Battling some writer's block this week. Thankfully I had much of this already written. Hopefully I can get over it soon and update my other stories. I hope you all enjoy this update, and as always, I love you guys and appreciate all of the support, so keep the reviews coming- they always motivate and inspire me! P.S. thanks to my twitter followers for suggestions to overcome my block

Chapter 4

The face staring back at her looks like a stranger today, much like it did the very first day she started stripping. Though it's the same one that she has always seen, today there is something different, something in the eyes. There has long been a sadness behind that quiet determination, now with a hint of shame for what she is doing, but as she stares at her reflection in the mirror, preparing for her first dance tonight, there is a glimmer of hope that has long been forgotten until now. It's something she hasn't seen in a very long time. She can see it and she can feel it deep down, and it makes her…happy.

Friday has flown by, classes this morning, a quick workout and a stop by the cadaver lab before hitting the train to the city. Her bag is packed for her date with Bo and an extra change of clothes if things go well and she decides to stay after work Saturday, too. Thinking of Bo subconsciously brings a smile to her face and makes her heart swell. Even though she still harbors some fear about a giving herself to relationship, right now she feels more disgust that she will be nearly naked and dancing in front of strangers just before going out with on her date. There is just something wrong with it in her mind and even though she knows it's just a job and it's only temporary, she feels that Bo deserves more than she can give.

"Hey Doc, here's your double scotch on the rocks, as usual" the waitress can't miss the unusual smile on the blonde's face "My, my…someone is happy tonight."

Brought out from her haze Lauren looks up and mumbles "Hmm?"

A knowing smirk crosses the woman's face "Um hmm…well, well, well. Someone is lucky if they got you. Want to tell me who?" She bends down to whisper "is it someone I know? I won't tell."

This waitress is the only one she really calls a friend here. They just meshed well right from the start, people watching and talking about the challenges of being alive. Candy is actually very intelligent and has two kids. She is one of Trick's nieces and has a great head for business. She hopes to take over the place when the old man retires. She is also very good at reading people and has been the only one to crack the highly secretive blonde's shell at the Dal.

Lauren blushes slightly at being caught day dreaming, "Yes, I met someone, but I am not ready to talk about it yet. Thanks for the drink. Always helps to take the edge off before I start the night."

If they only knew that she is the lucky one, that she can't believe that someone as wonderful as Bo finds her here of all places and treats her so normal, like it's not even a thing. She sees many of the girl's in bad relationships and making poor life choices and she feels bad for them. None of them belittle her for doing this on the side or make her feel different because she is going to be a doctor, in fact several of the one's she has met since she began have had higher goals and only do it for the money. Unfortunately, many of them get side tracked and end up losing sight of their dreams, and that's the one thing she is trying desperately to avoid.

"Time to numb the mind and dull the senses. One night closer to quitting" she downs the drink and heads over to the stage dressed in a tight navy mini skirt, a white blouse with top three unbuttoned, a doctor's coat with six inch heels and tops it off with glasses a stethoscope and her hair up tight, ready to be let down when the time is right. When she hears the whistles and cat calls as they announce her name, she closes her eyes and locks down her emotions, just as she does in the clinic. Cold, clinical and detached…it's just a job, but for the first time, she has something to look forward to after her shift.

XXX

BO

Fumbling through her closet, Bo can't decide what to wear tonight. Her nerves getting the best of her as the clock ticks closer to the time the blonde would be knocking on her door. Jeans, dress or miniskirt? Leather or dressy casual? The club has a nice mix of people so she could go either way. She wants to look sexy for her date, but not like she's on the prowl.

She fidgets and paces around her room, a million thoughts running through her head. 'God it's been so long since I worried about what to wear. How should I greet her? Hug, kiss, embrace, throw her against the wall and never make it to dinner? No, she said she would be starving, so definitely dinner. Besides, I really do want to show her off around town.'

She settles on a pair of tight black jeans with knee high black boots and a black vest with red accents that adequately shows off the girls. Having her own reservations about the second date, she worries about her troubled past eventually coming up and wonders if she really deserves someone a special as Lauren. Really, the only thing that matters is who she is now, because all of that made her the woman she is today. She decides to just try and go with the flow, not force anything and see where things lead. No need to get worked into a panic of something that may never happen.

'Any minute now.' She was like a kid at Christmas, but this is one gift she would like to unwrap slowly, hopefully later tonight. Nerves getting the best of her she shifts her weight from foot to foot and sips at a drink to calm her down, her breath catching when she hears footsteps stop at her door.

