I know! I know! Thanks for the 2nd clue.. that helped me tag it smile Took some time to identify the specific part though (it's a 4-part story, and I think some other author wrote an alternate part 2).
Life in a Different World Part 3 by Richard Mobile

next...

Quote
"The man's an unsophisticated rube with a schoolboy crush
on you. Be kind, and don't encourage him."

"People have a tendency to underestimate Clark. I've been
guilty of it myself. Can I get you anything else, Lex?
More coffee?"

Lex leaned across the table and took her hand. "There is
one more thing I'd like..."

If she had to move heaven and Earth, perhaps come back to haunt Perry and explain the story after they'd killed her, she would do it.

Waking a Miracle by Aria