Spike woke up in the empty hotel room. His naked skin felt cold and clammy as his mind woke up. The sheets were rumpled and lying down by his feet. Sitting up, he surveyed the room. Empty. Sighing, Spike laid back down. He was dreaming seconds before he woke. He knew he was because Buffy was never there when he woke up.

April 1998

Present

The representative from the advertising firm that bought Public Claim was here. The buzz around the office was that he’s a Greek God. Laughing off idle gossip, Buffy went back to the office filing room. She watched as all the women of the office, single and married, were drooling over the new stud currently in meetings with the management. Anyone that cute was too good to be true in her mind and continued her work.

“Mr. Bennett, as you can see we have cut office supplies and miscellaneous costs by one fourth. Our productivity has gone up by 20 percent and turn around time has decreased considerably.” Mr. McNally stated. He was a man of short stature but with great presence.

“Gentlemen, I have read the report, I know all this. I am not a moneyman, never was. It’s great that your team has made a conscious effort to reduce costs during these trying times, but I am here to integrate your team into the Omni Hype team. I see that most of your cost reducing figures are from a direct result of a new office manager, Elizabeth Summers.”

“Yes, sir. She has definitely whipped this office into better shape,” Mr. McNally agreed.

“I would like to meet this new office manager.”

“We can arrange that, Mr. Bennett, but I believe it is time for lunch.”

With a raised eyebrow, William watched the gentlemen around the table. They seemed more interested in wining and dining him than actually discussing what would happen to their precious company. Sighing, William nodded. It would be easier to break the news that he was going to fire most of the management and some of the support staff in the afternoon, preferably later in the week, so they wouldn’t sulk and get nothing done. “Before we go, I would like to take a tour of the office.”

“Of course, Mr. Bennett. Let me get Elizabeth or Willow, they know this office like the back of their hands.” Mr. McNally left the room for a minute and came back with a young redheaded woman behind him. “Mr. Bennett, this is Willow, she will take you around the office. She should be able to answer any questions you may have.”

“What about Elizabeth? Isn’t she the office manager?” William wanted to meet the woman that had such a profound effect on the company in such a short time.

“Sir, she’s on an errand right now, she should be back soon. I will introduce you two.” Willow stated softly. Nodding, William followed Willow Rosenberg through the office. She pointed out the different sections. He met the drafters, writers, technicians, and various office support staff when they passed. They wound their way around the main part of company, coming to a solid steel door. “In here you have to wear ear protection. The presses can get very loud.” Willow handed him some ear protection and took him through the door. The large presses and various machines were running quickly. William surveyed the room and saw all workers were busy with in their station and assigned machine. Nodding, he let Willow take him back out into the office part. “This is Elizabeth’s office.” She nodded towards a small yet tidy office. “It looks like she is back from the errand, but she isn’t here.” Shrugging, Willow continued her tour of various parts of the office. “This is our file room. Past jobs and paperwork are kept here. There probably wont be a reason for you to come in here much. Just ask Elizabeth or me to retrieve something for you.” They passed the door and continued on.

Stepping out from the back, Elizabeth studied a file on a recent order that the client was not happy with. She passed by five rows of filing cabinets before she reached the door. Ignoring the whispers she was sure was about their visitor, she continued into her office.

The lunch was boring. William drummed his fingers on the wooden table as the five men around him praised him. He snorted all they wanted to do was make sure their jobs were safe. Everyone that saw the books knew that that the company was being mismanaged and that there was going to be major changes. Instead of listening to the men drone on, he went back to thinking about Buffy. Somehow he was going to have to get through to her by Friday. Even though they kept in touch with email, he wanted more. The last night they spent together was the most amazing night he ever experienced. Making love to her over and over was amazing. Never, ever since that night, had he been able to have a hard on that long or that many times.

Spike was currently dating Harmony, a blond cheerleader at UCLA. He was sitting listening to her whine about how her life wasn’t fair. The hair salon lost her appointment, she broke a nail this morning, and it was humid. Spike’s eyes rolled back into his head and wondered if he shot himself right now, would she notice? He snorted as she continued about not being able to find her nail polish bottle to fix her nail. If she really had problem like falling in love with a gorgeous woman currently over 100 miles away that refuses to return his emails.

