Bo POV

"So you and Lauren had a fight then?" Kim asked as she helped me bring in my shopping bags from the car.

I sighed as I closed the front door, "It wasn't a fight. We have actually never had a fight before. It was more like she was venting her irritation at me."

Kim looked at me skeptically, "And what does that mean exactly?"

I flopped down on the couch and let my head fall back before replying, "I bought our prom tickets and she expressed how unhappy that made her."

Kim came back into the living room after putting my bags away in the closet and smirked at me, "Why would that make her unhappy?"

"She is upset because I always find a way to pay for our dates and she knows money is tight for me. That I'm saving up for college. I'm not worried about it though. I know I'll have what I need. The thing is….I love paying when we go out or order takeout if we want an evening in or picking up the ingredients from the store if we want to try a new receipt. I'm taking care of her but she doesn't see it that way." I said, turning my head so I could peer at her as she sat in the recliner diagonal from me.

Kim furrowed her brow and asked, "Well what did she say?"

I ran my hands over my face in an attempt to focus my thoughts on Lauren's words, "She said that we are partners and she wants to contribute to the things we do and that I am not letting her do that. That she doesn't like me being the only one spending money."

Kim nodded, "I can see where she's coming from Bo. How would you feel if things were reversed?"

I sat in silence for a long moment before replying, "I wouldn't like it. Money has never been an issue with us before. That is one of the things I love about our relationship….about Lauren. Now I've gone and screwed things up."

Kim laughed, "Dramatic much? You didn't screw anything up. You see her point of view now and you understand where she is coming from. Just tell her that and then adjust how you do things going forward."

I got up as I let her words swim through my mind, "We haven't talked all day. She was supposed to come over this evening even though her parents are home but I'm not sure if that is still the plan. I know you have to go but thanks for letting me drag you all over the state of Connecticut to find a nice but reasonably priced prom dress."

As I walked Kim to the door she turned and said, "I still can't believe you waited this long to shop for one but I had fun so no thanks necessary. Listen, Lauren probably didn't call because she knew you were going to be out with me and Bo, the phone works both ways."

I rolled my eyes playfully, knowing full well she was right. "I'll call her now. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

After Kim left, I called Lauren but only received her voice mail. After leaving a message for her to call me, I went ahead and fixed dinner for myself before getting ready for bed. It was still relatively early, but at the moment burying myself under my covers with phone in hand sounded like a wonderful idea.

Lauren POV

It was later than I intended when I finally arrived at Bo's and let myself into the house. My parents were home for the weekend and things ran later with them than I originally planned. I wanted to surprise Bo so I had not called her prior to coming over, despite the fact that she had left me a voice mail message and we had already planned for me to stay the night. It was dark in the house, and I assumed that she was probably already in bed which I thought was odd since it was still somewhat early. I let those thoughts dissipate as I decided it would be fun to crawl in bed and wake her in the most delicious of ways.

As I quietly made my way to the bedroom, I smiled to myself as I looked at the lump of sheets and blankets on the left side of the bed, knowing my girlfriend was curled up underneath. Even when I wasn't in bed with her, she didn't spread out and make use of the extra space. I eagerly bent down and took off my shoes before I slowly climbed in next to her.

She was lying on her side facing me, sleeping soundly and looking like she had not a care in the world. She was my sleeping beauty, my sleeping angel and I reveled in the feel of her warm skin as I lightly ran my fingers down her cheek. I moved down to the hem of her shirt and allowed my hand to travel underneath, sighing at how smooth her skin was as I ran my hand up her side.

I kissed her lightly while I ghosted my fingers across her breasts and down her stomach, moving past the waistband of her shorts. Without waking Bo, I shifted my hand between her legs, feeling how wet she was for me even in her sleep.

