Mark had to chuckle at his brother's discomfort as he and Erica made their way back to the elevators. It hadn't been their plan to stick Glen with Tanya but it could be good for them both. Glen had been alone entirely too long and Tanya… Well, she was just persistent enough to open him up. Yeah, everything works out the way it's supposed to… The big man thought to himself and chuckled.

"What are you laughing at?" The redhead on his arm asked grinning up at him.

"Not a thing baby girl…not a thing." He reassured her and lifted her hand to his lips as they walked up on the elevators.

"I think those two will be good for each other." Erica said as she slapped the down button. Mark's eyebrows shot up slightly. It only reinforced his soul mate theory. She was thinking the same thing he'd been. "I mean, I don't know your brother at all but…I don't know. Call it a feeling I guess."

"I couldn't agree more." He said pulling her into the lift as the doors slid open. "I'm glad Adam finally pulled his head out of his ass too." He laughed again. "Any idiot with two eyes can see the crush he's got on Ash." It was Erica's turn to raise an eyebrow. "What?" The big man squeaked under her quiet consideration.

"That was quite an astute observation, old man. I didn't figure you for the type to think much about the love lives of your friends."

"I'm not Dr. Phil or anything but they are my friends…" He began haltingly. Great, now she was going to think he was some kind of big teddy bear. Just great…

"…and you want the best for them…" She continued for him. Mark grimaced as a grin broke out across her face.

"Of course I do." He blustered. "Doin our job we don't get a lot of time to date or…or anything really. When somethin good comes along I like to see them take it."

"You big softy." She laughed as the elevator dinged their floor.

"Only for you, baby girl." He grinned back as they strolled into the lobby and toward the restaurant.

"Here ya go…" Adam said as he opened his hotel room door and held it for her. "It isn't much but at least it's a warm bed. Right?" Ashley nodded and slowly dropped her saddle bags into a heap on the floor.

"Thanks for letting me crash." She muttered and perched herself on the edge of the bed.

Adam's eyebrows pulled down into a frown. Why did she seem so nervous? "Any time." He responded watching her as she scooted back a bit and folded her hands in her lap. "It sort of feels like nothing ever changed." He continued walking over to the window and pulling back the curtain. From the floor they were on, he could see almost to the horizon.

"Almost…but we can't see the bikes from here." She agreed albeit wistfully.

"Are…you okay?" He asked. She hadn't moved at all.

"Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"

"You just seem, I don't know, nervous." There, he said it.

"No I'm not." She said simply.

"Well, you're acting sort of strange." He pressed. He knew he shouldn't but if they were going to be roommates again this invisible wall had to go away.

"How am I acting strange?" She asked him and stood up, crossing her arms under her chest. Adam's stomach lurched into his chest as he looked at her. She was so beautiful standing there with that irritated frown on her face and her arms crossed, her hips cocked ever so slightly to the side… Adam made himself look up at her face.

"It just seems like since Mark and Glen brought you guys back here that you've been kind of subdued."

"What did you expect? Tanya nearly died. I guess maybe I haven't gotten over that yet. I never thought anything like that could happen." She said turning her back to him as she finished.

"But Tanya's going to be fine. Yeah, her leg is all banged up but it'll heal. It's alright now." Part of him was annoyed to be talking to her back.

Heaving a long sigh, Adam cautiously took a step toward her. Just as he was reaching out to touch her shoulder she spun around to face him. Adam nearly fell backwards.

"Um…are you alright?" She laughed as his foot caught the edge of the bed and nearly sent him sprawling.

"Of course I am." He grumbled and plopped down on the foot of the bed.

"That little display did not say 'Gee Ashley, I sure am fine'." She continued sarcastically. Adam wrinkled up his nose and swatted feebly at her arm. Ashley laughed and dodged away, grabbing a miniature bar of soap off of the dresser and chucking it at his chest. "Gotcha." She grinned. Adam couldn't help but grin too. This is how he remembered her.

"Oh yeah? Well…" He began, an impish twinkle dancing around his eyes, and launched himself at her. Ashley shrieked as she tried to run away but it was no use. The room wasn't big enough to hide in and his legs were much, much longer.

