In love with someone I can't be with
36F. I have a married coworker 48M who has had a crush on me for over 1 year now. He's a staunch Christian and everyone respects him. He doesn't drink and rushes home after work. However, when there's no one around at the office, he has told me several times that he likes me. He basically told me that I tempt him. He can't hide his affection for me and now everyone thinks there's something between us. I am also attracted to him, but I have been pushing him away because of his situation.
It's not convenient for him to have people knowing that he likes me. He giggles embarrassingly when I walk in, everyone saw that, he just couldn't help it. I met his wife last year by chance when they were shopping together. Awkward.
Some older colleagues have told me to be careful, one lady even showed me a picture of his wife. He said that married men get tempted all the time but they have a duty not to succumb. I agree with him.
Here's the problem now.
I think I have fallen in love with him. It happened recently when I realised he cared for me beyond just the physical. He's like sunshine in my life. I love his self-restraint, his kindness, his smile. I know it would hurt him if he cheated, that's why I can't let it happen. We are magnetically drawn to each other yet we have all these barriers keeping us apart. I can only be with him if he ends up unmarried.
I choose to thank the universe for this love that has healed me, and hope to one day meet someone just like him. It hurts, but he's still the sunshine in my life.
TL;DR - Mutual love, attraction and care with married coworker. I love him too much, so I can't be with him.