Chapter 12
Carina tapped her fingers against her cup, hesitating before asking, “And what about you?”
Maya frowned slightly. “What about me?”
Carina’s dark eyes studied her carefully. “You got this look when I talked about my past, like you understand more than you say. But you don’t really talk much about your life either.”
Maya’s throat tightened.
She hated how easily Carina could see through her.
“I…” She started, then shook her head. “It’s complicated.”
Carina gave her a patient look. “I can handle complicated.”
Maya sighed, dragging a hand through her hair. She wasn’t ready for this. But Carina was looking at her like she mattered, like she actually wanted to know.
And that was rare.
Maya exhaled slowly. “I guess… I’ve never really had the chance to… talk with someone who actually cares.”
Carina’s expression softened. “I do care.”
Maya swallowed. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “I’m starting to believe that.”
Maya stared at the dark liquid in her coffee cup, her fingers curling tightly around the ceramic. She could feel Carina watching her, waiting.
Maya let out a quiet breath. “My dad… Lane Bishop,” she started, tasting the bitterness of his name on her tongue. “He wasn’t just a coach. He was the coach. At least, that’s what he thought.”
Carina stayed quiet, listening.
“He was… controlling,” Maya continued, her voice tight. “No, not just controlling. He was relentless. Pushed me to be the best, to win at all costs. Losing wasn’t an option in our house. He made sure of that.” She swallowed hard, memories clawing at the edges of her mind. “If I wasn’t fast enough, strong enough, good enough—he’d remind me. With words. Sometimes with more than that.”
Carina’s hands twitched, like she wanted to reach for Maya but wasn’t sure if she should. “Maya…”
Maya forced out a shaky breath, gripping her cup tighter. “And then when I stopped running—when I finally decided I wanted something for myself—he just… ghosted me. Like I was nothing. Like I didn’t exist outside of being an athlete.” She let out a humorless laugh. “I wanted to be a firefighter. But I didn’t have the courage to go through with it because of him.”
Carina’s expression darkened. “That bastardo.”
Maya let out a breathy chuckle, surprised by Carina’s sharp reaction. “Yeah.” She rubbed her temple. “Anyway, that’s my father. The man who raised me to be tough but never strong enough to stand up to him.”
Silence stretched between them for a moment before Carina suddenly let out a bitter laugh. “Sounds familiar.”
Maya lifted her gaze, surprised. “What?”
Carina sighed, shaking her head. “My father wasn’t… physical. But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t abusive.” Her voice had an edge to it, something wounded. “He was a famous surgeon in Italy. Respected. Feared. And he made it very clear that being an OB-GYN wasn’t real medicine.”
Maya’s brows furrowed. “What?”
Carina gave a tight, bitter smile. “To him, I was… I am a failure. A disgrace to his great medical lineage. ‘Delivering babies is what a woman should be having, not studying,’” she mimicked in a cold, mocking tone. “That’s what he told me. Over and over.”
Maya’s stomach twisted in anger.
Carina exhaled sharply. “He wanted me to get married, have children, be a good little Italian wife. But I didn’t. I couldn`t. I left. And he never forgave me for it.” She looked down at her hands. “So, I know exactly what it’s like to have a father who makes you feel like nothing you do will ever be good enough.”
Maya’s chest tightened.
Carina met Maya’s gaze. “But we are not our fathers, Maya.”
Maya swallowed hard, nodding. “No. We’re not.”
Carina’s voice was softer now, almost like she was testing the waters of this strange new dynamic between them.
“Maya,” she said gently, “are you hungry?”
Maya blinked, the warmth of Carina’s words breaking through the tension. She wasn’t sure what to say—but her stomach made the decision for her.
Her eyes widened in sudden realization. “I am actually starving,” she admitted with a small chuckle.
Carina gave her a knowing smile, her eyes softening. “I have the perfect thing for you then.”
Maya watched as Carina pulled out ingredients and began working. Maya leaned against the counter, still trying to shake off the vulnerability of their conversation, but also aware of just how comforting Carina’s presence was.
Carina turned to Maya with a playful grin, as she whisked eggs in a bowl. “You know, I have a secret French toast recipe. It’s been passed down through generations of women in my family.”
Maya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Really?”
Carina smirked, her eyes twinkling. “Well, I’m not sure you’re ready for it...” She set the bowl down, grabbing slices of thick bread.
Maya laughed softly, her earlier worries starting to fade as the atmosphere shifted to something much lighter. “In that case, I’m in for a treat.”
Carina began to dip the bread into the egg mixture, frying it up in a hot pan. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla filled the air, mixing with the faint scent of coffee that Maya hadn’t realized she’d been inhaling this whole time.
As the golden, crispy edges of the French toast began to form, Carina plated them with a flourish, adding powdered sugar and a drizzle of syrup. “Eccolo,” she said proudly, setting the plate in front of Maya.
Maya’s stomach rumbled in approval. “This looks incredible.”
Carina raised an eyebrow, her voice teasing. “It better, or I’m never cooking for you again.”
Maya’s laughter bubbled up, genuine and warm. “I’ll make sure it’s worth it.” She picked up a piece with her fork and took a bite, her eyes widening. “Oh my God, this is amazing. This is like—wow. Just wow!”
Carina watched Maya take another bite. “I told you. The secret’s in the syrup.”
Maya shot her a playful look. “I think the secret’s in you.”
Carina’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly recovered, her smile deepening. “I like to think it’s the love I put into it.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments as Maya devoured the rest of the French toast.
“You know, I can’t believe how much you’ve opened up to me today,” Maya said, voice softening as she set her fork down. “I’m… I don’t know what to say about that. Thank you, for trusting me… with… your story.”
Carina’s expression grew tender, a slight sadness tugging at the corners of her smile. “I think… I think I needed some time. And Andrea said, I should trust you. So I did. He also said that he thinks that you are someone who isn’t going to judge me. And I am starting to think that he is right. You’re different, Maya.”