"Lemme go!" She giggled as he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the floor.

"Say the magic word." He teased as his fingers dug into her ribs, tickling mercilessly. The redhead continued to fight him but it was difficult. Adam had one arm wrapped around her waist from behind while he tickled her side with his free hand.

Ashley squealed and squirmed but it was no use. She could feel the tears of laughter streaming down her face.

"What…magic…word?" She managed as she fought, kicking her feet feebly at the air under them.

"Just say…" He began as he thought, his hand slowing against her ribs as he did. Ashley took the opportunity, spinning herself around in his grasp and attempting to gain some of the upper hand. Adam dropped her but only for a second. Before she could react and run he hoisted her up over his shoulder. "Just say, Adam is the king and I am sworn to please him."

"Yeah right!" She barked and pounded on his back with her little fists. Adam flinched theatrically and dug his fingers into the back of her thigh. Ashley shrieked and tried with all her might to throw herself backwards but Adam's arm held her legs firm.

"C'mon! Say it!" He roared and spun her around.

"Kiss my ass!" She cackled and chanced an elbow to the back of his head. Adam staggered slightly and redoubled his efforts.

"That's it! Say it or I'm gonna make you pee!" He grinned and on a whim, bit down on the side of her thigh. Ashley screamed and slapped at him even as she laughed.

"Fine! But I'll pee on your head!"

"Whoa…" Adam gasped and pulled her forward until she went careening down onto the bed. "That's so gross."

"But you let go." Ashley grinned wickedly and tossed a pillow at him. Adam was slow on the draw and it bounced off the side of his head.

"That was so unnecessary." He said plainly. Ashley stuck her tongue out at him and reached for the other pillow. Before she could get to it, Adam grabbed her ankle and dragged her down the bed.

"Noooo!" She squeaked and tried to claw her way back toward the headboard. Adam wasn't going to let that happen. He yanked her back and put his knee on her thigh to hold her still before dropping his whole weight on top of her back.

"I've got ya now." He breathed into her ear. "Now say it before I'm forced to tickle you again."

"No. You can't make me." She pouted playfully and tried to wiggle but it was no use. There was no hope of escape with two hundred and forty pounds on her back.

"Say it…" He giggled and went to work on her ribs again. Ashley laughed so hard she couldn't draw breath but Adam didn't stop. "Say it and I'll stop." He continued laughing.

"OKAY!" She blurted once she managed to breathe. Immediately, Adam moved his hands and eased up to his hands and knees over her. Ashley grunted and rolled onto her back to glare up at him as she caught her breath.

"And what do we say?" He grinned, his blonde hair falling forward over her like a golden curtain. He looked entirely too smug. It made her want to kick him…really hard. Instead, she looked up through her eyelashes and gazed at him as innocently as she could muster.

"Adam is the king…" Ashley began sounding more than bored.

"And?" He prodded, smiling down at her as she crossed her arms in front of her.

"And…I'm going to kick his ass!" She squealed and grabbed him by the ribs, tickling for all she was worth. Adam didn't budge. The redhead changed her tactic and moved to his armpits. It had a similar effect.

Adam dropped himself back down and crossed his arms over her shoulders. "Did I mention I'm not ticklish?" He giggled. Ashley growled and punched him in the side. With a sharp exhalation, Adam wilted off to her side laughing.

"Well that worked." She grinned and rolled onto her side, propping herself up on one elbow.

"That's not fair." He pouted. "I've got a match tomorrow and if I lose it I'm blaming you."

"Oh no you don't. Blame your writers." She laughed. Adam scowled at her and turned to face her resting on one elbow as well.

"Damn. I thought for sure that'd work." He smiled. It was the most gorgeous smile Ashley had ever seen and she couldn't help but smile back.

"I know a little bit about what you do, kid." She muttered, looking away suddenly. She could feel her face going red but for the life of her she couldn't figure out why. Maybe it was his eyes. Something behind them had changed. Ashley had always loved looking at them. From the day she and her friends had run across them in that Podunk bar on the side of the highway she'd noticed the way his hazel eyes showed every emotion that played across his face, and she'd loved it. But now, there was something different there. There was as softness in them she'd never seen and it made her chest flutter.