Subject: Talk to me

Date: Fri May 8 2003 23:55:18 -0900

From: sxyspike@hotmail.com

To: EAS@hotmail.com

Buffy, please email me. I miss you so bloody much. You are in my blood, my soul. I’m drowning in you. I’m here in my dorm room drinking bloody awful stuff thinking of you. Do you think of me?

Spike

Every night for the past two weeks he seemed to be doing the same thing over and over. Getting drunk and pleading with her over email. He searched the UC Sunnydale database of students trying to find someone named Buffy, but he couldn’t find her. There was no record of a Buffy at the university. Banging his head against his desk, Spike growled in frustration. He looked up at the monitor when he heard a ding.

Cutie Pie: Hey Blondie Bear!!!

Cutie Pie: How come you haven’t called in a couple days?

Should he respond? Spike shook his head and took another swig from the bottle. He closed the instant message and sat back. He tried to contact her every night and every night she eluded him. Swearing, Spike looked back at the screen.

Cutie Pie: Fine be that way! You are an awful boyfriend.

Sighing again, Spike shook his head clear. Harmony was just a bad substitute for the real thing. Buffy. God, he was such a git. Wanking off to thought of Buffy writhing under him, over him, beside him. He closed the instant messaging window again. Harmony wasn’t going to work. He had to find way to get a hold of Buffy. Taking another drink, Spike looked at the monitor. Another ding. God, can’t Harmony take a hint.

BAS: hi

He sat up in his chair, ramrod straight and suddenly stone cold sober

BAS: You probably aren’t on, but I just wanted to say sorry

She was contacting him! She was actually on!

BAS: So umm, just so you know… you don’t have to contact me anymore. I just can’t, I’m sorry. Bye

Sxyspike: NO WAIT!

BAS: Spike? Are you there?

Sxyspike: Yeah, pet.

BAS: OH

BAS: Just wanted to say I got your emails

Sxyspike: You never replied

BAS: Sorry

Sxyspike: Why’d you leave?

BAS: I had to go

Sxyspike: Why?

BAS: Is it too cliché to say I hate goodbyes?

Sxyspike: I didn’t get to say goodbye, one last hug, one last kiss

BAS: Yes you did, you just didn’t know it at the time

Sxyspike: Bugger that shit!

BAS: Please don’t be mad. It would have been worse if I stuck around

Sxyspike: Keep telling yourself that.

BAS: I better go now.

Sxyspike: You bloody well will not!

BAS: Excuse me?

Sxyspike: I just found you again please don’t leave

BAS: You’re upset

Sxyspike: I have a right to be!

BAS: I never said you didn’t

Sxyspike: What’s your number, pet. I can’t bloody talk to you like this.

BAS: That’s not a good idea

Sxyspike: Why not?

BAS: Because it’s not

Sxyspike: You keep saying that, but you wont give me a good reason

BAS: I got to go

Sxyspike: PLEASE BUFFY

BAS: I’ll email you later when you’ve had a chance to calm down

Sxyspike: No, please. I won’t press you anymore. I promise

Sxyspike: I miss you

BAS: I miss you too.

Sxyspike: So where do we go from here?

BAS: Friends?

Sxyspike: I know my friends numbers

BAS: Spike, you promised

Sxyspike: I know what I promised, but the past two weeks have torn me up inside.

BAS: I’m sorry

Sxyspike: Friends you say?

BAS: If you want

Sxyspike: If you won’t give me anything else…Friends it is.

BAS: I really should be going

Sxyspike: Hard night of partying

BAS: Something like that. I’ve got to go.

Sxyspike: Please don’t let two weeks pass before you contact me again

BAS: OK, I’ll email you in the morning

Sxyspike: It’s technically morning right now J

BAS: Hardy Har Har

Sxyspike: Leaving, pet?

BAS: Yes, bye

Sxyspike: Night, love

BAS: Spike?

Sxyspike: Yes?

BAS: Don’t call me that

Sxyspike: Why?

BAS: Just don’t

Sxyspike: I’ll try

BAS: Bye

Sxyspike: Night

Spike sat back in his chair with a wicked grin on his face. She contacted him! He wasn’t feeling so depressed anymore even though he still didn’t get her number. But she was talking to him, that’s better than what he had an hour ago.