XXX

Lauren

A wave of relief crashes over the blonde as her shift finally comes to a close. Hurrying to the shower, she begins to feel the flutter of nerves in her stomach. It's only been a few days, but she is possibly more nervous tonight than she was on the first date. That seemed somehow like a fantasy, an act, but this was real. This was possibly the start of something, at least she secretly hopes it is. It's hard to admit to herself, but there is just something about Bo…she can't explain it and that's what simultaneously excites and terrifies her. She tries to keep her conversation with Kenzi in mind, about how it is time for her to be happy and live again, but she is almost nauseous as she finishes drying her hair and curling the bottom so that it spirals down her shoulders and frames her face perfectly.

As she quickly takes her leave of the Dal, Candy wishes her well with a wink and some encouragement that helps set her slightly at ease. Bag in hand, she takes a deep breath and heads to the brunette's apartment. In just a matter of minutes she will be standing in front of the charming beauty once again, and this time it will be as Lauren Lewis and not as "The Doctor," her stage persona. She only hopes that she does not disappoint as she exits the elevator and glances dubiously down the hall to Bo's apartment. Her need to see the woman, touch her, once again is overwhelming, yet with every step closer, the butterflies begin to feel more like elephants until she finally reaches up, pausing for a moment before knocking on the door.

XXX

It takes a second before Bo can get her feet to move. She sets her drink down and walks up to the door, unnecessarily smoothing down the sides of her pants as she pauses to take a deep cleansing breath. Outside, Lauren has a death grip on her bag, displacing her nervous energy onto the old, distressed leather. Bo pulls the door open, revealing herself and Lauren's stomach drops. The woman is stunning, not that she wasn't the other night, but this is different. Casual but dangerous with her slick black brows and hair pulled back from her face. The blonde looks down the hall nervously and then back at Bo who, by the look on her face, is equally pleased to see her.

"Hello Bo" she chokes out, her voice frozen from the sheer beauty in front of her.

"Lauren…wow" the brunette is speechless. The blonde is wearing darker than normal makeup giving her a more sultry appearance.

"I was going to say that about you, wow doesn't even cover it. You look amazing, Bo."

Bo blushes and pulls the door wider for the blonde to enter and as she does, she stops and places a light kiss on Bo's lips before heading to table to drop off her bag. The brunette stares in awe at the way the skinny jeans hug the blonde in all the right places. The light pink blouse is low cut in back and sleeveless to show off the toned arms. The ensemble is capped off with stylish heels and long wavy blonde hair cascading down her shoulders that is unbelievably sexy. She definitely did not dress or act like any of the dancers that Bo had ever known, she is too put together. No, there is something more to Lauren Lewis, and Bo finds that she can't wait to unravel the mystery.

"So, where would you like to grab dinner before you take me to this mystery club" Lauren asks before turning back around to find Bo's darkened eyes raking down her body. The look causing her to tingle as she quickly turns her eyes to the floor hiding her smile. "How do you do that?"

"What?" Bo asks, confusion on her face as she makes her way toward her date.

"Make me feel like the most beautiful thing on the planet with just a look" Lauren answers sheepishly, looking up through her lashes at an encroaching brunette.

Bo pulls her into loose embrace, draping her arms around the blonde's neck. "It's easy. You are magnificent, Lauren, unlike anyone I've ever met. Surely you know how damn sexy you are" she states obviously, though the uncomfortable tensing of the blonde's body tells her otherwise.

Disbelief takes over Bo's expression as she takes in the physical discomfort of the blonde. "Really? What about dancing? They don't just let anyone do that you know. They want hotness, and you, Lauren, are without a doubt, the sexiest woman I have ever laid eyes on. I cannot wait to show you off tonight." Bo smiles seductively as she twirls the blonde causing her to giggle lightly.

"You sweet talker, you." Lauren smiles, pecking her on the lips. She finds it hard to believe how at ease they feel together. Even as they navigate this new path with its moments of nervousness, it is so easy to be with Bo.

"Thank you, Bo, really, but I feel like I'm the lucky one here, you are smokin' hot" she pulls back to scan the brunette's body again.

Bo smiles and arches a brow "Well, how about we just agree that we are both pretty damn hot and the luckiest women on the planet?"

"Agreed" they laugh, before their lips meet gently, Lauren grabbing Bo's hips gently to pull their bodies closer and locking her hands behind the brunette.

Finally, Bo breaks the kiss, leaning back in Lauren's embrace "I'm in the mood for sushi, you?"

"You read my mind" the blonde gushes, "I have been craving it all day." She gives the brunette's waist a gentle squeeze.

