Second Place Summer Beach Bash, an austin & ally fanfic

Second Place

Summer Beach Bash

(Part One)

Disclaimer: check out chapter one – it explains everything! Thanks ;)

Pairing: Ross/Laura/Riker

Author's Note: "Fallin' For You" (Acoustic version) by R5; "Super Bass" [explicit] by Nicki Minaj (feat. Ester Dean)

*Laura's date outfit can be found in my profile - check it out!

Just a friendly reminder: "Second Place" is going to have a sequel, so expect a lot to happen then and now ;)

Last Time:

"Seriously, Riker, where are you taking me?" she asked, thoroughly confused.

He didn't respond for several minutes, their bare feet sinking into the sand as they walked, the sound of waves crashing in the background, but he finally stopped in front of a cabana that was mostly set up for tourists.

"We're here."

Present Time:

After some confusion (on Laura's part), Riker sat her down in one of the cabana's two plush seats. From there, the petite brunette watched as her boyfriend tied back the loose curtains that created the 'walls' and started lighting the candles that had been set up on the wooden flooring. She vaguely feared that one would tip over, thus form an inferno, but she didn't think she had anything to worry about. Riker seemed like he knew what he was doing, so she didn't feel as though something would catch on fire (not anytime soon, anyway).

After everything was done, the blonde grabbed an acoustic guitar from its hiding place behind a nearby tree. With a boyish smile Laura found absolutely charming, he sat in the other plush seat across from her and started to tune the instrument.

"Riker, seriously, what's going on?" she asked, finally voicing her concerns. "Why are we out here at this time of night? Someone is going to see us and call the cops." However, she did find the atmosphere romantic, especially since the candles reminded her of that night in Canada, when Riker had set up a make-shift picnic under a tree. The memory gave her slightly mixed feelings, considering it was also the night she'd broken things off with Ross. 'Slightly', because things were fine between her and the younger blonde now.

In response to her words, Riker gave his girlfriend a carefree grin. "Do you really think someone will?" he asked casually, like he wasn't aware of what was being discussed. "I hope not. This is very important."

"Well, what is 'this' exactly?" she asked, gesturing to their surroundings.

He finished tuning the guitar to his liking, so slung it over his shoulder and adjusted it until it fit comfortably in his lap. Instead of answering her, he asked, "Do you remember that night at your Sweet Sixteen?"

Laura's cheeks flushed. "How could I forget? That was the first time we…"

"No, not that," he quickly cut her off, his own cheeks heating at the reminder. Perhaps not one of his brighter moments, but things had escalated for them very quickly that night. He didn't regret a second of what happened in the bathroom that fateful day, but he did wish he had more tact (or a softer surface he could have laid her on). But that was neither here nor there. "What I meant was before that – Do you remember the song I sang to you?"

A dash of pink remained but, for the most part, her facial features were back to normal. Her eyes softened, and she nodded with a warm smile. "I remember it like it was yesterday."

Riker grinned. "Good." With that, his fingers began to strum the guitar, creating the melody from all those years ago. Of course, back then, he'd had the rest of R5 performing too, but this would have to do. He was just thankful he had memorized the chords and lyrics. "This is for you, Laura."

Fallin' For You:

"You like mismatched socks with polka dots
You like your pizza cold; I think that's hot
You like to swim at night when the moon is full
You think that makes you strange; I think that's cool

You say you're scared
That I won't be there.
Baby, I swear
I'm not going anywhere"

Laura grinned as she listened to the blonde sing. This definitely reminded her of that night in Canada, but that didn't make it any less special or amazing.

Heck, he's the amazing one, she thought, starting to lightly sway to the music.

"You can change your hair
Five times a week
You can change your name
Get a little bit crazy
You can dance in the rain
Rockin' secondhand chic
But I live for the day
That I'm calling you baby

'Cause I'm falling for you
For everything that you do
Baby, I'm falling for you
You might be crazy
But baby,
I'm falling for you"

And why had she wanted to break up with him again? For the life of her, she couldn't remember. But God, she was happy Ross had talked her out of doing that. She must have truly lost her mind if she had thought it would be a good thing.

"I seem predictable, vanilla plain.
And all the mannequins – they look the same.
There's no one else like you – one of a kind.
And I'm a lucky guy 'cause you're all mine.