I kissed her more urgently as I slipped two finger inside her, losing myself to the moan that escaped her as her body came alive at my hand. She opened her eyes to me and gazed at me with wonder as I started to move slowly within her. My whole body sang when I felt her match my rhythm while her arms pulled me closer and her hands clutched at my back. I could feel my shirt balled up in her fists as her kisses became needy and her breaths left her in short ragged bursts. It didn't take long before she arched into me as she came, and I withdrew my hand as I felt her body start to settle.

I pulled back so I could look at her beautiful face, and what I saw made my heart ache. Bo was trembling slightly while tears formed in her eyes. I immediately took her back in my arms as I panicked, "What's wrong? Did I go too far? Cross a line? I was just trying to surprise you. I didn't mean to take advantage."

I waited with baited breath for Bo to tell me what had her so upset but she only buried her face against my neck, shaking her head.

In reality it was only a few minutes but it felt like hours before she finally calmed and moved so she could look at me in the darkness of the room.

I wiped away her tears with my thumb as she said, "I loved waking up to you bringing me such joy. You didn't go too far or cross any line with me. I thought you were angry with me and when I woke up to you loving me, I felt so much relief that it was a bit overwhelming."

I nodded my understanding at her words as I closed my eyes and pulled her against my side as I rolled onto my back.

I ran my fingers through her hair as I kissed the top of her head, "I was never angry at you. It's my fault for not making that more clear. I was irritated though, and I am realizing now that I should have expressed my feelings to you before it got to that point. I love that you like to step up and take care of me when we go out or do things together. We are partners Bo and I want to have the chance to do the same for you. I want the opportunity to spoil you, to treat you to a night out or surprise you by setting up an evening in. Does that make sense?"

Bo lifted her head and kissed along my jaw before she rested her head back on my chest, "It does. I like taking care of you but I understand that you probably want to do the same and I haven't really allowed that to happen. If the roles were reversed I would have felt as you did Lauren. I like that you see us as partners. I feel the same way and will act as such from now on. Can you promise me one thing?"

I continued to run my fingers soothingly through her hair as I curiously asked, "What's that?"

She lifted herself up so she could see my face fully before responding, "I hate fighting. I know no relationship is ever always perfect but please talk to me when there is something bothering you so we can work on it and I'll do the same. I had no idea you felt that way. I want you to be able to tell me anything. It's the only way this will work. Especially when we go off to college and are not able to see each other on a regular basis."

I cupped her cheek and ran my thumb over the skin where her tears ran freely, "We didn't really fight. I don't think of it that way. I failed to communicate with you and you're right. We need to talk about things before they fester and I promise to do that from now on. I didn't even realize it bothered me so much until you announced you had bought our prom tickets. I could have handled the whole thing much differently. I'm sorry if I hurt you."

She gave me a mischievous grin, "Forgiven and forgotten. The only thing that needs to be fixed now is the fact that you have way too many clothes on, and you started something when you came in that I plan to finish."

Bo POV

"Ciara if you don't go now you won't have time to get ready yourself!" I exclaimed as she fussed with my hair yet again.

She looked at me through the refection in the mirror, "I just want to make sure you look perfect for tonight! Lauren is going to flip when she sees you. Your dress is beautiful. Though I had thought we were going to shop for dresses together."

I cringed a little at her words, "I know we talked about it but I didn't think we had any set plans."

What I didn't want to tell Ciara was that I was afraid to go dress shopping with her. I knew she would go to the high end shops that only had the designer labels. I couldn't afford a thousand dollar dress and I didn't want her to attempt to buy one for me as she did for our New York trip. I realized that I probably could have gone with her to help her pick one out for herself, and I felt a little guilty in this moment for not being more considerate to what my friend needed.

She shrugged and stepped back from me, "You're right. We didn't really nail down anything concrete. I just thought it would have been fun. I went with Cass instead and she is a nightmare to shop with. If you think I'm bad then you never want to go with her. By the end of the day I was dragging ass and ready to drop and that never happens!"

