Ashley gulped as Mia pulled back, their breaths mingling as they gasped for air. Their eyes locked, the silence heavy with unspoken emotions. Before Ashley could speak, Mia leaned in again, capturing her lips with renewed urgency. Ashley's hands traced the curves of Mia's waist, pulling her closer, the heat between them intensifying.

Mia's fingers found the lapels of Ashley's blazer, sliding it off her shoulders. Ashley shrugged it off, letting it fall to the floor without hesitation. Her hands worked at the hem of Mia's shirt, untucking it as Mia deftly loosened Ashley's tie, all without breaking their kiss.

"Mia..." Ashley breathed, her voice husky as her lips moved down to Mia's neck, brushing soft kisses against her skin. She paused to gently nibble, earning a soft gasp from Mia.

"Ash, don't..." Mia murmured, though her resolve faltered as her fingers tangled in Ashley's hair. "I... I have a taping tomorrow," she whispered, but even as she spoke, her hands cupped Ashley's face, pulling her into another kiss, deeper this time.

Ashley chuckled against Mia's lips, her hands exploring the smooth expanse of Mia's back as she expertly peeled off her shirt. Mia responded by undoing the buttons of Ashley's shirt, sliding it off to reveal toned shoulders and arms, her movements willful yet tender.

Ashley's lips curved into a playful smile as her fingers grazed Mia's skin, tugging her closer. "Not so fast, sugarplum," Ashley teased, catching Mia's wrist as Mia's hands moved toward her belt. Her tone was light, but her kiss that followed was anything but—possessive and consuming.

Mia gasped softly as Ashley's lips trailed down her jawline, finding her neck and shoulders. Her face flushed as Ashley's hands unclasped her bra, sliding it away gently. "Ash..." Mia whispered, burying her face against Ashley's shoulder, her embarrassment both endearing and disarming.

Ashley paused, her breathing uneven as a sharp pain shot through her abdomen. She winced, her grip on Mia tightening briefly. Sensing the shift, Mia pulled back, concern replacing the desire in her eyes. "Ashley, what's wrong?" she asked, her hands cradling Ashley's face.

Ashley forced a laugh, trying to downplay the discomfort. "It's nothing. Just my abdomen acting up. Probably the wound," she admitted, her voice softer now.

Mia's eyes narrowed. "You mean your wound? You've been pushing through pain all this time?" She flicked Ashley's forehead lightly, her worry tinged with frustration. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Ashley sighed, her lips curving into a small, apologetic smile. "Didn't want to ruin the moment," she said, trying to mask the pain. But as she shifted, the throbbing grew worse, forcing her to steady herself against Mia.

Mia frowned, urgency creeping into her tone. "Wait here. Let me grab my clothes and—"

Ashley stopped her with a gentle pull, wrapping her arms around Mia and resting her head against Mia's bare chest. "I'm fine," she mumbled, her voice low. "Just... stay here for a minute."

Mia hesitated but softened as she felt Ashley's tension ease slightly in her embrace. "Are you sure?" she asked, her fingers brushing soothing circles over Ashley's back.

Ashley nodded, shutting her eyes. "It's probably the meds wearing off. Nothing serious," she reassured, though her breath hitched slightly.

Mia held her closer, her heart tightening with a mix of concern and affection. "You're impossible, you know that?" she murmured, pressing a kiss to Ashley's head.

"Yeah," Ashley whispered, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "But you're still here."

Mia sighed, resting her chin atop Ashley's head. "Yeah, I am."



Mia frowned, tilting her head as she jogged over to the parked Jeep Wrangler, where Ashley stood leaning against the door, arms crossed.

"What are you doing here?" Mia asked, pointing at her. "Aren't you supposed to be at my place resting?"

Ashley chuckled, her lips curling into a smirk. "Figured you wouldn't have your bodyguard around, so... here I am," she said, gesturing dramatically toward herself.

Mia rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Maya was going to drop me off," she mumbled with a sigh. "If your wound starts acting up, I swear I'll tie you to a hospital bed until you're fully treated."

