So happy you all enjoyed last chapter. Thank you for all of the wonderful reviews, too! They only make me want to try and up the ante. So in the spirit of the holidays, whether you've been naughty or nice, here's a little sugar and spice :)

Chapter 3

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The high pitched screech echoed painfully through my head. Too incoherent to fumble for the snooze button, I drug the pillow from under my head and covered my face. I wanted to block out the world a little longer. The old saying nothing's free was ringing loud and true this morning. A few too many free drinks were consumed last night and now I was paying for them.

I groaned and rolled to my side. Just a few more minutes was all I wanted. A smack to the head viciously denied me the one request of a hungover fool. "What the..." I peeked out from under the cocoon of darkness, straining to see through the haze of bright light. It was Mandy.

Her face was scrunched into an uncomfortable frown as she nudged me again. "For fuck's sake, Lauren, shut that thing off," she mumbled in a raspy, sleep-filled voice. She rolled away from me and threw her arms over her ears to buffer the sound of the alarm.

"Shit," I muttered to myself. What did we do last night?

I moved to sit up, but the pounding in my head said no way. Falling back with a groan I reached blindly to no avail. My frustration got the better of me as the alarm continued to scream and Mandy continued to bitch about it. I was failing miserably, so I just ripped the bitch from the side table, yanked the cord from the wall and tossed it on the floor.

"Finally!" Mandy griped before rolling and throwing her arm around my waist. Her head came to rest on my shoulder.

I forced my eyes open again. Clothes. Clothes on were a good sign. She was in one of my dark tank tops and her boy shorts. I was in my Foo Fighters tee and black panties. It wouldn't be the first time one of us had to put the other to bed, but it was the first time I'd hoped that was all we did. A nagging of something like guilt sat in my belly. But how could that be when I'd nothing to feel guilty about? Bo and I were nothing to one another. I was free to do as I pleased.

Ugh! Awake less than five minutes and thoughts of Bo were already permeating my mind. I wished she were the one wrapped around me in bed. Was I having as much effect on her as she was on me? Or was this just a side effect of being around Bo Dennis and us mere mortals were left to suffer from her charms.

I sighed and rubbed the sleep from my face. So many questions...

"Hey," she whispered. "How you feeling this morning?"

"Like I drank too damn much. You?"

"I could have drank less." She laughed. "But I'm not nearly as bad off as you."

I looked down at her smiling face and gave her the evil eye. "Are you saying I look like shit?"

"It would take a team of special effects artists to make you look bad, Lauren."

"Wow, aren't we the charmer this morning."

"I'm always this charming and you know it. It's the second thing you love most about me."

"Is that so?"

She nodded, her grin growing every second. "What's the first?"

"My ass."

"This is true."

We both laid there and giggled like teenagers. My hangover didn't approve of that either, causing me to wince as I struggled to silence the laughter. The moment I settled, a single question nagged my mind. One I'd never had before, but one that needed an answer. "Hey, um... did we..."

"No. No way. You were sooo drunk."

I cringed hearing that I let myself lose control like that.

"And I'd never take advantage of a lady." She winked. "Besides, as much as I enjoy having you in ways that are more than friendly, above all, we are friends. I quit drinking when I saw you getting tanked, drove you home in your car. Hope you don't mind I crashed here. It was late."

"No, of course I don't mind. I appreciate you taking care of me. I'm really sorry I-"

She held up her hand, stopping my words. "No worries, that's what friends are for."

"Thank you." I smiled. It was good to have a few good friends, even if I didn't see some of them very often.

"As a friend, I do have to ask," she paused, which drew my attention to the concern in her eyes. "You maybe want to tell me why you went off the deep end and then rambled on and on about this Bo?"

Oh God! No, not really.

"I, uh..."

She let go of the hold she had on me and propped her head on her hand as she looked at me. "Cause it's okay, Lauren. You won't hurt my feelings. I know what we are and what we aren't, but I have to say in all the years I've known you, I've never seen you like this. Whoever Bo is, she's got a hold on you. Like big time."

A deep sigh of relief rushed out of my lungs. I didn't even realize I'd been holding my breath, but the moment she brought up Bo's name, I was rendered breathless. Sad that the woman could do that to me again, this time without even being in the room. That was a first.

"I uh- I hardly even know her. I mean, we've only met yesterday...twice. And it was only for a few minutes, but..." What Bo did to me was so difficult to put into words. It was almost like my body had a mind of it's own. The whole thing sounded so crazy, but felt perfectly natural.

"But she's definitely left an impression?"

"Yeah. You could say that."

"She's the one that bought us the free drinks?"

