Thank you for such a wonderful response to this story and "Power of Positive Thinking". You guys are amazing. I say it all the time because it's true.

If final exams are on the agenda for you, I hope they're going well and maybe this can be a little stress release for you. Hope you enjoy this next chapter. Like I said before, this will be a short story, so idk how much more there will be, but here goes round 2 :D

Chapter 2

I couldn't get her out of my head. A sad truth that made the last few hours drag on unbearably as I struggled to focus on the black and white stats on the screen before me. Everything was finally in the books and all of the other departments had headed home, leaving me with just the numbers, my thoughts and a few members of the sales department.

The net profit stared triumphantly back at me. Another successful month.

I leaned back in my chair and crossed my legs as I scanned the walls. They were littered with of all the awards we'd won since I bought out my father. He had owned it for years after his father retired, but this was a novelty to him. His bread and butter were domestics, so he never put much effort here despite arguments by granddaddy and me. This store deserved better, so five years ago I set out to prove him wrong. You could say it's been a sticking point in our relationship ever since.

With a sigh I leaned forward and turned off the computer, then stood from my chair and walked into the showroom. It had been quiet the last two hours after a rather busy day.

"Congratulations everyone." My voice startled them to attention. "Our best month to date and sure to be a top five in the nation for our new models as well."

My smile grew as they applauded.

"So you know what that means right?" I folded my arms and sat on the edge of the nearest desk.

"Steak lunches tomorrow," Bob hollered causing everyone to cheer again.

"Well, yes, except for Wade. I refuse to play a part in another heart attack. Besides, Em would kill me if she found out." Everyone laughed as his shoulders slouched and he groaned. "But we'll find you something equally delicious for your efforts."

"Nothings as good as Ricardo's Delmonico's," he whined.

Bob nudged him in the ribs.

"I know, but you'll manage." I walked over and gave him a pat him on the back. "But it also means a new month and we need to do even better next month, so go home, get some rest. Tomorrow we hit the ground running back at zero."

"Lauren," a deep voice called from behind, "you want me to stay the last thirty minutes in case someone comes in?" Chris was one of the newer sales people. Clean cut, good looking and a real go getter.

"No, it's all right. I can take care of them." I smiled. "I used to do this, too. Go enjoy your night."

He chuckled and nodded. "Okay, thanks. Make sure you get some rest too, though."

I nodded with an easy smile. Did I ever rest? A little here and there. Mostly, I was always working. But to me it rarely felt like work. But tonight was one of those nights where I'd let my hair down and the sound of my ringing phone drown in the music of the club. A night out with the girls. It was well earned and I could honestly say I was definitely looking forward to it, but what would've been better was a quiet evening with a little something to take the edge off and a certain brunette heiress by my side.

"Bo Dennis," I said aloud to an empty showroom. "What have you done to me?" In one brief meeting Bo had become the only flesh and blood woman that ever left me breathless and addicted at first sight.

I rolled my eyes and sighed as I made my way to the only other lady that had ever made me swoon. The one in the showroom on four wheels that left me just as breathless and every bit as addicted. Also on first sight. How ironic that of all the cars on the lot, Bo would want her.

Just as my hand touched the door handle, the phone rang. I trotted to the nearest desk and answered in the customary receptionist manner.

"Hello, I'd like to speak with the sales manager please about a dealer trade."

"I'm Lauren Lewis, the owner. I can help you with that."

"Great. Lauren, I'm Mike at Seattle Aston Martin. I'd like to buy or trade for the Diavalo Vantage Roadster."

I was lucky I had two of the new models, one was the Diavolo red. But my gut told me this was for Bo. Her Google search revealed that family was in Seattle. It wouldn't be that easy for her. It was also a hot commodity so I wouldn't give it up easily anyway.

"Sorry, I already have a buyer for that one, but you are welcome to the other."

"I really need the red one for a very important customer."

"I understand, but this one is already arranged for a very important customer of my own. That will be a very hard one to get. Might be better to order one."

"You're telling me. But they want it now." He grumbled something else I couldn't make out and then hung up.

That would really piss her off. I chuckled as I set the phone back in place.