"I bet it's not the only thing you've been craving" Bo suggestively wiggles her brows while leaning in for one more kiss.

Surprisingly, Lauren doesn't blush. Bo's assumption was right, and from the way he brunette is looking at her right now, the "craving" is definitely mutual. Holding the brunette close, Lauren plays coy, "How did you know I've been dying for mocha chocolate chip ice cream?"

Bo pouts slightly, hoping to continue their back and forth teasing.

Lauren's expression suddenly turns predatory as she brushes her nose against Bo's cheek. Eyes closing, she pauses to soak in the scent and feel of her skin before whispering into her ear "If you feel what I feel, then I am pretty sure I know what's been on your mind and if you're good, maybe we can both take care of our cravings later tonight."

Bo stands frozen in Lauren's grasp, paralyzed by the warm breath tickling her ear, the blonde's skin against her own is electric, but the hot suck on her lobe and the possessive grasp of her ass about drove her insane. The woman really knows how to push her buttons as she feels her cheeks redden, she can't believe how freely and comfortably they flirt with one another. She has never been with another woman that could go toe to toe with her. Bo is usually so in control of these situations, but she finds the blonde constantly keeps her off balance, never knowing what to expect, and it's wonderfully exhilarating. Looking at her date she smirks, "It would seem you have read my mind, as well."

Lauren breaks her hold and takes Bo's hand in her own "Let's get outta here. I am starving and I have been dying for a night out on the town!"

XXX

The women toast their Saki and enjoy easy conversation getting to know one another a little more. Favorite foods, colors places they have been and so forth. Both woman finding it difficult not to share a touch or holding hands. At one point, when Bo was preoccupied with the menu, Lauren found herself staring at the beautiful brunette, just taking in her features still in disbelief that she was out on a date with such a knockout.

"So your job is to land clients. What type of work do you do?" Lauren inquires.

"I am in advertising. It's a small company, but I was just given the lead on trying to land our first multimillion dollar client, so I am pretty excited about that." Bo still beaming about her new opportunity.

"That's wonderful, Bo. How long have you been doing that"

She laughs "less than a year actually."

"Wow that's all?"

"Yeah, I started at the bottom but the boss saw something in me and gave me a shot and her I am" she smiles. "What about you? How long have you been dancing?"

"Umm…a little less than a year. I started at some little place across town. One day Trick saw me there and tried to recruit me. I didn't want to go to a bigger place, but he finally made me an offer I couldn't refuse, and here I am" she shrugs.

Bo's eyebrow arches in curiosity "Really? Guess he just had to have you, and I can certainly understand why."

Lauren rolls her eyes and blushes, quickly taking another sip of her drink to hide her discomfort with complements about her looks.

"Lauren, can I ask you a more personal question" Bo asks hesitantly, not wanting to cross any lines so early in their relationship.

"Umm…I guess" a little taken aback but happy she asked permission before diving right into personal questions.

"I mean, I don't want to be too nosey since we are just getting to know one another, so"

The blonde cuts her off "Go ahead, Bo. I appreciate you being considerate" she smiles softly.

"Okay, it's just that I can't help but feel like you are more than a dancer and I have been wondering for the last few days about these appointments you had…like I said not nosey, just…you are mysterious."

The word draws a laugh from the blonde, "mysterious, I like that."

"Yeah well, I mean you wouldn't even tell me your name until after dinner and then you were gone to who knows where, leaving me praying that I get to really see you again" Bo explains, a little embarrassed at how fragile it sounds.

Lauren is surprised by the brunette's candor and decides to reveal her secret. "Well, uh…you are right, I am actually in my final year of medical school."

"Med school? I can see that. You definitely look the part in that coat" she grins "What school?"

Lauren pauses for a moment, staring at the brunette across from her and the excitement in her eyes. "Yale" she said, it was almost a question as if afraid to answer

Bo about spit her drink out "Yale? Holy shit, Lauren. That's huge!"

"Thanks. It's been my dream."

"That's awesome…but wait, so you commute from there to the city at night to work? Why?"

"Well, I need the money and it pays well. I wanted to stay in the small place so there would be less chance of someone I know coming in on the weekend. Needless to say that would be an embarrassment. It's bad enough I am working, all those entitled assholes Trick lets me work around my school schedule and pays me better."

The large wooden tray arrives with eight rolls covering the wide array of tastes offered at the restaurant to be enjoyed. Their eyes widen with delight as they immediately start to dig in.