Maya nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “I happy that you told me…I get it. I’m the same. I’ve been closed off too, but since I saw you the first time, I felt as if I could tell you everything, despite you being so bossy.”
As the quiet settled around them, Maya, feeling the urge to say something, suddenly blurted out without thinking, “Hey, do you want to go hiking?”
Carina paused mid-sip of her coffee, the question taking her by surprise. Maya caught the curious look in her eyes. “I mean… it’s Saturday, right? No filming today,” Maya continued, a little unsure but determined to see if Carina would be up for it. “Your place is in the mountains. I thought it could be fun.”
Carina raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but amused. “Hiking? With you?” She set her mug down carefully, the smile tugging at her lips. “That’s-”
Maya laughed, shrugging nonchalantly. “Why not? I mean, you’ve got a beautiful view up here, and I could use a bit of fresh air to get rid of the hangover completely.”
Carina studied her for a beat, as if weighing the idea. “Let’s do it,” Carina said, her decision coming quickly, and Maya felt a burst of excitement.
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Carina DeLuca had no business looking that good in hiking gear.
Maya had been expecting something functional—leggings, a simple tank top, maybe a loose jacket. Instead, Carina stood there in fitted black shorts that showed off way too much leg and a snug, sleeveless top that hugged her figure in a way that had Maya’s brain short-circuiting. She had a high ponytail, sunglasses perched on her nose, and—because the universe apparently wanted Maya to suffer—she was casually stretching, arms overhead, exposing just the slightest hint of toned abs.
Maya swallowed hard.
“Bella,” Carina was lowering her arms and flashing that devastating smile. “You look cute. Excited for our adventure?”
Maya had no idea how to respond. She had been a professional athlete. A woman who had spent years keeping her cool under pressure. And yet, one look at Carina standing there in all her effortlessly sexy glory, and she was rendered completely useless.
Somehow, she managed to pull herself together and forced a smirk. “You ready to keep up with me, DeLuca? This isn’t just some casual walk in the park.”
Carina hummed, tilting her head. “I like a challenge.”
Oh, Maya was in trouble.
As they started up the trail, Maya tried—really tried—to focus on the hike itself. The trail was gorgeous, winding through lush greenery, the sun filtering through the trees just right. It should have been easy to enjoy.
But Carina was walking beside her, all long legs and confidence, and every time Maya stole a glance, she found something new to be distracted by—the way Carina’s tank top clung to her skin when she adjusted her backpack, the sheen of sweat starting to form on her collarbone, the playful smirk that never seemed to leave her lips.
“I think you are distracted, no?” Carina teased, catching Maya mid-stare.
Maya snapped her gaze forward, heat crawling up her neck. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Carina laughed. “Mmmh, sure. Sei così carina quando cerchi di nasconderlo.” (You’re so cute when you try to hide it.)
Maya groaned. “There you go again. Talking in Italian like I’m supposed to know what that means.”
Carina stopped walking, turning to face her fully. “Do you really want to know what I’m saying, or do you just like how it sounds?”
Maya opened her mouth to argue—but nothing came out. Because the truth? The truth was that she absolutely loved it. She loved every soft, teasing word that spilled from Carina’s lips, even if she didn’t understand a damn thing.
Carina stepped closer, dropping her voice just enough to make Maya’s pulse race. “I think you like it when I talk to you like this. When I say things you don’t understand but still feel.”
Maya exhaled sharply. “You are ridiculous.”
“And you,” Carina leaned in slightly, a smirk tugging at her lips, “are staring again.”
Maya could do nothing but laugh, running a hand through her hair in defeat. “Unbelievable.”
Carina just grinned. “Come on, Ma-ya. Show me what else you’ve got.”
And just like that, Maya knew—this hike was going to be torture.
The Italian woman walked in front of her with an effortless kind of confidence, her ponytail swaying behind her, her toned legs carrying her up the incline with ease. She wasn’t even out of breath. Meanwhile, Maya felt like she was the one struggling—not from the hike itself, but from the way her brain refused to function properly around Carina.
“So,” Carina mused, breaking the silence, “is this your secret plan? Take me on a hike, tire me out, and hope I am too exhausted to tease you?”
Maya huffed a laugh, wiping at the sweat on her brow. “That was the idea.”
Carina smirked. “Mmmh, unfortunate for you, bella. It takes more than this to wear me out.”
Maya bit her lip. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Carina’s gaze flicked toward her, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “Oh? And what exactly are you planning to do with that information?”
Maya’s stomach flipped. She should have known better than to say something suggestive around Carina—because now, Carina was watching her, waiting, daring her to respond.
Maya cleared her throat, playing it off. “Just... making a mental note.”
Carina chuckled. “How very professional of you. You should also apply that to your acting technique.”
They kept walking and Maya wasn’t sure if it was the heat from the sun or the heat from Carina’s words making her feel this way, but either way, she was struggling.
And then she got an idea.
If Carina was going to keep teasing her, maybe it was time she turned the tables.
“Oh, look,” Maya said suddenly, pointing toward a ridge to their right. “The view’s incredible from there.”
Carina followed her gesture, her eyes scanning the horizon. “Oh, sì, bellissimo.”
That was when Maya made her move.
It was nothing dramatic—just a light bump of her hip against Carina’s, playful, barely noticeable—except Carina hadn’t been expecting it. She stumbled slightly, her footing slipping on the uneven ground, and with a sharp inhale, she lost balance.
Maya’s reflexes kicked in immediately. She reached out, catching Carina by the waist before she could go down completely.
Carina let out a startled laugh, gripping Maya’s arms. “Maya!”
Maya grinned. “Oops.”
Carina blinked up at her, lips parting slightly, her hands still resting on Maya’s biceps. They were close—closer than they had been all day. Maya could feel the warmth of Carina’s skin through her thin tank top, could see the way her chest rose and fell with each breath.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then Carina arched an eyebrow. “You did that on purpose.”
Maya smirked. “Did I?”