"Ash…" He said quietly. The fluttering increased as she looked up and saw the seriousness on his face. "I…" Adam began again but the words seemed to stick in his throat.

"What's wrong Adam?" She asked as his eyes floated down to the gaudy hotel bedspread beneath them. The blonde shook his head and took a deep breath.

"Ash…" This time his mouth stuck open after he got out her name. Ashley raised an eyebrow at him. Yeah, and he said she was the one acting weird.

"I'm gonna get something to drink. Do you want anything from the vending machine?" Ashley said and began raising herself up off the bed. The tension had gotten too much for her. Twice he'd tried to say something and it obviously was difficult for him. It was time for a discreet exit and some time to defuse the situation.

She heard Adam swear under his breath and then he was on her. The blonde pulled her down to him and kissed her with all the passion of the words he couldn't seem to say.

Ashley gasped against his lips. They were as soft as she imagined they would be as he carefully pushed forward, willing her mouth to open for him. It didn't take long. Since the night in the police station she'd wanted to make something happen but by the time she'd gotten up the nerve, he had left. She'd lost her moment and she'd tried to put it all out of her mind.

Adam rolled onto his back, pulling her with him without breaking the kiss. Ashley moaned softly and wrapped her arms around his neck so his head was pillowed on them as he moved to her cheek, trailing his lips like butterfly wings against her soft skin.

"Adam…" She whispered. Adam stopped but didn't remove his lips from her jaw. "What took you so long?" Ashley laughed when she felt his breath in little puffs against her neck. He was laughing but there was no mocking or teasing in it. It was a pure expression of relief.

"I was afraid you'd hit me." He chuckled holding her up by her shoulders so he could look into her face. The little redhead's eyebrows pulled down into an exasperated frown.

"You've got to be kidding me." She grumbled. Adam began laughing harder and settled her down onto his chest again. "Adam…"

"What?" He giggled.

"Shut up." She grinned and lowered her mouth to his again.

Mark handed the waitress his credit card and the bill and turned his attention back to Erica. He frowned. Since they'd come down for lunch she'd gotten quieter and quieter and he didn't know what to do to make it better.

"Baby girl?" He said and shifted so he could lean closer to her. "You alright?" Erica looked over from the window that had held her attention for the past ten minutes and nodded. Mark grunted. "You sure don't look alright."

"I'm okay baby." She assured him but her tone was unconvincing.

"Talk to me girl. That's what I'm here for." He said reaching over to place his hand over hers.

"I…just think too much is all." She was brushing him off and he knew it.

Mark swallowed the angry comment that was forming on his lips. "What are you thinkin about?" Erica opened her mouth but stopped when the waitress returned his card and had him sign the little slip of paper. The big man smiled and turned back to Erica but the waitress didn't leave. Mark's eyebrow shifted upward minutely at the redhead across his table before he glanced back up at the waitress.

"Taker, I'm sorry to bother you but is there any way I could get an autograph for my son?" She blustered as she fumbled inside her apron for a battered sheet of magazine paper.

"Sure thing darlin." He smiled and took the proffered item. Straightening it out, he grinned. The page was so old he had to laugh as he showed it to Erica.

The redhead raised an eyebrow at it.

"What's with the purple gloves?" She said as he bent to sign it.

"It was a long time ago." He muttered to her then glanced up at their waitress.

"Thank you!" She gushed and flashed him a big bright smile before turning to Erica. "I'm so sorry to interrupt you but he's eight and if I told him I waited on the Undertaker and didn't get him an autograph he'd never speak to me again."

"No problem." She smiled as best she could even as her stomach dropped to her feet. This was more attention than she was used to even if it wasn't directed at her.

"There ya go. Tell him I wanna see him at one of our shows soon." He grinned and winked as he passed the paper and pen back.

"Oh I will!" She smiled. "Thanks again, you two have a great day!" Finally, she hurried off.

"Now, where were we?" Mark asked catching her with his deep green eyes.