"Yes, she manages several hotels. Actually, she's Bo Dennis, the billionaire heiress. She came to the dealership wanting to buy a car yesterday."

"Billionaire? Score!" She put her hand up for a high five.

It was awkward, but I laughed and didn't leave her hanging. "Yeah, but she was kind of a bitch when I refused to sell her my grandfathers car, too."

"Interesting. Well, I couldn't really make out what you were saying, but it definitely didn't sound like you were too upset over that anymore. I think you like her."

"She's gorgeous, what's not to like?"

"No, no. You get lots of hotties. I mean you really like her. You need someone that can make your blood boil and make you passionate about something other than work. From what I'm seeing, boy did she ever. I bet you woke up thinking about her didn't you?"

"This is weird Mandy."

"What? It's girl talk. You need to talk. You never talk. So, you did, didn't you?"

"Yes, but not like you think."

"Fair enough."

"How did you know?"

"Because of all the times I've woken up in a bed with you after you passed out, you've never worried what we did the night before. In fact, if we didn't, then we usually did when we woke up."

"Noted." I glanced at the clock. "I'm late. I need to get to the dealership."

"No you don't, you own the place."

"Yes well, it doesn't run itself Mandy."

"It could if you let it. You need more 'you' time Lauren."

Not her now too! This was not the conversation I wanted to hear in the morning. Or ever again. "You too? Why does everyone keep saying that. I love what I do. I love being there."

"Calm down now." She placed her hand on my arm. "I know you do and that's fine, but your life can't be all work all the time. Life's too short. You got money by the truck loads. Enjoy it. I gotta say I love coming over here and distracting you for a few hours. Watching you transform from 'serious money making Lauren' to 'good times, money spending Lauren' is like watching the Hulk turn back into David Banner. Well, if David Banner were getting his freak on out on the dance floor." She smiled wide, holding in a laugh.

"I'm not sure how I feel about that comparison, but I hear what you're saying. Maybe one day I will, but today, I have to go. Wait, no. I don't have to, but I want to go to work." Actually, I'd have stayed home today if I wasn't so anxious to see what Bo would do today now that I had two of the cars. "Make yourself at home, though. You know where everything is. You can take one of my cars if you want or I can send a driver when you're ready to head out."

"I got it covered. I'll call Charlie in a bit. Mind if we take a swim in your pool?"

"No, you know you guys are always welcome. If you want, we can all have dinner here tonight."

"No can do, we have the awards show tonight."

"Oh yeah, I forgot that was tonight. Good luck."

"You could come. You could be my date again?"

"I don't want to cramp your style. Your a big star now and all the ladies will be after you."

"True." She cocked her head to the side, a lopsided grin taking over her face. "Maybe you could have dinner with Bo tonight."

"Stop it. I'm getting in the shower."

On my way to the bathroom she called out from behind, "You got it bad. Live a little, Lauren. Ask that woman out or I will."

I stopped. My head whipped around. There was that surge of jealousy again. It was foreign and unwelcome and served as another reminder that I let this woman have an uncanny hold on me. No, I didn't let her have anything. She waltzed in to my sanctuary and then drove away with my heart.

I realized I was glaring at my friend, who was now sporting a satisfied smirk with her elbow propping her head up. She winked then laid back in bed. I rolled my eyes and continued to the bathroom. For the first time in my adult life, I really did have something besides work on my mind and apparently, it wasn't the end of the world.

xxx

An hour later I pulled into the drive of the dealership and headed for my spot. I hit the brakes when a head popped up over the hood of one of the cars and gave me a panicked wave. Throwing it into park, I jumped out the door to find Craig on a knee in front of the parked car.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?"

He looked up at me, his face beet red as he stuttered, "Uh...yeah. I um, got my tie caught."

"Got your tie caught?"

He nodded.

I looked down at the front of the Bentley and sure enough, his tie was shut in the hood. I took a hold and gave it a pull. The thing was stuck and it was stuck good. It was hard not to laugh at him, but I managed to keep it to a minimum as I stepped to the door. When I pulled the handle, it was locked.

"You have the key?"

"No." He rested his head in his hands in defeat on the hood of the car.

Now I had to laugh at him. I pat him on the back as I went back to my car. "I'll send help," I said before I shut the door. Poor guy. That's one I hadn't seen before and I'd seen a lot of crazy things.

Walking through the showroom door I yelled for Bob.

"Yeah Lauren?"

"Can you take key number one-thirty and help Craig please? You'll get a kick out of it."

"Oh boy, what did he do now?"

"You'll see." I chuckled. "Thanks Bob."

