Dangerous Affection

A Date To Remember

(LILA'S POV)

The world had finally slowed down, and for the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe again. St. Mary's was safe, the patients were recovering, and Clint was behind bars where he belonged. Yet, as I walked to the café down the street, my chest felt tight, like I was heading to something far scarier than a life or death showdown.

Quinn was already waiting for me, leaning against the doorframe like he didn't have a care in the world. His hair was slightly tousled, his usual sharp suit swapped for a casual jacket and jeans. It was unsettling seeing him so relaxed, it made him even more... ugh, attractive.

"You're late," he teased, straightening up as I approached.

"By two minutes," I shot back, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickened when he smiled at me. "Don't tell me you're going soft now, Westbrook."

He chuckled, opening the door for me. "Not a chance. But I'll admit, I was starting to think you stood me up."

The café was cozy, with soft lighting and the comforting hum of quiet chatter. We picked a corner table, far enough away from the other patrons that it felt like we had the place to ourselves.

As soon as we sat down, Quinn leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his eyes fixed on me with that infuriatingly smug look. "So, what's the verdict, Thompson? You survived the big bad investigation, saved the hospital, and saved me. Are you finally ready to admit you like me?"

I rolled my eyes, though my cheeks felt warm. "Don't push your luck."

He smirked, leaning forward this time, his voice dropping into something softer. "I'm serious, though. We've been through hell and back together, and somehow, you've managed to surprise me every single step of the way."

I didn't know what to say. Words usually came easy to me, but Quinn always had this annoying way of leaving me completely flustered.

"I don't know what you want me to say," I finally admitted, staring down at the menu like it held all the answers.

"Just say you'll give us a shot." His voice was quiet, but there was an honesty in his eyes that made it hard to look away. "I don't want to spend another second pretending I don't feel something for you. And I know you feel it too."

I opened my mouth to argue, to deflect, but the words caught in my throat. Instead, I just nodded, feeling my lips tug into a smile despite myself.

"Fine," I said, trying to sound exasperated even though my heart was doing somersaults. "But only because you owe me dinner after dragging me into that whole Clint mess."

He grinned, and it was the most genuine, heart-stopping smile I'd ever seen. "Deal. But I'm paying for dessert too."

The rest of the night passed in a blur of laughter and teasing. For the first time in what felt like forever, there were no secrets, no danger lurking around the corner. It was just us, Lila and Quinn, sharing stories, stolen glances, and the kind of laughter that made your stomach hurt.

By the time we left the café, the sky was painted in hues of deep indigo, the streetlights casting a warm glow on the quiet streets. As we walked, Quinn's hand brushed against mine. I hesitated for only a moment before lacing my fingers through his.

He glanced down at me, surprised but smiling. "So, does this mean I've won you over?"

I smirked, tilting my head up at him. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Westbrook. This is just a test run."

But when he squeezed my hand, pulling me a little closer, I knew. Maybe this wasn't a test run at all. Maybe, for once, we'd finally gotten it right.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt like everything was exactly as it should be.

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