You say you're scared
That I won't be there.
Baby, I swear
I'm not going anywhere"

Riker grinned as he watched Laura enjoy his little performance. The candlelight's glow against her skin was beautiful; hell, the entire set-up added and emphasized her beauty.

But what really made him lose his breath was her smile. It was simply mesmerizing, and it made her features shine in a way he only saw when she was truly, completely, deeply happy and in love. He hadn't witnessed that smile in a while – probably since the magazine article came out and almost ruined their relationship.

"You can change your hair
Five times a week
You can change your name
Get a little bit crazy
You can dance in the rain
Rockin' secondhand chic
But I live for the day
That I'm calling you baby

'Cause I'm falling for you
For everything that you do
Baby, I'm falling for you
You might be crazy
But baby,
I'm falling for you

Yeah

[12x]
You might be crazy
But baby I'm falling for you"

All in all, however, he was just happy they were together, at that very moment. And he supposed Rocky was right – This fight could only make him and Laura a stronger couple, not weaker or broken. Riker would prove to the world that one nasty little rumor wouldn't tear them apart. No, they were made of tougher stuff than that; in fact, they would learn and grow from this experience.

He just hoped they didn't get into anymore fights or disagreements ever again, like his brother implied… Yeah, the blonde bassist wasn't looking forward to that, if or when it happened. That or it didn't happen often.

"You like mismatched socks with polka dots
You like your pizza cold
Yeah, I'm falling for you, falling for you

You can change your hair
Five times a week
You can change your name
Get a little bit crazy
You can dance in the rain
Rockin' secondhand chic
But I live for the day
That I'm calling you baby"

Laura continued to watch her boyfriend perform, feeling giddy and so happy. She loved it when he sang, especially in moments like these. It didn't happen often, so she treasured each and every one of them. In fact, this was the first time in their relationship when he sang solo twice in such a short amount of time, but she understood.

The first time had been to cheer her up (though he didn't know what had happened and hadn't asked since). And now he was singing to save their relationship, so to speak (it didn't need saving, not anymore). She had a feeling Riker had talked to Rocky earlier, which explained the cabana and everything else. The song choice was also a huge hint.

Like Riker said, this was the song he sang to Laura at her Sweet Sixteen. It was his confession about how he felt, which made this specific song special to them.

"'Cause I'm falling for you
For everything that you do
Baby, I'm falling for you
You might be crazy
But baby,
I'm falling for you"

The song was coming to an end, so the blonde bassist softened his tone. His chocolate eyes connected to soft, doe-like orbs and held them as he finished the last lines. They could practically feel the electricity bouncing between them, and it made them smile almost goofily.

"Yeah [12x]
You might be crazy
But baby I'm falling for you."

As the last notes from the guitar echoed around them, fading into the distance, Laura slowly stood to her feet. Their eyes stayed connected as she walked the short distance between them until she stopped right between his knees. The only thing blocking their bodies was the guitar, but neither seemed to pay it any attention as they continued to gaze at each other.

"Hi," she softly said, smiling almost shyly.

Riker boyishly grinned. "Hi," he replied, equally soft. His expression suddenly turned a little more serious. "You know I love you, right, Laura?"

She nodded. "I love you, too, Riker."

"Good." Moving the guitar to hang behind him, across his back, he rested his hands on her hips as he brought her closer. Their lips connected, and her arms slipped around his neck to hold him just as close as he was holding her. The kiss was slow and warm. Loving. Familiar. Everything they needed it be.

Pulling away, the blonde stood as he grabbed his girlfriend's hand. They were both grinning once more, looking so in love no one would question their relationship for a second. "Come on," he said, "It's late, and I don't feel like possibly going to prison tonight."

Laura giggled. "Do you think they'll put us in the same cell?" she playfully wondered.

Riker went along with her, his face dramatically scrunched up as he contemplated her question. Then, he shrugged with a boyish smile. "Why wouldn't they? They can't separate us."

"No," she agreed, eyes soft. "No, I don't think anyone can." I won't let them. I won't doubt my relationship with Riker ever again.