"Don't worry about it Taker." Erica waved him off. "It's nothing. Just me being weird." Mark's eyes darkened.

"My name's Mark." He said dryly and stood up. Erica closed her eyes and counted to ten. Sometimes, her mouth ran away with her. "Are you comin?"

"Yeah." She muttered and took his outstretched hand. "I'm sorry I called you Taker." Mark shrugged as they made their way back through the lobby.

"Remember when I asked you not to call me that?" He said as they caught an elevator. Erica nodded. "I met you as Mark. You weren't a crazy fan, you didn't even know I was famous."

"Mark…" The redhead tried to cut him off but he placed a finger over her lips for silence.

"No, this is important. It's sort of part of that talk we still need to have." He said and grinned as she kissed his finger. "You didn't care about the money, or the prestige, or any of it. You seemed to like Mark just fine."

"I did…" She began. "I do. It's just…strange I guess."

"Strange how?" He asked quietly as they stepped out onto their floor and made their way down the hall. Erica was silent until Mark unlocked the door and let them inside his room.

"Let's just say I don't know how to deal with 'famous'." She said plopping down against the headboard. The big man sat down, scooting her toward the wall and crossed his arms over his chest as he looked at her.

"Is that what's bothering you suddenly?" He asked carefully. He didn't want to put words into her mouth but he needed her to talk to him. Since he took off that night with Adam in tow he'd regretted the fight they'd had but it had been valid in his eyes. She wouldn't open up. She couldn't talk. He'd shared his feelings with her that night, albeit badly, but he'd thought for sure she'd reciprocate. He'd been so sure they were on the same page that when she went off it'd made him think. She was so closed up and used to hiding behind her bad girl persona that she'd forgotten it wasn't all of her. It was time for her to let it go if anything was going to come from the two of them.

"I suppose that is part of it." She muttered noncommittally and sat back against the wall to face him. The look on her face nearly broke him. Her dark eyes were darker still and he could see the tension in her jaw. This was really hard for her, harder than he thought it would be. Mark put a reassuring hand on her thigh and gave her an encouraging look.

The patience in his eyes nearly sent her into a crying fit as he squeezed her leg gently. Erica knew she had hurt him and she wished to hell she could take it back. She couldn't of course, but she was about to try to make it better. If only she could make her voice work. It had been a long time since anyone but Tanya had seen this side of her. Ashley had seen glimpses of it but her breakdowns were a more private affair. She hated it, being wrong, having to apologize, having to admit how she felt. Even if the man watching her was deserving of it, it still felt like she was losing a little bit of herself by letting him in. Briefly, she glanced away from him to gather her thoughts.

Mark's hope deflated when she looked away. She couldn't do it. It made him want to punch something. "It's alright darlin…" He began sadly and moved to stand up. "We'll just take it slow.". He hated the words as they came out of his mouth. Take it slow… What he should have done was show her the door, but…he couldn't seem to make himself.

"No!" She blurted and grabbed his wrist. "This isn't easy for me. Just give me a minute. Please?" The knot in his stomach eased slightly as he settled back down, trying to look as patient and unthreatening as possible.

"Take your time baby girl. I've got all night."

Erica took in a shuddering breath before she started. This was not going the way she'd hoped it would. The redhead had hoped she could say what she needed to tactfully and intelligently but the tears bullying their way out of her eyes refused to let that happen. "You were right." She said finally and looked away as a droplet snuck by and worked its way down her cheek.

"I was right?" He asked quietly and rubbed her knuckles with his thumb.

"That night…when you left. You were right about me." Her voice quavered but she'd gotten the first part out. Mark reached to move her hair out of her face but she pulled back slightly. Not yet, she didn't deserve comforting just yet she had to get everything on the table first. "You scare me Mark, so much."

"I'm sorry little girl." He muttered, his voice nearly inaudible. Erica shook her head.

"No, don't be. You scare me because you make me want to be all those things you talked about. You make me want to let it all go and take the chance."

"But…" He prompted. His heart was pounding out of his chest.

