The morning light spilled through the curtains, soft and golden.
Lillian stirred, eyelids fluttering open.
Warmth pressed against her back.
Her hand shifted slightly, brushing against something solid.
Sebastian.
His arm was tucked under her head, the other wrapped loosely around her waist.
She froze, a small smile tugging at her lips.
He was still asleep.
She tried to turn to see his face, but the movement made her wince.
"…Oh," she murmured softly, cheeks warming.
Sebastian stirred at the sound, a low groan escaping his lips.
His eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the light.
"Morning," he murmured, voice rough but soft.
"Morning," she whispered back, a small laugh escaping despite herself.
He blinked, focusing on her.
"…You're awake."
She nodded, heart fluttering.
"…Yeah. I… I'm just… here."
He smiled faintly, brushing a hand along her arm.
"Good. I was hoping you'd still be here."
She shifted again, careful this time, testing the stiffness from the night before.
"You… okay?" he asked immediately, sitting up slightly.
"I'm fine," she murmured, face warming.
"…We should… get going. We're late."
He frowned slightly, leaning closer, holding her still.
"Late? For what?"
"The office," she admitted, a bit embarrassed.
"…We're supposed to be there by now."
He tightened his grip gently, stopping her from moving.
"Wait. Stop right there."
She looked up at him, confused.
"…Sebastian?"
"I'm the CEO," he said, voice low but firm.
"…I can get to the office anytime I want. But I'm not moving until you tell me what's wrong."
Her cheeks flushed.
"…I'm… just a little sore. It's… normal."
Sebastian tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly.
"…Sore? Where?"
She swallowed, heat creeping up her neck.
"…Uh… well… my… um… muscles. My back. A little… everywhere."
He blinked, processing, clearly puzzled.
"…Oh." His brow furrowed.
"…I see."
"…It's nothing serious," she added quickly, trying to hide her blush.
"…I'm fine. Really."
He didn't move away, just stared at her, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"…You're always so brave."
Lillian rolled her eyes, teasing lightly.
"…Or stubborn," she whispered.
He chuckled softly.
"…Maybe both."
A quiet moment passed.
Then she shifted slightly, gingerly sitting up.
"Ouch," she muttered, wincing again.
He was instantly by her side.
"…Still sore?"
She nodded, cheeks flushing.
"…A little."
He leaned closer, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple.
"…Then stay here. Just a minute."
She shook her head slightly, smiling.
"…We can't. Work."
"…We can," he said quietly, eyes soft but teasing.
"…I'm not going anywhere. Not until you're ready."
Her breath caught.
"…You're stubborn too."
"…Guilty," he admitted, a small grin forming.
"…And you love it."
She smirked.
"…Maybe."
After a few more moments, they finally moved, helping each other get dressed.
He offered to drive, and she accepted, still flushed from their quiet morning intimacy.
The drive was short.
Lillian's fingers brushed his occasionally on the console.
He glanced at her, eyes soft.
"…Morning touch, huh?"
"…Habit," she whispered, smiling.
They arrived at Sovereign, slightly flustered.
Lillian hurried to her desk outside his office.
The moment she sat down, Chloe appeared.
"Lillian!" she exclaimed, hands on her hips.
"…Why are you late?"
Lillian froze, cheeks warming.
"…Um… traffic?"
Chloe raised an eyebrow.
"…Really? Traffic at this hour? Come on."
"…I overslept," Lillian admitted softly, glancing at Sebastian through the glass door of his office.
Chloe grinned knowingly.
"…Ah! I see. So… someone's been keeping you up, huh?"
"…Maybe," Lillian said, a soft blush creeping up her cheeks.
Chloe smirked.
"…Good to know. Makes sense now. The glow is real."
Sebastian peeked out of his office, eyes sparkling.
"…Everything okay here?"
Lillian laughed lightly.
"…Yes. Just… morning teasing."
Chloe grinned, then turned on her heel.
"…Enjoy your late morning, then!"
Inside Sebastian's office, they got to work.
Lillian organized documents, Sebastian reviewed spreadsheets.
"…The Henderson deal," he murmured, leaning back slightly.
"…We need a new approach."
"I agree," she replied, sorting through papers.
"…If we pitch it like this, we might win them back."
They leaned in together, their heads close as they discussed strategy.
"…You know," Sebastian said softly, brushing a crumb from her cheek.
"…I can't believe I let you eat that before our meeting."
Lillian laughed softly, brushing his hand away playfully.
"…It was just a cookie."
"…And now I'll never forgive you," he teased, mock-serious.
"…You're impossible," she said with a grin.
"…And you love it," he countered, smiling.
"…Maybe," she whispered, catching his gaze.
The conversation shifted back to work, but their playful energy lingered, filling the office with warmth and closeness.
Lunch arrived, and they shared a small tray at his desk.
"You're stealing fries again," he accused, picking one from her plate.
"…They're communal," she shot back, laughing.
"…Now give it back!"
He leaned over, brushing his hand against her cheek as he handed it to her.
"…Here. Consider it a peace offering."
She rolled her eyes, hiding a smile.
"…Thank you, your majesty."
He grinned, sipping his coffee.
"…Always happy to serve."
The workday continued.
Documents, calls, emails.
But every so often, a glance, a smile, a brush of fingers reminded them of the morning intimacy.
By the end of the day, Lillian gathered her things to leave.
Sebastian walked her to the door.
"…You okay?"
"…Yes," she said softly.
"…See you tonight?"
He leaned down, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"…I'll see you tonight."
She smiled faintly, a blush warming her cheeks.
"…Don't stay too late."
He pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
"…I won't. I promise."
Her fingers lingered on his chest for a moment before she turned and left, the soft click of the door closing behind her.
He watched her go, a quiet smile on his lips, heart full, already anticipating the evening to come.