XXX

The rest of the day was uneventful, but steady with customers, a great start to the new month. I began to wonder if I'd misplayed my hand with Bo. I'd expected her to blow in like a hurricane and as each hour passed, I grew more and more disappointed.

It was late Saturday evening when Bo made her dramatic entrance into the showroom. She was ranting about how I was holding the cars hostage and keeping her from making a purchase. She was gorgeous in that gray pencil skirt that revealed amazing toned legs and the low cut black blouse designed to reveal other things I couldn't wait to see up close. Even from here I could see the sparkle in her eyes that shone with mischief as she made a scene.

I studied her from afar, taking her all in. The tone and expression was obvious to me, but not to the salesman. It was just for show, but what a show it was. She stood there with her hands on her hips, chewing Chris a new one as to why the owner wasn't already front and center to respond to her beck and call. When she fell silent and narrowed her eyes, he scurried off in my direction.

So Bo was an all in kinda gal. Just like I'd hoped.

Chris reached my door I waved him off before he could get a word out.

"I know. I heard it all. It's fine." My smile was unstoppable as I readied myself for our next encounter. One that I was in control of. It was harder than ever to put up the professional facade I was accustomed to as I strode out to meet her. The look on her face was almost unreadable. Almost. It was a half glare, half smirk. She was enjoying this, too.

Everyone scattered when I approached. Either they were afraid of her, or didn't want to be the one dragged into to dealing with her if I made the deal. They didn't have anything to worry about though, no one else would be dealing with her but me. I held out my hand in greeting. "Hello again Ms. Dennis."

She ignored it and spoke with a stern tone instead. "The one in New York is sold and you, Ms. Lewis, have the only other two available right now. Why would you do that?"

"Maybe I wanted to increase my odds that I'd get to see you again." Bo's brow rose up, clearly amused at my response. "Or maybe I just wanted to see if I could piss you off."

"Well played on both." Her expression remained unchanged. "But my seeing you again was a sure thing." Her smirk grew wider and it was my turn to be amused. "What if I decide not to buy one?"

I shrugged without a care. It would be an easy model to move. "I'll still sell them."

"I guess you weren't kidding about beating me last night." She folded her arms across her chest, drawing my eyes right to the swell of her breasts.

That had to be her plan. What a beautiful plan it was. Who was I to ruin it? I took another second to admire the view then plastered on a shit eating grin and winked as I brushed past her for the door. I pushed it open and held it there. I looked back at her, silently requesting that she come along.

Bo stared at me a moment. Her eyes drifted down the length of my body as she gauged my intentions. That look did things to me. Things no one else could do. Stay the course Lauren, you've got this.

Finally she took determined steps, her shoulder ghosting across my own as she moved past me. She looked back, a sexy smile playing on her lips. "Why thank you, Ms. Lewis."

The scent of her perfume permeated my senses, accelerating the beat of my heart. I rolled my eyes and shifted my libido back into neutral as I let go of the door, walking quicker to take the lead until we came to the pair of red matching Aston Martin's parked side by side.

She took her time strolling around each one, looking them over inside and out. Every once in a while she'd glance up at me. She seemed to be thinking hard about something. They were identical cars, so nothing to dwell on there. Several minutes later she seemed to settle on one she liked better.

"Find one you like, Ms. Dennis?"

Bo meandered closer as she nodded. Her finger teased the painted red metal, but her eyes locked solely on me. "She's stunning."

The way she said it, mixed with the look she was giving me, made my body shiver. "Yes, she is," I returned in the same sultry tone.

We stared into one another's eyes for what seemed like hours. It was warm. It felt like the most natural thing in the world. I never felt anything remotely close to the way Bo made me feel. Mandy was right. I liked her big time.

"I know you've had many." Bo stepped closer, her eyes never leaving mine. "But have you had one like her yet?"

"No," I spoke softly, "but I imagine she'd be divine."

Bo blushed and broke our gaze as she looked at her feet. It was only a second before she met my eyes again. A second longer than I ever wanted her soft browns to be away. She licked her lips and replied, "I think you'd be right. As usual, Ms. Lewis."

I was ninety nine percent sure we were not talking about the car anymore. I'm not so sure we ever were.

"I guess if I want her then I have to play by house rules?"

I nodded.

"And there is absolutely no amount that would make you sell the Austin Healey?"

I shook my head.

"Fine. I fold. House wins. Are you happy?" She crossed her arms and tried to look stern, but was failing miserably.

A soft smile was my only reply. Time to play a new hand.

"You're a formidable opponent, but I warn you, I'll even the score someday." She held out her hand to shake.

I wanted to touch her again. To feel her skin on mine. To see if it sent electricity through me like it did the first time, but I had a better idea.