SP*SP*SP

The next morning, Ross could tell things were fine between Riker and Laura. The two were more in love than ever, and he was glad. He honestly didn't know what would have happened if they hadn't reconciled – it was unthinkable. There was no Riker without Laura, and vice versa. But Ross could breathe a little easier, knowing the two were together and would be staying that way for a while. The last few days had been shaky at best.

Now, a couple of days later, the Lynch family, Ratliff, and Laura were seated around the dining room table. Breakfast was being served and, as normal, Rydel was hogging Laura's attention while Stormie fussed over everyone. Mark calmly read the newspaper, and Ryland was messing with his phone as he looked through R5's schedule. Riker was trying to distract Rydel so that he could talk to Laura, and Rocky, Ross, and Ratliff were trying to snag the last piece of bacon.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Everyone and everything froze.

Ratliff blinked, confused, as he stared around the table. He mentally counted the people there, mouthing some of the numbers. "I don't get it," he said, keeping his voice lowered, "No one is missing. Who could that be?"

"I don't know," Ryland answered, just as confused. "Maybe one of us should go see who that is? It could be some tourists who got lost."

"Or maybe," Mark dryly said, standing up, "If we're quiet enough, they'll go away." Snickers and giggles of amusement burst from the table's occupants, and he smiled as he continued toward the front door. Sometimes, his family could be so strange but he wouldn't change them for the world.

Opening the front door, the Lynch patriarch was slightly surprised to see Neo Tigarian. "Neo," he greeted, smiling and stepping back to allow the sapphire-eyed man inside. "This is a nice surprise. Would you like some breakfast? I'm sure the kids left something."

"Good morning, Mark," Neo returned, smiling as he stepped into the house. "No, thank you. I actually had a chance to sit and eat something earlier."

Mark chuckled. "That's good to hear. You're always on the move doing something." Patting the younger man on the shoulder, he added, "Of course, most of the time it's for Laura. That could be why you have time now."

"True, that's very true," the manager/agent agreed, chuckling. "Speaking of Laura – How is she?" Concern bled into his tone at the question, but it couldn't be helped. The petite brunette was special to Neo, and not just because she was his client. She was his friend, which was why he always put her first among his other clients.

The older man gestured further into the house. "I'll let you see for yourself."

It wasn't long afterwards that Neo wished he had stayed home that morning. As soon as he came into view, Laura had jumped up from her seat to chew him out about her forced vacation. When he tried to argue his point, the petite brunette put her foot down and practically yelled that she was fine. She also brought up her last vacation to Canada, which everyone else had seemed to have forgotten, so she "couldn't have possibly fainted from overworking!"

Needless to say, Neo felt chastised and spent the next hour pouting in the Lynch's living room. Really, a grown man his age shouldn't be scolded by a girl half his size and years younger than him. But, then again, Laura wasn't like any other woman on the planet. She was definitely unique.

After everyone else migrated from the dining room into the living area, Riker politely asked, "So, Neo, why did you suddenly stop by? I'm sure it wasn't so that you could get yelled at by Laura." He sent said young woman a small smile. In response, she playfully wrinkled her nose at him.

"Oh, right," the sapphire-eyed man said, snapping out of his sulky mood. Brightening, he turned to his client. "Laura, you were offered an amazing opportunity that Columbia Records couldn't pass up."

Laura cocked her head to the side, like a curious puppy. "Oh, really? What kind of offer?" she inquired, curious.

Neo answered, "The record company has been passing your music around – you know, to help with promotion opportunities – and the biggest offer came from the people who run the Summer Beach Bash that's coming up."

"No way, that's awesome," Ross exclaimed. Chatter immediately broke out among the other siblings and Ratliff, while Laura stared in shock at her manager/agent. "She'll get a ton of exposure there."

"It's the perfect opportunity to get her name out," Rocky agreed, nodding excitedly.

Rydel, clapping, squealed, "This is amazing, Laura! Please tell me you're gonna do it?"

All the petite brunette could do was blink, her mind slowly registering what had been said.

"Babe," Riker questioned, a little concerned, "Is everything okay?"

Ratliff waved a hand in front of her face. "I think she's still getting over the shock," he said, smiling in amusement.

That seemed to snap Laura out of her dazed state. Blinking several times, she stared at Neo. "Really? They want me to perform at the Summer Beach Bash?" she asked, awed by the news and grateful for such an opportunity.

