It wasn't long after returning to the house that Benny thanked everyone for their hospitality, said goodbye, and left on his motorcycle. Before he departed, Bull reminded the lawyer to not expect him in the office until the afternoon. Benny did little to disguise his feelings about Bull's plan and with a wide grin suggested that his boss consider taking the entire day off.

Ashton insisted on doing as much around the house as she could before she and Bull left for the city despite protest from her father and brother. After laundry was done, folded, and put away, and a quick straightening up of the kitchen was completed, she agreed to stop and sit for a while. As she and Bull said their goodbyes, Alex assured his sister that he would call if they needed anything. His words were echoed by Izzie and Ashton's father.

Bull and Ashton drove for a few hours before deciding to stop to grab something to eat. While they ate, Bull disclosed that he had given his cell and office number to her father. When Ashton told him it wasn't necessary, he reminded her that on the occasions when she was in meetings, he would be available. Bull then playfully pointed out that he could have a better conversation about baseball with her father than she could. Ashton agreed with a laugh.

They tossed their bags down in the hotel suite Bull had reserved as they sat in the restaurant. He turned on the television hoping to find some sort of sports on while Ashton closed the drapes. She watched him intently as he sat looking at the screen. With the exception of when he was engaged in a conversation with her father about woodworking, Bull had been somewhat withdrawn. Even while they were having dinner, he wasn't totally himself.

"Thank you," Ashton said absently as she pulled a plastic bag with two brownies out of her purse. She had given the rest of the dessert to her brother for the kids, much to their delight.

"For?" Bull asked.

"Not rushing back to work."

"You may not believe it, but you're more important to me than work," he replied as Ashton sat down next to him on the sofa. Bull slid his arm around her and drew her closer hoping to pick up where they had left off earlier that morning. Ashton took the opportunity to mischievously whisper in his ear and ask if she was more important than the television. He replied with a kiss. As their lips met passionately again, Bull's phone which had been silent all day, rang. Although the sound was muffled as a result of being pressed between clothing and bodies, they were both startled by the vibration.

"She's persistent, I'll give her that," Ashton said, even though she wasn't sure who was calling. Bull had told her that he sent Diana a text stating he was away for the weekend and didn't want to be disturbed.

Ashton pulled back and Bull reached into his shirt pocket with one hand, keeping the other arm around her as best he could. He wanted to ease Ashton's mind, but a quick look at the screen dashed his plan of showing it to her.

"Makes her a good lawyer," he said as he declined the call and proceeded to turn off the phone. Bull placed it on the nearby table then removed his glasses and placed them down as well.

He took one glance at Ashton and continued, "Don't chase the thoughts. Stay here with me."

Ashton teetered between amusement and annoyance. She knew he was right but it also sounded like something he would dispense in therapy. She reached up and pulled at the elastic band that held her hair back, then with the other haphazardly raked fingers through her hair inadvertently jabbing Bull with an elbow.

"Oh…sorry," Ashton said wincing as he stifled a yelp.

"I guess I deserved that after the past few weeks," he said with a wink and rubbed the spot on his jaw.

"Jason, I'm so sorry."

"I hope it doesn't leave a mark," he said and gently touched his jaw again.

"Really?" she asked with a slight roll of her eyes. "I know what you're doing and if you don't stop, I am going to hit you."

"What am I doing?" Bull asked and pulled Ashton in close again. She didn't resist as his arms wrapped around her.

"Keeping me from going down the rabbit hole," Ashton replied and watched as he nodded in assent. Bull's gaze had held hers steadily since he asked his question. He watched as any remaining tension dissolved from her face and Ashton's eyes softened.

"God, I missed you," Ashton said and leaned in closer to kiss him. He enthusiastically returned the gesture and the next few minutes were spent making out like eager teenagers. When Ashton pulled away again, she grabbed his hand and led him to the bed. Any apprehension Ashton had felt, dissolved as Bull's hands ran over her body and they made love with passionate intensity.

Later that evening, Ashton dozed with her head on Bull's chest while he watched a baseball game. Every now and then she would check in on the score, despite not being the least bit interested and Bull would fill her in on the latest play she had missed. She thought about asking what had him preoccupied earlier but then decided against it. Instead, she snuggled in closer and closed her eyes.

It was late morning when Bull carried their bags into Ashton's apartment before heading off to TAC the next day. He assured Ashton that he would leave the office early and bring dinner with him. After he left, she quickly began unpacking her bag, started laundry, and then settled down to work herself.

Bull was true to his word and reappeared at a decent hour with a bag of take out in hand. Ashton opened the door for him while in the middle of a phone call. While unpacking the food, Bull listened in as she laughed and quickly ended the call. Ashton then turned her full attention to him and inquired about how things had gone at the office without him there for a morning. His short vague reply surprised her. She was certain Benny had provided some good-natured teasing when Bull arrived at work.

Over a second glass of wine and empty plates, Ashton asked if everything was okay.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she said.

"About what?" Bull replied.

"Whatever it is that has your wheels spinning since yesterday."

"I'm fine," he said. Ashton's raised eyebrows clearly stated her disbelief. Combined with the steely set of her grey eyes, Bull knew she wasn't going to let him off the hook.

"I've just been thinking. Us, work, us, your dad, us."

"That's a lot of us," Ashton replied. When Bull didn't respond, she continued, "Jason, all the thinking isn't going to figure us out. Trust me, I've had some time lately to try it."

"Didn't work?" he asked with a wry smile.

"Nope. But I know this psychologist. He's always told me that I should stop thinking and stay in the here and now. So, stay here…with me."

Ashton gave Bull's hand a slight squeeze. The smile on her face was reflected in her eyes taking the place of any hardness that was there earlier. He nodded in agreement and Ashton got up to clear the dishes from the small table.

"He sounds pretty smart," Bull said following her to the kitchen.

"Eh," Ashton replied with a shrug. "Some of his advice is a little suspect. He does make a mean brownie though, so I let it slide."