Chapter 12

With the question still hanging heavy in the air, Lauren stands in her doorway silently captivated by the brunette who looks stunning still dressed in her workday attire, a dark colored power suit reminiscent of the day they first met. She is caught off guard seeing the brunette here at midnight, obviously sorry and feeling guilty, and she is not really sure what to say. She knows what she should do is apologize to Bo, but currently she is rendered catatonic and can only focus on the woman's full lips as she talks.

Seconds feel like hours as Bo stands in the hallway of Lauren's apartment, shifting herweight from side to side uncomfortably, waiting for a response. Her eyes travel down the long exposed legs of the blonde in her sleep shorts and t-shirt. The longer it takes Lauren to answer, the more Bo's heart sinks and she begins to scramble for something else to say, something else to convince the blonde how sorry she is and that it will never happen again. She is not too proud to beg if need be, she just wants to make things right.

With desperation in her voice, Bo feel the tears welling up. "Lauren, I am so, so-"

The blonde's soft lips crashing against her own keep Bo from finishing her thought as her words are abruptly cut off by Lauren's mouth consuming hers hungrily. Stunned by the turn of events, it takes the brunette a moment to process the situation before she is able to respond by opening her mouth wider and deepening the kiss. She wraps her arms tight around the blonde in case she suddenly changes her mind and tries to pull away.

Their mouths melt together for several moments, hands pulling their bodies closer together, before Bo realizes that Lauren has no intention of letting her go. The brunette relaxes as tongues duel and both gasp for air, until Lauren finally breaks it off, though making no motion to pull free of her girlfriend's embrace. Breathless, she just smiles and brushes some stray hair from Bo's face. The blonde places another peck on her girlfriend's lips then leans their foreheads together.

A noise from inside the apartment grabs their attention, but it turns out to be Kenzi as they can hear her groggy voice "LO? Was that the door?"

"Yeah Kenz. It's alright. Go back to sleep" Lauren replies, smiling softly at Bo she takes her hand and leads her inside, shutting the door quietly behind them.

The Goth pokes her head out to see the pair enter the living room. She smiles a knowing smile and gives Bo a nod. "Guess I'll be wearing my headphones tonight" she says idly as she closes her bedroom door.

Lauren rolls her eyes and Bo chuckles at the roommate while being led toward the blonde's room.

Bo is still spinning over the way this has played out so far. She really had braced herself for drama but the blondes silent expression of forgiveness is somehow confusing. Surely they need to talk. She needs to talk at least.

"Lauren, that was...that was, WOW...but we do still need to talk." She pulls the blonde around to face her.

Lauren shuffles her feet a bit, keeping her eyes down cast, "I know Bo. We are going to talk. I just, I had to start there." She looks up through her lashes, still feeling the shame of her behavior. "It was everything I wanted to say, that plus I am so very sorry I treated you like that. I was speechless that you showed up here tonight after the way I treated you. I have been so embarrassed about my behavior that I haven't had the courage to call you, but it has been killing me to think of how I hurt you." She looks away again.

"How you hurt me?" Bo is still confused and she tilts Lauren's chin to look at her, "Why are you embarrassed? It is all my fault. I never should have said anything. I never should have endulged in their sick game even if I was going to fake the proposition."

Rolling her eyes, the blonde sighs, "That's just it Bo. You didn't ask me to do it. You were just talking to me. I just...I have some issues about doing what I do, and hearing someone request such a thing of me...it felt degrading. I felt hurt and was upset that you had said the words. I took my anger out on you. I never should have slapped you. I am so sorry."

"Would it make you feel any better if I told you it got me the deal? They loved the slap" Bo smiles, not wanting to tell her that the client's had already known about the relationship And were doing it to as part of their sick idea of fun.

Lauren buries her head in the crook of Bo's neck, allowing a slight laugh to escape. "I was just doing my part ma'am."

Her girlfriend's light mood finally allows it all to sink in. They had both messed up. They had both realized it and obviously care enough about one another to admit their mistakes. They have a way to go, but Bo feels both nervous and excited to have found someone who genuinely cares for her and someone she would go to the ends o the Earth for in return.

The blonde pulls back, looking her awestruck girlfriend in the eyes, she gently cups the cheek that she had slapped that night, subconsciously rubbing it with her thumb. "I knew you would get it, Bo. I am very happy for you."

