Open for Business

Summary: Rivals in business – Neighbours in life. Party animal and babe magnet Troy Bolton oozed confidence by the bucket load. Health nut and yoga freak Gabriella was bubbly and feisty when riled. Are there fireworks ahead?

Disclaimer: High School Musical and all of its characters belong to Disney. I just have them on secondment.

A/N: So glad to see our favourite couple back from holiday looking fit, tanned and happy, it makes me happy too. This chapter is for Berry and she knows why lol!


"Uh-oh! I don't think so Montez," replied Troy softly placing his hands on her hips and drawing her even closer, "never say never Gabi, I love a challenge."

Ice Cold Hot

Armed with two bottles and one glass, Chad arrived back in time to catch the end of Troy's sentence. He handed the glass to Gabriella before passing a beer to Troy, a smirk on his face, an eyebrow cocked mockingly, his eyes dancing with amusement.

"That's not what you…Ouch! …What the fuck!" shouted Chad hopping on one leg, his beer spurting from the bottle as he tried to regain his balance, spraying the couple behind who just happened to be Sharpay and Zeke.

"You fucking retard," screamed Sharpay throwing him a poisoned look before storming off to the bathroom with Zeke in close attendance.

"Oops! Sorry Chad, didn't see your foot there," said Troy blandly; a matching smirk etched his features as he watched Chad reach down to nurse his foot.

"Aw Chad, here sit down and let me have a look," consoled Gabriella leading the hobbling Chad away from Troy to sit on a vacant chair, kneeling in front of him to look at the damage. Troy growled in frustration, annoyed that Chad had spoiled his opportunity to flirt with Gabriella just when he thought he was getting somewhere too, jealousy raged in his chest as he watched them, their heads close together, too close for his liking. Someone nudged Troy in the back, reminding him he was stood like a lemon in the middle of the miniscule dance floor. He growled beneath his breath and moved towards Chad and Gabriella, leaning back against the wall beside the chair so he could surreptitiously observe Gabriella, taking pleasure in watching her warm brown eyes soften as she inspected the damage, a frown marring her forehead, her full lips parted slightly as she concentrated on her task.

"I don't think there's too much wrong, Chad," confirmed Gabriella as she stood up.

"Don't worry Chad, you'll still be able to do the hop," quipped Troy a smirk spread across his face for which he got a murderous look from Chad but Gabriella could not help but giggle; Troy felt pleasure well up inside, pleased that he'd made her giggle.

"I'll help you with that Chad," promised Gabriella with a smile, "but I should go and see if Sharpay is okay first and smooth her ruffled feathers. If you're thinking of apologising, I'd leave it until she's cooled down unless you like having your head chewed off," she warned and so saying she turned, threading her way through the crowd to the ladies room, Troy's eyes followed her progress, watching her tight butt wiggle as she moved through the crowd and liking the view.

"Hey! It was an accident," Chad shouted after her, "at least it was for me," he muttered glancing at Troy, "Dude, why the hell did you do that?" whined Chad.

"I said I was sorry," mumbled Troy looking guiltily at his best friend, "I thought you was going to let fly about her being a frigid…you know," he stumbled over the words.

"Yeah, well I was, oh not about that but about your odds," replied Chad honestly a smirk returning to his face, " I thought you said it wasn't worth it."

"I changed my mind, it could be one hell of a ride," Troy answered thoughtfully, a brooding expression in his eyes.

"You better not hurt her, Troy, I like her," warned Chad frowning at him, "What about your excess baggage, shouldn't you dispose of that first?" Chad questioned.

"Maybe," replied Troy.

"Well if you want my opinion, Gabi is a keeper and if you play with her and she finds out about Kirstie, you'll be dead meat," advised Chad.

"I don't but thanks for your input, Freud," huffed Troy sending Chad a warning glance.

"You're welcome," accepted Chad shrugging before his face split into another smile, "You should have seen your face," he broke into a laugh, "it was so worth the pain."

"You're a bastard."

"Yep but a lovable one," smirked Chad.


Gabriella spotted Zeke stood in the corridor that led to the bathrooms, leaning against the wall looking glum.

"Is she in there?" she asked nodding her head to the door marked 'Dolls'. He nodded, a small smile springing to his face, relief flooding in his dark brown eyes. Gabriella returned his smile before pushing the door inwards tentatively, poking her head in to check out the fall-out zone.

"Would you look at my fucking hair?" cried Sharpay spotting Gabriella through the mirror, her hands working a brush through her blonde locks, tugging at the sticky bits. "Just wait till I get my hands on him, he is so freakin' dead," she threatened her eyes flashing daggers, her mouth turned down with displeasure.

