Two years ago when I was a manager, I asked out one of the people who worked under/for me. The situation you describe was similar to mine, it was about a 3 month period of high-stress due to the holiday season, this person is in close proximity a lot, necessary to the cause, and just plain makes you feel good when you don't have reason to.

We did end up going out, but cut it off shortly thereafter, a combination of it being awkward, and me not expressing my intentions well enough.

I'm of a divided mind on the issue now. When my brain is being rational, I say that I never should've done that, not in a million years. She could've screwed with my life so many different ways...and I'd still probably be in deep dirt from it. On the other hand, the non-rational part of my brain looks back and says "Damn."

Dating at work is a bad idea, period, full stop, end of story. In today's world of fifteen minute relationships and instantaneous hookups and breakups, it's not a good idea to go possibly putting your financial future in the hands of someone who may become irrationally unhappy with you.

If one of the two is in a position of power over the other, it morphs from simple bad idea to using a pogo-stick in a minefield bad idea.

Some people will though. In your position, I'd be polite, professional, nice, and then ASAP get this guy transferred as far away as possible. Then and only then, would anything else cross my mind. Your mileage may vary.

Adrian

Edit:Wow. I thought I was the only one who posted these kind of threads. Nice to know I'm not alone in that regard.