Carina narrowed her eyes, but the playful glint was still there. “Oh, you are dangerous.”
Maya chuckled, her hands still resting against Carina’s waist. “And yet, I just saved you.”
“Hmm,” Carina pretended to consider, her fingers subtly squeezing Maya’s arms. “Maybe I should thank you.”
Maya’s breath caught. She wasn’t sure if it was the look in Carina’s eyes or the way her voice had dipped just slightly lower, but suddenly, every single nerve in her body was hyper-aware of the woman in her arms.
Before Maya could say anything—before she could even think—Carina slowly leaned in, her lips hovering just beside Maya’s ear.
Her voice was barely a whisper. “Or... maybe I should make you pay for it.”
Maya’s entire body tensed. “That—um. That doesn’t sound very fair.”
Carina was still in her arms, her hands resting lightly against Maya’s biceps, her body just close enough that Maya could feel the warmth radiating off of her. And those eyes—deep, brown, playful, knowing—were locked onto hers with a kind of intensity that made her pulse race.
“Where’s the fun in playing fair?” Carina had said.
Maya swallowed hard. “Carina…”
The name barely left her lips before Carina moved. Slowly. Deliberately. She didn’t pull away—instead, she let her fingers drag up Maya’s arms, slow and teasing, until they rested against her shoulders. Then, with the same agonizing slowness, she trailed them back down again, stopping just at Maya’s wrists.
Maya’s breath hitched.
Carina’s smirk deepened. “You’re quiet all of a sudden.”
Maya forced herself to breathe. “No, I just—”
Carina tilted her head. “Just what?”
Maya opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She couldn’t think straight, not with Carina touching her like this, not with the way she was looking at her—like she was enjoying every second of Maya’s unraveling.
Carina let out a soft, knowing hum. “Mmmh, I think I finally found a way to shut you up.”
Maya blinked. “I—what?”
But before she could process, Carina moved even closer.
Their bodies weren’t quite touching—but it was close. So close that Maya could feel the ghost of Carina’s breath against her skin, could feel every single point of contact where Carina’s fingers traced along her arms, her shoulders, her collarbone.
Carina leaned in, just slightly. “Do you know how easy you are to read, Maya?”
Maya exhaled sharply. “I—”
“Every time I tease you…” Carina’s fingers brushed lightly over Maya’s wrist, sending a shiver through her. “…your breath catches.”
Maya’s heart pounded.
“When I speak Italian to you…” Carina’s voice dipped, softer now, silkier. “…your pupils dilate just a little.”
Maya’s throat went dry.
“And when I touch you…” Carina finally, finally let her fingers skim down to Maya’s waist, lingering there, her touch featherlight. “…you completely forget how to speak.”
Maya’s brain short-circuited.
This wasn’t fair.
Carina knew exactly what she was doing, and Maya—Maya, who was supposed to be the one in control, the one leading this hike, the one with the upper hand—was completely at her mercy.
She needed to do something. Say something. Anything.
But then Carina’s fingers curled just slightly against her waist, her nails barely grazing Maya’s skin through her shirt, and Maya let out the tiniest, most embarrassing little sound—
A whimper.
Carina inhaled sharply. And then, very, very softly—
“Oh.”
Maya froze.
Carina’s lips parted slightly, her eyes flickering with something deeper, darker.
Then she smiled.
A slow, wicked, impossibly smug smile.
Maya’s stomach flipped.
“That,” Carina murmured, her voice a little huskier now, “was adorable.”
Maya’s face went up in flames. “I—shut up.”
Carina chuckled.
Maya huffed, stepping back and running a hand through her hair in frustration. “This was supposed to be a hike.”
Carina just grinned. “It is.”
Maya glared at her. “You are unbelievable.”
Carina winked. “And you are so fun to tease.”
Maya groaned, but she couldn’t stop the smile creeping onto her lips. “Come on. Let’s actually hike before I lose my mind.”
Carina hummed, falling into step beside her again. “You say that like your mind isn’t already gone.”
Maya shot her a look. “Carina.”
“Yes, bella?”
Maya exhaled sharply. “I hate you.”
Carina just laughed, bumping her shoulder lightly against Maya’s. “No, you don’t.”
And damn it—she was right.
Maya didn’t hate her at all.
She was just utterly, hopelessly, ridiculously smitten.
And it was only getting worse.
They kept walking.
Or, at least, Maya tried to walk.
It was hard to focus on the trail when Carina was still throwing her little glances, brushing her fingers against Maya’s arm, letting out soft, amused hums every time Maya caught herself staring.
Which was often.
The higher they climbed, the quieter the world seemed to become—just the sound of their footsteps on dirt, the occasional rustling of leaves, and Maya’s heart pounding in her ears.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Carina mused, glancing up at the sky.
Maya wasn’t looking at the view. “Yeah,” she murmured. “It really is.”
Carina turned toward her, eyebrows lifting just slightly—like she knew exactly what Maya meant. Like she could feel the way Maya’s gaze lingered a little too long on the curve of her smile, the gentle slope of her collarbone, the light sheen of sweat on her skin.
Maya swallowed hard and forced herself to look away.
Distraction. She needed a distraction.
“So,” she said, clearing her throat, “is hiking… a thing you do often?”
Carina smirked. “Are you asking if I exercise enough, Ma-ya?”
Maya rolled her eyes. “That’s not what I meant.”
Carina hummed. “Mmmh. I like being outdoors. I like movement. But this—” she gestured to the steep incline ahead of them, “—this is definitely more your thing.”
Maya smirked. “What, you can’t handle it?”
Carina shot her a look. “Careful, bella. You are already playing with fire.”
Maya’s stomach flipped. “I think I can handle it.”
Carina laughed softly, shaking her head. “Oh, we’ll see.”
Maya felt her breath catch.
God, she was beautiful.
The sunlight made her eyes look impossibly bright, and the wind tugged at the loose strands of her hair, and Maya… Maya was in so much trouble.
--------------
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, her voice low.