"I…don't know how anymore." She whispered. The tears were winning and she hated the weakness. "I am the same woman you met in Arizona. I'm the same stubborn, pushy, bitch who didn't want to attach herself to anyone but…" She stopped and squeezed her eyes shut. "I do want you."

"Baby girl…" He chuckled and finally succeeded in brushing the hair behind her ear. There was no way he was going to let her hide behind it. He wanted to see her face when he spoke. "I found a pushy, stubborn, fearless, loving, woman right after I asked the Powers that be to show me what I was missin." She opened her eyes and he smiled at her. "I wouldn't have you any other way." Taking a deep breath, Mark touched her face, gently wiping away a tear as he did. "I'm too old for casual anything. I told you how I felt, and I meant it. All I need to know now is, do you feel it too?"

Erica's chest felt like it was going to explode. He deserved to hear the words, but she'd be damned if she could make them come out. She'd made a career out of pushing complications away and there, holding her hand, touching her face, and looking at her with so much emotion in his green eyes, was the biggest one she'd ever faced…and she wanted it.

"Jesus Mark…" She whimpered and wiped at her wet eyes. "Why is this so hard?"

Mark found himself wanting more than anything to pull her to him and tell her it was alright but he wouldn't let himself. She was trying and he wouldn't disrespect her by taking it away from her. Instead, he laced his fingers through hers and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"I love you, baby girl." It came out of his mouth before he could stop it. Erica let out a tired sigh and he knew the timing was wrong. Damn it old man, he thought to himself, cursing his impatience but it was too late.

"Mark you don't even know me." She cried and slid her hand out of his, curling herself up in the corner.

"I know you better than you want me to." He started. "That's the problem."

"No…" She shook her head but he didn't give her a chance to finish.

"I know that you are strong and that when you love someone you love them with your whole heart. I've seen it in the way you are with Tanya and Ashley. That's why it's so hard for you to let me in." She shook her head again but he wouldn't be put off. "You say I don't know you? I learned all I need to know just watchin you be you."

Erica's face was a mask of pure hopelessness. "Mark, what's my favorite color?"

"What?" The question took him off guard. "What's that got to do with anything?"

"Just answer me."

"Black." He guessed. The redhead chuckled ruefully and shook her head.

"What kind of music do I listen to? What's my favorite thing to eat in the morning? What size bra do I wear? Do you know the answer to any of them?" She was crying frustrated tears as she spoke.

"That stuff doesn't matter." His response threw her.

"How can you say that?"

"I know what I need to know. I know we fit. We fit from minute one, darlin." He said and took her gently by the chin, turning her face toward his. "All the rest of that stuff? We'll pick it up as we go along." Erica felt the weight recede from her back as he spoke. Suddenly, she couldn't figure out why she'd been resisting. Of course this was where she was supposed to be! It was like a fog parting.

"So you're willing to take the chance huh?" She asked and Mark was almost positive he saw the corners of her mouth twitch up a bit.

"Darlin, you say the word and we'll make this work. I know we can."

Erica took a slow, deep, breath and let it out. "Ask me again."

"Ask you what, woman?" He said raising an eyebrow.

"Ask me what you asked me before you left that night." She said even as her insides turned to goo. Mark smiled and suppressed a chuckle. He knew where this was going.

"Do ya love me darlin?" His grin was suddenly contagious. Erica couldn't keep it from turning into a laugh.

"Yeah…" She paused scooting closer and taking his hand again as she looked in his eyes. "I do."

Mark burst out laughing as he scooped her up and sat her down on his lap. He couldn't believe she'd said it. It was like an anvil had been lifted off his shoulders and judging from the way she was giggling with him, she felt the same way.

"Now I've just got to figure out how to deal with the famous part." She smiled and kissed him.

"That part's the easy part. Smile for the cameras and let everyone see that I've got good taste." He grinned. Erica swatted his arm. Mark laughed harder and brought her to him, kissing her. He knew he was squeezing her too hard but he couldn't help himself. All the waiting and the worrying and the 'what ifs' were gone and he'd be damned if he was going to let her get away again.

"Let's get out of here." She said suddenly. "I need to take a ride."

