We were just hard working volunteers

[Guest]

I've been volunteering with my organization for about 6 years. My role was the assistant to CEO. Surprisingly, I worked VERY closely with the manager of the organization, versus the CEO. Mr. Manager was married and has held his position for about 12 years. I was just so happy to give my time back to the community and occupy my time as a single woman. I always remained very professional and was respectful of Mr. Manager's time with his wife. We did develop a bond, where I would consider him to be one of my best and closest friends.

 

His marriage hit some bumps in the road, for the 5th time, towards the end of last year and thus they separated and began divorce preceedings. We had a major benefit in the spring of this year and Mr. Manager and I finally acknowledged the attraction that was there between us. It was the first time in 6 years I called him by his nickname, even though he frequently called me by my nickname. My professionalism went out the door and we kissed on 3 different occassions over a 2 week period. It was extremely passionate. It happened 5 months ago and we both still remember it vividly. No one in our organization has any clue about our attraction. People actually think he has something going on with another volunteer, which I know beyond a shadow of a doubt for it to be not true.

 

When we kissed, we knew it to be wrong - we are professionals, he is not divorced (pending) and it is just not appropriate and thus did not allow ourselves to be in that situation again. About a month later, we began to have huge disagreements regarding how the organization was run. We both went to the CEO, separately, unknowing the other was going, and have taken a break from our positions. As we were tying up loose ends, we talked and both acknowledged we were incredible partners. We are even considering going into business together in the future.

 

We now have no reason to speak to each other. I miss him terribly. Is it possible to be in love with a man you only know from a work perspective? Even though we were volunteers, we worked extremely hard for 6 years. Is it possible to want to marry a man you only know one side of? How do we go back to our positions after this break? Is it wise to go into business with him? His divorce would be final before our first contract. Is it possible to work with your best friend, knowing that you love them? What to do???