Neo chuckled, nodding. "Yes, Laura," he answered, "They loved your music. They really want to meet you to discuss how the day is gonna go, too. Columbia Records is currently working out a contract as we speak."

"This is so amazing," she said, a grin beginning to work its way across her features. Her doe-like orbs fairly sparkled with excitement. "Which song did they like the most? I've only recorded a few, so…"

"I believe it was So In Love With Two."

SP*SP*SP

While Neo and Laura talked about her upcoming performance, the members of R5, along with Ryland, made their way to the basement for band practice. Now that Laura was working again, it meant their time off was over too. But aside from that, they were all happy for the petite brunette. Her singing career would definitely take off thanks to the exposure the Summer Beach Bash would provide. Lots of people attended it, and the event was huge in California. Laura was already popular as a model, now her name would spread even further as a musician.

However, Riker seemed withdrawn. Ross was the first to notice the change in his oldest sibling, but he could only conclude it was because of Laura's song title and the message it gave to anyone who read it. No doubt the older blonde was contemplating the meaning behind it; what Laura could have possibly been thinking about while writing and recording it.

Who she could have been thinking about.

It's understandable, Ross thought, continuing to watch Riker as they set up their instruments. It wasn't that long ago Laura was accused of cheating on him with Harry Styles. But Ross was sort of to blame. He had been the one to suggest that Laura write a song about being in love with two guys. But it wasn't like he could admit to why, not even to make Riker feel better. In this case, the younger blonde would just have to hope that things blew over quickly. I mean, they just fixed their last problem. I'm sure neither of them want another so soon.

Shaking his thoughts clear, Ross decided to tackle the problem if it became one. Laura would mention it to him then he could take the necessary steps to correcting them. Simple. Piece of cake.

After rehearsing a couple of songs, Rydel bluntly asked, "Do you have a problem, Riker?"

The blonde blinked, like he had no idea what she was implying. "What do you mean?" he replied.

"She means you're off, bro," Rocky helpfully explained. "I can't count how many times you've played the wrong note or messed up a lyric." Setting his guitar down in its stand, he leveled a look at his oldest sibling. "So, spill. What's up with you, man?" He crossed his arms over his chest to show he meant business.

Ratliff leaned over his drum set. "Yeah, dude. You can talk to us," he encouraged.

Riker sighed. He didn't want to dump his insecure feelings onto his band mates, especially since two of them were Laura's best friends, but he didn't really see a choice. One way or another, they would get answers out of him.

"I'm just a little worried about Laura's song. You know, the one Neo mentioned."

"So In Love With Two?" Rydel supplied, brows furrowing in confusion.

He nodded. "Yeah, that one." Running his fingers through his bangs, he confessed, "I just wonder if there's a deeper meaning behind it, that's all. I mean, we just had a fight over that dumb rumor about her and Harry. It makes me wonder…"

"It makes you wonder if it's a coincidence or not," Ross said, summing up what Riker was trying to express. When Riker nodded, Ross continued, "She loves you, bro, and you love her. I don't think you have anything to worry about."

Rocky, Rydel, Ratliff, and Ryland nodded in complete agreement. "Exactly what he said," the youngest Lynch said, smiling. "You and Laura are so perfect for each other, it makes the rest of us gag and want to claw our eyes out. You've got nothing to worry about."

"Yeah, Riker," Rydel added, grinning, "In fact, you should take Laura out tonight on a date! You can celebrate her getting to perform at the Summer Beach Bash."

Ding!

The sudden noise caught everyone's attention, and Ryland looked down at his phone with a raised brow. Clicking a few buttons, he brought up the new text message. A grin quickly formed on his face as he continued reading through it, causing the band members to become curious.

Looking up, R5's manager announced, "That's not all you're gonna be celebrating – R5 just got booked to also perform at the Summer Beach Bash!"

SP*SP*SP

"I'm so happy you guys get to perform, too," Laura enthused as she lightly fiddled with her double drop heart earrings. Currently, she was sitting in Riker's car while he drove to an eighteen-and-over club they frequented whenever time allowed.