Present

He was currently in the parking lot with the five overpaid imbeciles that took him to a fancy restaurant that didn’t have one lunch dish below twenty dollars. Shaking his thoughts off, he followed them into the conference room. He glanced over to the office manager’s office and notice she was in. He long golden hair pooled around her bent head. He couldn’t see her face due to the wall of hair, but he certainly was intrigued. He started to walk towards her office to introduce him self when Mr. McNally stepped in front of him. “Mr. Bennett, we have another meeting right now. This way, sir.” Internally swearing, he moved back into the conference room with the door closing behind him.

Looking up from her papers, Elizabeth felt that someone was watching her. Shrugging the feeling off, she went back to the file she was studying.

William was leaving the conference room five minutes to five in hopes to catch up to the office manager. Popping his head into her door, he realized the lights were off and the office itself was empty. Noticing the different files and paperwork on her desk, he picked one up. There were various papers indicating competitors pricing, a contract, and lots of emails. Glancing through he realized she was dealing with a customer not happy with the price and finished product. Not wanting to mess up her work, he put the file back down. A picture off to the side caught his eye. Looking closely in the dimly lit room, he saw a young slip of a girl with long brown hair staring back at him. Her eyes spoke volumes. She looked vaguely familiar, but he chalked it up to his childhood memories. He walked out of her office and straight into Anya Jenkins, the accountant. “Mr. Bennett, what are you doing in that office?”

“Miss Jenkins is it?” At her nod he continued. “I was hoping to catch Ms. Summers today. Our paths seem to be missing each other.”

“Oh, well, she left about three today to take care of something personal.” Anya batted her eyelashes at him.

“I hope nothing serious.” He grinned she was coming on to him.

“Nothing more serious than her sister.”

“Nothing more serious?”

“Yes, her sister is quite a hellion with all the shop lifting and skipping school.”

“Sounds familiar. I know someone that is having the same problem with her sister.”

“Oh, girlfriend?”

“Something like that.”

“Oh.” Anya pouted. “Well, I better put these figures on her desk. Bye, Mr. Bennett.”

William walked out to his rented car and got in. Ms. Summers was definitely playing hard to catch, even if she didn’t know she was playing. Grinning to himself, he headed back to the hotel. Hopefully Buffy was online and would agree to have dinner with him.

Whistling, he opened the door to the hotel room and plopped down in front of his computer. Loosening his tie, he logged in. He opened up the instant messenger and started to type.

Sxyspike: Buffy?

BAS: No, It’s Dawn

Sxyspike: Hey there nibblet. How’s it hanging?

BAS: Not good. Buffy is making me do my homework before dinner. How unfair is that?

Sxyspike: Why is she making you do that?

BAS: I got caught skipping the last two periods today

Sxyspike: That’s not good!

BAS: They called Buffy at work and everything

Sxyspike: Where’s your sister?

BAS: Making dinner and a lot of noise

Sxyspike: LOL

BAS: She said you are in town

Sxyspike: That I am

BAS: That’s so cool. Are you two going to meet for coffee or something?

Sxyspike: I’m trying to convince your sister

BAS: That would be so cool

Sxyspike: Actually, I wanted to ask her out to dinner tonight

BAS: Please do! She can’t cook

Sxyspike: I would but I am talking to you

BAS: Oh by any means possible talk to her

Sxyspike: I don’t know your number

BAS: Oh I forgot about that

Sxyspike: So?

BAS: So what?

Sxyspike: Want to get in more trouble and give it to me?

BAS: Can I blame it on you and your charm?

Sxyspike: If you are going to give it to me, hell yes!

BAS: I don’t know

Sxyspike: STOP TEASING

BAS: But it is so fun!

Sxyspike: Give me the BLOODY number, nibblet

BAS: See that isn’t charm.

Sxyspike: Please? I’ll take your sister out to a nice restaurant and you can order pizza

BAS: You are singing my song now, Mr.

Sxyspike: so?

BAS: Buffy just walked in

Sxyspike: SHIT

BAS: Stop corrupting my sister

Sxyspike: Sorry

BAS: She’s supposed to be writing a paper

Sxyspike: Sorry L

BAS: Did I just read you trying to pry our phone number from my sister?

Sxyspike: Well yeah

BAS: You’re evil

Sxyspike: Well yeah

BAS: Insufferable

Sxyspike: So what do you say?

BAS: About what?

Sxyspike: Dinner!

BAS: I’m cooking

Sxyspike: And the fire department hasn’t arrived yet?