Maya exhaled, shaking her head slightly. “Like what?”
Carina stepped closer. “Like you want something.”
Maya’s pulse quickened. “Maybe I do.”
Carina’s lips parted slightly, her gaze flickering down—to Maya’s lips, then back up again.
The space between them was small. Too small.
Maya could feel the warmth of Carina’s breath, could see the way her chest rose and fell just a little faster now.
Neither of them moved.
Neither of them spoke.
And then—
A single drop of water landed on Maya’s arm.
She blinked.
Then another drop. And another.
Carina glanced up just as the sky, once golden and clear, shifted. The wind picked up, the air thick with the scent of rain, and within seconds—
The sky opened up.
It wasn’t just a drizzle. It was a full downpour.
Maya let out a sharp laugh as the rain soaked through her tank top almost instantly. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Carina gasped, laughing as she wiped water from her face. “Oh, Dio!”
Maya glanced around, spotting a small, rocky overhang a few feet away. “Come on!”
They sprinted for cover, slipping beneath the narrow shelter just as the rain intensified.
Maya ran a hand through her dripping hair, laughing breathlessly. “Well. That escalated quickly.”
Carina huffed, wringing out the bottom of her shirt. “Maya. Next time, maybe look at the weather report, before you drag me outside.”
Maya smirked. “Why didn`t you look at the report yourself?”
Carina gave her a flat look, but there was amusement behind it.
Maya leaned against the rock wall, watching as water dripped from Carina’s hair, down her collarbone, down—
Oh.
Oh, that wasn’t fair.
Carina’s tank top was soaked, clinging to her skin in a way that made it very, very hard for Maya to focus on anything else.
Carina must have noticed, because her smirk returned. “See something you like, bella?”
Maya groaned, dropping her head back against the rock. “Carina.”
Carina stepped closer. “Yes?”
Maya exhaled sharply, closing her eyes for half a second. “You are impossible.”
Carina hummed. “And you are still looking.”
Maya bit her lip. Hard.
Carina reached up, gently tucking a wet strand of Maya’s hair behind her ear. The touch was soft, lingering.
Maya’s breath caught.
Carina smiled, her voice quieter now, more intimate. “You know… I think I like seeing you flustered.”
Maya let out a shaky laugh. “Yeah, I already figured that out.”
Carina’s fingers grazed Maya’s jaw, barely there, just enough to make her shiver.
“I like this,” Carina murmured. “Being here with you. Like this.”
Maya’s chest tightened.
She knew Carina was teasing her, but there was something else in her voice now. Something real.
Maya swallowed. “Me too.”
Carina’s smile softened.
For a long moment, they just stood there—rain pouring around them, the space between them impossibly small, their breaths mingling in the cool air.
And then—
Carina reached for Maya’s hand, threading their fingers together.
Maya’s heart stuttered.
“Let’s wait out the rain,” Carina said softly. “I don’t mind being stuck here… if it’s with you.”
Maya squeezed her hand, smiling. “Yeah. Me neither.”
----------------
Carina sighed dramatically, looking down at her completely soaked tank top, which was clinging to her skin like a second layer. “Ugh, questo è insopportabile.” (This is unbearable.)
Maya blinked. “What is?”
Carina didn’t answer. Instead, she reached for the hem of her top, fingers curling around the wet fabric.
And then she pulled it over her head.
Maya immediately turned away, squeezing her eyes shut. “Oh my God.”
Carina laughed, the sound rich and absolutely full of mischief. “Maya. Really?”
Maya groaned, still facing the rock wall, still very much not looking. “You—Carina! You can’t just—”
“I can’t just what?” Carina teased, and Maya could hear the smirk in her voice. “Maya, it’s just a top. I still have my bra on.”
Maya’s jaw clenched. That wasn’t the point.
Carina took a step closer. “Are you really keeping your eyes closed?”
Maya exhaled sharply, willing herself to stay calm. “Yes.”
Another soft laugh. “Oh, bella. Sei adorabile.” (You’re adorable.)
Maya clenched her fists. “Carina…”
Carina hummed. “Mmmh?”
“I am trying,” Maya said, voice tight, “to be a good person right now.”
Carina chuckled, moving even closer. “And why would looking at me make you a bad person?”
Maya groaned again. “Because I won’t be able to stop looking.”
Carina went silent for a second. Then—
“Oh.”
Maya cursed under her breath, because she knew that tone. That smug, delighted, absolutely-too-pleased-with-herself tone.
Carina was enjoying this. Too much.
“Maya,” Carina said, and Maya could hear the grin in her voice. “Open your eyes.”
“Nope.”
Carina sighed dramatically. “Fine. If you won’t look… maybe I should just come closer.”
Maya’s stomach flipped. “Carina.”
She felt a shift in the air, felt Carina’s warmth just inches away.
“Or maybe,” Carina mused, “I should just…”
And then—
Fingertips.
Just barely, just lightly—Carina traced her fingers along Maya’s bare forearm.
Maya’s breath hitched.
It was such a simple touch, but God, it sent a shiver down her spine.
“Maya.” Carina’s voice was softer now. “Look at me.”
Maya swallowed, her entire body betraying her.
Slowly—so, so slowly—she opened her eyes.
And, yeah. That was a mistake.
Because Carina was standing right there, inches away, looking absolutely breathtaking.
Her dark sports bra clung to her damp skin, her hair was a mess from the rain, and her lips were slightly parted, her expression unreadable but intense.
Maya’s brain completely short-circuited.
“Better?” Carina asked, tilting her head slightly.
Maya opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it again.
Carina smiled. “Ah. Speechless.”
Maya exhaled, forcing herself to find some kind of response. “You… you really like torturing me, don’t you?”
Carina hummed, stepping even closer. “I like watching you try to resist me.”
Maya let out a sharp breath. “You’re evil.”
Carina grinned. “And yet, you wanted me to be your friend.”
Maya had no argument for that.
The air between them was heavy now.
And then, because Maya had officially lost her mind—
She reached out.