I laughed because I could imagine that exact scenario. "I can't wait to see what you picked out. You, Cassie and Kate. The three of you are going to be stunning as always. Are you excited about going solo?"

She turned and leaned her back against the counter so she could look at me directly, "I am excited. Finally ending things with John was the best thing I could have done. Not that we were ever official or so he says. The push and pull was just too much. I didn't realize until now just how draining it had been. I deserve better than that and I am going to spend the last month of school and the summer happy and single. There is plenty of time for relationships in college."

I squeezed her hand as I stood up, knowing we could chat for hours but aware that she needed to leave, "Well if you're happy then I'm happy for you." I hoped that she could hear the sincerity in my voice.

As I walked Ciara to the door she continued with our earlier conversation, "Things really are good with me now. I don't think I would have been able to break out of that cycle with John without my friends supporting me. Oh and by the way, don't forget your bag so you can change into something comfortable for the after party tonight."

Apparently every year after prom, the senior class throws a party at a student's house whose unsuspecting parents are out of town. This year Cassie was the one who got roped into hosting the festivities, though she seemed rather excited to be doing so. I already had my things packed and ready to go. The only thing left to do was wait for my beautiful date to show up at my door.

Lauren POV

After my parents took pictures as I was trying to leave to pick up Bo, I was finally in the car and ready to go. I curled my hair just enough to give it some bounce, the lightest of makeup applied, I looked down at my dress one more time and hoped that Bo liked what I picked out for our evening.

Originally Bo had wanted to pick me up but after we talked, I had expressed how much I wanted to walk to her door and take her out for our special night. I was excited to escort her hand in hand to the car as I opened the door for her and helped her inside. I wanted to treat her like the lady she was and it brought me great joy that she stepped back to allow me to do so.

While my parents begrudgingly accepted Bo, I also didn't want to deal with the awkwardness that would engulf us if Bo were to show up at the door. My parents got their snapshots as I was leaving and that was good enough for them. I think they preferred not to have Bo in the pictures if I was being honest with myself. Regardless, it didn't matter to me as we were having our formal pictures taken by the photographer at the prom.

I grew more anxious the closer I got to Bo's place. I had no idea what she was wearing tonight, the only hint Ciara and Kim had given me was that our color scheme would be perfect. I had laughed at the horrified looks on their faces when I told them I had not really thought about our dress colors clashing.

As I finally pulled into the driveway, I stepped out of the car taking a deep breath while I absentmindedly smoothed out the non-existent wrinkles in my dress. We had decided against exchanging corsages so I had nothing to occupy my hands as I waited for Bo to come to the door.

I was so lost in thought that it startled me when Bo appeared in the doorway, unware that she had answered when knocked.

I lost my breath as I drank in the sight before me. Bo's hair was down, flowing past her shoulders and curled at the ends. No makeup applied other than her eyes which gave her a smoky look. I knew Ciara had to have influenced that style and I absolutely loved it. It gave Bo a sultry look to her that made me weak in the knees. She had on a burgundy V-neck ruched open back dress with double spaghetti straps and a thigh high slit on the left side.

I blinked a few times to bring myself out of my blatant ogling as Bo asked in a small shy voice, "Do you like it?"

I had to hold back the laugh that wanted to burst forth at such a question. I had to remember that Bo was a bit out of her element and was probably feeling a bit insecure.

The thought sobered me instantly as I answered, "I love it. You look stunning Bo."

She rewarded me with the brightest smile before pulling me in and kissing me softly. As she pulled away she whispered, "And you Lauren…..look radiant. Absolutely gorgeous."

The intensity at which she spoke those words left no doubt in my mind that she was speaking the absolute truth and it warmed my heart. We were so young but I knew with complete certainty that I would never meet another person like Bo. She was so responsible, determined, driven, yet had the kindest and most giving nature of anyone I had ever known. The childlike wonder in which she approached new things was endearing and her passion to teach others about the things she loved was admirable. She was reserved when met with new people or situations but once she was comfortable with her surroundings, nothing could hold her back. My girl was charming yet awkwardly goofy in the sweetest of ways. Her inner strength surpassed my own and I lived in awe of how she was able to survive some of the things she has had to endure in her life.

