Hope to have New York chapter posted by Friday. Enjoy!

Bo POV

It was about nine in the evening and Cassie had elected to drive once again as we headed to Hartford. Her SUV really was the best option when we all traveled together and I was grateful we didn't have to take separate cars. Cassie was driving with Kate in the front seat while Lauren, Ciara and I sat in the back.

I was up against the door as I had my arm around Lauren, her body leaning against me as we cuddled up for the hour drive. Conversation was at a minimum as we opted to listen and sing along to the radio instead.

I remembered that I wanted to find out if it was permitted for me to hang pictures on the walls at the guest house. I didn't want to overstep and put nails in the walls without permission. Her mom might not want to deal with sealing the holes after I moved out at the end of the school year.

I tapped Ciara's leg with my foot to get her attention, "Did you see the pictures Lauren printed out from the car show yesterday?"

I watched her face light up, "I did. Great shots by the way. You were thinking of framing and hanging them right?"

I nodded, "Yeah but then I thought maybe I should get permission before I start hammering nails into the walls in your guest house."

Ciara was quiet for a moment before she said, "I don't think it's a problem but don't do anything before asking my mom."

I laughed and let out a sigh, "I thought so."

It was quiet again for a while until I heard Cassie snicker, "Nervous Kate?"

I was sitting behind Cassie so I could only see Kate's profile from the backseat. I watched as she started to fidget, "Not really. Well sort of…..actually I'm terrified. I have no idea what I'm doing."

Cassie scoffed and replied, "It's the same as hitting on guys isn't it? Tonight you're going to find yourself a nice hot piece of ass to mess around with. Nothing beats jumping in head first."

Ciara let out a laugh and said, "Cass! Your phrasing couldn't be worse."

After Ciara broke the tension, Kate seemed a bit more relaxed.

I shook my head and kept my mouth shut. It was typical Cassie to try and stir things up. Poor Kate looked like a dear caught in headlights. I had never been to a club before but I wasn't at all nervous. I didn't find any reason to be. Regardless, I had Lauren and that was all that mattered.

Both of Cassie's parents were attorneys. Her mom was a lawyer for estate planning while her father was a tax lawyer. They owned their own practice that serviced our town and the surrounding counties. Her family also came from old money, so it worked out well that they practiced law in a smaller environment while maintaining a high end life style. Cassie was a smart girl who loved a flair for the dramatic and spoke her mind, not caring how her words affected others. She had a bad side that no one ever wanted to find themselves on but she was a wonderful, loyal friend if you could look past her brutally honest opinions. She wanted to follow in her parent footsteps by studying law and was working hard to gain entrance into Brown University.

Kate came from a very religious family. I never asked but I assumed that was why she was so afraid to tell her parents she was gay. Her dad was a manager for a land development company on the outskirts of town and her mother worked as an accountant. Kate was shy and reserved. She knew how to let loose and have a good time but it only happened when she felt comfortable with her environment. She had no clue what she wanted to do with her life but her parents were pushing for her acceptance into Harvard. She didn't really fight them on it. She told us that it didn't matter to her since she was still in the dark about what she wanted to pursue.

Ciara's family was another that came from old money. Her mom had never worked a day in her life and her dad was just accepted into a major architect firm in New York. Prior to joining the New York firm, Mr. Greenberg was a freelance architect who relied mostly on referrals and land development in the community. Her parents were currently separated after it was found that her dad was sleeping with several woman in town. The gossip flew when everything came to light and I could see the toll it took on both mother and daughter. Ciara was highly intelligent but tried to hide it behind a bubbly personality. She wasn't a part of any of the activities or clubs around school like Lauren, Cassie and Kate. Ciara was laid back, easy going and generally friendly to everyone. As I had also learned, she was extremely generous and thoughtful. She talked about wanting to become a fashion designer but her parents felt it wasn't a steady occupation to get into. They wanted her to get into any of the Ivy League schools and settle on something that was lucrative and stable.

Lauren hit the back of Cassie's seat and interjected, "Shut up Cass. Kate….do whatever you want. No pressure ok?"

She looked back at us with a timid smile but didn't have time to respond. Cassie cut in exclaiming, "We're here and it's time to get our asses moving!"

The parking lot was packed, but it didn't look like there was a line to get in as we approached the door. We filed in one by one, showing our IDs and getting stamped on the hand to indicate we were not of age to drink.

The club was dark with multicolored lights shining down from above. There were two bars, one on each side of the club with a dance floor in the middle. A DJ was up on stage mixing a type of dance, techno, electric music that had a base beat so strong, I could feel the vibrations. Off to the side of each bar were couches, tables and chairs where you could sit and relax.

