Maya and Carina

Season 3 - Throwback 2

For days, Maya couldn't get Carina out of her head. It was as if the memory of her touch, the warmth of her embrace, had left an imprint on her very soul. No matter what she did—running, training, working endless hours at the station—thoughts of Carina haunted her, replaying the softness of her voice, the sadness in her eyes when she had left. She had her phone in hand more times than she could count, wanting to text, wanting to explain, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Each time, her finger hovered over the screen, and each time, she convinced herself it was better to stay away.

Though Carina had tried to focus on work, on her patients, on anything to distract herself, her thoughts constantly drifted back to the fire captain. No matter how hard she tried to push Maya out of her mind, the memories of that night lingered—Maya's touch, the warmth of her strong arms, the way her breath had sounded so soft, so intimate, against her ear.

Carina knew better than to get tangled up in casual sex when feelings were involved. It wasn't smart, not for her heart, and especially not after the way Maya had run out. Yet, despite the way Maya had pulled away, Carina couldn't stop thinking about her. The memory of Maya's soft skin against hers, the way their bodies had fit together so perfectly, haunted her in the quiet moments between shifts. She could almost still feel the pressure of Maya's hands on her hips, the sensation of being held so tightly and yet so gently all at once.

Maya had spent days replaying that night over and over in her head, trying to rationalize why she couldn't get Carina out of her thoughts. At first, she told herself it was just the physical connection, just how good the sex had been. That had to be it—that's why I'm thinking about her all the time, she told herself. It was easier to believe it was all about the physical than to face the truth stirring beneath her own fear.

It also gave her the courage to see Carina again. Maya's heart raced as she parked outside the hospital, the scent of the freshly brewed coffee filled the car, and she took a deep breath, the warmth of the cup steadying her. She could do this.

As she stood by the reception, waiting for the doctor to finish her night shift, Maya's hands tightened around the cups, the weight of her emotions creeping in despite her mental defenses.

The doors slid open, and there she was—Carina, still in her scrubs, looking just as stunning as Maya remembered. Her heart pounded, and for a moment, Maya wondered if she was lying to herself about the real reason she couldn't stay away. 

With a deep breath, Maya stepped forward, the coffee in hand, her voice soft but full of intent as she called out, "Hey..."

Carina's gaze flicked to Maya, her expression unreadable. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone balanced between curiosity and a hint of coldness, as if she hadn't yet decided how to feel about Maya's sudden appearance.Maya offered a nervous smile, lifting the cup slightly as if it were a peace offering. "I brought you some coffee."

"You came all this way to bring me coffee?" Carina's eyebrows lifted in surprise, though a playful smile tugged at her lips. She could see the nerves in Maya's posture, and teasing her too tempting to resist.

"Mostly to apologize," Maya admitted with a nervous smile. "I only brought coffee to improve my chances."

Carina's lips curved into a playful grin. "Smart," she replied, her teasing tone softening the moment. She took a sip of the coffee and let the warmth fill her, it really was an exceptional bribe. 

Carina delivered her chart to the desk, her movements efficient, though her eyes flicked back to Maya with a mix of curiosity and guarded amusement. Once the chart was handed off, she gestured for Maya to follow her, leading them away from the bustling hallway and into the quieter atmosphere of the staff lounge.