The Dallas skyline glittered as the sun began to dip behind the skyscrapers.
Lillian Parker adjusted her blazer, glancing out the window of the sleek corporate office.
"We did it," she murmured, half to herself.
Sebastian Wolfe's eyes met hers, sharp but warm.
"We did. And you played a bigger part than you're giving yourself credit for."
She looked down, fiddling with a pen.
"I just… contributed where I could. You handled the tricky parts."
He smirked, leaning casually against the desk.
"Tricky parts? That's a bit modest, don't you think?"
Lillian laughed softly, the sound a little nervous, a little proud.
"I may be modest, but I'm also realistic."
Sebastian tilted his head, blue eyes assessing.
"Realistic. I like that about you. But don't underestimate yourself. Not when you're with me."
Her cheeks warmed, and she glanced away, biting her lip.
"With you, huh?"
He walked closer, lowering his voice.
"Yes. With me. Partner in crime, remember?"
She rolled her eyes playfully.
"Partner in crime? You make it sound like I'm a secret agent or something."
"You're my secret weapon," he said, lips quirking into a faint smile.
"And I don't let my secret weapons go unnoticed."
She laughed again, more confidently this time.
"Well, then, I guess I should expect a medal at the end of the day."
"Medal?" he teased.
"How about dinner? That counts as a medal, doesn't it?"
She hesitated, then smiled softly.
"I suppose that counts."
Sebastian extended his arm with mock ceremony.
"Then allow me to escort my medal-winning partner to dinner."
She placed her hand lightly in his, feeling a flutter of warmth.
"Lead the way, Mr. Wolfe."
Outside, the evening air was warm, the streets lively with energy.
Their black car pulled up to a chic, low-lit restaurant tucked into a quiet street.
Sebastian held the door open.
"After you," he said with a smirk.
Lillian stepped inside, taking in the cozy interior.
Candles flickered on each table, soft music floated through the air, and the décor felt intimate without being pretentious.
"It's… nice," she murmured.
"You're welcome," he said smoothly.
"I don't do anything half-heartedly, especially not celebrations."
They were seated in a corner, slightly secluded.
The waiter handed them menus, but Sebastian barely glanced at it.
"I know what I'm having," he said. "You?"
Lillian smiled faintly.
"I'll just pick something light."
He leaned back, watching her carefully.
"You handled that meeting like a pro. I'm impressed."
"I… I just followed your lead," she said softly.
He shook his head, blue eyes glinting.
"No. You held your own. I noticed. Dallas noticed. Everyone noticed. You're sharp, Lillian. Don't sell yourself short."
She felt a blush rise to her cheeks.
"You make it sound so… easy."
"Easy isn't the point," he said quietly.
"Competence, integrity, poise… those don't happen by accident."
Lillian's fingers brushed the table.
"You really mean that?"
"I do," he said, voice low but sincere.
"And not just because you're with me. I mean it, always."
She bit her lip, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"I… I'm glad you're with me, too."
Sebastian smirked faintly, leaning closer.
"Always, Lillian. I'm always with you."
The waiter arrived with their meals, but the conversation didn't falter.
Small jokes, playful nudges, and quiet compliments filled the space between bites.
"You know," Sebastian said between forkfuls,
"you're getting better at this. Meeting people, handling negotiations… and still looking sharp."
Lillian laughed.
"Still looking sharp? That's your line?"
"Maybe it is," he teased.
"And maybe it fits you perfectly."
She felt her face warm, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "
You're ridiculous sometimes, you know that?"
"Only when I have the right audience," he murmured, eyes locked on her green ones.
Across the room, a man in a dark jacket sat alone, observing quietly.
A notebook rested on his lap.
His gaze flicked to Sebastian, then to Lillian, and back again.
Recognition crossed his face.
He didn't approach, didn't speak.
Just watched.
Lillian didn't notice him.
She was too focused on Sebastian, the way he leaned slightly forward, the rare gentleness in his expression.
"You make everything feel… easier," she whispered softly, almost afraid he wouldn't hear.
"I do?" he asked, tilting his head.
She nodded.
"Being here with you. Talking with you. It just… feels right."
He reached over, letting his fingers brush hers lightly across the table.
"I want it to feel right. Always. Even when the world is watching, Parker. Always."
Her heart fluttered.
She caught his gaze and held it, silently acknowledging everything unspoken between them.
The waiter cleared the table.
Sebastian leaned back, studying her quietly.
"I'll admit," he said softly, "this is nice. Just you and me. No meetings, no pressure."
"I like it," she murmured.
"You should," he said, smirking faintly.
"It's rare for me to do something purely personal."
Her eyes softened.
"I'm honored."
He chuckled, shaking his head.
"Don't be. Just enjoy it. And you can try to beat me at conversation, but good luck with that."
She laughed.
"I'll take that challenge."
The city lights outside flickered against the windows, casting a warm glow over the intimate corner.
Lillian Parker felt safe, noticed, and cherished—things she hadn't realized she'd missed so much.
Sebastian's eyes met hers again.
"You know… we should probably leave before someone notices we're actually enjoying ourselves."
She laughed softly.
"Enjoying ourselves? That's scandalous."
He smirked.
"Scandalous, maybe. But it's honest. And I like honesty with you."
Her fingers brushed his across the table again.
"I like honesty too."
He leaned closer, voice low.
"Then we'll make it work. Together. Always."
She smiled, her heart fluttering as a quiet warmth spread through her chest.
"Together," she echoed.
The evening wound down.
Sebastian stood, offering his hand.
She took it, letting him lead her out.
Outside, the cool Dallas air brushed her face.
She looked up at him.
"So… what now?"
He held her hand gently, thumb brushing the back.
"Now? We enjoy this. Celebrate. And maybe—just maybe—we grab dessert on the way back. You deserve it."
She laughed softly.
"I guess I do."
He smirked.
"You more than deserve it."
They walked started walking, unaware of the quiet reporter lingering nearby, notebook in hand, silently documenting the CEO and his mysterious companion.
For now, though, Lillian Parker didn't care.
She had Sebastian Wolfe beside her, she had accomplished what they came for, and the evening was theirs.
The rest of the world—the rumors, the scrutiny, the headlines—could wait.
For now, it was just them.
Just this.
And it was perfect.