Just barely, just hesitantly—she let her fingers skim along Carina’s waist, feeling the warmth of her skin, the slow rise and fall of her breathing.
Carina inhaled sharply, her eyes darkening.
Maya’s pulse was a thunderstorm.
Carina looked at her—really looked at her—and then whispered, “Finalmente.” (Finally.)
Maya swallowed. “Carina…”
Carina leaned in, her lips just a breath away. “Mmmh?”
Maya’s fingers tightened against Carina’s waist, her entire body drawn to her.
“Tell me to stop,” Carina murmured, her voice low.
Maya didn’t even hesitate.
“I don’t want you to stop.”
Carina’s breath caught.
And then—
She closed the distance.
Maya barely had time to think before Carina’s lips met hers, soft and warm and so, so good.
It wasn’t slow this time. It wasn’t careful.
It was all heat and hunger, fingers tangling in wet hair, hands roaming over damp skin, bodies pressing impossibly close.
The rain still poured around them, the world still existed somewhere beyond this moment—
But none of it mattered.
Because Maya wasn’t thinking anymore.
She was just feeling.
And God, did it feel good.
Maya was drowning.
Not in the rain. Not in the dampness clinging to her clothes.
She was drowning in her.
Carina’s kiss was relentless, all heat and slow-burning hunger, her lips parting just enough to let Maya in, to pull her deeper. It was intoxicating—she was intoxicating.
Maya’s hands were gripping Carina’s waist, fingers twitching against her warm, rain-slicked skin. Every nerve in her body was on fire, every part of her desperate for more, for something she couldn’t quite name.
And then—
Carina took her hands.
Maya barely had time to register the movement before Carina guided them up, up—
And pressed them firmly against her breasts.
Maya’s breath stopped.
Her brain? Completely blank.
Carina’s hands stayed over hers for a moment, holding them in place, her touch both teasing and insistent. Maya could feel the heat of her skin, the way her damp sports bra did absolutely nothing to hide the way her body responded to the moment.
Maya’s fingers twitched.
Carina let out a soft, pleased sigh, her head tilting just slightly. “Mmm.” she murmured, her voice dark with satisfaction.
Maya was not okay.
Her heart was slamming against her ribs, her pulse roaring in her ears. She should say something—anything—but her mouth had stopped working, her brain completely disconnected from her body.
Carina chuckled, low and warm, pressing just a little closer. “Oh, Maya…” she teased, her breath ghosting over Maya’s lips. “Sei così adorabile quando sei nervosa.” (You’re so adorable when you’re nervous.)
Maya was nervous. But she was also something else entirely.
Something desperate.
Something that made her move.
Her fingers flexed, finally responding to the moment, and Carina sucked in a breath, her lips parting in the slightest gasp.
That sound—God, that sound—sent a bolt of pure need straight through Maya.
She didn’t hesitate this time.
Didn’t second-guess herself.
She pressed her palms more firmly against Carina’s breasts, feeling the way her body responded, the way her breath hitched.
Carina melted into her touch, her head tipping back just enough to give Maya full access to her throat.
Maya didn’t waste the opportunity.
She ducked her head, lips finding the damp skin of Carina’s neck, tasting the mix of rain and salt and her.
Carina let out a breathy little moan, her hands finding Maya’s shoulders, gripping hard.
Maya grinned against her skin, pressing another open-mouthed kiss to the curve of Carina’s jaw, reveling in the way Carina trembled against her.
“You’re addictive.” Maya murmured, her voice rough, teasing.
Carina exhaled sharply, threading her fingers through Maya’s damp hair, tugging just slightly. “And I want you,” she countered, voice thick with need.
Maya groaned, her hands gripping Carina’s waist, pulling her impossibly closer.
The rain still poured around them, cool against their overheated skin, but Maya barely noticed it. All she could focus on was the way Carina felt beneath her hands, the way her body moved against hers, the way her breath came in quick, uneven gasps.
And then—
Carina moaned.
Soft, breathy, needy.
Maya swore she felt it vibrate straight through her, igniting something deep in her core.
Oh, she liked that.
She loved that.
She wanted to hear it again.
Maya pressed her lips to Carina’s neck, teasing her teeth against the sensitive skin there, and was rewarded with another delicious, shuddering moan.
God.
She was never going to get enough of that sound.
Carina's fingers tightened in Maya's hair, nails scraping lightly against her scalp, and Maya groaned, her own control slipping.
"Maya..." Carina gasped, pressing closer, her hips shifting against Maya's.
Maya's breath hitched. Fuck.
She pulled back just enough to look at Carina, and damn.
Carina's lips were swollen, her chest rising and falling in quick, shallow breaths. Her dark eyes were hooded, filled with something deep, something raw.
She looked absolutely wrecked.
Because of her.
Maya swallowed hard, her pulse hammering in her ears.
"You—" she started, her voice hoarse.
Carina smirked, though it was shaky, breathless. "Mmmh? Something wrong, bella?"
Maya huffed out a short, breathy laugh, shaking her head. "You are something else."
Carina hummed, tilting her head. "And what does that mean?"
Maya didn't answer. Instead, she slid her hands down, tracing her fingers over Carina's waist, memorizing every inch of her.
Carina shivered under her touch.
God, Maya loved that too.
Carina bit her lip, her eyes locked on Maya’s. "You keep touching me like that," she whispered, "and I might not let you stop."
Maya's breath stuttered.
"Who said I wanted to stop?" she murmured.
Carina inhaled sharply.
And then—
She surged forward, capturing Maya’s lips in a kiss again.
Maya groaned against her mouth, her grip tightening, pulling Carina closer, deeper.
------
Maya wasn’t sure how they ended up on the floor, but she wasn’t thinking.
She was feeling.
The cool, damp ground beneath her. The heat of Carina above her. The way Carina’s fingers skimmed over her stomach, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.
And then—
Carina’s lips were on her throat, warm and wet, and Maya gasped, arching into her touch.