"It was an accident, Shar," explained Gabriella softly, "Troy stood on his foot." Sharpay looked disbelievingly at her.

"Yeah well he won't have that problem again when I'm done with him," she promised with a snarl. Gabriella walked over to her, looking critically at her hair before taking the brush from her hand and running it through her locks to remove the sticky substance.

"You know it wasn't really Chad's fault Shar, I think Troy did it deliberately though," Gabriella said thoughtfully.

"And why would he do that?" Sharpay huffed sarcastically. Gabriella shrugged a puzzled frown marring her brow.

"I have no idea, Shar." Gabriella twirled the brush through the long blonde hair

"There, you look as good as new if not better," complimented Gabriella stepping back from Sharpay.

"Gabi, you don't get better than perfection," informed Sharpay as she tossed her hair this way and that in front of the mirror, seemingly satisfied with the result. Gabriella did an eye roll and giggled at her friend's modesty. "Fortunately Zeke got the most of it on his back, poor baby," cooed Sharpay.

"How's it going with him?" asked Gabriella happy to see Sharpay's infamous temper sliding back into its cave.

"Fabulously," beamed Sharpay, a sparkle returning to her eyes, "He's cute and has a gorgeous butt."

"I don't think I need to know that, Shar," Gabriella giggled, "you do know he's stood outside waiting for you, Shar," advised Gabriella.

"And why wouldn't he be," Sharpay replied confidently, swinging her hair over her shoulders, grabbing her purse and strutting to the door with Gabriella close behind, smirking.


Zeke wrapped his arms around Sharpay when they appeared, pecking her lips in greeting. "Are you okay?" he asked concern lacing his voice. Sharpay smiled sweetly up at him.

"I'll live," she replied stoically, "How about you, Baby?"

"Sticky and damp," he laughed ruefully, "It will be a bastard to get this shirt off later." Sharpay's eyes gleamed wickedly, a cheeky smile appeared on her mouth.

"Oh I don't know, I may be able to help with that," she offered bringing an enormous grin to Zeke's face.

"Thanks, I'll hold you to that," he replied, "Do you want another drink?" he asked looking at the two girls.

"Just a quick one, Honey, wouldn't want that beautiful skin to get all wrinkly," Sharpay agreed brazenly, her eyes wandering over his finely honed physique. Gabriella giggled at her friend's audacity, following them out to the bar where Zeke bought another round of drinks for all five then they walked back to Troy and Chad. Chad looked warily as they approached, eyeing Sharpay trying to judge her mood, heaving a sigh of relief when he saw her with a smile on her face.

"Sorry Sharpay, blame this clumsy prick," said Chad remorsefully looking sorrowfully at her. Sharpay scowled then broke into a smile.

"Oh I do," she shot a warning look at Troy, "Gabi explained what happened. I didn't realise you were such a klutz, Bolton," she taunted, a scornful glint in her eyes, she smirked when a red tide swept up his cheeks. Gabriella giggled, looked conspiratorially at Chad and winked making him smirk in response.

"I believe I promised you a dance," she said pulling Chad back onto the dance floor, her hips swaying to the beat of the music as she placed her hands around his neck, Chad placing his arms on her hips to draw her to him as they gyrated in the tiny space. Sharpay and Zeke followed them leaving a disgruntled Troy leaning against the wall, an observer once more. Troy watched the action with ever mounting frustration, wishing it were him that was up close and personal with the stunning brunette, his body responded even from this distance as she unknowingly taunted him with the sweet smile she bestowed on Chad, the long hair dancing down her back led his gaze to the swish of her sexy butt, the flow of her skirt revealing glimpses of the smooth tanned upper limbs beneath, he groaned at the thoughts floating through his head, imagining those long legs wrapped around him holding him close as he thrust into her, their slick bodies rubbing together as they pleasured each other. He glanced up to put the lip of the bottle to his lips and started as Sharpay was smirking at him from the dance floor, her head resting on Zeke's shoulder, she gave him a sly wink before he pulled his gaze away. This was pure torture; he shouldn't be affected like this, for fucks sake, he had a girlfriend, one who tended to his needs adequately and one who, he hated to admit, did not turn him on the way Gabriella did. There was no rhyme or reason why she affected him like she did; she was a hellcat, she was a fiery bitch, she was vicious with a fish slice, now that he could attest to, but hell, what sweet music they could make.

"Oh crap! I'm so fucked," he groaned silently sinking the remainder of his beer.