BAS: Shut up, bleach boy! I’ve got to get back to the kitchen

Sxyspike: Please?

BAS: I told you I am cooking

Sxyspike: So invite me over

BAS: EVIL

Sxyspike: Come on, you wouldn’t leave a lonely bloke like me lost in a big town like this, would you?

BAS: Yes

Sxyspike: You’re evil, not me

BAS: Only because you were corrupting my sister. Otherwise you would have gotten an invite

Sxyspike: Please? I’ll bat my pretty eyelashes.

BAS: Spike?

Sxyspike: Yes, pet

BAS: I’ve had a hard day today

Sxyspike: I heard you got called at work

BAS: Yes, had to leave early to take care of Dawn

Sxyspike: so you are saying I’m not getting an invite

BAS: Maybe tomorrow?

Sxyspike: I have a dinner to go to tomorrow

BAS: OH, well maybe Wed?

Sxyspike: When and where. I’ll even have bells on

BAS: You are so weird

Sxyspike: That’s why you love me

BAS: Uh huh… that must be why.

Sxyspike: I hear the smoke detector you better go

BAS: Bye, pig

Sitting back in his chair Spike smiled. He was wearing her down. She agreed to a meeting Wednesday. Stripping off the rest of his clothes, Spike went into the bathroom.

~*~*~

Tuesday morning, William dragged his body to Public Claim’s offices. Another day of fun filled meetings. Hopefully he could meet the office manager today. It was important to meet everyone before he made his final recommendations on how to handle the company and lay offs. He entered the offices at 7:35 and looked around. He carried the coffee he just bought and looked around. Most of the lights were off. The office staff wasn’t supposed to come in until 8:30: the perfect time to look around without prying eyes. Glancing around, he noticed that the office manager’s office was brightly lit and soft strains of music hit his ears. Smirking, he straightened his tie and strode to the office. He raised his hand to knock before he noticed the room was once again empty. Cursing, he walked down the hall. Passing the filing room, he heard a drawer close and a muffled female voice. Stopping, he knocked on the slightly open door. Jumping at the sound, Elizabeth almost dropped the file in her hands. William watched the young office manager turn around. She was wearing a shirt down to her knees and a white blouse. Her long golden hair was curled at the edges flipped as she turned. The face of an angel was revealed. Gasping, Elizabeth couldn’t believe her eyes… it was SPIKE!

“Hello there, you must be Elizabeth Summers. I am William Bennett from Omni Hype.” He extended his hand. Her eyes bugged out when she realized he didn’t recognize her. She brought up her slightly shaking hand and shook his hand. “Sorry for frightening you earlier, I just wanted to meet the elusive Ms. Summers.”

She couldn’t believe it. Well, she could. She changed quite a bit since her senior year in high school. Cordelia changed Buffy’s hair, clothes, make up. She changed everything on the outside. Buffy morphed into the woman that was professionally known as Elizabeth. Not many people could get a way with using her childhood nickname, but some still did. Glancing at him, Elizabeth grinned, too afraid that her smile would give her away. In a soft, steady tone she replied, “It’s nice to meet you Mr. Bennett. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

Chuckling, William took back his hand, “I hope only good things.”

She side stepped him out of the room and looked back. “You do know there is a rumor you are going to fire the staff?” She continued down to her office.

William followed the blonde beauty, “Don’t believe everything you hear, Ms. Summers.”

“Oh, I don’t. I just wanted you to know how the morale in the office is.”

“Really? Now how would you suggest that I handle that rumor?”

“Are you serious? You want to know how I think it should be done?”

“Of course, after all you single handedly improved office efficiency and decreased supply spending.”

“That wasn’t very hard, Mr. Bennett.” God, this was so weird! She fought a perpetual smile on her lips.

“Well, your predecessor couldn’t. I think you know the staff well enough to know how to handle them.”

“If you are serious about it, I’ll tell you. Mr. Bennett. I think that you should call a meeting of the whole staff and discuss it. If you are planning on laying off people, you should tell everyone and then have meetings with each employee personally. You can let those who are going to be laid off that they are and discuss the future of the company with the others.”

“Sounds like sound advice there.” Her phone began to ring.

“I better get this Mr. Bennett.”

“Very well, Ms. Summers. I look forward to our meeting.” With that William left her office. Glancing at the Caller ID, Elizabeth let out a sigh. That was one of the hardest things she ever had to do.