She wanted my Austin-Healey, yes, but she really did want that new Aston Martin, as well. What was it about that woman that made me want to push her buttons? She was stunningly beautiful and brash and confident and the feelings she bought up in me only drove me to see how much more she could make me feel.

Ms. Dennis would surely be on the war path now and when she did get the car, she'd probably want to flaunt having got what she wanted. Surely she would just go to another dealer and buy one there, but I knew it was a tough find right now. Curiosity got the best of me. Before I knew it, I was behind the managers desk opening up the dealer locate screen. I clicked all the options to match the car Bo wanted exactly. Just like the one on my lot. There were only two others in the states if they weren't already sold. The closest was in San Diego. Luckily, the owner there was an old friend. I picked up the phone and dialed his number.

We went way back. Kurt used to work for my father before moving to California. We did a lot of trades over the years, but this one might be a tough.

"Kurt, hello. I hope business isn't busting your balls."

"Hello, Lauren. Never. You know I have a set made of steel."

I laughed. "So you keep telling me."

"What can I do for you?"

"I need a favor."

"What's that?"

"The new Diavlo Vantage Roadster. You have one. I need one."

"Oh boy, Lauren. I don't know. That's in high demand. I'm not sure I want to let it go."

"Oh come on Kurt, you and I both know that your clientele love to special order. They never want whats on the lot. You can have my blue one, plus any other on the lot."

"Hmmm..."

"Okay, or any future favor. I know how you like to say I owe you one."

"Now that is tempting and very true." He laughed. "Actually, do you have a Mulsanne Speed? I do need a camel colored one."

"Done. I'll have a truck there in an hour."

"Wow, you're in a hurry for this one, huh? Must be a great deal."

"It's a very important customer. Do you need me to send your cars now, or just send them back on the truck?"

"Nah, I can wait."

"Thanks Kurt. Say hello to Michelle and the kids for me."

"Will do. Take care Lauren."

I hung up and sat back in my chair. A grin pulling from ear to ear. I could get stuck with this car for a long time to come, but it didn't matter. Whatever it was about Bo Dennis, I found myself looking for ways to meet her again sooner than later. In my gut I knew that ruffling her feathers would earn me another face to face.

I returned to my pride and joy, finally getting to sink into her original leather seats. I ran my hands lightly across the steering wheel and hummed. She sure did make me happy. Plus, I always felt like my grandfather was with me when I sat in her. "We need to go for a spin soon. How's that sound?" I smiled and climbed back out, shutting the door gently behind me. One last glance and I was ready to head home.

Just as I was about to walk out the door, the phone rang again. A dealer in Phoenix wanted to buy the same Vantage. He'd already tried Kyle and heard that I bought it. "I'm sorry. They're unavailable."

The dealer slammed the phone down as he hung up. A satisfied smile crept up my face as I leaned back and set my fingertips together. Is this what Dr. Evil felt like? It was bringing me such joy to infuriate this woman. She had connections and could get the car through any dealer. She wasn't one to wait, though. There was no way she would order and wait six to eight weeks. People like her got what they wanted right when they wanted.

Not this time.

Maybe Bo would just send someone else in to buy the car, but somehow I was certain she wanted the satisfaction of doing it herself.

I locked up the dealership, got into my car and turned the radio up. It was time to head home and freshen up before meeting Shawna at the club. I couldn't wait to distract myself from this sudden obsession that was Bo Dennis.

XXX

I pulled up to the Luxor and stepped out of my car, handing my keys to the valet who was waiting attentively and smiling ear to ear that he was going to drive the Bentley. As soon as the valet pulled away I ran my hands over the cream colored silk blouse to smooth out any creases from my seat belt. I glanced up and braced myself for the grilling I was about to receive as I spotted Shawna waiting for me out front. She never missed a chance to get me alone. Always digging for any gossip I might have or providing digs about my lack of social life.

"So, what was so," she paused before making air quotes with her fingers, "interesting today?"

"Nothing much really. A bit of craziness with a damaged car and so many hours spent looking at numbers it feels like my eyes are permanently crossed."

"Mhm. That can't be all. That shit happens once a month." She took two big steps and cut me off, her light green eyes searching mine the way she always did, knowing I would give in eventually.