"Seriously though," Bo continues to hold the blondes gaze, hoping that she can find the words to express the feelings she has. "I never want to be the reason that you feel less than, Lauren. This is only a moment in time, a pitstop on your way to a great life. You are so strong and so much more, and you make me feel amazing when I am with you. I am in love with you, Lauren Lewis and I hope I get to be a part of that life for a long time."

The tears are falling freely down Lauren's face and Bo reaches up to wipe some of them away even as her own begin to fall. The blonde grabs Bo's wrist, trying to find her voice following her girlfriend's heart felt confession of love, she pulls the hand down and kisses Bo's palm. Looking into those gentle brown eyes that always melts her heart, the blonde has a hard time believing that the woman still wanted to be with her after the way she treated her, but she is thankful that she does and even more thankful that Bo said those three words that the pair have been skating around.

"Aren't we the pair" Lauren chuckles and presses a light kiss to Bo's lips, her fingers stroking the woman's hand that is still in her own. "Bo, I love you too, so much that I have had trouble wrapping my brain around it. I wasn't looking for it. I never wanted it, yet I saw you that night and I just knew. I tried to play it coy and thought that I was strong enough to blow it off, but when you were waiting for me in the back room, I knew I was done for. I could never go back and I knew I didn't want to."

A wave of relief washes over the brunette hearing her girlfriend echo her sentiment. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that. I have been so worried. I have never felt like this about anyone and I was so afraid that I had screwed it all up. I promise nothing like that will ever happen again, babe."

Using a shushing motion with her hands, Lauren is ready to begin anew with the woman who now completely owns her. "Let's just move on from it, besides, I have some news of my own"

Bo's expression brightens up immediately, wondering what news the blonde has to share. "Really, What?"

"I won the research work study position which means I will be quitting the Dal. I promised Trick two more weekends, but after that I am taking time off until in starts in June."

"Congratlations! That is awesome Lauren. I am so happy for you" The brunette pulls her in for a tight embrace.

"Bo, I don't know how my schedule will be, but I know we will find a way to be together. I can't not see you."

Pushing the door shut, Lauren trails a finger down the brunette's jawline. "You really are beautiful Bo."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah"

"Well, I am yours and only yours doctor"

"Mmmm...I love the sound of that. I also love this sound" Lauren runs her fingers up under Bo's shirt. Her fingers grazing the brunette's skin while her teeth nip her pulse point causes Bo to moan while the blonde smiles against her skin.

Lauren pulls back with a sexy smirk on her face.

Bo returns the look and quirks a brow "Pretty pleased with yourself aren't you?"

Lauren bites her lip and nods, grabbing Bo by the shirt and pulling her toward the bed.

"Two can play that game, doctor" she chuckles as she lifts the blonde and drops her playfully on the bed.

Lauren yelps in surprise before giggling as Bo crawls up the bed. Bo settles in between her girlfriend's legs, allowing her full weight to lie atop her lover's body. She pauses a moment to take in the delicate features of this stunning woman, "Breathless" Bo whispers as she let's her nose graze along Lauren's cheek down the nape of her neck.

The single word confuses the blonde "hmm?"

"It's what I am when I look at you, when I touch you. You leave me breathless, Lauren" Bo whispers, the true depth of the meaning making the blonde shiver.

Looking down into soft brown eyes, Bo gently leans in and kisses her lover slowly and passionately. Lauren tugs lightly on her bottom lip and asks for more, which Bo happily obliges as she parts her lips and anxiously awaits Lauren's tongue. They continue to lie there kissing and touching, whispering to one another as they made love. This time was sweet gentle and slow. Neither having felt this way before, they both took the time to bask in the warmth of having someone care so deeply for you.

XXX

The next morning, Lauren manages to get ready for school without waking her girlfriend, but she definitely cannot leave without saying goodbye, especially since she wouldn't see her till the weekend.

She sits softly on the edge of the bed near the brunette, taking a moment to soak in her beauty. Even in sleep she is the most beautiful creature she had ever seen and she still hasn't wrapped her head around the idea that the woman is all hers. Looking at the clock, she knows she needs to get moving. "Bo, honey?" she places a light kiss on her lover's cheek as she starts to stir. She is so cute when she is just waking up and Lauren smiles to herself at the notion that anyone as sexy as Bo could also be so adorable. She brushes the hair from the brunette's face "Babe, I'm sorry, but I have to go to class. You can stay as long as you want."

