Happy 2015!
Thank you once again for all the love! You guys really do make me so very happy to write for you. This fic will be over soon, not sure how many chapters, as I've said before, but I want to let you know that this will be my last for now. I will work on TPOP and eventually update, but I have other goals such as publishing that I want to pursue and some real life matters that need my attention. Who knows, a one shot may appear from time to time, but in the immediate future this is my last hurrah. So I hope you enjoy and I will try to make this a good one.
Thank you all :D
Chapter 4
I was giddy. I, work-a-holic Lauren Lewis, was giddy like a damned teenager that just scored her dream date for prom. What the hell was wrong with me? I was a thirty-five year old, grown ass woman for crying out loud. A big time successful one at that. As my friends liked to point out, one who was all business, all the time and couldn't get her head out of her ass long enough to enjoy life. All of a sudden, a pretty stranger walks into my showroom and all I want to do is pull her into the backseat of the car and make out. Did she have some kind of pheromone concocted in a lab with her billions of dollars, because this was definitely not the cool and collected me I was used to.
Sure, she's picture perfect from head to toe and who wouldn't be excited to go out with a billionaire? But she's arrogant and petulant and rude and enjoys our game as much as I do and she's sexy as fucking hell...
I shook my head. Good lord, Shawna would have a field day with this.
I pressed the gas a little harder, letting the wind blow through my hair and hopefully clear my head. I needed to pull myself together before I got home. Shawna would be there with dinner so we could watch the awards show to cheer Mandy on and comment on the red carpet as if we were fashion reporters. Just a stupid little game we started years ago watching the Oscars one night. Turns out this one was less painful than playing the drinking game.
As I pulled into the driveway my phone vibrated with a text. It was Mandy.
Hey, you were right. The chicks dig me. lol Wish me luck
When will you learn I'm always right ;)
I know I know. Why isn't there an eye roll emoji? I totally need one right now
There's something for you to work on in the offseason. Good Luck. Not that you need it, you are the leader in scoring right? Ha Ha
Har Har. You better have gotten your head out of your fine ass and asked Bo out. We're coming over for dinner tomorrow night before we leave and I want deets
Well actually, I put on those big girl granny panties you gave me and asked her out. We are going for a drive tomorrow and thank you for saying my ass was fine
Holy fucking cow! Those must be magic panties. See you tomorrow
P.S. you know your ass is fine and that damn hair of your is always fucking perfect. Bitch lol
P.P.S. I want my panties back ;)
That woman could always made me laugh. One of the main reasons why we'd been such good friends all these years. I chuckled all the way to my door and right into the living room, choking it back down when Shawna raised her brow at me.
"Someone's chipper. Do tell," she said with a smile.
"Just Mandy. She sent me a text saying she was glad I didn't want to go tonight because all the ladies were after her." I set my stuff down and walked to the fridge, pulling out a cold beer.
"That girl," Shawna laughed through her words, "I swear, I wish I had her life."
I popped the top on the Guinness and took three big gulps. That's good stuff.
I smiled at Shawna. "Well I'm glad she's finally getting to enjoy all her hard work with an endorsement deal and back to back huge seasons. That's a career where you have to get it while you can, you know?"
"That's my motto, get some while ya can." She giggled and I shook my head.
"Is sex all you think about, Shawna?"
"Why, can you think of anything better? And don't say cars or car business because you know you'd rather have really good sex than sell a car for crying out loud."
"Point taken. Honestly, I'd like really good sex in a really great car."
"You mean like the woman from the club in your Bentley?"
I rolled my eyes. She was almost right. "I'm gonna change and get ready for the show."
"Good, because this red carpet reporter is ready to judge."
"Be right out." I put a big dent in my beer on the way to my room. After the last two days, I was ready to keep my mind occupied with something other than Bo for a few hours.
XXX
I had trouble sleeping last night. I was overly nervous and excited for this "date" with Bo. Was it really a date? Yeah, it pretty much was. Was she feeling the same way? She always seemed so sure of herself. It was much harder to for me to break her stride than it was for her to do it to all it took from her was an innuendo or a look and I'd falter.