I shrugged. "That's all." But it wasn't. Not even close. I wanted to keep this one to myself for a while, but the memory of Bo's two very perfect looking breasts peeking out of her blouse and that smile made the heat rise up my neck. The confident, determined stride she had was sexy as hell. She was a strong woman who could take whatever she desired and I found myself more and more, wanting to be what she desired next.

"You're poker face is for shit tonight Lauren, that's how I know something's up. Usually you're stone cold, but someone's got to you. In a good way. If you insist on keeping me out of the loop, you know I'll just employ my super spy skills. I'll find out soon enough." She wrapped an arm around my shoulders as we walked toward the club.

"Mmm, yes. I am well aware of said spy skills, but there's nothing to tell."

"I see. So the game is afoot, then. Whatever it is, I hope this 'nothing' turns out to be a whole lot of something that ends up with you getting banged senseless."

"Shawna!" She had a way with words and a skewed outlook on life. She made life entertaining as a friend, but it didn't help matters when we tried for something more.

"What?" She shrugged without a care. "It's been a while and I have to say I've never seen you with the look you got in your eye tonight. It makes me think maybe you'll even end up married to something besides your job."

"Doubtful. Can we drop it now please." This conversation was making me uncomfortable. Marriage was not on my agenda. My heart belonged to the business. "I'm ready to relax with a strong drink and friends. Who's coming anyway?"

Shawna didn't have time to answer before I was wrapped up in a strong hug by another. All I saw was the top of a head of light brown hair, but I knew who it was by the way she held me.

"Lauren, I missed you. You didn't get to our game last time we were in town."

"Mandy, I'm so sorry, but work..."

"Yeah, yeah. Always work for you." She pressed her lips softly to mine. "You gotta live a little."

"Well," I smiled, gave her another quick peck and brushed a wisp of hair from her face. "I'm here tonight."

"Yes, you are. Let's not waste another minute then."

Mandy took me by the hand as we met the group at the door. Charlie was a taller, thin red head with amazing legs who played on the same soccer team as Mandy. Those two were always a ton of fun and so laid back. Leslie was one of Shawna's workout friends, a short, fit woman with stylish short dark hair who I'd only met once or twice. Jen looked more like a pin up star, the tallest of the group with a nice body and killer smile. Her strawberry blonde hair was always perfectly done. She was a banker that I did most of my business with and was the living example of the phrase "let your hair down." All suits during business hours and crazy party animal after hours. The group suited me well. They could pull me out of my one tracked mind and make me have fun and never did we have drama. Just good times all around.

We made our way through the VIP entrance and past the line waiting to get in to the popular dance club. The music was loud and the sea of bodies were moving perfectly in time with the beat as the colored lights flashed over them. Any time Marcus was here the crowds were always doubled. He always made sure to have the latest mixes and the bass on high. He was also a good customer of mine who I've had play private parties and events when he wasn't traveling the world. If he were here more often, I might actually go dancing more.

Like the women on a mission of fun that we were, little time was wasted getting to our reserved booth. The six of us enjoyed the first round while laughing at the two drunk guys trying to flirt with us. After ten minutes, they still hadn't taken the hint so Charlie pulled Shawna in to a smoking hot lip lock that left the men stammering. That was our cue to take it to the floor where they could ogle from afar.

We took turns dancing with one another until I settled in with Mandy, same as we always did when she was in town. She was easy to be with and that was exactly what I needed tonight. A weight lifted from me as we danced and drank the night away. A few hours in my sweat covered skin goosed with an eerie feeling of being watched. I thought it was just the alcohol, or maybe the two creeps from earlier. As I moved with Mandy to the slowed tempo of the music, my eyes scanned the crowd. Everyone was into their own thing, eyes locked on their partner, bodies moving and grinding.

And then I saw her. Standing by the bar her hand around a glass that set on the counter, but she had no interest in it. Those deep brown eyes of hers were fixed solely on me and it sent a rush coursing through me like never before. It was exciting, almost voyeuristic and it turned me on to have her looking at me like she wanted to ravish me right here on the dance floor. I moved with more passion, pushing in tight to Mandy's backside, never taking my eyes off Bo. She licked her lips and smirked, lifting her drink in a silent toast to me.