"Mmmm...Lauren?" She stretches her body, her shirt rising up to expose her toned stomach, making Lauren want nothing more than to touch the soft skin, but she knows that if she does, she will never leave her room. "What if I stayed all day?"

The blonde smiles at the thought of Bo here waiting for her at the end of the day. "That would be wonderful, actually, but I don't want you to miss anything at work."

"I already have the day off. I told Hale yesterday. I figured no matter how the evening went, I wouldn't want to work today" she grins.

"Well, that was wise planning on your part Ms. Dennis" she smiles. "There is food in the fridge and an extra key in my top drawer. Make yourself at home. I should be back by two."

placing a soft kiss on Bo's lips, she brushes her hair back and stares at her adoringly, causing Bo to smirk seductively upon reading the effect she is having on the blonde right now.

Lauren realizes that Bo is picking up on her energy and quickly gets up shaking her head with a grin.

Bo flashes the blonde and smiles as her skins turns flush "I love you."

"You are mean, but I love you too" She laughs on her way out. "Now go back to sleep. Kenzi will be up around noon"

XXX

The brunette finally climbs out of bed and makes some coffee. Relaxing on the sofa she flips on the tv and enjoys the feel of relaxing in her girlfriend's apartment. Somewhere around eleven thirty kenzi drags herself out of bed and into the kitchen. Bo watches over the top of the magazine she is reading as the girl didn't even notice that the tv is in or that she is on the sofa. Amused, she watches the half asleep girl fumble as she prepares her cereal and milk. When she climbs into the recline beside Bo she nearly spills her bowl in surprise.

"Shit Bo Bo! How long you been sitting there? You should give a girl a heads up next time, damn"

"You really are like a zombie in the morning aren't you?"

Kenzi smiles "never been a morning person." She shovels the food in casting glances over at Bo who knows she is being watched.

"Whats on your mind Kenz" Bo says casually, not looking up from her magazine.

"Not much... I guess this means you two made up. I appreciate you being a little less vocal last night." she smirks.

"We tried. So umm... If I may ask, how are you with all of this? I mean being her bestie and all..." she trails off.

"Well, if you are asking permission to marry her I think you guys have some things to work out first" she laughs " but otherwise...hmm...I do like you and you are good for one another. It took someone amazing to break through her walls and thanks to you, I finally feel like I have the real Lauren back. I wish you a long and happy life together" she finishes sincerity in her eyes.

Bo is a little surprised by the answer she wasn't expecting anything so deep. "Thank you Kenz, that means a lot to me. She doesn't talk about herself much, but I guess we all have a history."

"She went through a traumatic time. It changed her a lot, but that is her story to tell. I am sure you have your own stories" she winks.

Bo nods, wanting nothing more than to change the subject. "How are things with Hale?"

"He's a cool cat, he has to be to keep up with all this awesomeness" she motions to herself causing Bo to laugh "anyway, we have fun. we plan to go out again this weekend, so we will just have to see."

"I am glad to hear that. So what do you want to watch?"

When Lauren returns she finds the two women settled into casual chatter laughing and watching cheesy television. She smiles seeing the two getting along famously since she wasn't sure if Kenzi was going to give her the "what for" after what happened Between them.

"I see you two are having a good time without me. If I am interrupting I can leave you guys alone" she smirks.

Kenzi quickly hops onto Bo's lap "yeah could you? We are in the middle of some intimate Jungle Jeeves time Lo" she grins.

Lauren begins to walk out in jest "I have been worried that your shared love for that show would eventually steal Bo away from me."

"Babe" Bo whines while Kenzi slaps her leg and hops off her lap.

Lauren drops her stuff on the table and returns to place a kiss on Bo's cheek draping her arms around her from behind. "Hey babe, you having a good day?"

"It's better now that you're here" Kenzi pretends to gag and Lauren rolls her eyes.

"I was thinking, we should celebrate a little tonight. We both have great new opportunities, what would be the thing to do here?" She looks to the roomies for an answer "only stipulation is it cant be too late, I gotta get up early."