“Hey, Cordy.”

“How the fuck did you know it was me?”

“Caller ID.”

“OH, I wanted to call you. Guess who I saw this morning at the coffee shop?”

“Spike?”

“Yeah… how did you know?”

“Seems like he is my new boss.” Why didn’t she put two and two together? Spike coming to LA and a representative of the new company that bought hers was coming to LA the same time. Groaning, she hit her head with her hand.

“Oh my GOD, you aren’t serious.”

“As a heart attack, girl. He just walked in an introduced himself as William Bennett.”

“Oh my god. He didn’t recognize you, did he?”

“That’s the funny part no, he didn’t. I barely kept from laughing. I tried to disguise my voice, too. But I don’t know if that worked.”

“That’s fucking funny!” Buffy frowned. What would be his reaction when he realized that she was Buffy?

“How am I supposed to do this?”

“Do what?”

“He’s my fucking boss, Cordy.”

“So? He likes you. He still keeps in touch on a daily basis, I might add.”

“It wasn’t supposed to be this way.”

“What way?

“You told me all they wanted was a fling. He never wanted a fling. If I believed him back then, I wouldn’t be in this position.”

“Guess I was wrong.”

“Wrong, yeah. I’ll be out on my ass when he figures who I am.”

“No he won’t, he will be so glad to find you.”

“He’ll find out I lied to him about my age and stuff.”

“He’ll forgive you.”

“Yeah, and you’ve never been wrong.”

“Buffy, I’m sorry.”

“No, I am. It isn’t your fault. I just am going to have to dig myself out of it.” With that, she hung up. Time to face the music.

Elizabeth got up and headed down the hall to find Mr. Bennett. Hopefully he hasn’t put two and two together and found her out. She still had time. Finding him in Mr. Abrahm’s office, she cleared her throat. “Mr. Bennett, I would like a moment with you.” He looked up at the vision in front oh him, smiling he sat at the desk and indicated for her to sit. Shaking her head she said, “I’d rather stand, sir.” He nodded in consent and sat back in the chair. “I don’t know what you will think of me when I am finished speaking, but you must understand I never thought it would end this way. I am very sorry.” She fidgeted with her fingers and gauged her next words very carefully, “You see, sir, I never ever thought that… well… you would be here.” She was getting more and more anxious. She nibbled on her bottom lip. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.

“What is this about Ms. Summers? Did you do something?” He wanted to say did you steal?

“Yes, I did.”

“What did you do Ms. Summers.” Oh shit, he was afraid he was going to fire the amazing woman.

“I’m afraid I lied to you.”

“Lied to me? You aren’t Ms. Summers?”

“Um, no, I AM Miss Summers, but…” She was cut off my Anya Jenkins in the door.

“There you are Buffy.” Buffy closed her eyes when she heard it. All the muscles in her back tensed up as she turned towards Anya. Her face fell as she felt his eyes bore into her. Stepping back, Elizabeth went through the door and ran down the hall.

What? Huh? Buffy? OH MY GOD THAT WAS BUFFY!! How did he not see it?

William shot out of the chair and ran down the hall, looking for her. Finding her office empty, he continued to search to no avail. Elizabeth “Buffy” Summers has left the building.

A/n: yes this is a tiny chapter

She raced home. Luckily the traffic was going in the opposite direction and there were no cops out. Buffy ran up the steps and into the apartment. She called her boss, Mr. McNally while she was driving, explaining that she had a family emergency come up and couldn’t come to work. He took the excuse well enough and hoped she could get Dawn on the straight and narrow.

Buffy passed the answering machine and saw it blinking, hitting replay she stood and listened. “Buffy. Are you there? God damn it, pet, pick up!” Click. “Buffy? Are you there?” Click. Breathing a sigh of relief, Buffy went to go change. The best way to drown her sorrows was a big carton of chocolaty ice cream. After changing into her sweat shorts and t-shirt, Buffy grabbed her favorite comfort food and clicked on the television. Scanning the channels she noticed Montel, Jerry Springer, various court shows, and not much else. Sighing, the phone rang. She let the answering machine get it. “OK, pet. I am going to keep calling this number until I know you are all right. If you want me to stop calling, then pick up the BLOODY phone.”

“Um, hi!” She picked up the phone and spoke in.