Mouth half full Bo mumbles "So what type of medicine do you want to practice?"

"Neurosurgery, but it's very competitive, only the top few ever really succeed."

"Brain surgery" she laughs at how appropriately it fits the woman, "Well I am sure you are going to end up right where you want to be. I can tell."

The blonde's enthusiasm skyrockets as she starts talking about the possible medical breakthrough that she could be a part of.

"Thank you, that is very kind. I actually had an interview for a work study research position related to advancing Parkinson's treatments. It's for deep brain stimulation. DBS is very effective in controlling erratic and fluctuating responses to levodopa or for controlling dyskinesias that can't be controlled with medication adjustments…" she stops talking when she notices that Bo is just staring at her with a goofy grin and starry eyes. "Sorry, I tend to get excited about science" she says awkwardly. "Anyway, that was my appointment the other day. If I get it I can quit the Dal"

The blonde is mortified that she just did that in front of the woman she is trying to "be cool" around. She attempts to hide her embarrassment behind her hand, but Bo is having none of it.

"No, um…science…it's neat" Bo offers as comfort. She places her hand on her date's and gives a gentle squeeze to reassure her it's alright "your passion for it is endearing, besides, you are super sexy when you geek out." she winks.

Lauren's cheeks redden. She is used to turning people off with her nerd ramblings, not the other way around. There was definitely something special about the brunette, and now that her most uncomfortable habit has been revealed, she finds herself relaxing even more around the brunette.

Bo lifts her glass "To luck".

"To luck" they toast.

XXX

"So, where are you taking me?"

"Just this little club that has a nice mix of patrons, great drinks and excellent music. I know the guy who owns it. I think you will enjoy it" Bo looks to Lauren, her strong jawline and statuesque features backlit by the city lights outside the cab.

"Sounds perfect" she grins, those honey brown eyes smiling back at her melt Bo's heart.

The line is all the way down the alley as Bo helps Lauren out of the cab and makes a beeline for the door. Ignoring the grumbles from the crowd, Bo whispers something into the bouncer's ear and he smiles as he looks over at Lauren. The blonde feels a bit uncomfortable when the man gives Bo an approving look and slaps her on the back. The brunette intertwines their fingers, shoots Lauren a smile and leads her into the club.

The place is jumping with the latest dance mix. The modern décor with a slight edge fits the mixed crowd well. Lauren stands next to Bo taking it all in as they await their turn at the bar. While ordering their drinks, Bo instinctively wraps an arm low around the blonde's waist. Without even looking, she is feeling the eyes on her date and she stakes her claim for all to see as Lauren notices a couple of women huff in disappointment and one gentleman who was headed her way, suddenly diverted his path with head dropped in defeat. She can't help but smile and enjoy the feeling of being on this gorgeous woman's arm out in public for the night.

Bo hands her the drink and proudly leads her date to a quieter area where they can relax and get the feel of the place. Lauren raises her glass and gestures approvingly at the choice. Bo can feel her excitement soar. She had the hottest woman in the club with her and she is looking forward to some one on one time on the floor.

Lauren leans in to Bo's ear, yelling over the music "Thank you, I love it here. You know the owner?"

Bo nods and points up to the roped off second floor area. A dark haired man waves down and motions for them to come up but Bo waves him off, signaling a dance first. The ladies take their time finishing their drinks and watching people dance with bodies in close, openly sharing flirty touches. It was almost a game to see who could get who more hot and bothered and it is hard to tell which one of them is enjoying the game more.

A new song starts to play and Lauren's eyes grow dark as she playfully places a nip and suck on Bo's pulse point, sending a shock right to the brunette's core. With a teasing grin, Lauren pulls her out onto the dance floor and they begin to move together.

Bo does her best to behave, but it's so damn hard having the blonde's lithe body moving against her. When Lauren turns her back to Bo, the brunette reaches around her hips and pulls her in close, their bodies moving as one to the beat. Bo runs her hands down Lauren's thighs and up to her taut stomach as the blonde pushes her hips back into her core and they begin to grind together. All eyes were on them and why not? Two hot women moving so sensually amid the mass of people on the floor, the pair are oblivious to the attention as they continue their own seduction of one another.

Lauren put her dance moves to good use as the songs continue to change. As she spins to face Bo, the brunette's expression is evidence of her thoughts and only serves to make Lauren's sultry smile grow. The blonde slips her thigh between Bo's legs and tightly grabs the brunette by the ass, forcing a gasp from the contact. Suddenly aware of their fans, Bo smirks at them, loving that the blonde was hers, and only hers, for everyone to see.