I was brought out of my inner musings by strong hands gripping my own. "You ready to go?" She asked and I nodded as I leaned in kissing her cheek softly.

She grabbed her duffle bag before closing and locking the door. When she turned back to me, I offered her my arm. She smiled before taking it as I escorted her to my car.

Bo POV

As Lauren drove us to the Hilton Harford, I couldn't stop myself from stealing glances at her when I thought she wasn't looking. Time slowed as I drank her in. There were no words in existence to describe everything that Lauren was. Her beautiful mind, elegant features, her kind, open heart. I was amazed that such a creature could love me and I thanked the heavens for bringing her into my life. It almost felt like fate that her car broke down at the same moment I was there, allowing me the opportunity to fix it, bringing us together. If events had not played out like they did that day almost a year ago, I don't think that we would be where we are today. It amazed me to no end how one instance could change life in such a drastic way.

I heard Lauren chuckle, breaking me out of my thoughts before she said, "You're staring Ysabeau."

I rolled my eyes playfully as I muttered, "I can't help myself." It was an honest statement.

Lauren just shook her head at me before she turned her full attention back to the road. She turned up the music and we past the rest of the ride singing along to the lyrics, sometimes making up our own words when we didn't know a particular song.

We finally made it to the hotel, the dance was being held in one of their ballrooms. Lauren pulled into the valet lane and after getting out of the car, she walked around to the passenger side and opened my door for me. She held out her hand and I took it immediately, allowing her to help to my feet.

She took the valet stub and tucked it away in her clutch before she turned to me asking, "Ready?"

I smiled and nodded, taking her arm once again as she led us inside. We walked through the lobby and followed the signs that pointed us in the direction we needed to go. Our prom theme for this year was Casino night and I was anxious to see the decorations and all the things the night would entail.

As we rounded the corner, my mouth dropped opened at what I saw. The open doors were covered in white balloons, mixed with black and red to form what looked like the ace of spades and the ten of diamonds. Above that was a sign in red, black and gold that said Casino. As we passed through the doorway, we were bombarded with loud thumping music and the entire ballroom flashed color. There was an open space for the dance floor and round tables to the side that were decorated with black tablecloth and red trim. The paper plates, napkins and cups were adorned with red, white and black and sported diamonds, hearts, spades and clovers. On the other side of the room was a huge archway that looked like a roulette wheel where people were already lined up getting their formal pictures taken. Throughout the room there were various tables set up to play blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat. Along the back wall there was a set of tables covered in an assortment of finger foods and drinks.

I felt Lauren lean in and kiss my ear before whispering, "Do you want to get our pictures taken care of now?"

"Sounds like a wonderful idea." I replied.

The line moved quickly and it didn't take long for us to get the pictures done. We would have to wait until school next week before we could see the various shots that were taken, and pick out which ones we wanted to purchase. Lauren already informing me that she would be taking care of the transaction and all I had to do was pick which set I liked best.

As we started to walk further into the ballroom, Lauren stopped us announcing she had a phone call. I waited while she pulled her phone from her clutch and answered. The call ended almost as soon as she answered and I watched as she tucked her phone away once again.

Lauren answered my unspoken question, "That was Ciara. She saved us seats over by the blackjack table."

I smiled and motioned for Lauren to lead the way. It was just like Ciara to ensure we all had a table together. She had the sweetest soul and always went out of her way to take care of everybody.

As Lauren and I approached the table, Ciara and Kate popped up from their seats to greet us. We each took turns modeling our dresses before we sat down together.

"Where is Cassie?" I asked, speaking so I could be heard over the music.