After her meeting with Neo about the beach bash, Riker and the others had told her about their own news. Squeals and general happiness floated around them for the rest of the day, and Rydel dragged Laura out of the house to shop for new outfits to wear at the event. While she was out, Riker texted about going out on a date to celebrate, which she happily agreed to.

To compliment the heart-theme she was feeling (meaning love), Laura had also purchased a Little Mistress Sequin waist-fit and flare dress that was crimson. It matched the Reeds Sterling silver ruby and diamond ring she owned, as well as the silver snake-print heels and Darling Taylor clutch. Her make-up was darker than normal, giving her a mysterious, sexy appearance. All in all, she felt confident and bold.

Riker hummed as he continued to drive, but he was smiling. One hand rested on the wheel while the other gently held one of hers in her lap. "Yeah, we are, too. But we wouldn't have minded just going to support you."

"That's sweet, but I love watching you guys. I always feel so pumped at your concerts." To add emphasis, she lightly wiggled in her seat with a small laugh.

Bringing their connected hands up to his mouth, he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. "Now you know how I feel whenever I see you sing," he said, grinning boyishly. "You're gonna rock that stage and everyone is gonna fall in love with you, Laura. Just wait and see."

"Charmer," she accused, but she was grinning too.

"I'm not being a charmer if it's true," was all he said back as he pulled into the parking lot for the club.

It was simply called The Lounge, but it catered to mostly celebrities who wanted to relax without the paparazzi splashing their pictures all over the tabloids the next morning. Security was strict and not just anyone could enter, which made it the perfect place to blow off some steam on the dance floor or throw back a couple of shots with friends at the bar.

Exiting his vehicle, Riker walked around to the passenger side to assist Laura out. Their hands once more clasped, they made their way to the front entrance where, unfortunately, the paparazzi were allowed to take pictures and shout their questions. The couple ignored them, however, and continued inside without any difficulty.

Music instantly thumped through their bodies, a pulse of pure noise that couldn't be distinguished. Waiters and waitresses walked among the patrons with trays in their hands, all dressed in the standard white shirts, maroon vests, black slacks, and black shoes.

The interior consisted of two levels. The first was where Riker and Laura entered. The carpet was maroon and expensive, the lights low and intimate. It was more like the dining area than the actual club section, where people could order food and have it brought to their tables.

The second level, on the other hand, was a riot of noise and bodies moving and gyrating on the dance floor. Strobe lights and cosmic lasers were normal, and the music was always the loudest. The bar was set up on one side of the room, while the dance floor took up the rest of the space.

It was that floor that Riker and Laura wanted. The couple made their way down the spiral staircase, moving out of other people's way or greeting someone they've met before. As soon as they touched the bottom, they were grinning widely and ready to party. Everyone's excitement and high energy was contagious. They supposed that was what 'mob-mentality' meant.

"Come on, I wanna dance," Laura called to her boyfriend over the loud music, grinning like a maniac. Tugging on the hand still attached to hers, she didn't give him much choice before they found themselves on the dance floor with everyone else.

Riker laughed as he got into the music, letting it run through his veins, through his body. Dancing had always been a favorite past-time for him, and he knew Laura liked it as well. She may not have taken lessons like he did, but she enjoyed the freedom it gave her. Who was he to deny her that? After all, he felt the same way. It was why he loved being a Warbler on Glee. The choreography was possibly his favorite part, a very close second to singing.

Super Bass:

"This one is for the boys with the booming system
Top down, AC with the cooling system
When he come up in the club, he be blazin' up
Got stacks on deck like he savin' up"

Laura laughed as one of her favorite dance songs started playing. She enjoyed the beat, and she liked how fast-paced it could be throughout the entire song. It also helped that Nicki Minaj was so talented, especially her rapping, and her voice was different compared to other singers.

"And he ill, he real, he might got a deal
He pop bottles and he got the right kind of bill
He cold, he dope, he might sell coke
He always in the air, but he never fly coach
He a motherfucking trip, trip, sailor of the ship, ship
When he make it drip, drip kiss him on the lip, lip
That's the kind of dude I was lookin' for
And yes you'll get slapped if you're lookin' hoe"

Riker groaned as the song registered in his mind. It wasn't that he didn't like the song – or had anything against the artist. No, it went beyond that.