"That sounds like a plan." Mark said kissing her again as he lifted himself, and her, off the bed before setting her down on her feet. "Tonight, we'll ride and tomorrow I'll show you what I do for a living."

"Just get your helmet old man." She laughed and followed him with her eyes as he walked to the closet to retrieve it.

"Dinner?" Adam asked poking his head into the bathroom while Ashley threw on her make up.

"Absolutely. I'm starving." She smiled and turned around to face him. Part of her still couldn't believe everything that had transpired through the afternoon. Adam had been so wonderful since their little wrestling match. Not once had he pushed her for more than she was willing to give. That would come in time, he'd said and kissed her. It made her want to melt. "Do you think we should check in on Tanya and Glen?"

"Probably. They're on the way to the elevator so we'll pop in and see if they're up to tagging along." He agreed and walked over to wrap her up in his arms. Ashley nearly melted again. It felt so good to be that close to him. So many times when they were riding across the desert, she'd thought of what it would be like to touch him like this but never did the little redhead think she'd have the chance. On the road, Adam had been a great friend and with Erica and Tanya to ride with, she'd been inclined to leave it that way. Now however, she couldn't have been happier.

"Well come on then." He said kissing the top of her head. "Let's get the ribbing over with."

"Ribbing?" Ashley asked skeptically as she looked up at him.

"I am never going to live this down." He chuckled and slid out of her arms as he made his way back to the other room.

"What is that supposed to mean?" She grumbled and crossed her arms.

"It means, when Mark gets wind of this, I'm going to get a whole lot of 'I told you so's'." Ashley smiled as the realization hit her.

"I take it you mean you were talking about me?" Her tone was teasing as she watched him pull a clean shirt over his head. Adam paused briefly. She almost would have called it a flinch.

"Just wait and see." He grumbled and turned to her with a room key in his hand. "Let's go eat." Ashley rolled her eyes playfully but followed him out the door.

Once in the hallway, Ashley made a beeline for Glen's room. She really wanted to make sure Tanya was alright. She'd been her usual punchy self in the elevator but the younger woman was sure it was a put on. She had to be in pain.

"Where are you going?" Adam asked from behind her.

"To Glen's room." She answered simply. The tall blonde broke out into an infectious smile and took her arm.

"Then we go this way." He chuckled and steered her around to the other direction. Ashley felt her face heat as the blood rushed to it but Adam didn't seem to notice. He'd laced his fingers through hers and set off. "Ya know…I really like this." He said after a while.

"Like what exactly?" Adam stopped walking and turned to look at her.

"I like being with you." He smiled and brushed a hand across her cheek and down the side of her neck. "I just never thought you'd want me." Ashley rested her hand over his and leaned up, planting a kiss against his lips. It still thrilled her that they were her lips to kiss.

"Neither did I." She giggled, her tone teasing, and sprinted down the hall. Adam stood, mouth agape, and watched her go.

"Oh ha ha. That's really fun kid." He called after her. Ashley turned to face him and shot him a million dollar smile before ducking around a corner.

"Come get me!" He heard from where he stood and had to laugh. She was something alright. He was so glad he'd taken Mark's advice and told her how he felt.

He could still hear her laughing from the other hallway and, a mischievous smirk creeping across his face, he took off after her.

Ashley squealed and ran faster when she saw him barreling around the corner after her.

"I'd stop if I were you." He laughed. Ashley's eyes got huge. He was much closer than he should have been. Glancing behind her, she squeaked and pushed harder as she dodged to the left. He was easily within reaching distance. Adam followed her movements and scooped her up, throwing her over his shoulder.

"Here we go again." She muttered and started pounding on his back again.

"You know, I get beat on by bigger every day." He informed her as he turned and walked calmly back toward Glen's room. She'd flown past it in their pursuit. "Well, well…What do we have here?" He muttered.

"What?" She asked from his back.

"Isn't this interesting?"

"Isn't what interesting? I can't see anything from here, ya know." She grumbled and kicked her feet feebly. Adam laughed and turned so his back and her front were toward the door.

"See?"

"Do not disturb…" Ashley giggled and flicked at the plastic tag hanging from the door handle. "Oh my."