Kate pointed over her shoulder, "Dancing with Chad. Lisa and Yann are grabbing something to eat and Kim and Doug are playing one of the games somewhere."

Chad played varsity basketball and had captured Cassie's attention over the last month. They had been dating exclusively and I was happy that Cassie seemed to find someone that kept her attention for more than a week. We hadn't really hung out together since they hooked up so I didn't really know him, but if he made her happy then I was excited for her. Lisa and Yann had been together since freshman year and they were inseparable. They reminded me of me and Lauren in that way. Yann had a natural talent for electronics and he was finally accepted into MIT to pursue electrical engineering. Doug was a year ahead of the rest of us and attended the University of New Haven. He was working towards his CPA. I had met him a few times at our softball games and I could see why Kim was so enamored by him. He treated her well and that was all I wanted for my friend.

"So how do all these games work exactly?" Lauren asked.

Kate pointed to a paper print out that was laying in front of each of us, "You take that to one of the tables and the 'dealer' will give you what is supposed to be five hundred dollars' worth of chips. You play like you normally would in a casino minus turning in the chips for cash at the end of the night."

Lauren looked at me with excitement in her eyes, "Can we go play?"

I laughed at her eagerness, "Of course. Let's go."

I gave Lauren my paper as well so she could get an extra five hundred in chips as she decided to give blackjack a try.

Lauren sat at the table, completely engrossed in the game. I stood next to her and just watched as she won hand after hand. I continued to watch as Lauren played her cards and took in every move on the table.

I finally leaned over and whispered, "Are you counting cards?"

She looked at me with pure innocence as she replied, "Of course I am."

Her answer was so matter of fact that it made me wonder if she knew it was considered cheating to do such a thing

I contained my laughter as she looked at me curiously and I said, "You know that is considered cheating in casinos right?"

I watched as her eyes widened ever so slightly, "You're kidding right?"

As I shook my head, she said, "Why should I not get to use my brain to assist me in winning hands? How can they consider intelligence cheating? This makes no sense to me at all. That gives the casino an advantage over the players and I don't think that's fair!" The exasperation in her voice was evident.

I ran my hand up and down her back lightly in an effort to sooth her, "I agree sweetheart but it isn't up to me. I don't see why you can't keep doing what you're doing while we are here since this isn't a real casino."

She huffed before nodding once, "Damn right I will."

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my laughter at bay. Once I was able to speak again I said, "I'll be right back."

She kissed me softly before I left her at the table to continue playing. I had been thinking over the last few weeks that Lauren and I didn't really have a song that we could consider ours. I knew it was kind of a stupid notion but I didn't care. I thought it would be nice to have song that we could call our own, that spoke to our feeling for one another. I started listening to anything and everything on the radio and CD and found a song I thought fit us perfectly. I put in a request for the DJ to play the song and made my way back to Lauren.

As I approached, I saw Nadia leaning against the table, talking to Lauren as she tried to play her hand. As I got closer, I overhead the conversation.

"I didn't come with a date tonight Lauren. I always thought we would go to prom together but it didn't work out that way. I was hoping you would at least dance with me."

I bit my tongue and held myself back. I fought everything inside me to keep from rushing forward and staking my claim for Lauren yet again for this annoying girl. If Lauren wanted to dance with her then I was not going to stop it. I trusted Lauren completely and I refused to be the type of person that held such insecurities within a relationship.

I watched as Lauren folded her hand and turned her attention to Nadia, "I haven't even danced with Bo yet Nadia, so I am going to have to say no. I also don't want to confuse things with you. I have told you repeatedly that there is nothing between us. I know friends can share a dance but with the way you have been hounding me the past year, I think it is better if we just don't."

Nadia leaned forward and I barely caught her reply, "Fine Lauren. Don't ever say I didn't warn you though. She will hurt you and I promise I will be here when she does."

Lauren caught my eye as Nadia turned and walked off. She graced me with the sweetest smile and I couldn't help but smile in return.

