Disclaimer: see chapter one.

2

"I really think someone else should take this job," Sharpay explained to her sister-in-law after they'd sat down with their coffee at the local Starbucks.

Gabriella set down the coffee she had been sipping and eyed Sharpay "Why?"

"Because I don't think I'm experienced enough to handle his demands."

"C'mon you've always handled anything that's been thrown your way."

"I've got my hands filled, what with moving into my apartment, finding the right insurance for my new car-"

Gabriella cut her off "What's wrong Sharpay? Want to tell me what the real problem is?"

"The problem is Troy Bolton"

"Troy Bolton a problem? I don't believe it. He seems like the most easygoing, nicest guy."

"He's a tease."

"A tease?" she grinned "Never, charming maybe and gorgeous without a doubt."

"Easy girl, you are married to my brother remember."

"Hmm… details, details" Both women began giggling for a moment before getting back to their previous topic.

"Look you've got such good ideas this job is tailor-made for you"

Sharpay dropped her gaze "I feel uncomfortable with him"

"It's natural to feel a little uncomfortable when you start a new job"

"He's just so… so…"

"Good looking? You've worked with good looking men before, and you only date good looking men!"

"It's not that. He's so…so…"

"Charming? That'll only make it all the more pleasant." Gabriella winked at her, and again both women started laughing.

"You've been with my brother much too long, he's corrupted you"

Come lunchtime, Sharpay was just beginning to feel confident when Troy appeared at the door to his, or rather their office and threw her off balance again.

"You're looking pleased with yourself" came that new voice, which was now hauntingly familiar to Sharpay.

Her eyes shot towards the doorway in which Troy leaned, and her pulse quickened "I didn't realize you were there."

"You seemed totally involved in whatever it is you're smiling about. I take it you like what you've read?"

She looked at the report she was holding, then back to troy with a confident smile "I'm impressed, your reputation's well earned…surprisingly people seem to like you" deciding to tease him right back.

With a chuckle and a smile, he lazily pushed off from the doorframe and approached her. "It'd be awful if I didn't practice what I preach."

"Actually I think you preach what you practice. I didn't know you were into sporting gear, as well"

"That was actually for selfish reasons. I like sports" He perched on the edge of the table near her.

"Do you run?" she asked.

"Several times a week"

"And I know you play basketball"

He grinned at that. "I don't just play basketball, baby I live basketball. I also go rafting and sky-dive when I can."

"So you like to tempt the fates," He laughed and as she stood up he caught her wrists and pulled her to him.

"That I do. How about dinner?"

"Dinner?" She glanced at her watch and gasped. "Oh my God, I didn't realise it was so late" she said as he tried to pull away from him but he put his arms around her waist and held tight.

"It's not late, it's the perfect time for dinner."

She smirked at him "I don't think so, I had a grape about an hour ago and it just filled me right up besides I gotta run."

He chuckled; he loved the game she was playing "You run too?"

"When I'm late," she snapped as she struggled to pull away from him again "Yes"

He seemed undaunted by her tone and continued to hold onto her, giving her a boyish grin as he did so "But you haven't given me an answer."

"I told you, I'm not hungry"

"So you're not hungry for food, why not try something else" his eyes were filled with lust and his gaze landed on her lips.

She rose a perfectly shaped eyebrow at him "Don't you think your pushing our business relationship a little to far their Mr Bolton? Now if you don't mind, I'm really late."

Somehow he was unable to release his grip on her "You have plans?"

"Yes"

"A date?" there was an undertone of worry and jealousy in his words.

She smirked again at him "Why what would you do if I said yes?" He just stared at her, and she rolled her eyes. "No, I don't, but if you don't mind" She gestured for him to let go.

"So what are you doing tonight? What's so important that you have to pass up dinner with the man who ensures you have money in your bank?" He was playing the guilt card, trying to crack her, she was very good at this game, Troy had never been as matched before as he had now, and he liked it, a lot.

"I'm meeting friend for drinks, there are you happy? Can I go now?"

He removed one arm from around her waist and brushed it up and down her arm while he whispered, "You don't have to ask, you can just go."

She swallowed hard and saw he did the same; her hands were on his shoulders trying to put distance between them but failing miserably.

"You don't have time for a quick bite on the way?" his voice was still at a whisper and he was drawing closer to her, eyes still on her lips. She shook her head and opened her mouth to answer but was quickly silenced as Troy's mouth came crashing onto hers, his arms tightening around her waist even more and her fingers were now bunching his shirt collar. His hands began to roam under her shirt and his fingers were like ice against the hot skin of her stomach. It was only when he let out a loud, low moan did Sharpay come to her senses and pulled away from him completely flustered.

"I really have to go", she wrenched herself from his grasp and grabbed her purse before making a run for the door, but he was faster than her. He closed and locked the door; the blinds were already closed, and began walking towards her again.

"What you're holding me captive now? You aren't gonna kill me are you? Now that would definitely ruin your reputation" She was stalling him, but the look I his eyes told her she wasn't doing a very good job.

"It's inevitable Sharpay, Why fight it?"

"Nothing's inevitable Troy"

"This is. We affect each other. My heart's beating just as fast as yours is."

"Look play your games with someone else, cause I don't want to play."

"Maybe I don't want another playmate, that's why I'm challenging you." He was drawing closer with every word he said; until she was backed against the very desk he was sitting on moments before.

She glared at him " God you are so… so…" That was the last word that was said before his mouth was atop hers once more.

It wasn't long before Troy's suit jacket was tossed carelessly on the floor, his shirt following soon after. He began to trail kisses down her neck, while working on getting her shirt off. As Troy lifted Sharpay onto the desk, hands roaming her thighs, and she began to unbuckle his belt, they both knew that this was only round one.