I filled the thermos with coffee, lots of it, because I needed it today. I grabbed two bottles of water and packed the basket with cut up apples, grapes and assorted cheeses. It really wasn't anything special. I did it every time I drove to my favorite spot at Red Rocks Canyon. I was pretty excited to take my girl out there, and to have Bo along only added to it. I loaded everything into the trunk along with a blanket since the rocks could leave quite a mess. I wasn't sure how particular an heiress would be about her clothing. I had on my usual clothes for this excursion, khaki shorts, sandals and a sleeveless blouse, something casual. I hoped she'd be doing the same.
I put on my Ray Bans and cranked up the Bentley. It was a perfect sunny day once again as I headed into work. There were a few things to tend to before we took off. I hoped Mark had the Healey out and ready to roll. I couldn't wait to get her out on the highway. Even more so, I couldn't wait to see the look on Bo's face when I opened her up. Just the thought of Bo with her long dark hair flowing in the wind and a huge grin on her face made my heart skip.
Very little traffic meant I arrived at work within minutes. Perfect, because I couldn't wait to get underway. Bo would be here in an hour so the more time I had, the better. I wanted my mind as free as possible this afternoon. As I made my way to the front door, there she sat. Navy and white, gassed and ready. She was beautiful and I couldn't stop smiling. I set the basket in the trunk and went right to my office.
Not five minutes later Angela walked into my office with the biggest shit eating grin I'd ever seen.
"Okay, what?"
"Oh nothing," she said as she sashayed toward my desk. "Just that I sold that ugly Porsche you hated."
My head shot up, instantly forgetting the contract I was reviewing. "Bullshit."
"No bullshit. Joey Jones, the first pick in the NFL draft, he was here with some buddies. He wanted to get his mom the Rolls she always wanted and a little something for himself. I convinced him that it was a steal and one of a kind." She crossed her arms and fell silent with a cocky smirk.
"I sure hope it's one of a kind." I laughed and shook my head.
"Even better, sold both at sticker price."
"Rockstar!" I gave her a high five.
"Now I'll take that five hundred dollars bonus you had on it." She held out her hand.
"What bonus?" I couldn't remember any bonuses.
"The one last month, and I quote 'five hundred cash out of my pocket to anyone who gets that ugly piece of shit off the lot' so its gone. Pay up boss lady." She smiled wider.
I laughed even louder and stood from my desk. "You're right. I guess I'd given up hope that it would ever sell." I pulled out my wallet and counted out five hundred dollars. I set it on the desk and smiled. "That's a great start to the day for you. Don't get lazy on me now. The best time to sell a car-"
"Is right after you sold a car. I know. Thanks Lauren. Hope you have enough gas money to get home." She chuckled and winked as she walked away.
"I'll manage."
With a little wave she was gone. I'll be damned. This was going to be a good day indeed.
Bo was thirty minutes early. Somehow I knew the minute she hit our drive as my eyes were drawn to the window. A black Rolls Royce stopped directly in front of the showroom. A tall female driver in a tailored, for fitting suit stepped out and moved to the back door. She puled it open and out stepped Bo with every bit the aura of the heiress she was despite her laid back attire. She wore a baby blue sleeveless blouse, v-neck of course. I smiled at the view I had from one story up. Tan linen pants, sandals and a large brimmed white hat with sunglasses finished off her . She was beautiful, as usual. Casual looked really, really good on her. Like that would be a surprise. I imagined everything looked good on her.
She pulled the shades from her eyes and looked up at me. It was only a moment, but it made my breath catch in the way she knew I was watching. She threw me a smile before turning her attention to the classic car in the spot beside her. Bo walked around her one time and then made walked to the front door.
I collected myself, the way I always needed to before I saw her, and made my way to her. Through the corridor I could hear her speaking with Bob. She was quite cordial today, catching him off guard after her previous behavior. He was still unsure around hr as he tiptoed through their conversation. The moment her eyes met mine she smiled wide with a gleam in her eye that made me smile just as wide in return. I was such a goner for her already and I didn't even know her yet.
