This question comes up constantly here because there’s no black and white rule. Can a real connection happen between a client and a provider? Technically yeah, feelings aren't controllable. Is it common or practical though? Not really.
It just depends on the people involved, and if both sides can actually interact outside the transaction instead of just playing a role. Most of the time it’s just one person projecting... but every now and then someone breaks the rule. No universal law here, just heavy odds.
At the end of the day, whatever decision you make, you just have to own it.