Chapter Text
A few days later, a local news station requested a one-on-one sit-down interview with Alice.
She agreed. It was part of the job...staying visible, controlling the narrative.. The interview was scheduled in a quiet studio at City Hall with controlled lighting and a friendly but sharp reporter.
Alice wore a deep teal blouse and black pencil skirt, professional and composed as always. She sat across from the interviewer with perfect posture, legs crossed, hands resting calmly in her lap.
The first several questions were standard...waterfront progress, safety statistics, the administration’s response to recent crime spikes. Alice answered with her usual precision and warmth.
Then the questions turned personal.
“Ms. Lyon, you’ve become quite the public figure lately,” the reporter said with a smile. “We saw the gym photos that went viral. You clearly stay very fit. Are you single? Is there anyone special in your life helping you balance such a demanding role?”
Alice smiled politely, though her stomach tightened slightly. “I’m focused on my work right now. The people of this city deserve my full attention.”
The reporter leaned in. “And how do you handle the pressure? The public scrutiny, the personal attacks like the coffee shop incident… it must be exhausting. Do you have a support system outside of work?”
Alice kept her expression steady. “I have wonderful colleagues and a strong team. And I’ve learned to be resilient. That’s part of the job.”
From the side of the studio, just out of camera range, Buck watched with his arms crossed. His jaw was tight. He didn’t like the personal angle. He didn’t like the way the reporter was digging into her private life, forcing her to deflect questions about relationships and support. He could see the faint tension in Alice’s shoulders, even if she hid it well.
The interview wrapped shortly after. Once the cameras were off, Alice stood and thanked the reporter professionally before stepping away.
Buck moved to her side immediately.
“They’re pushing more into your personal life. That’s not harmless.”
Alice gave him a small, reassuring smile. “It’s fine, Buck. Reporters do this. They’re looking for any angle. I know you’re just doing your job by staying close and making sure everything stays secure. I appreciate it.”
She still believed that...completely. In her mind, Buck’s protectiveness was operational. Professional. About the safety of the administration’s public face and the team. Nothing more. Someone like him would never see her that way. Not romantically. Not with desire.
Buck studied her for a moment, the familiar ache of wanting to say more tightening in his chest. He wanted to tell her it wasn’t just the job. That watching her answer those questions had stirred something far more personal.
Instead, he simply nodded.
“I’ll walk you back to your office,” he said.
As they walked side by side down the hallway, Alice felt that now familiar flutter again...the one she kept telling herself was nothing.
She was still convinced it was all professional.
But the more time she spent with him, the harder it became to believe her own lie.