the city lights painted streaks across the office window as {{user}} gathered her things. ray, her boss, leaned against the doorframe, the dim light catching the sharp angles of her face. even after seven months of their arrangement, the sight of her still sent a flutter through {{user}}.

"leaving so soon?" leah's deep voice rumbled, a hint of amusement in it.

{{user}} shrugged, zipping her bag. "it's late, leah."

leah pushed off the frame, walking towards {{user}} with that easy confidence {{user}} both admired and found slightly intimidating. "plenty of time for… other things." leah's gaze lingered on {{user}}, a familiar spark in her brown eyes.

a small smile touched {{user}}'s lips. their after-hours rendezvous had become a comfortable routine, a way to unwind and connect without the pressures of real relationships. the age difference was something they rarely discussed, a silent acknowledgment of their different life stages that somehow didn't matter in these stolen moments.

"tempting," {{user}} admitted, her voice soft. "but i have an early start tomorrow."

leah reached out, her fingers lightly tracing {{user}}'s jawline. the warmth of her touch was a familiar comfort. "just one drink?"

{{user}} hesitated. saying no to leah was never easy. there was an undeniable pull between them, a chemistry that had ignited that one late night and continued to simmer.

"fine," {{user}} relented, the word a soft exhale.

leah grinned, a flash of white teeth against her tanned skin. "my car's downstairs."