Not even multitudes of passerby could break the connection in those moments. Not until a stick thin, peroxide blonde slid into Bo's side drawing her attention from me. They smiled and laughed. The sight making my stomach turn. Was this what jealousy felt like? I'd never experienced it before, but as she kissed Bo on the cheek and touched her arm in a more than friendly way, my pulse pounded in my ears and I was consumed by the desire to rip her hand off.

The moment the girl walked away Bo's gaze came right back to me. It heated me from inside out, taking my breath from me with just a glance. I had to look away, focusing instead on Mandy and how her body moved with mine. And what a body she had. We'd done this many times before. We fit well. She was a professional athlete with barely an ounce of fat, but toned just right. She was my last almost relationship and now we were friends with benefits. Any other day Mandy would be all I needed to scratch the itch and go back to business, but now there was the devastatingly gorgeous Bo Dennis. I feared nothing would cure the need she brought up in me but the woman herself.

Mandy spun around, demanding my attention as her hands moved to my hips. She kissed me hard as she ground into me. When we parted I looked back up, swallowing hard when I saw the space she had occupied was now filled with some frat boy looking for his next victim. Bo was gone. The loss was felt to my core and it flustered me. That and the combination of heat and alcohol made me want to get away. I needed a moment to get my wits about me, the woman's stare doing far more to me than I had ever expected.

I excused myself to the ladies room, hurrying right to the sink. I splashed some water on my neck to cool the heat. If only there was a way to cool the heat in other places. The attendant handed me a clean towel and when I turned around, there she was. She looked even more glorious up close in a red leather vest that hugged her voluptuous form to a tee, perfectly fitted black jeans and knee high designer boots. I swallowed hard and smiled, struggling to put my work persona into play.

"Hello again, Ms. Lewis." Her voice was silky smooth and oozed with confidence.

"Hello." Mine was neither as I croaked the single word out.

"Imagine my surprise when I saw you on my dance floor. Of all the casinos..." She took a step closer. A seductive half smirk pulled at her mouth.

I collected myself quickly, standing taller and finding my voice. "Well, of all the casinos you manage, imagine my surprise to see you at this one."

"I knew you did your homework." She winked. "This club is the best. It has the best music. The best bartender. The most beautiful women." Her eyes traveled slowly and openly down my body. "Do you come here often?"

I laughed. That was such a pick up line. "I know the DJ and yes, it is very nice. The upgrades to the VIP area, like the new sofas and Vinnie here," I pointed to the attendant, "puts this club in top tier in town."

Her brow rose when I said the attendant's name. It was a habit I had to learn the names of servers and such. They appreciated it more than people knew. "So you know clubs as well as cars. A woman of the world." She chuckled.

I smiled, my confidence returning the longer we bantered, or flirted, whatever you would call this. "I know business and I know high dollar clientele. You know the type I'm talking about." A minor dig at her earlier behavior caused her smile to falter, only for a moment.

"Hmmm, yes." She moved even closer, invading my personal space.

The heat from her body permeated my clothing and made my pulse thunder as I fought to hold on to the last shreds of a cool exterior.

"What can I say? Those kinds of people," she moistened her lips as she stared at mine. "They see something they like and they just have to have it. They have the resources so why not reach for the stars?"

"Yes," I swallowed to relieve my suddenly dry throat. "But they are not entitled to have all of the stars." Her lips were so close. Dark red lipstick that matched her vest shimmering in the fluorescent light of the bathroom. I was so tempted to close the gap. See if they tasted the way I imagined. I moistened my own lips in response and weighed my options.

"Maybe. Maybe not." She pulled away, relieving me of any decision making. "But you'll never get there if you don't try."

I was as relieved as I was disheartened to feel the cool air against my body as space fell between us once again. I concentrated on controlling my breathing and my libido. She definitely knew the effect she had on people, me especially.

"And as far as trying goes," she continued, "I'd be remiss if I didn't say it's a shame for you to miss out on what I'm offering."

"What one person feels is missing out, another doesn't miss at all." I quirked my brow at her in challenge. "It's all a matter of perspective. Besides, I have plenty of offers knocking on my door."