"Me too" Lauren agrees.

"See, thats a problem I never have" Kenzi chuckles.

"what will you do when you get a real job" Bo asks.

She shrugs her shoulders "when you have a dream you find a way. Now if you'll excuse me" she smiles. "Now that I am done keeping your lady lurve company, I need to spend an hour on my paper, besides I am sure you two want some alone time. Let me know what time you want to go out."

Lauren comes around the sofa and sit down laying her legs across the brunettes lap smiling at her. Kenzi sticks her head back out and warns "nothing gross in the public areas" she points at each of them " I'm serious. I sit and eat out here"

"Well, that just killed all my plans" Bo smirks. Lauren pats the area next to her signaling for Bo to cuddle with her as they enjoy the warmth of one another's bodies.

"You know" Bo begins " I don't actually have any clothes. Care to accompany me to the store?"

"We could do that. We wi just let Kenzi know and how bout dinner around six?"

Bo nods " Sounds like a plan babe. I will go borrow some sweats and grab my wallet while you talk to Kenzi" she says, placing a kiss on the blonde's cheek.

XXX

Being out with Bo in public is always a little unnerving. Even dressed down in sweats she draws a lot of attention. Let's face it, she oozes sexy and while Lauren knows that Bo only has eyes for her, she can't help the pang of jealousy she feels every time she catches someone eyeing her girlfriend.

Several stores later, Bo finally settles on some jeans and blouses that she takes to the dressing room. Looking to her girlfriend she motions for her to come along "I want your opinion babe" she grins brightly.

Lauren can't say no. It's been a recurring theme since thy met. She is always drawn to the woman regardless of the situation and regardless of how much she tries to resist. It's as aggravating as it is sensual and she happily follows the brunette to the back and into the stall.

Watching her girlfriend undress is probably not the best thing right now. She wonders if Bo had something in mind when she suggested this, because keeping her hands off of a nearly naked sex goddess who happens to be the love of her life is an impossibility.

Bo turns around to slide one of her choices on and catches a glance at her girlfriend who has plastered herself to the far wall and is biting her lip. A sexy half smirk taking over her lips, Bo slide the pants up but leaves them unbuttoned while removing her shirt. She can feel Lauren's heat from across the stall as she tease her slowly before approaching the blonde.

"Bo, what are you doing? This is not a good idea."

"It's not?" Bo looks at her, quirking her brow at her own question as if it seemed like the most obvious course of action in their current situation.

"No"

"But I haven't done anything yet. You don't even know what I am thinking" she smirks, running her finger along the blonde's collar bone.

The contact causes Lauren to take a sharp intake of air as her throat catches from the electric touch. She is so wet thinking of what she would like to do to Bo in here and the damn woman is not helping matters.

Bo chuckles reading Lauren's thoughts play out across her face. She knows Lauren isn't this adventurous, but torturing her is just to good.

"Bo, I don't have sex in public. That's not who I am. Though I admit I am having a very hard time not taking you right now, so please put on your clothes" she says in a hushed tone.

"If that's what you want."

Lauren cannot talk, she only nods.

"Alright, if thats what you want. Just remember, no one said we had to have sex in here, but a little making out will never hurt anyone." Bo begins to put on a blouse before she is pushed into the wall by a hungry blonde who had clearly run out of will power.

The brunette smiles into the frantic kisses, enjoying the way she can rile up her girlfriend. She allows the blonde to take the lead, doing what she is comfortable with while hands roam and grasp, desperate for more contact. Lauren grinds her hips into Bo's, allowing her hands to massage perfect breasts while her mouth possesses the brunette's.

She has never felt such a need to possess someone, to mark them as her own. She can tell that Bo loves it and slowly she loses her inhibitions, ready to take this all the way. Nothing matters right now but the feel of Bo, the touch of Bo, ohh and the taste of Bo. As Lauren reaches her hand down to find Bo's wet center there is a knock at the door.

Quickly pulling her hand out and turnng bright red, Lauren throws herself to the otherside of the stall. Bo laughs at her girlfriend's behavior as she responds "Yes?"

"I am one of the sales people, I just wanted to make sure you have every thing you need."

Bo looks right at Lauren and flashes a smile that reaches her eyes . "Yes, I most certainly have everything I need right here, thank you. I will be right out."