Ashley laughed again, her nonchalance shining through. "Relax, I'm fine. Taping done?" She gestured at Mia, taking in her casual hoodie, denim shorts, and white sneakers.

"Yeah, we're just packing up now. I spotted you and told Maya I'd walk back here," Mia replied, kicking a small rock on the ground. Her voice turned sharper. "But seriously, you're the most hardheaded detective I've ever met."

Ashley shrugged, unbothered. "I brought Ginger with me since he was all alone at your place. Your housekeeper mentioned she won't be back until tomorrow."

Mia nodded. "Is he behaving, or is he in one of his moods?" she asked, trying to peek through the windshield.

Ashley laughed, shaking her head. "You won't see him by just doing that, little superstar."

Mia rolled her eyes and was about to retort when a group of women nearby began cheering her name. She turned to them, waving enthusiastically.

"Fans?" Ashley asked.

"Yup, they're regulars—always showing up at sets and mall shows. My solid fanbase," Mia said with a dramatic flip of her hair.

Ashley laughed, raising an eyebrow. "Wouldn't you like to go over and say hi?"

"Of course, but wait here," Mia said, jogging toward the group.

Ashley watched as Mia greeted her fans warmly. Straightening up, she headed over to Maya, who was loading bags into her car.

"Here, let me help," Ashley offered, grabbing a bag. "Where do these go?"

Maya smiled, unlocking her car. "Just throw them in the back seat. Didn't expect to see you here, Ash."

Ashley shrugged as she placed the bags inside. "Got bored doing nothing, so I figured I'd drop by."

Maya glanced toward Mia, her voice softening. "She's been so happy lately, more like her old self. Smiling, laughing... it's a relief to see."

Ashley tilted her head, following Maya's gaze to Mia. "What do you mean?"

Maya hesitated before answering. "She wasn't like this after her divorce. That whole ordeal crushed her spirit. I don't know what changed, but I'm glad she has someone to talk to now. She deserves to be happy." She gave Ashley a meaningful look. "Whatever you're doing, keep it up."

Ashley nodded, her expression unreadable. Maya patted her shoulder. "Go fetch our little superstar. It's time to go."

Ashley made her way to Mia, who was busy signing posters and laughing with her fans.

"Have you guys eaten yet?" Mia asked, looking at the group.

They all responded with a chorus of "No," and Mia clicked her tongue in disapproval. "Seriously? You spend all your money visiting me but don't bother to eat? Here, give me your phone—I'll send you some funds so you can grab snacks together."

One of the fans handed Mia their phone, and Mia started scanning a code to transfer money. Before she could complete it, another phone scanned the code first. Mia blinked in surprise, turning to see Ashley holding her phone up behind her.

"Maya said it's time to go," Ashley said with a shrug.

Mia stared at the screen, then back at Ashley. "Wait—why did you do that? I was supposed to—"

"It's fine," Ashley replied nonchalantly.

The fans erupted into squeals and giggles, pointing at the two of them.

"Who's she, Mia? A co-star?" one fan asked eagerly.

"You two look so good together! I ship it!" another fan added, fanning themselves dramatically.

Mia laughed, waving her hands to dismiss their teasing, handing back the phone. "Gosh, you guys! Behave yourselves. Anyway, I've gotta go. Enjoy your snacks, okay? And stop wasting all your money on me—but thank you for coming! Ciao!"

As Mia walked back to the Jeep with Ashley, she hummed a cheerful tune.

"You look like a kid," Ashley teased, laughing as she watched her.

Mia shot her a playful glare. "Oh? So you don't want me anymore?"

Ashley chuckled, patting Mia on the head. "I never said that." She opened the back door for Mia, who pointed to the passenger seat instead.

Rolling her eyes fondly, Ashley closed the back door and opened the passenger door. "Maya!" Mia called out, blowing playful kisses at her manager. "We're heading out! Take care!"

Maya waved back with a smile.

"You're cute," Ashley said as she climbed into the driver's seat, glancing at Mia, who was now settling in.

Mia smirked, buckling her seatbelt. "And you're incorrigible."

Ashley laughed, starting the engine. "Guess that makes us a perfect match."