I closed the last few steps between us and took her in my arms as she stood up from the table, "I am guessing you heard that?"

"I did." I confirmed.

Lauren shook her head and sighed, "She is relentless."

I smirked, "I wish she would leave you alone but I can't say I don't understand her want for you."

Lauren chuckled before she responded sarcastically. "You are such a smooth talker Ysabeau Dennis."

I shrugged my shoulders as Lauren dumped her chips in a cup and walked back to where Kate and Ciara were still sitting.

Lauren placed the cup in the middle of the table, "Here are all my winnings if anyone wants to grab some chips and play at one of the tables."

Before we had the chance to sit down, I heard my song selection start to play over the sound system.

I bit my bottom lip to stifle my nerves as I asked, "Lauren, dance with me?"

When we reached the dance floor, Lauren wrapped her arms around my neck as I placed mine around her waist.

We moved in sync as I whispered, "Listen to the words Lauren. This is how I feel about you…about us. It's ours."

Lauren remained silent as we continued to dance cheek to cheek. As the song came to a close, Lauren leaned back just enough to see my face.

Her eyes glassy with unshed tears, she asked, "You want that to be our song?"

I flashed her a shy smile, "I do. I think it fits us perfectly but you know….if you think it's stupid—"

Lauren interrupted me with a fiery kiss before she admonished, "I don't think it's stupid at all," then she continued in a softer tone, "I admit though that this is the first time I have ever heard it."

"It's by Boys Like Girls. The title is Two Is Better Than One. I kind of spent the last few weeks searching for a song for us and this was the only one that came anywhere close."

"It's settled then. So are you hungry or do you want to wait until we get to Cassie's house?" Lauren asked as she walked us back to our table.

"I'm good either way. If you're hungry now, we can check out what they have at the food table but if not then I can certainly wait." I replied.

We decided to wait to eat until the after party. We watched as the prom king and queen were announced before dancing a few more times. We visited with our friends and made the rounds to other tables to say hello.

It was about eleven when Lauren asked, "You ready to head to the party? I don't expect anyone to show up until after midnight but I know Cassie would love it if we came early to help out. She already left to get things ready."

"I'm ready when you are."

Lauren POV

The first thing either of us wanted to do when we arrived at the house was change clothes. Bo threw on jeans and a t-shirt after hanging up her dress. I had worn a long black Grecian dress that had a sheer ruched halter bodice with a chiffon overlay and full skirt that had a hook closure waistband that gave it a fitted look. I hung it up with Bo's dress before I put on jeans and a shirt over my bikini. We took our bags and dresses back out to my car for safe keeping before we made our way to the kitchen. After we both had a few slices of pizza that was already laid out on the counter, we went to find Cassie.

We found her and Chad in the backyard turning on the pool lights and ensuring the water was comfortable for anyone who wanted to swim. It was May but the evening air was still chilly.

"Oh thank you for coming early! Can you guys make sure there are cups around all the kegs and fresh ice in the coolers?" Cassie asked with a hint of desperation.

We did as we were told and once we felt everything was stocked, we sat in a lounge chair in the backyard that overlooked the pool.

Bo sat in between my legs with her back resting against my front. I had my arms around her waist with our fingers laced together.

Bo turned so she could see me out of the corner of her eye, "Did you have fun tonight Lauren? Did you do everything and see everyone you wanted?"

I placed kisses up and down her neck as I answered, "I did. You?"

Bo sighed as my lips continued to dance across her skin, "Yes."

We sat in comfortable silence as we watched Chad move the stereo system from the living room into the backyard, setting it up on a table far from the pool.

He flipped it on and music filled the air. It wasn't long after that when people started to arrive. As the party started to pick up, Bo leaned forward and turned to me, "Do you want me to get you anything to drink? Water? Beer? Soda?"

I shook my head, "No I'm good. I am getting cold though. Think we can go for a dip in the hot tub?"