God, she’d never felt like this before.
Carina’s hands were slow, teasing, pushing up Maya’s damp shirt inch by inch, her nails scraping lightly against Maya’s ribs.
Maya shuddered.
“You’re so sensitive,” Carina murmured, her voice thick with something dark, something teasing. “Mi piace.”
Maya could barely breathe. “You—” Her words caught as Carina shifted, her knee pressing between Maya’s legs, her body pressing down.
Maya’s head tipped back, a gasp slipping from her lips.
Carina smirked. “Ah, bella, I love that sound.”
And then her hands were everywhere—skimming, teasing, taking.
Maya’s shirt disappeared. So did Carina’s bra.
Their bodies pressed together.
Maya couldn’t stop touching her, couldn’t stop tracing the lines of her back, the curve of her waist.
Carina’s breath was warm against her ear as she whispered, “Sei bellissima, Maya.”
Maya’s heart stuttered.
And when Carina finally, finally moved against her in just the right way—
Maya broke.
She fell apart beneath her, gasping Carina’s name like it was the only thing she knew how to say.
Carina kissed her, slow and deep, holding her through it, whispering soft, sweet words against her lips.
And then—
Maya flipped them.
Because she wasn’t done.
She wanted to see Carina like this. Wanted to watch her fall apart the way she just had.
She slid down, pressing open-mouthed kisses along Carina’s collarbone, her stomach, lower—
Carina moaned, her hands tangling in Maya’s hair, her body arching into her.
Maya grinned against her skin.
“Oh, bambina,” Carina gasped, her voice breaking, her body trembling.
Maya had never felt more powerful in her life.
She knew.
She was never letting Carina go.
----------------------
On Monday, after spending a long weekend with Carina with lots of sex, Maya stepped into the hallway of the set, trying to find Carina. But something caught her attention. She heard Carina’s voice, low and soothing, just around the corner. Maya froze, instinctively pressing herself against the wall to stay out of view. She didn’t want to interrupt, but curiosity gnawed at her.
Carina was on the phone. Maya leaned in, trying to catch the words.
“...No, no, this isn`t anything serious. She came on to me way too strong. I didn`t like it.”
Maya’s stomach lurched. What? She wasn’t sure why, but the mention of “she” and “came onto me pretty strong” made Maya’s heart drop.
Was Carina talking about her? Had she really come off as too forward? Maybe she had misread every interaction, every flirtatious glance, every word. The thought hit her like a ton of bricks.
“I swear, I am not interested in her,” Carina continued, her voice light but firm. “You know me, I’m not into that.”
Maya’s heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. This has to be about me, she thought, standing there, motionless, caught in her own web of assumptions. Carina wasn’t interested in her. The entire idea of them being more than just co-stars was just a figment of Maya’s imagination.
Maya could already feel the sting of rejection creeping in, an icy wave washing over her. Of course she isn’t interested. Look at you, Maya. You’re just a nobody for someone like Carina. She chastised herself for letting things get so complicated.
“Yeah, true. She isn’t bad looking,” Carina said, chuckling softly, “but still, looks aren`t everything, you know?”
Carina was definitely talking about her. She had come onto Carina too strongly, hadn’t she? It had been so obvious. She had read it all wrong.
Maya wanted to turn around and run back to her trailer, to hide and forget about everything. But her feet were rooted to the ground. She felt like she couldn’t move. The floor seemed to tilt beneath her, and for a moment, she was certain she was going to faint.
“But anyway,” Carina continued, oblivious to the turmoil Maya was experiencing just a few feet away, “I’m good. I’m not really looking for anyone right now. Besides, I’ve got Andrea to worry about. He’s been a handful lately, so I’m focused on that.”
Maya's shoulders slumped. That was it. It was so clear now. There was no room in Carina’s life for someone like Maya. Carina was dealing with her brother, her past, her own life. She wasn’t thinking about someone like Maya. Maya had overstepped, and now, she had to pay the price of her own stupidity.
Carina’s voice softened a little more as she continued, “I swear, this whole dating thing feels like a game sometimes. I don’t know, maybe I’m just getting old.”
Maya felt the weight of her thoughts pulling her down, and she couldn’t take it anymore. Her hands trembled, and she took a step back, retreating from the hallway. She needed space, and she needed to breathe.
But as she turned, she heard Carina’s voice again, a little louder now, as though she’d moved closer.
“You know, It`s exhausting to deal with people who don’t respect boundaries. It’s like… don’t be so forward and expect something back. Right?”
Maya’s breath hitched. That was it. That was the final nail in the coffin. She was the one who had crossed the line, made things awkward, and misread Carina’s kindness as something more. Carina wasn’t interested, she never had been.
Her chest tightened. Had she really been coming on too strong? Had she made a fool of herself, mistaking playful flirtation for something deeper? The memory of their weekend together, the way Carina’s breath had hitched, the way she had clutched onto Maya like she wanted her just as badly—had all of that been nothing?
Maya clenched her jaw, her fingers curling into fists at her sides.
She didn’t even realize she had stopped breathing until Carina let out a light chuckle, her tone shifting. “No, it’s not a big deal. Just another day in Hollywood.” A pause. “I know, I know. You always think I attract trouble.” Another pause. “Okay, fine, maybe I do.”
Maya exhaled, her head spinning. She felt ridiculous standing there, spying on a private conversation like some lovesick teenager, but the damage had already been done.
Carina wasn’t interested.
Or worse—Carina thought Maya was too much.
Her stomach twisted uncomfortably. She had never been good at playing it cool.
But just before she could escape, she heard Carina say something else. Something that made Maya stop dead in her tracks.
Carina sighed, her voice softening. “No, I promise you, she’s entirely different.”
Maya’s breath caught.
Wait.
What?
She blinked, her heart skipping a beat as her brain scrambled to process those last two words.
She’s different.
Maya felt like she was teetering on the edge of a cliff, torn between relief and complete and utter confusion. Who the hell was Carina talking about now?