"Hello, Ms. Lewis," she drawled in a way that sent a shiver of excitement down my spine.
"Hello, Ms. Dennis. Are you ready to finish the paperwork on your car? Then we can go for that ride."
"Very ready."
I motioned for her to follow me to my office. I went directly to the guest chair and pulled it out for her, earning me a sly grin.
I stepped around to my side, doing my darnedest to maintain professionalism for the next twenty or so minutes I needed to finish this transaction and get the hell out of here. I slid a folder to face her and opened it. "Everything is highlighted where you need to sign. I just need to make a copy of your license, insurance and receipt in the check."
"Will you take a personal check? Being the weekend and all, I couldn't get a bank check."
"I'm petty sure you're good for it."
"That I am."
By the time I got back from the cashier, Bo had finished signing and was admiring my office from her seat. I handed her the books, keys and held out my hand to shake." Congratulations Ms. Dennis, you're the new owner of a Vanquish Roadster. Would you like me to show you how everything works in the car?"
She took my hand. It was warm and soft and we indulged in it far longer than was necessary, but neither of us pulled away.
A soft smile played on her lips and she tipped her head when she spoke. "Maybe later. Are we all done here?"
"You can't wait for that car can you?"
"She's gorgeous. A rare beauty and it will be a treat indeed, but I'm really looking forward to the company."
I cleared my throat and fought the rush of heat moving into my cheeks. "Well then, let's not keep you waiting any longer." I grabbed my bag, keys and led her outside, opening the passenger door for her and earning a cheeky grin for my efforts. What was I doing?
"Why thank you."
I just nodded. There was a permanent smile plastered on my face that had been there since the handshake. As I moved to the driver side I caught Bob smiling at me. I glared at him, causing him to straighten up and scurry off. As soon as he left I smiled again. I knew what he was thinking and he was right. I was smitten.
XXX
How lucky was I to spend the day with the two most beautiful ladies I'd ever laid eyes on? I was right on point about how amazing Bo would look as we finally left the bustle of the city behind and hit the open highway. I kept my gaze glued to her as I pressed the accelerator down. Her eyes grew wide with excitement as the old engine roared to life. There was nothing like these old hand crafted engines that were built to perform years before all the computers took over and it was really nice to be in the presence of someone else who appreciated them the way I did.
"Lauren, she's unbelievable. Better than I even imagined. " She threw her hands up in the air and let out a holler.
Her smile was infectious, as was her laugh, and I couldn't help myself but to join in. What a contrast to the woman I'd been dealing with the last few days. I didn't know how a woman of her stature would act, but this was definitely a surprise to see her so free and easy. She had such an effect on me and that made me feel free and easy with her.
"Where are we going?"
"It's a secret. " I winked. "Do you have a time you need to be back?"
"Not at all. I am all yours."
Her words hit something inside that brought out a wave of emotions I wasn't prepared for. I forced a smile while I reeled them all in. I was suddenly nervous and unsure of myself when I spoke. "I uh, I'm taking you to my favorite spot. I drive out here once a month, though I don't usually take her. I don't like to put too many miles on her."
She nodded with no sign that she'd caught my swing in mood. "Thank you for inviting me."
We looked at one another and then at the road. We were silent for several miles. Just the sound of the wind and the radio, singing along to a few of the oldies we both knew. The long period of quiet allowed me the time I needed to regroup and enjoy our ride.
"You like swing music and fifties beach songs?" Bo quirked a brow and smirked.
"Yes I do. When I drive her I always play it. Almost like traveling back in time, especially in the desert where everything's untouched by development and there's no signs of the booming town Vegas has become."
"I like that." She looked at the road ahead again. "You're a very interesting woman, Lauren Lewis." The way she said the words hinted that she'd done a web search of her own and it made me chuckle.
"Oh, and what would make you say that?"
She shrugged and ignored my question.
"I see. No words. That's new."
She laughed and looked back at me. "Okay, so I did my own search."
"Ah, I figured you would."
"It was only fair. I needed to know who I was dealing with after you decided not to do business with me."