I put my arm around Lauren's waist as I tried to yell over the music, "Do you want to see if we can find an open spot by the bar?"

She nodded and we all weaved through the crowed and found an L-shaped couch against the bar that wasn't occupied.

I sat down and pulled Lauren with me as Kate and Ciara joined us. Cassie remained standing and said, "Later ladies. I am going to go find someone who will buy me drinks."

Lauren gave her a curious look asking, "How are you going to do that?"

Cassie shook her head and stated in an obvious tone, "I'm going to go flirt until someone wants to get me liquored up."

Without another word, she walked off as the crowd swallowed her from sight.

Ciara laughed, "Typical Cass. Looks like one of us will be driving home."

I shrugged and offered, "I don't mind."

Lauren stood up and grabbed my hand, "Dance with me Bo."

I gave her a skeptical look, "I don't dance Lauren."

She pleaded with me, shooting me a puppy dog look that she knew I couldn't resist, "Please Bo. I want to dance….but only with you."

I could never deny this woman anything and she knew it. If she wanted it and it was within my power, I would give it to her. I dropped my head and got up from my seat, "You win. Let's go."

She jumped up and down before throwing he arms around my neck squealing, "Thank you thank you thank you."

I laughed, bringing my hands up to the back of her neck as I pulled her in for an innocent kiss.

Before Lauren could drag me to the dance floor, Kate stood up and looked at us both. She seemed nervous when she asked, "Can I join you guys?"

I looked at Lauren who winked at me, and I turned back to Kate and replied, "Absolutely. What about you Ciara. You want to dance with us?"

She smiled and waved us off saying, "No no. I want to people watch. I will hold our spot here."

Lauren POV

I was excited to be here. I wanted to show the world that Bo was mine. She was dressed down compared to the rest of us but I didn't care that she didn't have the latest club clothes. Her tight jeans and t-shirt showed off her magnificent body and I couldn't wait to get my hands on her.

I pulled her along as I led us out to the middle of the dance floor. The beat was coursing through the air as I closed my eyes. I let the music engulf me as I pulled Bo against me and swayed to the rhythm.

Bo followed my lead and we danced. She was tense for the first few minutes but once we really started to move, I could feel her relax. We flowed as one and it was almost hypnotic. So many people around us, but it all fell away as I was mesmerized by Bo.

I yelled in her ear, "I thought you said you can't dance. You lied Miss Dennis. You are an excellent dancer." I cocked my eyebrow at her in question.

She gave me a sexy smirk and called back to me, "You misunderstand Miss Lewis. I never said I couldn't dance. I said I don't."

I gave her a mock glare before my attention was drawn off to the side. I watched as Kate cozied up to a very pretty girl. I nudge Bo and she looked over as well, a smile forming at what she saw. They were dancing and talking as best they could over the music. The girl was taller than Kate, with auburn hair and an athletic build. Kate looked like she was on cloud nine and I was relieved that she was having such a good time.

Bo pulled my attention back to her when she asked, "Can I get you a water or something? I'm getting thirsty. It's hot as hell and I'm sweating like crazy."

I winked at her before I leaned in and nibbled on her ear. I let out a breath against her skin and whispered, "I love it when you sweat."

I felt her shudder and I pulled back in glee. It amazed me how much of an affect I had on her. I was the same way though. With just a simple look or touch, Bo could have me on fire.

I ran my fingers down her cheek before I answered her question, "A water would be great Bo. I have to use the restroom so wait for me by the bar?"

She nodded and headed off through the crowd. I pushed myself over to Kate and tapped her on the arm. She turned and I said, "Sorry Kate. Just wanted to tell you Bo and I will be back over with Ciara."

She nodded and resumed dancing with her new acquaintance.

The line to the bathroom was longer than I anticipated. After fifteen minutes I was finally on my way to find Bo. As I was darting through the sea of people, I felt someone grab my hand. I thought it was Bo and I turned with a wide smile on my face. My smile faded immediately as this unknown woman pulled me closer, "Well look at you." She slurred. I could smell the beer on her breath and hear it in her voice.

I tried to pull my hand back but she held it tighter. It was almost painful and I wanted to put an end to this. "I'm already here with someone else. Let me go."

She laughed, her eyes half closed from intoxication. She wrapped her free arm around me and slid her hand down into my back pocket.

Out of nowhere, Bo was by my side, grabbing the woman by the arms and shoving her off me. The woman stumbled backwards but managed to stay on her feet.

Bo scowled as she spat, "Keep your fucking hands off my girlfriend."