She had two choices: stand here like an idiot, jumping to conclusions, or…
Or actually ask Carina what the hell was going on.
Maya squared her shoulders. Enough of this.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, rounding the corner.
Carina was leaning casually against the wall, phone pressed to her ear, her expression unreadable. But the second she spotted Maya, something in her demeanor shifted. Her brows lifted slightly in surprise before her lips curved into something faintly amused.
“Ti chiamo dopo,” Carina murmured into the phone. “Ciao.”
She ended the call and slipped her phone into her pocket, folding her arms across her chest as she eyed Maya with that infuriating, knowing smirk.
“Well,” Carina mused. “If you wanted to eavesdrop, Maya, you could have at least done it properly.”
Maya flushed but refused to back down. “I wasn’t eavesdropping.”
Carina arched a perfectly sculpted brow.
Maya exhaled sharply. “Okay, fine. Maybe I overheard something.”
Carina hummed, clearly enjoying this. “And what exactly did you overhear?”
Maya hesitated, suddenly feeling incredibly stupid. “I—uh…” She swallowed. Screw it. “I heard you say someone came on too strong and that you weren’t into pushy types.”
Carina tilted her head, lips twitching like she was trying not to laugh. “Ah.”
Maya’s stomach sank. “Was that… about me?”
A beat of silence.
Then—Carina laughed.
A soft, melodic laugh that made Maya’s heart stutter for an entirely different reason.
“Oh, Maya.” Carina shook her head, her hazel eyes twinkling. “You? No.”
Maya blinked. “Wait… what?”
Carina smirked. “I was talking about some random woman in a bar last week, who cornered me and would not take a hint. Like Robert Sullivan.”
Maya felt her soul leave her body.
Oh.
Oh God.
She had spent the last five minutes spiraling over a conversation that wasn’t even about her.
Carina must have noticed the way Maya's face cycled through about five different emotions because she grinned. “You thought I was talking about you, didn’t you?”
Maya scowled. “No.”
Carina arched a brow.
Maya groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “Okay, yes. Maybe.”
Carina bit her lip, clearly amused. “So, let me get this straight—you thought I was calling you too much? You, Maya Bishop, who successfully pleased me in every aspect for the last two days and finally got what she wanted?”
Maya frowned. “Well, when you say it like that, it makes me sound kind of—”
“Hot?” Carina interjected smoothly.
Maya choked on air. “That is not what I was going to say.”
Carina’s smirk deepened. “Shame.”
Maya opened her mouth, then closed it. This woman was going to be the death of her.
Carina sighed, her expression softening. “Maya, if I ever think you’re coming on too strong…” She took a slow step closer, her voice dipping lower. “…I promise, you’ll know.”
Maya’s heart slammed against her ribs.
Carina held her gaze for a lingering moment before flashing her a knowing smile and brushing past her, the scent of vanilla and something faintly floral trailing behind her.
-------------------------
Maya stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at her reflection. Her hand trembled as she adjusted the collar of her shirt, trying to seem put-together, even though she felt like a nervous wreck. She had spent the entire day rehearsing what she was going to say to Carina—how she would finally ask her out, how she would finally do something bold for once.
With a heavy sigh, Maya made a decision. If she was going to do this, she needed some help—something to loosen her up a little. Liquid courage. It had worked before. Sort of at last.
She opened a beer bottle, she stole from Travis, when he wasn`t looking. The first sip was bitter, but she didn’t care. The second was smoother. By the third, she could feel the tension in her shoulders begin to fade. Her nerves were still there, but they weren’t as overwhelming anymore. She could do this. She could ask Carina for a real date.
Maya took another deep breath, wiped her palms on her jeans, and stepped out of the bathroom, her heart pounding.
When she walked back into the lounging area on set, she found Carina sitting on a couch, scrolling through her phone. The sight of her still made Maya’s stomach flip.
Carina looked up as Maya entered, her lips curling into smile when she saw the bottle in Maya’s hand.
“Ah, so we’re drinking again?” Carina said, her voice teasing. “Have you not learned of your previous- Oh, wait, this time you’re intentionally trying to get some liquid courage before you ask me something, aren’t you?”
Maya froze, feeling her face flush instantly. Was it that obvious? She hadn’t even opened her mouth, and Carina already had her figured out. But instead of backing down, Maya tried to play it cool.
“I—uh, maybe,” Maya stammered. “I just thought... you know... we’ve spent a lot of time together, and, um, I thought it’d be nice to—”
“You thought what?” Carina interrupted, her eyes glinting with amusement. She leaned back into the couch, crossing her arms as she studied Maya with an intensity that made Maya feel exposed.
Maya’s heart raced. She could feel the alcohol in her system, but it was doing little to calm her nerves. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words got tangled in her throat. “I just... well... I was wondering, if... you’d, uh, want to go out with me? Like, for real. I mean, not just for... for... whatever we’ve been doing. Like, a date-date.”
Carina raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained by Maya’s sudden awkwardness. “A date? You mean like dinner? Drinks? A movie?”
Maya nodded, her palms beginning to sweat. “Yeah, something like that.”
Carina let out a little laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Maya,” she said softly, her voice laced with mischief, “are you sure you’re ready for a date with me? I mean... I’m a lot to handle.” She leaned forward slightly, letting her gaze linger on Maya for just a second too long.
Maya’s heart skipped a beat, and she took another gulp of her beer to steady herself. She knew this was supposed to be a simple question, but Carina was making it so much harder than it needed to be.
“I’m... I’m sure,” Maya said, her voice slightly more confident now. “I mean, I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t serious. I really like you, Carina. Like, more than just... whatever this is. I want to get to know you better. So, what do you say?”
Carina sat there, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the arm of the couch, as though she were carefully considering Maya’s words.
Then, to Maya’s utter surprise, Carina stood up slowly and walked over to her. She stood directly in front of Maya, her brown eyes never leaving her blue ones.
“Tell me, Maya,” Carina said, her voice soft, almost a whisper, “What makes you think I want to go out with you?”
