A/N – I thought I'd post the next chapter a little earlier again. I know everyone is impatiently waiting to find out why Veronica was acting the way she was when she first got there and sorry you're going to have to wait a while. There was actually a partial hint to part of it early on in the story, which you should figure out later when they finally do talk everything out. Of course I knew it was a hint, since I knew where it was going. I'm just evil I guess!

As always, thanks for all the support and for continuing to read along. I love reading some of the theories people have too.

Disclaimer: All original VM characters belong to Rob Thomas.

Chapter 11

Logan got back to her hotel about 45 minutes earlier than he had told her and debated about whether to just wait in the bar or head up to her room. She was staying at the hotel that the majority of the racing people stayed at, and where the paparazzi frequently would congregate to get pictures of the racers and other celebrities that came to see the races. They were typically worse on Saturday though since the big after party was held there in the giant conference center connected to the hotel. He decided since she showed up in his room unannounced that morning, that he'd just go up and be early. He also decided that turn around was fair play. He saw an attractive young woman was working at the check-in counter so he went over to see if he couldn't get a key card to Veronica's room. He gave the woman his best flirty smile, and explained he'd accidentally locked himself out of his room. She simply asked what name the room was under and what room number it was, and happily handed the card over to him with a smile.

He was hoping Veronica might be in the bathroom when he arrived, because if she wasn't, sneaking in wasn't going to be as much fun. He tapped lightly on the door and when there wasn't an answer, he unlocked the door and slowly opened it, looking cautiously inside. He was happy to hear the blow-dryer going in the bathroom, so he took a seat on the couch with a big grin on his face. Of course he hadn't thought the plan through completely and was a bit shocked when she came out of the bathroom in nothing but a lacy bra and a matching thong.

"Oh my god Logan!" She screamed when she walked out from the bathroom and saw him sitting there. She tried her best to cover herself up with her hands, but of course that was totally useless.

"I'm so sorry," he said as he covered his eyes with his hands. His shock had been replaced by embarrassment, which caused him to laugh a bit uncomfortably.

He heard her grab the dress that had been lying on the bed. That was probably a pretty good clue that she wouldn't be dressed when she came out of the bathroom, you idiot. The next thing he knew he was being hit in the head with a pillow.

"I said I was sorry," he replied after the pillow hit him. "Can I open my eyes yet?"

"Yes," she said in an irritated tone. "How the hell did you get in here?"

He held up the key card and smirked at her. "You really should deadbolt the door you know?"

"Point taken," she scowled at him and shook her head. "Payback?"

He nodded and smiled again. She finally smiled a bit and shook her head at him. "You're really early and I'm not quite ready yet."

"I got done with my dinner date earlier than planned, so headed over here." He saw the look of curiosity cross over her face which made him smile mischievously at her. "It's killing you to not know who I had dinner with isn't it?"

She gave him a slightly annoyed look and then went back into the bathroom to finish getting ready to go. He laughed softly as he watched her retreat. One thing that's still the same is her undying curiosity to know everything.

She came back out a few minutes later with her hair and make up finished and grabbed a pair of heels from the closet. He hadn't really paid that much attention to the dress she had put on, but now he did. It hit her about mid thigh, and showed off all of her curves. He'd noticed she looked a bit curvier in the other dresses, but this one really left nothing to the imagination and he realized how much her body had changed over the years since he'd last seen her. Her arms and legs also seemed to be more toned now, likely from getting in better shape as an agent for the FBI. Damn it, why'd she have to wear a dress like that when I'm trying to bury all my old feelings for her. It may be shallow, but it would be so much easier to do if she looked horrible and not smoking hot... don't forget how much of a bitch she was to you earlier… ah foreplay… I'm so pathetic.

She gave him a peculiar look as she straightened back up from doing the straps on her heels. "Were you just checking out my ass, Billy?" she asked in a teasing tone.

Logan smirked when he realized she had caught him looking and just nodded his head. "Of course I was Lindsey. Just practicing for tonight at the club. You know, trying to get into character."

She gave him an uncertain look and her tone became slightly irritated. "Well I'm ready to go if you're done checking out the merchandise."

He stood up and walked past her and opened the door for her. "Showtime my dear," he said with a little wink. There were a lot more people staying at the hotel now and several other people were walking along their floor. He wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a quick kiss on the temple as she came out and joined him in the hall. She looked a bit surprised by his change in demeanor from earlier in the day, and gave him a tentative smile as she wrapped her arm around his waist as well.

If I have to endure this, I'm going to do the most to enjoy myself. When they walked into the elevator, there were a few other younger couples on it as well, dressed as if they were going out for the night. He pulled her closer to him in the corner and then leaned down and kissed her deeply. "Can't we just stay in and have fun tonight instead baby?" He asked after he pulled his lips away from hers.

She gave him an uncertain smile and then smacked his cheek lightly and shook her head. "No you promised me you'd take me dancing," she said in a slightly whiny voice with a pout on her lips.