Not long after, the couples returned to grab a much-needed drink, sweat glistening from their brows from their exertions.

"See, you're not damaged for life," proclaimed Gabi with a smile at Chad who returned with a self-depreciating smirk.

"I think that could have something to do with you holding me up," he replied with a chuckle, their easy camaraderie visible to all and it grated on Troy's nerves, he must have scowled because Sharpay gave him a knowing look, a smirk on her lips.

"Hey Gabs, have you heard from Tay?" Sharpay asked.

"No, not yet. Last time we spoke she said she'd ring when she was setting off so I can pick her up from the airport. I think her last course didn't finish until this afternoon," explained Gabriella.

"Who's Tay?" queried Chad curiously.

"She's the last Musketeer," supplied Sharpay with a grin, "I guess you'll get to meet her over the weekend, she's the brains of our merry little band and keeps me and Gabi on the straight and narrow," giggled Sharpay, "well she tries to," she amended. Gabriella kinked a questing eyebrow at her friend.

"Speak for yourself, Shar, I'm not the one she's had to rescue from embarrassing situations numerous times, remember the garbage bags," reminded Gabriella with a smirk. Sharpay pouted sending an evil look at her.

"Hey! You said you wouldn't bring that up again," she gasped.

"As I recall, it wasn't me doing the bringing up," retorted Gabriella dryly as the guys burst out laughing.

"Eww! Don't remind me," grimaced Sharpay a look of disgust on her features. "Anyways, we're going to leave, I need to get Zeke out of this shirt," she stated, trying valiantly to get away from that topic, a burst of ribald laughter spilled from Troy and Chad.

"Now there's an offer you cannot refuse, Zeke, my man," smirked Chad, patting his friend on the shoulder. "Get to it."

"Eww! I didn't need to know that, Shar," moaned Gabriella, wrinkling her nose.

"You're just jealous you ain't getting laid, Gabi," shot back Sharpay with a dirty laugh. Gabriella gasped her cheeks grew warm, her hands automatically rising to hold her flaming face.

"Shar!" Gabriella protested.

"What! I'm only stating a fact, see you tomorrow," she waved her hand airily at them, turned and walked out, Zeke following close behind with a cheesy grin on his face. Gabriella didn't know where to put her face, she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole when she spotted Troy giving her a lecherous look, his eyes gleaming speculatively, a smile hovered around his lips.

"I'd better get off too, I'm not sure when I'll get a call from Taylor," explained Gabriella as she emptied her club soda.

"Okay Gabi, it's been fun, we must do it again," said Chad with a grin, "Hey, if you're driving you couldn't give us a lift home?" he asked hopefully.

"Sure, no problem. Where's your car?" she asked Troy and was surprised when Chad cracked out laughing, slapping his buddy on the back.

"Erm…." Troy looked sheepish.

"Let's just say Troy and parking bollards don't see eye to eye," explained Chad with a chuckle. Gabriella grinned with delight, her eyes gleaming with merriment at Troy's embarrassment.

"Aw! Having trouble with your parking manoeuvres, Troy," she teased mischievously clearly enjoying his discomfort.

"Not at all, I'll prove it to you sometime," he replied softly, his eyes holding a lewd promise of intent. Gabriella felt a delicious shiver of anticipation run down her back as their eyes locked, his sending a silent promise of payback. She cleared her throat, forcing her gaze away from his by reaching into her purse, fishing for her car keys; a satisfied sigh escaped her lips when she pulled them from within.

"Let's go then," she said waving the keys in the air.


She'd dropped Chad at his apartment and drove home conscious of Troy's eyes checking her out as she drove, her skirt riding up slightly as she changed the shift. She breathed a sigh of relief when she parked on her drive, releasing her seatbelt quickly to escape the confines of the car, opening the door and stepping out into the balmy night air.

"Thanks for the ride," said Troy as he smiled and started to walk away.

"Anytime," she said in reply and he paused turning to give her a lazy smile. Her thoughts turned to her problem earlier "Hey Troy, have you by any chance got a screwdriver?" shot out of her mouth without thinking and she hoped he couldn't see the blush that rushed into her cheeks at her forwardness but that thought was short lived when she noticed his eyes crinkle in amusement.

"Whoa! That's a bit forward, Montez," he taunted grinning widely at her, "I don't let just anyone play with my tools, you know."

"That's good to know, Troy, I think," stammered Gabriella. "I only need the screwdriver for about ten minutes."

"Oh I think it may take longer than that," refuted Troy with a chuckle.

