The date

Jason's POV

As the elevator doors slid shut, I couldn't help but smile at Elena. She’d agreed to dinner, and I wanted to make it something special. "I didn’t know you’d be on board so soon. How’s everything going?" she asked with that charming smile of hers, the kind that made it hard to look away.

"So far, so good. And now, even better. I wanted to thank you for the job," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual. "Maybe I could treat you to dinner tonight?"

Elena chuckled softly. "Oh, I barely did anything—you earned that for yourself."

"Still, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity without your help. C'mon, I know a great place. I think you’ll love it." I kept my voice light, but I hoped she’d sense how much I meant it.

She hesitated, then giggled. "O…okay, but just so we’re clear, this is just returning the favor. I owe you nothing."

I laughed as we reached the lobby, stepping out of the elevator. "See you after work," I said, waving, and she waved back, a hint of warmth in her eyes.