"I know. I didn't know Glen had it in him to try to take advantage of cripples." Adam laughed. Ashley frowned and wiggled down to the floor.

"He…wouldn't." Her eyes were a green fire. Adam reached down and kissed her forehead.

"No! No sweetheart! Glen is absolutely not that kind of guy." He reassured her. Ashley nodded as an evil grin broke out across her face.

"Tanya might." She giggled. Adam's eyes were suddenly huge as he smiled back at her.

"What do you say we leave them alone…" Adam chuckled putting all the emphasis on the last word. Ashley wrapped her arms around his waist and nodded into his chest.

"Good call." She agreed.

"Well then, let's go eat." Before she could get moving, Adam hoisted her back onto his shoulder and started briskly down the hall.

"PUT ME DOWN!" Erica heard as she followed Mark out of his room. Glancing up she had to laugh. Half way between her and the elevators she could see Adam spinning in a circle with Ashley over his shoulder.

"Would you get a load of that." Mark muttered beside her as he settled his arm on her shoulder. "Hey son, there are better ways to get her to go home with you!" He called after them. Adam stopped and turned.

"That's it, you're in so much trouble now." Ashley laughed as her feet hit the floor again. "Hi Mark!" She all but sang.

"He wouldn't be taking advantage of your virtue would he?" The big man asked, narrowing his eyes playfully at Ashley as the two couples met down the hall. "I'd hate to have to kill him."

"Absolutely not." Ashley smiled as Adam pulled her back to lean against him.

"No man, we're good. I promise." The big blonde was all teeth and sunshine. Mark glanced down at Erica and raised an eyebrow.

"Is there something we should know about?" The redhead asked, her eyes dancing with humor. Ashley glanced up at Adam. Strangely, his lips seemed to have disappeared.

Suddenly Mark burst out laughing.

"I told you so, boy!" He cackled and punched him in the shoulder.

"See? What'd I tell you?" Adam muttered down to Ashley and kissed the top of her head.

"Finally pulled your balls out of your throat and did something. I'm proud of you." Mark continued. He seemed all together too pleased with himself.

"Leave them alone. Can't you see they're in that stage in their relationship?" Erica said, needling the older man in the ribs.

"Stage, what stage?" Adam blurted, his face going a peculiar shade of red. "And for that matter, who said anything about a relationship?"

"See what I mean?" The redhead grinned up at Mark. The big man nodded and shifted his helmet in his hand.

"I see it." Mark agreed. "Let's leave the lovebirds alone."

"You guys are just sooo funny." Ashley said dryly but the younger woman couldn't keep the grin off her face. Adam cleared his throat.

"So uh…what are you guys up to?" He offered weakly. Mark raised an eyebrow and held up his helmet.

"Goin for a ride." He verbalized just in case the hint wasn't obvious enough.

"You guys wanna come?" Erica continued.

"No!" Ashley and Adam blurted simultaneously. Mark and Erica took a step back.

"We're going to get some dinner." Ashley clarified. "We were going to see if Glen and Tanya wanted to come but well…" She snickered. "They appear to be occupied."

"Really now?" Mark smirked. "Looks like your girls not wastin her time." Erica hit him in the ribs.

"Keep a leash on your brother man." She laughed.

"I'm sure they're fine." Mark muttered. "Glen's not that kind of guy."

"If I thought for half a second he was, it'd be you shacking up with him." The redhead raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms as she looked at him.

"Right…" Ashley muttered. "Well, we're gonna go now."

"See you tomorrow Taker." Adam said and held his hand out to the older man. Mark grinned and took it, pulling him into a fatherly hug.

"I'm happy for ya kid." He said and ruffled Ashley's hair. "See y'all tomorrow."

"Bye guys." Erica smiled as she watched her younger friend walk away with Adam's hand laced through hers. It was good to see. Ashley had left everything she knew to find something good in her life. The redhead could only hope that she was looking at it.

"You ready to go baby girl?" Mark said kissing her on the cheek.

"Lead the way." She grinned and snaking her arm around the big man's waist, the two of them headed off to their bikes.