Lauren rolls her eyes at Bo, still trying to calm her libido as Bo throws her sweats back on.

"I think this will work just fine. you ready to get out of here?"

"Beyond ready" Lauren says, still slightly mortified that she was ready to take Bo in a dressing room with no regard for how loud they usually are. She still can't figure out this effect that Bo has on her, but she knows it's welcomed. The walls she worked so hard to build to protect herself from love have crumbled. Now she knows what it really feels like to be alive.

Looking to the brunette, she smiles and reaches down to take her hand in her own as they exit the store.

XXX

The next day, Bo says her goodbyes and embarks on her ride back to the city. She is nothing but smiles at the way everything has worked out. Sure, they have had a few missteps, both of them learning how to deal with being in love on the fly, but she is reassured by their continuous commitment to talking it out. This is the first relationship she has ever been in when someone wanted he for more than her looks or sex and words can't describe her feelings of joy.

Her morning is relatively uneventful as she begins looking into new markets for Morrigan liquor. As lunch approaches she, makes her way to the lounge. She doesn't notice Dyson leaning against the counter top drinking his coffee and chatting up one of the secretaries when she comes in. The man smirks slightly to himself, eyeing her as she heads to the fridge. When she turns back around she catches a glimpse of him in the corner staring at her. He raises his cup and gives her a nod. Bo just shakes her head and takes a seat on the couch with her lunch.

After several minutes, Dyson makes his way over and takes a seat next to the brunette. She scoots farther away to the edge as he does and glares at him.

"What do you want Dyson" she spits.

That damn smirk on his face really makes her want to punch the shit out of him.

"Oh, nothing I suppose I should congratulate you on signing Morrigan Liquors. It's a big deal" he says sipping his coffee and looking straight ahead.

"The biggest, and thanks" she replies harshly and continues with her meal.

"You know, I hear those two are quite the pair. Sadistic little fucks, the two of them. I sure hope they didn't mess with you too much." Actually he hoped they did a number on Bo and her little girlfriend. He really hated that Bo sees other people. She is supposed to be his.

"Thank you for your concern, but I can take care of myself."

"Obviously. I hear the slap was pretty epic" he chuckles.

Bo turns and narrows her eyes. "How did you hear about that?"

He tries to pass it off casually "Oh Hale told me"

"That's bullshit, Hale doesn't know about it. Your the snitch aren't you, you perverted little bastard? The only question is how did you know that Lauren worked there?"

Realizing he has been caught, he doesn't really even care. He rather enjoys making her squirm. "I knew I had seen her before, and as I walked by one day I caught her walking in the door. I almost wanted to go in and pay for a dance, but I restrained myself."

"So, what? You just ran over and told some strangers that I happen to be trying to close? What was the point Dyson, because I'd love to know"

"No, it wasn't like that. I was at my usual place Monday morning, and Evony came in. She immediately made a beeline for me and started to work her magic. The woman knew who I was obviously, and let me say she is very persuasive."

"Yeah" she scoffs "I am sure she had to twist your arm"

"Anyway, we hit it off, went to her room for some fun. Somewhere in there it came out. I could see the sparkle in her eye when she heard the little tidbit. I was too busy at the moment to give a shit. Her reputation holds true, I can promise you that."

"So how did you find out? Your romp warrant an after action report?"

"You are sexy and funny, Bo" He snickers. "Actually, she set me up in her room all day and we picked up the games after words. She had good things to say about you but yeah, she loved that the little stripper of your slapped you silly. Wish I could have seen your face."

"You are such a douche, you know that? You wonder why we didn't work."

"At least I am not parading around a stripper telling everyone she's in med school."

"She is in med school you dick! And if you fuck with her again, I am going to rip your dick off, got it?"

"Ohh yes ma'am" he feigns fear Before laughing at her.

"Complete ass." Bo spits and throws out her lunch, no longer having an appetite.

She is steaming as she walks out of the room, hoping that the man doesn't mess with anything else in her life. For the life of her she doesnt know what be really wants. When they were together he cheated all the time then apart, all he does is fuck with her. She makes a vow to herself to keep Lauren safe from the devious people she is suddenly surrounded by. She finds that there is no longer anything more important to her than Lauren.