He winced slightly at the slap, but kept a lecherous smirk on his face. He rolled his eyes in an exaggerated fashion and looked to the guy standing closest to him. "She's so demanding, but smoking hot in bed, so what are you gonna do?" The guy laughed at his comment and Logan smiled wickedly down at Veronica who was looking up at him with a bit of a glare. The other two couples exited on the next floor, where the hotel restaurant was located, while they stayed on to go down another flight to the lobby. As soon as the door closed, she spun to look at him with an angry expression on her face.

"Too much?" he asked when he saw her expression.

"Just a bit," she said angrily to him. "I'm supposed to be your girlfriend, not a pay by the hour hooker."

He smiled at her and shrugged. "Sorry, I was just trying to get into character. You wanted Billy Deimos, international playboy right? He's more into hookers than girlfriends. I'm sure you could play the role of a hooker just as well anyway."

He watched as her jaw tightened and her expression became even angrier. Fuck, why did I have to say that? Luckily the door opened before she could slap him again or say something else. A few people were coming in as they were going out, so he had a moment of safety before he had to face her again. He grabbed her hand and pulled her over to the side of the lobby, away from where other people were walking.

"Hey, I'm sorry," he said sincerely as he moved closer to her, pinning her against the wall. He could tell she was still pissed by the way her jaw was clenched and she was taking small fast breaths and not looking him in the eye. He reached up and brushed a strand of hair out of her face and leaned in closer as he talked to her. "I'll be good, okay? No more sleazy playboy. I was just playing. That's not me at all. I'm sorry." At first a part of him had actually been glad that he'd pissed her off after what she'd pulled the night before, but then he saw her reaction and the hurt in her eyes and no matter what, he couldn't do that to her. Maybe she could be cold and not care about other people's feelings, but that wasn't him. At least not anymore. Maybe 17 year old Logan had been like that, but he was long gone and he hadn't been purposely malicious to anyone since then.

She took a deep breath and nodded. He rested his forehead against hers for a minute. "I'm sorry I did that. I guess I was still pissed about last night." She sighed and started to relax. She'd been looking down at the floor until then and looked up at him.

"I said I was sorry about that this morning," her expression seemed confused and apologetic.

"I know. You did and I had no right to act like an ass." He gave her a small lop-sided smile. "Old habits… or was it old dog…"

She sighed. "Kiss me, okay? In case anyone saw us come over here and are still watching us." She said looking intently into his eyes.

He nodded slightly, then leaned in and kissed her gently. He moved one of his hands up to gently brush some loose strands of hair out of her face as he kissed her. She smiled at him as he pulled away from her and he reached out his hand to lead her back through the lobby. She took his hand and started walking with him.

"The club's actually just a little over a block from here. I was thinking we could walk or take a cab, so I wouldn't have to try to park. If that's okay with you?" I also don't want to be trapped alone in a car with you right now, even if it is only a block away.

She smiled and said walking would be fine, and maybe they could catch a cab back later. He was so thankful he didn't have to climb into a car alone with her after what had just happened. He didn't want to imagine how ugly that could have turned out. Hopefully by the time we head back tonight, she'll have forgotten that or have something new to be pissed at me about. He did wrap his arm around her waist again to keep her close while they were walking. Even though he knew she was a trained FBI agent, he still had a hard time not wanting to protect the petite vulnerable woman he couldn't help but remember her being sometimes all those years ago.

The walk seemed to help calm her nerves down and when they reached the club she was back to being bubbly happy Lindsey. She sent Juliana a text to see if they were there yet and to find out where in the club they might be. Juliana came back towards the entrance to find them and take them back to their table. One of the other drivers, Miguel, from the night before was there at their table too with his girlfriend. Juliana grabbed Luis's hand and Veronica's and pulled them toward the dance floor. Veronica grabbed at Logan's hand before she got too far and pulled him with her as well. They stayed out and danced for a few songs. At first Logan was trying to keep his distance as they danced after the whole elevator fiasco, but she reached up and wrapped her hands around his shoulders and pulled him closer. She gave him a flirty smile, then leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips and a little wink. She pulled him down so she could talk into his ear. "You don't have to go from one extreme to the other, okay? There's a lot of ground in between that's completely acceptable. Remember the mandatory groping?" She leaned back and gave him a smile. He picked her up and spun her around, making her laugh before he gave her a quick kiss on the lips. After the song ended, Juliana yelled at them that they were going to go back and get some drinks. Logan and Veronica followed them off the dance floor, holding hands and trying not to lose each other in the crowd.

Logan asked Veronica what she wanted to drink and then fought his way to the bar, leaving her with Juliana at the table. On his way back to the table with the drinks he of course ran into Marcos.

"Hey I didn't expect to see you here tonight. I didn't think you did the club scene that much anymore." Marcos said when he saw him. Logan shrugged and Marcos noticed that he was carrying two drinks. "Oh, I see. You're here with a lady," he added with a little wink. "Well I just must meet this lucky woman." Logan shook his head. He knew there wouldn't be any way to avoid having Marcos meet her now no matter what he might say.

Logan fought his way back to their table with Marcos right on his heels. Logan sat down next to Veronica and she snuggled up closer to him, placing a kiss on his lips. "Thanks for the drink baby," she said in her bubbly playful voice as she took the glass from him. She noticed Marcos sit down next to Logan. "Who's your friend?" she asked innocently.

