Like Madison Said

The hallway smelled like stale beer and a mysterious meaty scent, something that had she smelled it in her own home would have been concerning. Aynsley didn't mind one bit.

She was crouched down with a damp rag in one hand, scrubbing at a mysterious smudge on the wall, humming softly to herself. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun, and she'd traded last night's silver heels for bare feet. The house was slowly coming back to life. Downstairs, she could hear Bianca laughing faintly and Donna giving orders in her soft, perfect way.

Everything felt... peaceful. Almost sacred.

She glanced up at the door across the hallway—Juniper's room.

Just then, it opened.

Joey stepped out, barefoot and bleary-eyed, wearing nothing but a pair of black boxers. His hair was a mess. His eyes were still sleep-heavy. The skin at his collarbone glowed warm and pink where it disappeared beneath the elastic waistband.

Aynsley froze mid-scrub, heart skipping.

"Joey!" she gasped, dropping the rag and launching herself across the hall.

He blinked at her in surprise, but she didn't give him time to react—her arms wrapped tight around his bare torso. She bent slightly as she hugged him, chin over his shoulder, face buried in his hair.

"I missed you," she whispered, holding him close.

He smelled like sex and sleep. She didn't care about the morning breath—when she tilted his chin up with a gentle finger and kissed him, she loved how small and warm he felt in her arms. He kissed her back, just for a second. It was enough to light her up.

When they pulled apart, her eyes sparkled. "So? How was it?"

Joey's cheeks flushed. "With Juniper?"

She nodded eagerly.

He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "It was... good."

Aynsley squealed under her breath, pressing her hands to her mouth like she was keeping a secret. "Oh my god. I knew it. I mean—well, Madison knew it. She said something would happen between you two last night. She's never wrong, Joey. Ever. Madison just gets people, you know?"

Joey offered a crooked smile. "I do know. Hey—uh—I gotta use the bathroom."

"Totally!" she said, already stepping out of the way. "I’ll be right here!"

She watched him disappear into the bathroom, then leaned against the wall, smiling like an idiot. She touched her lips. Her whole body felt warm and electric. God, she loved him.

A minute passed. Then another. She bounced slightly on her toes.

When he emerged, his hair was wet from the sink, and he smelled minty. Aynsley practically melted.

"You brushed your teeth!" she said, delighted.

"I figured you'd appreciate it."

"I do." She grinned and kissed him again, gently tilting his face up toward hers. This time it was slow and lingering. Her hands framed his jaw like he was the most precious thing she'd ever touched. When they broke apart, her eyes were wide and hopeful. "Come here. I wanna show you something."

She took him by the hand and led him toward his bedroom. She pushed the door open proudly. The bed was perfectly made, the desk organized, the floor completely clear.

"Me and Madison cleaned it top to bottom," she said. "Madison figured the sheets should be hospital corners, which I totally didn't know how to do—but she taught me, and now look!"

She pointed at the bedspread, tucked so perfectly it could pass a military inspection.

"Isn't that amazing? She's seriously a genius, Joey."

He looked around and nodded. "Looks great."

"I'm really proud of it," Aynsley beamed. "I wanna help make your whole day easier. Can I pick out your clothes?"

He hesitated. "I was gonna shower first."

"Can I help with that too?"

Her voice was soft now, reverent.

Joey looked at her—Aynsley, beaming, barefoot, an inch taller than him, impossibly beautiful. Devoted. Willing. Waiting.

"Yeah," he said finally, voice low. "Okay."

She smiled like the sun had come out just for her.