"No it won't, I promise," replied Gabriella hurriedly.

"What Sharpay said really got to you huh?" he queried. Gabriella frowned in puzzlement.

"What the hell is he on about?" Then it dawned on her and her face flamed yet again, her eyes flashed to his, shock clearly evident on her face as Troy smirked at her.

"Wait…what…no, no, I really do need a screwdriver," she stammered.

"You do?" he questioned disappointment clearly evident in his voice and at her nod he sighed. "Hang on, I'll go and get one, want me to help?"

"Thanks Troy although I'm sure I could do it myself," she advised as she turned towards her door she could have sworn he muttered "not as much fun." She opened her door, scooping the waiting Maverick into her arms and carrying him upstairs to her bedroom so he couldn't escape into the night. She came back down the stairs just as Troy walked in the front door, a box of tools in his hand.

"I wasn't sure of the size," he commented as he noticed her gaze.

"I think just the standard will do the trick," replied Gabriella, picking her purse up off the floor before walking in front of him into the lounge with a grinning Troy behind enjoying the view.

"I just need this wiring up," she said showing him the flex and plug lying on the floor.

"Okay, this won't take me long," he commented kneeling down and opening his toolbox.

"I said it wouldn't," she agreed walking into the kitchen area.

"Yeah but I wasn't talking about this," thought Troy pushing his mucky thoughts out of his brain.

"Whew! It's hot tonight, fancy some ice-cream?" offered Gabriella, her voice floating out from the kitchen recess.

"Sure, I'll be done with this shortly," replied Troy. Gabriella rummaged in the freezer for the sweet confection, grinning in delight when she found her favourite, Ben & Jerry's Berried Treasure, consisting of chunky Blackberry and Blueberry sorbet swirled with zesty Lemon. She placed the tub on the island while searching in the drawer for the spoons, she'd cranked open the lid and was taking her first mouthful when Troy appeared.

"All done," he confirmed with a smile as he approached her, turning the lid to check on the flavour before replacing it on the counter.

"Hmm! Berried treasure, sounds interesting," he smirked his gaze switching to make eye contact with Gabriella who was leaning against the counter with the tub in her hand.

"It is, here try some," she scooped a spoonful out and offered it to him, suddenly aware of how intimate the gesture was as she watched him take it into his mouth. Her breath hitched in her throat as she watched him lick a spot from his lips, her eyes following the action, wishing she were that stray blob. Troy took the spoon and tub from her unresisting fingers inadvertently brushing his fingers against her hand and that mysterious shot of electricity coursed up his arm again. He returned the favour feeding her a generous portion of the cold ice cream before helping himself to another mouthful.

"You're right, it's delicious," he whispered huskily dipping the spoon in again to feed her another portion, brushing the back of the spoon deliberately against her right nipple, smirking when it puckered beneath the cold metal.

"What are you doing?" she shrieked.

"Getting your nipples to poke through the front of your shirt," he smirked, "that's really sexy."

"That's pervy," she gasped the cold a shock to her hot body.

"Nah, it's a guy thing, its called multitasking," he chuckled sticking the spoon in the sorbet again filling the spoon, "We talk or do what you want us to but we're really just trying to get you into bed." He slid the purple covered spoon across the tip of her left breast. Gabriella gasped aloud.

"Troy! You got sorbet on my shirt." A carnal smile curved his lips a wicked gleam filled his eyes as he put the spoon back in the tub, placing them on the counter.

"Isn't that a shame? I guess I'll have to clean it off." Saying that he dipped his head and sucked her through the shirt and flimsy bra, his lips latching onto her hardened bud scattering tingles across her chest and abdomen. Gabriella arched her back, groaning involuntary with the sensations he had unleashed, her breath stopped momentarily when she felt his cold hands on the flesh of her back as he reached up to expertly release the clasp of her bra pushing her t-shirt up until his hands reached her freed breasts, his thumb brushed against her recently released left nipple while his mouth unerringly found her bared right one, his tongue played with the rosy peak sending a vortex of desire down Gabriella's body until she felt a warm liquid pool in her core. Troy removed his lips to look at her, taking in her passion filled eyes, her rapid breathing, her slightly parted mouth tempted him and he was lost, groaning he slammed his lips onto hers slipping his tongue into her inviting mouth to taste the cold recess beyond, his heart soared when she returned the kiss, her hands linking behind his head to draw him in further, their bodies touching in all the right places. She felt his bulge nudging her thigh, his hands resting on her hips before they slid lower until they met skin below the hem of her skirt, a shiver ran down her spine as she felt the material hitch further up as his hands marched onwards and upwards towards their goal. The next minute she was airborne as Troy lifted her up and set her down on the island right on the edge of the tub of melting ice cream, it tipped sideways, the cold substance slipped between her revealed thighs and she screamed.