As if she could read Bo's mind, Lauren leans in and her eyes sparkle as they scan the crowd, suddenly aware of the attention. Usually one to shy away from public displays, she finds herself wanting to claim Bo as her own, just as the brunette did earlier. Lauren bites and sucks the nape of Bo's neck, marking her. The public gesture causes Bo's desire to spike as she pulls Lauren's head up to devour her mouth in a deep, searing kiss that ends with both women breathless and staring into one another's eyes with a smile, both satisfied that their point was made clear.

As if they come to their senses, the blonde releases her hold on the brunette as they resume a bit less sexual dance to cool off before heading for refills. Lauren has let Bo lead most of the evening, but she couldn't resist taking control in the middle of the dance floor. She could tell that Bo was enjoying the attention, and as much as she hates to admit it, she really loved it too. Being with Bo made her braver and sexier, so she gave into her need to flaunt what she had in front of the crowd.

Making their way to the bar again, a man stops Bo and points upstairs, leading the women up to the owner's VIP area where they are greeted by a well-dressed man with a gaudy looking watch and some other obvious attempts at over compensating for things.

"Bo! What a lovely surprise. It's been a while, I've missed you" he kisses her cheek. "Quite the little show you gave us with your lovely friend here" he looks to the blonde for an introduction.

"Lauren, this is Chester, he owns the club" Lauren offers her hand and he kisses the back of it softly before releasing it.

Smiling graciously, but inside she's creeping out from the way he held her hand, Lauren complements the metro-looking man "Your club is very nice."

"Thank you. Please, let me get you two some drinks before you head back to the dance floor." He motions to the waiter to get their order. "Bo any new clients you may be sending my way?"

"Soon maybe. I have just been assigned a new account, so I will let you know it this is their thing. You always take good care of my people" she smiles.

"I do try. I hope to see you more often, Bo, and Lauren of course, you are welcome anytime. Enjoy the rest of your evening, drinks are on me."

"That is very generous Chester. Thank you" Bo replies and Lauren nods with a smile, still slightly uncomfortable around the leering man.

He waves and heads back to his party of three women and two body guards.

Bo notices that Lauren seems a little uncomfortable with the way the man looks at and touches her. "Don't worry. He's harmless, albeit a bit of a perv, but he thinks he's being suave" she offers in an attempt to relax the blonde.

Bo takes her by the hand, interlacing their fingers and leads her back down to the floor where they make good use of the free drinks and dance until four in the morning before grabbing a cab back to Bo's place.

XXX

Once they enter the apartment Bo pulls Lauren back by the arm, the blonde almost tripping thanks to her alcohol buzz, sending them both into a fit of giggles.

"Oh my God, you were such a tease tonight" Bo tries to look upset but can't keep from laughing, feeling a little buzz herself.

"What" the blonde acts shocked, but smiles knowingly "You loved it!"

"I did. I almost had to have you right there though, when you bit down on my neck. I gotta say I was a bit surprised. I didn't figure you for the possessive type, it was so freakin hot" she husks, moving in close and begins nibbling her way up the neck to the blonde's ear, making her shiver.

Lauren's mind grasps for words, she stammers at first. Her attempt at playing it smooth not panning out. "I uh…umm…"

"Yes Lauren?" Bo chuckles, loving that she can affect the woman with her touches, while moving her attention to the exposed collar bones.

"I was feeling pretty full of myself having the most beautiful woman in the club all to myself. I wanted everyone to know she was mine" Lauren finally gets out, a little embarrassed by her uncharacteristic behavior.

Pulling back, Bo looks deep into the blonde's eyes, a serious look on her face as she loses herself in the light brown orbs looking back at her in adoration. Brushing a blonde lock from Lauren's face, Bo says, "I was thinking the very same thing."

Lauren wraps her arms tight around Bo's back and gently melds their mouths tightly together. This kiss is not like the others, not frenzied, desperate and rough. This one is soft and slow, tongues gently teasing, pouring all of their feelings into one tender gesture as both want to savor one another rather than devour them.

Lauren's hands run through Bo's long dark tresses, holding her steady as Bo cups the blonde's face tenderly with hers. When they pull back, their lips swollen and eyes full of desire, both women know that this is more than a little crush. They slowly undress one another, taking time to appreciate the gifts before them until heading to the bedroom. Their gaze never breaks but their hearts race with excitement and fear knowing that this night will change everything.

Amid moans of passion, a buzzing phone on the counter goes unnoticed by Bo. Tamsin's text flashes across the screen "I got what you wanted."