"And what did you find?" My sights held to the road ahead as I waited to hear just how much digging she'd done. It didn't bother me. I was actually intrigued to see what items would capture her attention the most.
"The usual stats and that you bought the dealership from your father. That it belonged to his father before him. You're very saavy."
"Thank you."
"It also had plenty of red carpet pictures with celebs and you're friend from the club especially."
"Jealous?" I tipped my head to catch her eyes.
"Should I be?"
"You should, but there's nothing to be jealous of?"
"Really?" She cocked her head and gave me a look of disbelief. "None at all?"
"Nope. None. I don't think you could ever call what we had a relationship, but we've been friends for many years." I couldn't believe we were having this conversation right now, yet it was oddly a turn on. Th possessive gleam in her eye when she asked about Mandy made my blood rush a little faster.
"Good to know." Bo relaxed back into her seat a little more.
"And what about you, Bo? You're not exactly absent of red carpet walks and celebrity photo ops either. And that bulimic looking blonde from the club..."
"I think you're the one who's jealous." She smirked.
"Should I be?" I repeated her question.
"Absolutely, I'm a catch."
We both laughed. Modest, she was not. I rolled my eyes and she shook her head. She placed her hand on my arm, immediately drawing my attention to the warm skin teasing every cell in my body from the electricity between us.
Her eyes met mine with a deep sincerity that didn't match our conversation. "No, Tora is also an old friend, and an ex, but that is all. You've no reason to be jealous."
I didn't respond. The conversation played over in my head. Bo was being obvious, making sure she wasn't stepping into a hornets nest and truth be told, I didn't want that either. I was more relaxed now with that off my shoulders and we'd settled into something besides our work persona's.
Our turn was just ahead and I let out a deep sigh. Something about this place just seems magical. So much natural beauty and the red coloring of the rocks. Would she enjoy it as much as I did? I hoped so.
"Red Rock Canyon? I'd heard of it, but I haven't ventured out of the city since I moved here eight months ago."
"I'm glad I could help you escape the concrete jungle. I hope you like dirt."
She chuckled. "I can rough it."
The road curved around to several parking spots. I pulled in and without a word I hopped out and opened the trunk. Bo slid out of the car gracefully, fixing her hair and placing her hat on her head.
"You ready, Bo?"
She gave me a nod we started down the path. We were silent. She looked side to side taking in the scenery as we followed the trail. She seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself. I was pleasantly surprised that she didn't make a fuss about losing her sandal on the rock or her feet getting dirty. She just giggled and kept moving. The more time spent with this side of Bo, the harder it was for me not to drop this basket and kiss her senseless. Especially when she kept sneaking looks of her own. At one point she licked her lips and I almost lost it. Instead I walked a little faster, anxious to get to our destination.
It wasn't far at all. Just a twisty trail that still had the parking lot in sight, but had a nice view of the magnificent colors. I never left my girl unattended. She was always within sight or locked up safely inside. I set out the blanket and food. It was so easy to be with Bo. Our conversations shifted back and forth covering a ton of topics from how we both wanted to make our mark without our parents to our love of adventure and of course our love of cars. I'd never been with anyone where I let my guard down this quickly. It was like we'd known one another for years even though it was your typical get to know you questions.
"Lauren, tell me something about you that's not in a web search." Bo leaned back on her elbows and looked to the sky.
"Okay. Hmm, I'm actually a Skip Barber racing school instructor."
"What?" She sat up and smiled. "Really?"
I was glad she liked that fact. It had been my experience tat many women were unimpressed with my hobby. "Yes, I love racing and driving. I took the course several times and even competed. Eventually I achieved and instructor rating, even though I've never taught."
"That's amazing. I'd love to do that."
I shrugged, feeling a little shy but fighting hard to stay bold. "Maybe I can take you sometime."
She leaned back again as she looked at me with an excited grin. "That would be amazing. I'd really like that."
"What about you, Bo?"
"Well, you know I have a jet, but most people don't know that I have my pilots license."
"I bet that's pretty amazing, flying."