Bo placed her hand at the small of my back and started to lead me away when the woman shouted, "Or you'll what?"

Bo kept walking with me towards Ciara but turned to call over her shoulder, "Stupid bitch!"

I was shocked. I had never seen Bo angry and in such a manner. I took a quick glance back to make sure the woman didn't follow us.

When I saw that she hadn't, I stopped Bo and made her face me. "What was that Bo?"

I could feel the anger radiating off her and she stayed silent for a moment. It wasn't until she closed her eyes and took a breath that I saw her body relax.

She opened her eyes and finally spoke, "I was at the bar and I saw that woman get rough with you. No one touches you. No one hurts you. Not when you're with me."

Her protective attitude towards me was endearing while her jealously was a bit sexy. Her anger was something that I didn't want to see again. I cupped her face and pulled her into a soft kiss. I felt her arms instantly wrap around me and hold me to her. As I bent back from the kiss, I gave her a small smile, "Thank you for coming to my rescue. Did you really have to shout at her as we walked away though?"

She pulled me tighter against her body as she asked, "Did you tell her you were unavailable?"

"Yes."

Bo had a contemplative look on her face when she said, "Then yes. I did."

I threw my head back and laughed as I admonished playfully, "Ysebeau!"

She shrugged as she let me go and we continued walking. We stopped by the bar and purchased two bottles of water before we met back up with Ciara.

When we got back to our seat, Cassie was there as well. She was passed out with her head on Ciara's shoulder.

Bo and I sat down as we opened our drinks and finished them off quickly. I gave Ciara an apologetic look as I motioned to Cass and asked, "What happened?"

"She stumbled back over here about fifteen minutes ago. Drunk as hell saying the room was spinning."

Bo leaned forward and pulled the keys from Cassie's pocket, "I'm driving then."

I felt guilty for leaving Ciara here all by herself. I felt the need to make it right, "I'm sorry Ci. For leaving you to sit here alone. Cass went off drinking, Kate is hitting it off with a nice looking lady and Bo and I kind of got caught up in our own little world. It wasn't my intention to leave you out."

She shook her head as she rolled her eyes, "Don't apologize. You invited me to join you and I declined. I was having a blast people watching."

I smirked as I teased Bo, "Did you see Bo trying to start a fight?"

Bo gave me a 'what the hell' look as Ciara's eyes grew wide, "What?!"

Bo jumped in to defend her actions, "I was not starting a fight. I was defending my girl. Some drunk woman decided it was acceptable to put her hands all over Lauren after Lauren told her she was unavailable."

Ciara grinned as she looked back and forth between us, "Unfortunately no. I didn't see that."

We watched as Kate seemed to float over to us with a huge smile plastered on her face. She threw herself down on the couch and held up her hand, a piece of paper in between her fingers.

Bo tilted her head to the side as she asked, "What's that?"

Kate leaned forward, placing her elbows on her knees. Her eyes were full of mirth, "Phone number. The girl I was dancing with gave it to me. Her name is Ami. She will be going to Penn State in the fall majoring in graphic design. She wants to keep in touch over the rest of summer. Have fun. Get to know each other. Keep it easy and light….which I think is best considering she'll be off to college in six weeks."

I was ecstatic. Kate opened up in a noisy club and met a nice girl on her first time out. "I am so happy for you Kate. So you guys are just going to hang out the rest of summer. That's great." I could hardly contain my excitement.

Ciara agreed, "That's awesome. As you said it's probably best to keep things on the less serious side. We all start school in a little over a month. So…how does it feel?"

Kate got a faraway look in her eyes as she beamed, "We kissed. It was nothing like I had ever experienced before. I actually felt the spark you're supposed to fell but I did when I was dating guys. I can't believe I waited so long."

Bo quirked her eyebrow and I squeezed her thigh to distract her. I leaned over and whispered, "I know what you're thinking."

Bo flashed me a mischievous grin and replied, "I wonder if she sparked off you when she stole that kiss."

I shook my head and she laughed, placing her hand over mine on her leg.

Kate glanced over at Cass and then looked at the rest of us, "So shall we go?"

Everyone was in consensus that it was time to pack it up and leave. Ciara and I led the way as Kate and Bo walked Cass out of the club and back to the SUV. I climbed into the passenger seat and watched Kate and Bo struggle to get Cass into the back.

Once everyone was situated, Bo started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.

As we headed back to our quaint little town, headlights shining in the dead of night, Bo took my hand in hers and kissed my knuckles. She set our hands down on the console between the seats and said, "I love you Lauren."

I smiled at the emotions that filled me every time I heard those words, "I love you too."