Ashton Duncan wasn't the type to dwell on milestones, but even he had to admit... graduating from Langston felt like crossing a finish line he never thought he'd reach.

He still remembered standing there at the ceremony, wearing the itchy gown over his only decent button-up shirt, fighting the instinct to disappear behind the crowd. Tom had shouted his name loud enough for the entire stadium to hear—typical—and she had waved at him like he was the only person there, grinning wide enough to make his chest ache.

Now? College was behind them. Real life had started.

Ash had taken the job at Langston Holdings six months ago—after a painfully awkward interview with her grandfather that had felt more like an interrogation than a conversation. The old man had stared at him for what felt like an hour, making Ash want to loosen his tie (he didn't), and had only said, "You're smart. You work hard. Don't make me regret this."

And Ashton hadn't.

Long hours, endless spreadsheets, corporate meetings that made his skin crawl... but the paycheck was good. Good enough that he was finally helping his parents with the mortgage. Good enough that he didn't lie awake every night wondering how to cover the next emergency.

And most days? He ended up here. At her place.

Not that they had made it "official." He still pretended it was just convenience. Still told himself he didn't live there. But his clothes lived in her drawers. His toothbrush had its own spot by her sink. There were mugs she bought just because she knew how he took his coffee. Most mornings, he woke up with her wrapped around him like breathing space wasn't a priority.

Yeah. He practically lived there.

Tonight wasn't different.

It was just past seven when Ash left Langston Holdings, loosening his tie and shrugging on his worn jacket. He walked the five blocks to where she worked—because she'd stayed late again, and there wasn't a universe where he was going to let her walk home alone after dark.

She was already outside when he got there, standing by the front steps of the building, hugging her purse to her chest like she always did when she was overthinking something.

Ash's brows drew together the second he saw her.

Normally, when she spotted him, she'd give him that small tired smile—the one she saved for just him after a long day. Or she'd tease him for being overprotective again. Or she'd roll her eyes when he stole her bag out of her hands, muttering something about her carrying too much weight for someone her size.

But tonight? Nothing.

Just her standing there, eyes unfocused, barely looking up until he was right in front of her.

"Hey," he said, nudging her shoulder gently with his. "You forget how to speak or what?"

She blinked like she hadn't realized he was there, then forced a half-smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Ash's stomach tightened immediately.

The walk back was quiet. Too quiet.

Usually, she'd fill the space with little updates about her day, random gossip from her coworkers, or complain about how the coffee machine at her office was still broken. She always talked too fast when she was tired. Always looped her arm through his when they crossed the last street before her building.

But tonight... her steps were slow. Hands stuffed deep in her coat pockets. Shoulders tense.

By the time they reached the apartment building, he'd had enough.

They climbed the stairs—Ash's hand automatically landing on the small of her back like it always did. She unlocked the door with shaky fingers.

As soon as they were inside, Ash kicked the door shut behind them. Tossed his keys on the counter.

Then turned to face her, dropping his jacket on the couch without breaking eye contact.

"Alright," he said low, voice steady but leaving no room for her usual deflections. "What happened?"

He took a step closer, tilting his head, dark eyes narrowing as he studied every inch of her face. "You've been quiet as hell since I picked you up."

Another step closer.

"Talk to me, princess." His hand found her chin gently, making her lift her gaze to him. "Who pissed you off?" His jaw tightened. "Or... what happened?"

Because whatever it was... he'd fix it. One way or another.