"It is. I earned it when I was a teenager and still keep it up, but I usually don't fly myself if its long distance. I like to relax."
"I could understand that. Still, I bet it's a lot of fun and to be in control at that height."
"It is. I can take you sometime. If you want."
"I'd like that. I love all kinds of engines and planes have always fascinated me."
"Sounds like a date then." She looked over the top of her glasses and bit her lip.
"I guess so," I said, fighting the urge once again to crawl over and kiss her. I was quickly losing strength though and I knew I would give in before we left here today.
"Here, come with me for a moment." I stood up and offered my hand to help her up.
She smirked and accepted it, getting to her feet and brushing off her pants. "Where are we going?"
"Just right here. It's the best view. I moved her in front of me and pointed out a few landmarks. She smelled so good. The heat from her body radiated through my clothes and forced me a step back even though I wanted to be closer.
She surveyed the landscape for several seconds in silence then sighed. "This is some of the most breathtaking scenery I've ever seen. Thank you, Lauren."
"You're welcome, Bo. Thank you for joining us."
"I sure could go for a nice glass of brandy and some Godiva dark chocolate truffles right now."
"Me too." I laughed more than the comment allowed.
"What's so funny?"
"We are so much alike Bo."
"How's that?"
"Well." Her eyes fixed on mine as I spoke. "We're both strong women that are used to getting what we want and we both want a lot of the same things."
Bo bit her lip, God I wanted to taste them so bad.
"Care to share what it is we both want, Lauren?"
A tiny smile tugged at the corner of my mouth, but mostly I was entranced by her. The way her mouth moved when she spoke, the way my name rolled off her tongue, the quick spark in her eye when she looked at me. She was a magnet and I was drawn helplessly to her.
"For starters, we both want a nice glass of brandy and dark chocolate right now."
She nodded.
"We both want to win all the time."
"That is very true."
I smiled and stepped a little closer, my hand reaching in front of her to point at the four wheeled goddess. "We both want her."
Bo's eyes moved from my lips to my eyes, then followed my hand to the Austin Healey.
"Right again."
"And we both want this."
"Wha-" I caught her as she turned toward me, my lips capturing hers gentle but firm. The second our skin met there was an explosion in my chest like that rivaled the V12 in her Roadster. The ripples traveled throughout my body effecting everything from my thoughts the the strength of my knees. I'd never felt like this with anyone.
If she was startled, it was only a millisecond. Bo wasted no time returning the kiss, but allowed me to take the lead. Her hand slid up my neck, through my hair and settled back of my head. I couldn't resist pulling her closer as one arm slipped around her waist and the other cupped her jaw as our mouths took their time. It was amazing. The tingle that started at my lips when we touched spread throughout my body.
The kiss seemed to last forever. Both of us took our time exploring whatever the other offered. It was innocent though. Sweet. My head spun in a good way and I held her tight to maintain my balance. Feeling faint I had to break away. The rush of oxygen brought me back to my senses and I wondered how long I'd gone without air. Bo was flustered. Her cheeks and chest red, her lips swollen, but a sexy smile formed that let me know I was right indeed.
"Usually I hate a know it all," she whispered, "but I can't even hate you right now for being so right all the time."
I chuckled. My thumb moved up and down her cheek. She was even more beautiful this close.
"You want to walk a little?" I didn't want to move, but I wanted to give her the option. The last thing I wanted was to rush this. Whatever it was.
She didn't speak, only nodded with a goofy grin on her face. She looked like she was still lost in the moment, much the way I still was. I forced myself to step back. My hand slid from around her waist, but was stopped by the grip of her finger tips.
"Wait. No," she said, her brows creased as she was deep in thought.
"No?"
"No, I don't want to walk. Not right now."
"Oh. What do you want to do?"
"I want to do that again. But this time without the sneak attack." She grinned and pulled me into her. "I want to look at you."