Maya licked her lips, scrambling for a response that wouldn’t make her sound like a complete idiot.
“Well…” she started, shifting her weight from foot to foot. “I—uh—I just thought—”
Carina tilted her head, clearly enjoying this far too much. “You thought?”
Maya exhaled sharply. “Okay, no. I know.”
Carina’s lips twitched. “Oh?”
Maya swallowed. “I know because of the way you look at me and the way you moaned yesterday when I touched you.”
Carina raised an eyebrow, but she didn’t interrupt.
Maya took a deep breath and kept going. “I know because of the way you talk to me, the way you tease me like you’re doing right now. I know because when we kissed yesterday, it didn’t feel like acting. And I know because—” She hesitated, her heart pounding. “Because I want you. And I think—no, I know—you want me too.”
Silence.
Carina’s lips parted slightly, her breath coming just a little faster than before.
And then, just as Maya started to think she had completely miscalculated, Carina’s mouth curled into a slow, devastatingly smug smile.
“Oh, Maya,” Carina murmured, her voice like silk, “look at you, finally being bold.”
Maya huffed out a nervous laugh. “You make it really hard to be confident, you know that?”
Carina lifted a hand and, without hesitation, ran her fingers lightly over the collar of Maya’s shirt, adjusting it. The move was so small, so intimate, yet it sent a shiver down Maya’s spine.
“I like watching you squirm,” Carina admitted, eyes glinting with amusement. “But I also like it when you know what you want.”
Maya could barely breathe. “And what do you want?”
Carina’s fingers lingered for just a moment longer before she pulled away, taking a slow step back.
“I want you to take me on this date of yours,” she said, the corner of her mouth lifting.
Maya blinked. “Wait… so that’s a yes?”
Carina let out a low, amused hum. “No, not anymore. Now it is just a maybe. You waited too long.”
Maya groaned. “Carina—”
“Shh.” Carina placed a finger gently over Maya’s lips, her eyes dark and full of mischief. “Surprise me, bella. If you want this to be a real date… make it something worth saying yes to.”
And just like that, Carina turned, grabbed her phone from the couch, and strolled toward the door, leaving Maya standing there—breathless and flustered.
Maya exhaled, staring after her, still trying to process what had just happened.
This was happening. She was really going on a date with Carina.
And it was everything Maya had hoped for.
---------------
Maya Bishop stood in her living room, looking out over the city below, the distant hum of traffic and the soft rustling of the night air filling her ears.
She was thinking about the weekend where everything between her and Carina had shifted. They had spent nearly three days together, exploring each other in ways that had left Maya breathless, both physically and emotionally. Maya had never felt more alive, more seen, than she did during those few days. But now, she felt a familiar ache in her chest—an insecurity, a nagging voice that told her she wasn’t enough.
Her thoughts drifted back to the moments they'd spent together—Carina’s soft words, the way she looked at Maya with such warmth. But then, there was that lingering doubt.
"Am I really enough for her?" Maya whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the still night. "Am I even worthy of someone like Carina?"
She sighed, her eyes closing for a moment. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Carina—no, she trusted her. But Carina’s confidence, her ability to navigate the world with grace and poise—it all seemed so far away from Maya’s own life.
"Why do I always feel like I’m not enough?" Maya asked aloud, though she knew no one was there to answer.
The more Maya thought about it, the more she realized something that seemed almost ridiculous. She had just spent an entire weekend with Carina—an entire weekend of passion, of connection—but it hadn’t changed how she saw herself. If anything, it had made the insecurities worse. She had been starstruck by Carina before, admiring her from afar, and now that she had experienced something so intimate with her, it felt even more surreal. The connection was there, but the doubts were still lingering.
"God, I’m such a mess," Maya muttered, shaking her head.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, snapping her out of her spiraling thoughts. She pulled it out, half-expecting a message from Carina, but instead, it was just a reminder for a doctor appointment. Maya felt a pang of disappointment—she had hoped for something else. Something to reassure her, even if just for a moment.
Still, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that she wasn’t enough. The fact that Lane had ghosted her, that part of her life still haunted her more than she wanted to admit. She had hoped that once she moved on, once she was with someone who truly saw her, she’d feel different. But here she was, still stuck in the same cycle.
“Why do I let this happen?” Maya whispered to herself, her voice shaky. She had hoped that her connection with Carina would be different. That she would be different. But nothing seemed to change.
She thought about Carina again—how she had looked at her with such tenderness that weekend, how she had kissed her like she meant it. It should have been enough to prove to Maya that she was worthy of love, that she could have something real with Carina. But it wasn’t enough.
Maya ran her hands through her hair, frustration building inside her chest. She had always struggled with her self-worth, but this... this was something different. She had never been starstruck by someone before, not in the way she was with Carina. But it wasn’t just about Carina’s career or her expertise. It was about the way Carina made her feel—alive, seen, important. The way she made Maya feel like she could be more than the broken pieces she had been carrying around for so long. It was the most vulnerable Maya had ever felt, and yet, it was also the most beautiful thing she had ever experienced.
But still, something wasn’t clicking.
"Maybe I’m just too afraid," Maya murmured, gazing at the city lights below. "Too afraid to let myself believe that I can have this. That I can be with someone like Carina."
Her phone buzzed again, and this time, it was a message from Carina.
“Hey, just checking in. How are you?”
Maya smiled softly, her heart giving a little flutter at the thought of Carina reaching out. Maybe that was a step in the right direction. Maybe, just maybe, she could start to believe that she was enough.
Taking a deep breath, Maya replied, “I’m okay. Just thinking a lot.”
“I’m here if you want to talk,” Carina’s message read.
Maya stared at the screen for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Part of her wanted to spill everything—the doubts, the insecurities, the fear that she was still somehow unworthy of Carina’s love. But another part of her wanted to pretend that everything was fine, that she had it all together.
In the end, Maya just typed, “I am okay. Thanks for checking in.”