"Troy! Look what you've done."

"Not to worry Gabi, I've got it covered," he consoled as he lowered his head to lick off the sticky substance, the feeling of cold quickly replaced by burning flames as his tongue lapped it up following the trail long after the ice cream had disappeared, his nose brushed against her silk covered thong sending thrills through Gabriella as she mewed in her throat, his lips continued on to her lower stomach, nipping and licking her firm flesh while his hands pulled away the damp material holding her treasure in place. She jumped when a bolt of electricity shot through her as she felt his tongue slide along her folds, a whimper escaped through her parched lips, when he inserted his tongue inside her, she grabbed his head with her hands to steady her as tremors rocked her body, pushing him even nearer to her. Troy raised his head and she felt bereft; she was so near that blessed place, she bit her lip to stop from crying out her frustrations but that was only momentarily as his lips crashed down on hers tasting herself in his mouth, she whimpered in delight when he replaced his tongue with a finger, her walls clinging willingly to the invasion as he teased her mercilessly, adding another finger to double the ecstasy she was feeling, the friction he was creating touching all her nerve endings sending her closer and closer to the edge of the abyss. She bucked as her orgasm came, her scream swallowed by Troy as she clung on to his shoulders as she freefell back to reality. Troy held her stroking her back with one hand until she'd calmed, loving how she had responded to him, the kittenish mews he forced from her lips, letting him see a glimpse of the true spirit of Gabriella, the ache in his groin testament of how hot it would be when they had full blown sex; and they would, he had no doubt about that. He pulled out his fingers, her juices glistening in the overhead light, a warm smile touched his lips as he raised them and licked away the stickiness, a becoming blush tinged her cheeks as her eyes locked with his, shocked at his erotic action and what had just taken place. She felt refreshed, alive, even loved and it was all down to Troy.

"Whoa! Steady on Gabi. Loved! I don't think so," she berated her thoughts, "it was just sex, good sex but still…just sex."

"Pity that melted so fast, I guess the heat was too much," Troy said regretfully looking longingly at the tub.

"Oh god! What have I done? Does he think I melted too fast?" she gulped lowering her head from his penetrating gaze.

"I…I'll get you one when I next go shopping," she offered in a whisper trying to smooth her skirt down her legs.

"You could…or I can just share yours," he said lifting her head to look at her face, trying to see into her thoughts before leaning in to capture her swollen lips in a soul-shattering kiss, trying to let her know, without words there was no need to feel embarrassed, relief flooded through him when she responded, their tongues entwining. Only the phone ringing stopped Troy from picking her up and carrying her through to the sofa to carry on the renewed encounter as she sprang back in alarm, her eyes wide as they darted around searching for the phone. She pushed him back leaping from the island to rifle through her purse and Troy smacked his head in frustration letting out a groan.

"Hey Taylor," she greeted.

"Hey Gabs, I hope I haven't got you out of bed?" Taylor's calming voice floated over the wire.

"No, I'm not in bed yet," she confirmed.

"Hmpf! Another few minutes and you could have been," flickered through Troy's mind, the throb from below an aching reminder of just how close it would have been.

"I've just landed but I've got to get my bags and go through check out. Can you come and get me?" she asked.

"Of course I can Tay, I said I would didn't I. It shouldn't take me long this time of night, say 20 minutes outside the main doors?" said Gabriella flicking her wrist to check the time on her watch.

"Yeah, I'll be there, see you Gabs and thanks," Taylor said ringing off. Gabriella disconnected and turned to face Troy.

"I'm sorry, I've got to go," she said reaching behind to re-hook her bra and smooth down her t-shirt. Troy smiled ruefully, walking around the island to pick up his tools. Gabriella picked up her purse, turned and walked out of the kitchen heading towards the front door.

"Er…Gabi," Troy's voice stopped her as she reached for the handle, "I think you might need this," he said his voice laced with amusement as she looked behind to see her thong dangling from his fingers.

"Fuck!" she uttered going beet red as she snatched the clothing from him, putting them on hurriedly.

"Nah, that's what we didn't do," he said regretfully as he opened the door.

"Thank you for…you know," she stumbled over the words as she followed him out the door throwing the deadbolt on her way through.

"My pleasure, and just so you know, the after sales service was a special," he said chuckling as she gasped in shock, watching as she hurried to her car.