"Mmm, so I see." She nodded out the door.

"And I don't mix business with pleasure."

Her eyes narrowed and there was a gleam in her eye that hadn't been there before. "You think this is just about the car?"

I was a bit confused as to what game she was playing now, but I was certain it was still about the car. "Isn't it?"

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't hope it would help." She chuckled.

"Mhm. See?"

"You're not making it very easy for me to get what I want."

Once again Bo stepped closer. She was enjoying the effect she had on me and was using it to her advantage. I had to turn the tables somehow.

I leaned forward and husked lowly into her ear. "Nothing easy is ever worth having."

She swallowed hard and I smiled my sexiest smile as I pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes. Her delicious mouth so close once again that I could smell the whiskey on her breath. "But I always get what I want," she said just loud enough for me to hear.

"Maybe its time you got something you never got before."

Neither of us moved. Neither blinked. Like two bulls ready to lock horns we both held strong to our spots.

"What would that be, Ms. Lewis?"

"Beaten." I smirked and held her gaze hard even though I was fighting the temptation to breakdown and kiss her like senseless.

She stared at me for a moment, a light smile began playing at her lips as she looked me over. My body tingled from the electricity between us brought on not just from mutual attraction, but the seduction of our game.

"I love a challenge," she whispered before pulling back. "Have a wonderful evening with your friends Ms. Lewis. We'll see one another again soon."

"Looking forward to it, Ms. Dennis." I nodded in return, acknowledging that our time this evening had come to an end.

Without another look she waltzed out of the room leaving me in a daze of lust and adrenaline. Rarely had I found my match in business or life in general. I think I may have just found both.

I took a deep breath and looked back in the mirror. Never had a woman made me feel so many things without ever laying a hand on me. I could only imagine what would happen if she did. I turned around and headed for the door, handing Vinnie a twenty for his time. Mandy smiled when she saw me. She had so man things going for her. I admit we've had a good time during her previous visits, but the only woman I seemed to have eyes for now was the devil in a red vest.

Bo was no where to be found, but as soon as I reached the table a man delivered a round of drinks. "Courtesy of Ms. Dennis. She said the rest of your drinks are on her tonight. Let me know if you need anything."

The ladies whooped and hollered their approval.

Shawna leaned into my ear, shouting above the music, "Who's Bo Dennis?"

I shrugged and turned so she could hear. "The 'nothing much' I mentioned earlier."

Shawna's face dropped. "Oh my god, she's into you!" She looked around for any signs of the woman she'd never even met. "Did you bang her in the bathroom or something?"

"What? No!" I recoiled in disgust, but my chest and thighs tightened at the thought of it. My body pressing hers hard against the bathroom stall. My hand working it's way inside those tight, black leather pants while my mouth devoured her neck. Her deep throaty moan as I slid inside and fucked her hard and fast, uncaring how many heard us. Watching her come unraveled by my hand made my breath shallow.

I cleared my throat. Shawna was too busy scanning the VIP area to notice my reaction, thank goodness. I took a sip of Crown and ginger before adding, "She's a spoiled little rich girl entertaining herself with the idea of having a job."

Shawna's eyes fell back on me, her gaze narrowing in on my chest where I could still feel the heat. "Mhm. Whatever you say. I'm gonna enjoy these drinks and I bet you don't last a week before you hit that."

I rolled my eyes and shook my head, hoping like hell to hide the flush once again consuming me at the mention of sex with Bo. That was one bet I wouldn't be taking.

The way my body reacted to Bo was unnerving. Whether it was her voice, her gaze or the mention of her, it made my stomach flutter, my heart pound and other areas go into overdrive. My gut hinted that there could be something more between us, a feeling that was unusual to me since casual was all I was ever looking for. The little voice in my head said to be patient, but if it were up to my body, I'd have followed her back out to her car on day one and taken her right there in my parking lot.

Whatever was brewing between us, I looked forward to what was next. I had no intention of trying to prolong it or play betting games with my mischievous friend. But one thing was for sure, one week was longer than I cared to wait to find out.

XXX

There it is! I hope to update sooner next time as the next chap is partly written already. Reviews are always appreciated, so let me know how I did here and if you liked the club scene.