawled by like molasses in January. Will found himself constantly glancing over his shoulder, a nervous tick that mirrored the frantic rhythm of his thoughts. Every creak of the floorboard, every raised voice sent a jolt through him, his mind conjuring up visions of Brooke's imposing figure.

He started strategically lingering at the office, stretching out his workday long after everyone else had gone home. The silence of the empty building was both unnerving and strangely comforting. A twisted part of him hoped, against all reason, for a repeat performance, another encounter with the enigmatic Ms. Davis.

Logic, however, battled with his primal urges. He had a good life, a loving wife, and a supportive family. Risking all of that for a fleeting moment of illicit desire was a gamble he couldn't afford to take. He clung to these thoughts, a mantra he repeated to himself in the quiet solitude of his late-night vigil.

He'd act strong. He'd ignore the simmering lust that threatened to consume him. If, or rather when, he saw Brooke again, he'd act as if nothing had ever happened. It would be a delicate dance, a tightrope walk over a chasm of forbidden desires.

But even as he steeled himself, a tiny, traitorous part of him couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to see that knowing smirk on her face again. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, a mixture of fear and something far more primal that both terrified and exhilarated him. The following weeks would be a test of his willpower, a battle between his loyalty and the dark desires awakened by the formidable Ms. Davis.

Three months flew by in a blur of stolen glances and nervous anticipation. Will stuck to his guns, diligently ignoring the traitorous pull of his desires. He threw himself into his work, channeling his anxieties into meticulous reports and insightful presentations. His efforts didn't go unnoticed.

One sunny afternoon, Mr. Walker called him into his office. A hint of a smile played on the older man's lips as he gestured for Will to take a seat.

"Will," he began, his voice warm, "I've been very impressed with your work lately. You've picked things up incredibly fast, and your contributions to the team have been invaluable."

Will felt a surge of warmth spread through him, a genuine sense of accomplishment replacing the simmering tension he'd been carrying. "Thank you, Mr. Walker," he said sincerely, "I appreciate that."

"Consider it more than just appreciation," Mr. Walker continued, his eyes twinkling. "Effective immediately, you're being promoted. No more intern status for you."

Will's jaw dropped. A promotion? So soon? "I... I don't know what to say," he stammered, a mixture of surprise and elation coursing through him.

"Just keep doing what you're doing, Will," Mr. Walker said with a chuckle. "And maybe cut back on the late nights a little. We don't want to burn you out before you've even gotten started, do we?"

A blush crept up Will's neck. He hadn't realized how often he'd been lingering after hours, his lingering hopes a poorly concealed secret. "Of course not, Mr. Walker," he mumbled, forcing a smile.

The promotion was a welcome distraction, a tangible reward for his hard work. It also served as a much-needed reminder of what he had to lose. A secure future, a loving family – these were the things he needed to focus on, not the fleeting allure of a dangerous woman.

As he left Mr. Walker's office, a newfound determination settled over him. He would conquer these urges, for his own sake and for the sake of the life he'd built. He wouldn't let Brooke Davis, or anyone else for that matter, destroy what he held dear.