Her hands held me possessively, yet they were gentle. Strong enough to be in control, yet soft enough that I could pull away if I wanted. That was the last thing I wanted. She studied every inch of my face, her hand moving to my cheek, thumb running across my lips. The care in her touch made me tremble. Bo closed the inches between us slowly, looking right into my eyes as she did. Her lips grazed mine and my eyes fluttered shut. Then they disappeared, leaving me desperate for more. I opened my eyes to witness an adoration I'd never seen before staring back at me.
"I feel like the luckiest girl alive have even gotten a second glance from you, much less a kiss. Maybe I'm being greedy wanting a second, but I you know I just cant help reaching for the stars." Bo whispered against my skin.
My heart fluttered at her admission. The reference to an earlier conversation made me smile and when her lips parted mine, the quake that shook my body was greater than that of a hundred funny cars.
XXX
An hour later we walked back to the car slowly, each finding a little reason to lean closer or brush against the other. I placed the basket and blanket back into the trunk and had an idea.
"Bo?"
"Yeah?"
"You want to drive her back to city limits?"
"Really? I mean I'd love to you know that, but are you sure?"
"Yeah. I'm sure." I held up the keys and she held out her hand with a nervous smile. I placed them in her palm and lingered a moment as she closed her hand around mine. Once again I was overcome by the feeling that made me grin wildly as she smiled back at me and mouthed a 'thank you.'
I couldn't help the blush from the way she stared right into my soul with such deep sincerity.
"I'll treat her just like my own." She ran to the driver door and just like at the dealership, she used such loving care as she shut the door and caressed the wheel. She turned the key gently and the engined cranked right up. The vibration sent her smile into overdrive as she looked at me. "You gonna just stand there or are you coming with me?"
I laughed and climbed in. She pulled onto the road slowly and with extreme caution. She was nervous, but I'd never been more nervous. No one outside of my family had ever driven her and here I was handing her the keys on the first date. What the hell, I'd already given her my heart. I'd never believed in love at first sight but there was no denying it had hit me like a ton of bricks.
As we reached the city limit my phone rang. It was the dealership. It rang again and Bo looked at me. "You gonna answer that?"
I reached for the phone then thought better of it. For the first time in my life I didn't want to think about work. This day had been perfect and I never wanted it to end, even though it had to soon. I pulled my hand back and shook my head. "No. No I'm not. The manager can handle it." Bo smiled and looked out the window. Three seconds later a text came through. The quick flash on the screen told me that I would have interrupted this amazing day for nothing important and I suddenly knew that what my friends had been saying was right all along. How many other days had I ruined with nonsense?
We switched back at the gas station at the end of town. The closer we got to the dealership the more my mood dropped. I didn't want the day to end and I wasn't sure where to go from here.
"Lauren?" She set her hand on my arm.
I looked over at her. Her smile did things to me. Crazy things and I wanted to see her like that always. "Yes, Bo?"
"I had a really great time today."
"I did too." The best day.
"Could I take you to dinner tonight to say thank you?" She looked so hopeful, but I had plans and it broke my heart.
"I'd love to Bo, but unfortunately I have plans."
If my heart was breaking before, the look on her face now was devastating. I was more sure than ever that she was feeling what I was and I couldn't leave it hanging there. I wanted to see more of her as soon as possible.
"Why don't you join us?"
"Oh no." She shook her head and shifted in her seat. "I couldn't intrude."
"No really, it's just the girls from the other night having a friendly dinner at my place before Charlie and Mandy leave town. I bet they'd love to meet the mysterious woman that paid for all their top shelf booze the other night."
She smiled a shy smile. It was so genuine and adorable. Nothing like I'd expect from the brash woman I first met. "If you're sure it's no problem-"
"It's not. And I'd really like it if you joined us."
"Then yes, I would love to met your friends."
"Then I will see you around seven?"
"Five hundred plus horses couldn't keep me away."
I laughed. Her reference to horsepower and her new Vanquish didn't escape me.
"I sure hope not."
It was the best feeling to make her blush. She looked away then back at me. I bit my lip and laughed, pressing the accelerator harder and making her yelp from the force. Yup. This has been a great day. I couldn't wait for tonight.
XXX
Sorry to end it there, but I ran out of steam. Read. Review. Tell me what you think, you know I look forward to them!
