Yes, she does

The morning sun lit up the apartment as the front door clicked shut behind Leo. Maya stretched, a lingering smile on her face from Leo’s reassuring kiss before he headed off to the office. Knowing that Leo completely trusted Mike and supported her made the upcoming afternoon meeting feel like a dream falling into place.

Not twenty minutes later, three familiar, heavy knocks sounded at the door.

Maya opened it to find Mike standing in the hallway, holding two steaming paper cups from the local cafe. He was wearing a smart, relaxed button-down shirt and clean trousers, maintaining the exact polished, presentable look from the night before.

"Morning, Maya," Mike said, his deep voice carrying an easy, comforting warmth as he handed her a coffee. "Thought you might want a little liquid courage before our big afternoon."

"Mike! You're an absolute lifesaver," Maya beamed, stepping aside to let him in. "Leo was still talking about how great dinner was before he left for work. He's so excited for us."

"He's a good kid, Maya," Mike said smoothly, taking a seat at the kitchen island and setting his cup down. "Now, I was thinking... since our meeting with Sarah and David is this afternoon, we should probably go over the agency paperwork again. Make sure we're totally prepped."

Maya hurried over to the sofa, grabbed the thick folder, and hopped onto the barstool beside him, spreading the glossy pages across the counter.

Mike leaned in close, his heavy shoulder lightly resting against hers as his eyes scanned the brief. "Right here," he murmured, pointing a broad finger at a bolded section on page three.

"Look at this clause. They mention bringing us into the studio room today to do a quick screen test—taking a few test photos and short video clips to verify our 'on-camera chemistry' before signing the final contracts."

Maya’s green eyes widened slightly. "Oh! A screen test today?"

"It’s standard practice for national campaigns," Mike explained, turning his body slightly toward her, his expression dripping with earnest, protective guidance. "They need to see if we look like a real, affectionate couple under the bright studio lights. If we freeze up or look like two strangers standing next to each other, they'll hand the contract to another couple before we even leave the building."

He paused, holding her gaze with a calm, persuasive intensity. "That's why I was thinking... if you're comfortable with it, maybe we should practice a little right now. Just basic couple poses. Holding hands, wrapping arms around each other, looking into each other's eyes—just so we don't flinch or look awkward when the cameras start rolling. What do you think?"

Maya looked down at the paperwork, her heart fluttering with a mix of nervous excitement and her usual naive trust. Yesterday, the idea of practicing physical intimacy had made her hesitate. But now? Leo had given Mike his complete, glowing seal of approval. Mike had proven he was a respectful, selfless neighbor who only wanted to help her succeed. In her innocent mind, practicing a few poses was no different than rehearsing for a high school play—a completely professional step to ensure she didn't blow her big chance.

"I... guess that makes a lot of sense," Maya said softly, looking up at him with a shy, trusting smile. "We really want to make sure we land this. What kind of poses do you think they'll ask us to do?"

Mike didn't immediately jump into showing her a pose. Instead, he reached out and gently closed the folder on the kitchen counter, sliding it to the side. He shifted on his barstool, turning his broad frame entirely toward her, his expression softening into something intensely earnest and fatherly.

"Before we do anything, Maya, I want you to look at me," Mike said quietly, his low, gravelly voice carrying a weight that made the room fall completely silent.

Maya blinked, her green eyes locking onto his.

"I need to ask you something important, star," he continued, holding her gaze with unwavering seriousness. "Is this really what you want? Because a national campaign like this—TV commercials, billboards across the city, modeling agency contracts—it isn't just a lucky break. It’s a completely different life. And to get there, you have to decide if you’re willing to treat this like a real career, which means making small sacrifices for the bigger picture."

Maya listened intently, her breath held, hanging on every word from the man who had proven himself so utterly dedicated to her success.

"Let me tell you how this industry works," Mike murmured, Mike had no idea how it work, leaning in a fraction closer, his tone dripping with calculated humility. "Look at me, Maya. I'm a mid-30s guy. I'm under no illusions here. The agency isn't booking this campaign because of me. They’re booking it because of you. You are stunning, radiant, and fresh. I'm just the grounded placeholder they're using to launch the 'everyday couple' angle."

He reached out, placing a heavy, reassuring hand over hers where it rested on the counter, his thumb giving her knuckles a gentle, fatherly rub.

"When this initial promotion is over, they won't want me anymore," Mike said, offering her a bittersweet, self-deprecating smile. "They’re going to drop me, but they are going to want to continue with you. This is your stepping stone to a real modeling career, Maya. I’m just the bridge to get you across. But to cross that bridge, you have to be professional. You have to be willing to do whatever the directors ask on camera—holding me, kissing me, acting like you adore me—so you can shine and move on to bigger things. Are you ready to make that commitment to yourself?"

The words hit Maya like a profound revelation. Hearing him speak so selflessly about his own role—positioning himself as nothing more than a sacrificial stepping stone meant entirely to elevate her—sent a wave of overwhelming gratitude and awe through her naive heart. Any tiny, remaining grain of hesitation she held about crossing physical boundaries vanished, entirely swallowed up by the flattering illusion of a glittering future.

"Oh, Mike..." Maya breathed, her eyes shining with tears of appreciation as she squeezed his hand back tightly. "You are so amazing for doing this for me. I... I am ready. I want this so much. Show me what we need to do."

A slow, triumphant smirk flared deep in Mike's dark eyes, masked entirely by his proud, approving nod. "That's my girl," he whispered softly. "Let's get to work."