I left her hanging and walked back to the door. She huffed, but was quickly behind me. The click of her heels on the pavement catching up to me in no time. I held the door for her once again and led her to the car she's wanted so badly to buy.

It was late and most everyone had gone home. Only Bob was there to see me remove the velvet rope and wave her closer. He gave me a curious look and I shooed him away.

Bo looked at me confused. "I thought you weren't selling it to me."

"I'm not. But, I figured I would let you have a closer look. It's the least I could do for all your trouble, Ms. Dennis."

"You could do more, but thank you." She winked and walked up to the car. Bo moved slowly, cautiously as if treading on scared ground. Bo ran her hand delicately down the side of the car admiring the lines and details. She soaked it up the same way I did. She was in awe and so was I.

I stepped up and smiled. "You want to sit in the driver's seat?"

Her face lit up like the sun and it melted my insides. "Could I? I'd love to, I mean if that's okay."

"Sure." I motioned to the door, inwardly cringing at the fear that she'd just hop in and slam the it shut with out a care. It deserved a gentle caress not a crass hand.

Bo pulled softly on the handle and stared at me as she opened the door slowly. She seemed to be waiting for me to change my mind and honestly, the thought did occur to me, but she was so taken by the car, and I was so taken by her, I let it go. The guys would have dropped their jaw to see anyone else inside the car. I never allowed it to happen.

Confident that I wasn't going to change my mind, she slid with ease into the driver set, settling in and placing both hands on the wheel. Her eyes scanned the dash, door, mirrors and then back to me. "She's magnificent."

Bo was magnificent. The words almost escaped my lips when she spoke again.

"How often do you take her out?"

"On occasion. I keep up all the maintenance even though she's on display. Every once in a while she goes for a spin." I admired the way Bo handled her with tender loving care. It was unexpected and endearing. I believed people treated their cars or other prized possessions the way they treated people in their lives and I completely expected Bo to act like the entitled little brat she did earlier. This was a pleasant surprise that only drew me in deeper.

"How do I look?"

"I don't imagine there's anything you don't look good in, or out of, Ms. Dennis."

The blinding smile said it all.

"You would be correct, Ms. Lewis. I can see why you're so good at this."

"I think we've moved past formalities, don't you? Please, call me Lauren."

"Very well, you may call me Bo."

There was something between us in that moment. Shawna would have called it sparkage. It was bright enough that even I could recognize it, which was unbelievable in itself. All I knew was I was drawn to her like a moth to a flame and I was more than happy to fall victim to the inferno that was Bo Dennis.

I stepped closer, setting my arms on the edge of the door, allowing me to lean in closer to her. It was time to go all in and ask her out. I could smell her musky perfume again. "Bo?" It filled my senses and made me lose my train of thought.

She turned her head. Those luscious lips were so close. I'd never wanted to kiss anyone so bad in my life. I couldn't take my eyes from them.

"Lauren?"

Shit! How long had I been staring like an idiot. "Hm?" My eyes widened and I backed away. I needed space. Her smirk was all knowing and I scolded myself for it.

I cleared my throat and crossed my arms. "What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Well, since you won't let me buy this car, which I would have taken for a Sunday drive, I imagine I'll be at work. Why?"

I smiled at her attempt at pity. "I was wondering if you'd like to go with us for a ride?"

"Us?"

"Yeah, you, me and her." I ran my hand along her hood with affection.

Bo was speechless. She could only nod and smile.

"Good. How about eleven? I'll meet you out front. Then you can take your new car home afterward." I winked. I was feeling a bit full of myself having beat her at her own game and having this hand well in my favor. Maybe I should hit the casino tonight.

Bo got out of the car and invaded my space, knowing damn well that she could make my stomach flip more times than an action movie car crash. "Maybe I'd like to take something else home afterward."

The look in her eye was dead serious. My mouth went dry. My heart stopped. No words would come out of my mouth. In our little game of poker, I'd thought I held all the cards, but Bo just threw down a Royal Flush and took home the entire pot.

"I will see you soon, Lauren." She whispered in my ear.

Her warm breath on my skin caused other areas of my body to heat up. Before I knew it she was gone and I was left standing there alone. My hand moved to my heart. It was a pointless gesture that would do nothing to still the revving engine in my chest. I'd never loved losing a game more in my life. Still, it made me smile. Bigger than I could ever recall smiling.

Morning couldn't come fast enough.

xxx

Oh I know, such sweet torture! I promise there will be some kind of action next chapter, which hopefully will be before Christmas. Hang in there :D In the meantime, what did you think of this chapter?