GOING ONCE (29/?)
 

"The house is fantastic, Ricey," Willow said, smiling as she and the demon
finished the tour in the large living area downstairs. It had taken nearly an
hour to see every room, and she wasn't sure she had seen them all.
 

"Ricey?" Spike said, speaking up from his position on the couch. "Can I toss
my cookies here?"
 

"Ah, Spike seems jealous that I've allowed you to use my nickname," Maurice
said, smiling.
 

"I'm not jealous," Spike denied, glaring at the demon. "Up to you if you want
to be called after a peanut butter cup."
 

"That's Reeses," Willow pointed out as she moved to sit down. She wasn't sure
exactly what the adventure was unless it was taking the tour of the mansion,
but she was enjoying herself. Maurice provided the perfect companion and
allowed her to forget her problems with Spike. "And it is better than being
called after an instrument of torture, don't you think?"
 

"You're treading, luv," he warned with a false smile as he took another drink
of his scotch. He looked at Maurice, eyes narrowing at the knowing look in
his friend's eyes. "Is it arranged? I've got a date I'm supposed to be on."
 

"Is what arranged?" Willow asked looking between the two men.
 

"The date," Spike said, looking at her. "Surely you didn't think it was
meeting Maurice. While I admit that can be an adventure upon itself, I had
something a bit more interesting in mind."
 

"I must confess that I'm absolutely giddy," Maurice said with a smile. "I've
never been able to talk Spike into playing before, not his cup of tea
according to him. Until you. I almost fainted when he phoned asking me for
details. I've made it very adventurous for you both."
 

"Playing?" Willow said, feeling very much like a parrot in this conversation.
 

"You didn't tell her?" Maurice looked at Spike and clucked his tongue.
 

"I wanted it to be a surprise," Spike said with an easy smile.
 

"Bad boy," Maurice said, shaking his head. "Come along, Willow love. I'll
show you and explain everything."
 

Spike stood and took Willow's hand, ignoring the tightening in his body from
the casual contact. He could do this. He was strong. He was strong. He was
strong. He saw her lick her lips and groaned. He was a pathetic weak fool for
love. "Let's see what he has to say."