Laura had a tendency to dance really dirty when this particular song came on, especially if they were in a club. Like now.

"I said, excuse me, you're a hell of a guy
I mean my, my, my, my you're like pelican fly
I mean, you're so shy and I'm loving your tie
You're like slicker than the guy with the thing on his eye, oh
Yes I did, yes I did, somebody please tell him who the F I is
I am Nicki Minaj, I mack them dudes up, back coupes up, and chuck the deuce up"

The blonde bassist swallowed thickly as his girlfriend pressed her back to his chest, her buttocks firmly backed into his groin. Her arms came up, reaching back, to wrap them around his neck as her hips started popping and swaying to the beat of the music. His eyes fluttered closed in pleasure as Laura continued to move sensually against him.

God, did she really have to do this to him? Right now, when they were in the middle of the dance floor, in a crowd of people?

"Boy, you got my heartbeat runnin' away
Beating like a drum and it's coming your way
Can't you hear that boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass?
You got that super bass
Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass
Yeah, that's the super bass
(Boom) [x15]
(You got that super bass)
Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass
He got that super bass
Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass
He got that super bass"

Laura smirked as she continued to dance, making sure to put a little extra grind into her movements. She loved driving Riker crazy, especially when he couldn't do anything to fix his little 'problem'. Yes, she might be punished later for it, but it was worth it.

Softly laughing to herself, the petite brunette shimmied down his body slowly, seductively, until she was nearly on her knees. Spinning around so that she was now facing him, she smiled innocently as she rubbed her front against his as she stood back up. She nearly burst into laughter when his Adam's apple bobbed.

"This one is for the boys in the polos
Entrepreneur niggas & the moguls
He could ball with the crew, he could solo
But I think I like him better when he dolo
And I think I like him better with the fitted cap on
He ain't even gotta try to put the mack on
He just gotta give me that look, when he give me that look
Then the panties comin' off, off, uh
Excuse me, you're a hell of a guy you know I really got a thing for American guys
I mean, sigh, sickenin' eyes I can tell that you're in touch with your feminine side, oh
Yes I did, yes I did, somebody please tell him who the F I is
I am Nicki Minaj, I mack them dudes up, back coupes up, and chuck the deuce up

Boy, you got my heartbeat runnin' away
Beating like a drum and it's coming your way
Can't you hear that boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass?
You got that super bass
Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass
Yeah, that's the super bass
(Boom) [x15]
(You got that super bass)
Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass
He got that super bass
Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass
He got that super bass"

Riker gripped her hips, hauling her even closer if possible to his leanly muscled frame. As much as he loved her, he couldn't stand her teasing anymore. It was one thing to watch her dance, but to have such close contact with her and not be able to touch was slowly killing him. He needed his hands on her.

Hell, he needed her under him. Preferably writhing in pleasure and screaming his name.

Matching her grinds with his own, letting her feel how effected he was to her dancing, he used her hold around his neck to pull her up, his lips crashing onto hers. He groaned as her sweet taste exploded across his senses, and he took immense satisfaction at her needy whimper. It seemed as though he wasn't the only one affected. Good.

"See I need you in my life for me to stay
No, no, no, no, no, I know you'll stay
No, no, no, no, no, don't go away (ay-ay)
Boy, you got my heartbeat runnin' away
Don't you hear that heartbeat comin' your way?
Oh, it be like, boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass
Can't you hear that boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass?

Riker broke the kiss as the song ended and a new one started. For the life of him, he couldn't tell what was playing nor did he care. All he cared about was currently in his arms, smiling up at him with her soft, doe-like eyes. Love and affection swelled in his chest, and he leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead. Laura was definitely precious to him. He wouldn't lose her, not if he could help it.

The blonde's earlier insecurities about Laura's song and the possible meaning behind it instantly vanished. As the couple continued to sway (despite the fast-paced music in the background), he vowed to himself that he wouldn't worry about Harry Styles or anything related to the One Direction singer and Laura's friendship. If she said she wasn't cheating on Riker, that she and Harry were just friends, he would believe her and leave it at that.

With that in mind, Riker smirked as he leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Wanna go get a private room in the back of the club? We can finish what you started."

In response, Laura grinned wickedly. "I thought you'd never ask," she purred.