"Marcos Cardozo, this is Lindsey Evans. She's a photographer." Logan said quickly. "Marcos is one of my fellow drivers."

Marcos smiled and reached out his hand for Veronica's and then kissed the back of it. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Evans. And fellow driver? Please, we're more like brothers. I hope Billy here's treating you well. And if he's not, just let me know because I'd be happy to take you off his hands." He looked up and down her body appreciatively after he finished talking. Logan felt a sharp tinge of anger course through him, but didn't let it show.

Veronica laughed and shook her head. "I'd never want to trade in this handsome sexy stud," she said in an exaggeratedly sweet voice as she leaned in and kissed him again. "In fact, I've been telling him all week that he needs to come back to LA with me and race there. I just can't bear to leave him behind and I think he'd love it in LA."

Marcos raised his eyebrows, clearly very surprised at the idea of Logan leaving Brazil to go back to the US. Logan smiled and tried to keep up the act and not let Marcos figure out something was going on. Unfortunately Marcos did know who Logan was and where he was from. "LA really?" Marcos asked giving Logan a curious look. "You're not seriously considering that right? I think you'd have more luck Miss Evans if you just moved down to Brazil than getting him to go to LA with you."

Veronica gave Logan a pout. "You'd come to LA with me wouldn't you baby? You said it sounded like a really great idea when we were talking about it last night in bed."

Marcos laughed and shook his head. "I'm sure lots of ideas sound great to Billy in bed."

Logan scowled and elbowed Marcos in the side. "Well even if I can't steal you away from him, can I at least have one dance with you?" Marcos asked reaching his hand out toward her.

"You won't get too lonely here without me will you?" She asked Logan with a little pout on her face.

"I will, but I don't think Marcos is going to quit until he gets his way." Logan leaned in and kissed her again. "Have fun sweetheart."

Logan wasn't sure if Veronica was actually looking for a way to get out of dancing with Marcos or not, but he also knew that Marcos wouldn't leave them alone until he got a chance to dance with her if that's what he wanted to do. He hoped this way he'd decide to move on and find someone else to entertain himself with, rather than sticking around with them all night. Logan sat and drank his scotch while he waited for them to return. After the song ended, he started watching for them to come back, but after a few minutes into the next song, he didn't see them and wondered if they had stayed out for the next song since they had gone out part way through the prior one. He knew that Marcos could be persuasive, but he didn't think he would seriously try to hit on someone Logan was there with. He started getting impatient and decided if they weren't back after the next song started, he'd go and check on them. The second song ended and he was watching for them again. He was about to stand up and head to the dance floor when he finally saw them coming back. He gave her a smile, and she smiled back, then came over and sat in his lap instead of the original seat next to him that she'd had. She gave him a longer kiss, then leaned back and said she'd missed him in her sweet bubbly voice.

Marcos gave Logan another curious look, and then said he was going to go mingle and maybe he'd catch up with them again later. As Marcos walked off, Logan looked at Veronica. He pulled her closer and whispered into her ear. "Are you okay?" There was something about her behavior when she came back that felt off to him, but he couldn't quite figure out what it was. And it was even harder to separate her acting from reality. She gave him an unreadable look and nodded. Logan ran one of his hands up to her cheek and looked at her more intently. "What's wrong?" he asked since it seemed like something wasn't quite right with her. She shook her head and then rested it against his forehead for a moment. What the hell did Marcos do? He wouldn't do something to try to hurt her, but could he have said something that would have rattled her like this? If Marcos had said something that bothered her, she must have pushed it to the back of her mind when she sat back up. "Come dance with me," she said standing up with a smile and pulling on his hand. He nodded and stood up and followed her back out to the dance floor. I hate not being able to tell if something's real with her or part of her act. I'd be willing to bet that Marcos said something that bothered her by the way she seemed so different when she'd first come back though. Dancing again she seemed as happy and carefree as she had before though. They danced for two songs then went back to the table again.

They ended up spending a couple hours at the club. She spent most of the time talking with various people at the table, although they did dance a few more times. They put on a good show both on and off the dance floor with flirty smiles and little kisses, and some wandering hands throughout the night too. Logan had to frequently remind himself that it was all part of her act when he found himself getting too caught up in the emotions he was feeling. He tried not to drink as much either, partly because he had to race the next day and didn't want any chance of a hangover, but also because he didn't want to get too carried away like he did at the other club. They'd had good times when they were dating, in between the bad times, and being with her when she was happy and flirty brought back so many memories of all those good times. He'd of course never forgotten her, but being there with her again he started noticing all the little things he had missed, like the way she would laugh and push her hair behind her ears. All her little glances and playful little smiles.

Marcos didn't happen to stop by again, which made Logan even more suspicious about what had happened between them on the dance floor. They took a cab back to her hotel and he walked her up to her room to say goodnight since there were so many other people around and she wanted it to look convincing. She was still carrying on her normal Lindsey demeanor, so he decided not to ask about Marcos in case he misread the situation. He gave her a kiss outside her room to put on a show for people walking by, and said he'd see her the next day.