A look of fear flashed across Bo's eyes, "We can." I could hear the hesitation in her voice.

"What's wrong?"

She rolled her eyes as she pouted, "I usually swim in board shorts and a surf shirt but Ciara made me leave those at home in favor of packing a bikini she made me buy a few weeks ago."

I laughed, "Well it is up to you sweetheart. I'm going to strip down and get in. If you want to join me then you're going to have to change."

I giggled as I nipped her earlobe, "No pouting."

At my words she finally stood up and helped me along with her. As I took off my jeans and shirt, Bo finally relented, "Fine. I'll be right back."

I handed her my folded clothes before she left and settled myself down into the hot tub to wait.

Ciara and Kate joined me as I leaned back and let the heat from the water relax me. About fifteen minutes later, I heard Kate let out a low whistle. I gave her a quizzical look and she pointed at something behind me and said, "Damn Lauren. Your girl is hot!"

I scowled at her playfully before I turned around to find Bo. When my eyes finally found her I was speechless. She wore the tiniest black bikini I had ever seen. She laid a few towels down for us to use when we were ready before she stepped into the water and settled down next to me.

She gave me a shy smile as a light blush colored her cheeks, "I have never felt so exposed and vulnerable before. I love seeing you in a bikini Lauren but I don't know how you are comfortable wearing one."

I placed my arm around her shoulder and allowed my fingers to brush along her arm, "It takes getting used to. If you really are uncomfortable, we can get out and change."

She shook her head as she placed a hand on my bear thigh, "No. It's ok. I will get used to it."

Kate laughed and interjected, "I think you look hot Bo."

She blushed again and muttered 'thank you' as Ciara chimed in, "Yeah Bo. I knew I did good when I picked that out for you. You look great."

Bo laughed and shook her head, "Thanks."

I decided to change the subject as I could see Bo becoming flustered at all the attention. "Kate, Ci, any plans after we graduate?"

Kate answered first, "I've got nothing planned and my parents don't have any vacation lined up that I'm aware of. I'll just be hanging around here until it is time to get ready for school in the fall."

Ciara spoke next, "I am going to New York to see my dad right after graduation but I'll be back in time for your parents beginning of summer party. After that I don't have any big plans until it is time to set off for school. How about you guys?"

"Bo and I are going to hit the open road with the top down on her Camaro and take a trip to Myrtle Beach. We will be back in time for my parent's party but then after that we are free for the summer until we leave for college."

"Anyone know about Cassie and what she has planned?" Kate asked.

Before we could answer, we heard Cassie reply, "I'm free and clear all summer ladies until it's time to pack up and ship off to school."

I peered at Cass who was standing behind me, "Where did you come from? You scared the hell out of me!"

She laughed as she bent down and dipped her hand in the water, "I'm everywhere Lauren. Everywhere."

I rolled my eyes as I splashed her with a handful of water, causing her to squeal and head off in the opposite direction.

Bo said, "Lisa will be overseas with her parents all summer but Kim will be here like us, though she will probably spend most of her time in New Haven with Doug."

"How are you all feeling about the swim meet next Friday? If you bring in the win, it takes you to the state championship." Bo asked as she settled closer against me.

Kate took a sip from her water before she replied, "Don't jinx us Bo. We can pull it off but it will be a team effort. Everyone will have to pull out their best."

I shuddered as I felt Bo's hand creep higher up my leg when she said, "Well I will be there cheering you all on."

I watched as Ciara and Kate exchanged knowing looks before they announced they were going to get something to eat. Once they left the hot tub, Bo moved to straddle my lap as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

I bit my bottom lip as she gave me a smoldering look that spoke volumes to what she was thinking.

I gripped her hips to pull her closer to me before I kissed her gently on the lips. I smiled into the kiss as I felt her fingers running up and down the back of my neck.

I pulled away just enough to speak, "You ready to head home?"

I felt Bo's breath tickle my lips as she uttered, "You read my mind."