Mia's gaze followed the motorcycle speeding across the road, her eyes lighting up with fascination. Tilting her head, she smiled to herself, her attention fixed on the rider even as they disappeared down the street. Noticing Mia's distracted expression, Ashley reached out and gently held her head, turning it back toward her.

"What are you staring at?" Ashley asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Mia turned to her, grinning. "The big bike," she said. "I've always dreamed of having one. I don't actually know how to ride, but I'd love to experience being the passenger on one someday."

Ashley tilted her head, scoffing playfully. "You have the weirdest goals," she said with a chuckle.

"Oh!" Mia placed a finger on her chin, her expression shifting. "By the way, do you think it's fine for us to stay over at the Pierces' tonight? Riley invited us, and tomorrow's the twins' birthday."

Ashley opened the passenger seat door for Mia. "Did you pack your things?" she asked as Mia climbed in.

"Not yet," Mia admitted. "But we can swing by my place first since it's still early." She buckled her seatbelt and glanced at Ashley. "What about you? You okay with staying at the Pierces'?"

Sliding into the driver's seat and starting the engine, Ashley shrugged as she buckled up. "It's not like you're giving me any other option, sugarplum," she teased with a smirk.

Mia burst out laughing. "It's good that you know," she said, her voice full of amusement.

As they pulled onto the road, Ashley glanced briefly at Mia before focusing on the traffic ahead. "After we stop by your place, can we head to mine?" she asked.

"Do you need to grab clothes? You've got plenty of stuff at my unit already," Mia said, tilting her head.

Ashley shrugged, her lips quirking up in a small smile. "Not clothes. Just switching cars," she said casually.

Mia raised an eyebrow, chuckling. "Wow. What a show-off," she teased, shaking her head.

Ashley laughed, brushing off the comment. "Whatever," she said lightly. Though what she really wanted was to retrieve something she'd left at her place—something meant for Mia.



Sitting on the couch scrolling through her phone, Mia's attention shifted to the stairs as she heard light footsteps descending. She straightened up, her eyes widening as Ashley came into view. Dressed in a black turtleneck, acid-wash denim, and knee-high leather boots, her hair tied back in a sleek ponytail, Ashley exuded effortless cool.

"Holy macaroons," Mia whispered, covering her mouth in exaggerated awe. "Are you sure you're not a model or something?" Her gaze followed Ashley, admiring every detail of her outfit.

Ashley chuckled, raising an eyebrow at Mia's flustered expression. "What?" she asked, clearly amused.

"Gosh, why do you have to look so cool?" Mia said with a grin, her eyes sparkling. "You could totally pass as an action star!"

Ashley smirked and reached over to pat Mia's head. "Stop staring at me like you're trying to undress me," she teased.

Rolling her eyes, Mia crossed her arms. "I'm just appreciating real beauty," she said with a playful pout. "But seriously, you look amazing."

"I've always known that," Ashley replied with a laugh, tossing a duffle bag onto the couch. She reached into it and pulled out a small box, holding it out to Mia. "Here, this is for you."

Mia tilted her head, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. She blinked as recognition set in. "Wait... is that Van Cleef & Arpels?" she asked, staring at the box, then at Ashley in disbelief. "Why are you giving me this?"

Ashley chuckled and opened the box, revealing an onyx Alhambra bracelet. "I noticed you like wearing accessories, so I thought this would suit you," she said. She gestured to her own necklace. "It matches mine."

"Oh, matching jewelry, huh?" Mia said with a grin, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Come on, let me put it on you," Ashley said, reaching for Mia's wrist.

Mia gulped, her cheeks flushing as she extended her arm. Ashley fastened the bracelet onto her wrist, smiling as she admired how it looked. "It suits you perfectly," Ashley said softly.

"Thank you..." Mia mumbled, covering her face with her hands, overwhelmed by the thoughtful gesture.

Ashley laughed, clearly entertained by Mia's reaction. "What's with the shyness all of a sudden?" she teased.

Mia peeked through her fingers. "I've actually been eyeing this bracelet for a while," she admitted, rolling her eyes. "But every time I tried to buy it, it was either sold out or out of stock." She touched the bracelet gently, her expression softening as she looked at Ashley. Then, with a burst of energy, she threw her arms around Ashley's neck. "Thank you! I love it!"

Ashley laughed, wrapping her arms around Mia and holding her close. "I'm glad you love it," she said, rubbing Mia's back gently.

"You're spoiling me too much," Mia murmured, her face buried against Ashley's shoulder. "I'm scared I'll get used to it, and then you'll suddenly change."

"You don't need to worry about that, sugarplum," Ashley said, pulling Mia closer. "I told you—I'll treat you the best. Always."

Mia pulled back slightly, cupping Ashley's cheeks as she planted a flurry of kisses on her lips, giggling in between. "I really appreciate this," she said, her voice filled with affection.

Ashley gulped, her cheeks reddening under Mia's enthusiastic display. "Mia..." she managed, her voice muffled as Mia continued to kiss her. Finally, Ashley sighed and slid her hand behind Mia's head, leaning in to deepen the kiss with urgency.

Caught off guard, Mia closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around Ashley's neck as their kiss grew more intense. Ashley gently guided Mia to lie back on the couch, hovering over her as their lips moved in perfect rhythm. "I love you," Ashley whispered between kisses, her voice husky with emotion.

"I love you more," Mia replied, cupping Ashley's face as their kiss deepened. After a while, Ashley pulled back, both of them gasping for air, their faces flushed.

"Maybe we should skip staying over at the Pierces' tonight?" Ashley suggested with a mischievous grin, helping Mia sit up.

Mia rolled her eyes, laughing as she straightened her shirt. "Nope, that's not happening. I already texted Riley that we're coming."

"Figures," Ashley said with a chuckle, standing up and walking toward a glass cabinet displaying a collection of helmets. "Well then, pick one."

Mia blinked, her attention shifting to the cabinet. Her eyes sparkled as she glanced between Ashley and the helmets. "Wait... why are you telling me to choose one?"

Ashley placed her hands on her hips, smirking. "Because we're taking the big bike, sugarplum. You said you wanted to try riding one, didn't you? I've got a beauty sitting in the garage, so let's take it for a spin."

Mia stood abruptly, her jaw dropping. "You're kidding! We're really riding a bike? A big bike?"

Ashley shrugged, laughing at Mia's excitement. "Get ready, sugarplum. You're in for an adventure."