“Thank god!”

“I’m ok, you can stop calling.”

“Don’t you dare hang up on me!”

“Mr. Bennett…”

“Don’t Mr. Bennett me!” She could hear the repressed anger in his voice.

“Spike…”

“That’s better.” His voice wasn’t as tight, but she could hear the strain still in his voice.

“I’m sorry. I never meant for this to happen.”

“I know. If you had your way you would have never let me have your phone number.”

“That’s not true…” There was a knock at the front door, probably a neighbor checking to see if she was OK.

“Yes it is and you know it.”

“I was trying to tell you… hold on there is someone at the door.” She stalked over to the door and peered out. It was Spike; well, it was Spike in a suit, which meant it was William Bennett. “You know I’m not letting you in.”

“You know you are.”

“No, go back to the office.”

“Not without you.” She looked through the peephole and saw his grimace.

“Spike, please…” She stepped away from the peephole. She couldn’t bear to see him right now.

“No, Buffy let me in right now or I swear I am going to break this door down.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Step away from the door, Buffy.”

“OK, OK… just don’t kick the door down.” She released the different locks and opened the door.

“Finally,” he stomped in the apartment and shut off his cell phone. “I’ve been bloody calling you for forty five minutes.” He watched her as she calmly closed the door and leaned her head against the wood.

“There were only two messages on the machine.” She said quietly.

“Doesn’t mean I wasn’t calling.” He looked around the room it looked comfortable and inviting, just like how he remembered her.

“I’m sorry,” she turned around to face him with tears running down her cheeks. “I never meant for you to find out that way.”

“You never meant for me to find out.” He went over to her and brought his hand up under her chin. The pain and guilt in her eyes was his undoing, “Sh, don’t cry. You don’t know what it does to me.”

“I was trying to tell you…” His thumb was catching her tears as they ran down her face.

“Sh, I know.” All Spike wanted to do was comfort this tiny woman he had come to love.

“I’m so sorry.” She collapsed in his arms. “I was going to meet you tomorrow, I was.”

“I know, kitten.” He picked her up and headed over to the couch.

“I didn’t mean…”

“I know that, luv. Sh.” He held her in his lap as she cried. “I’m going to take care of you. Sh.” He rocked them for minutes as her sobbing continued. “Never thought our reunion would be like this.” She snorted. “See I knew I could get a laugh.” He ran his hand up and down her back, soothing her. “The way I saw it was you were going to be in my arms crying out my name, not just crying.” Her sobs stopped and she peered up at him.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, luv.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“Why?” She disentangled herself from him and stood up.

“You know why.”

“No, I don’t, Buffy. Please tell me. Tell me anything.”

“I was trying to when Miss Big Mouth came in.” Buffy sat down next to him on the couch. The living room wasn’t very big and didn’t have many places to sit, just a couch and a chair that was filled with Dawn’s schoolbooks.

“How do you think I was going to react?” He reached for her hand and entangled their fingers.

She shrugged and looked down. “You know the funniest part? You didn’t even recognize me.” She peered at him with a glint in her eyes.

“Oi, pet! To my credit you didn’t have all that hair flowing down to there! And it wasn’t from a bottle either.”

“I can’t believe you just said that!” She slapped his shoulder.

“And the make up pet. Make you look totally different. I’m used to envisioning my natural princess.” She snorted. “Exactly.” She looked over at him and he looked at her. “So where do we go from here?”

Buffy looked like she was the deer caught in the headlights. “Friends?”

He shook his head, “No.”

“What?” She took her hand away from his.

“I will not be just another BLOODY friend to you, Buffy!”

“Spike, please…” Spike got up and started to pace. He was in bad need of a cigarette.

“How many times did I ask you… beg you… please give me a crumb? And, you never did. You wouldn’t give me your real name, Ms. Elizabeth Summers, or your address, or your phone number. Don’t please me now.”

“Spike, I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“No, you didn’t want to hurt yourself.”

“Ok, that may be true, but I still was thinking of you, too.”

“Were you thinking of me when you told me you were a senior is college instead of high school?”

“You caught that?”

“Of course, I did. I didn’t even know it was you but I memorized Elizabeth Summers fucking file. I was so impressed with this young woman who turned the office around with in a month. I know when you graduated high school, left college to help your mom and little sis. God, I should have put two and two together!”

“Are you going to fire me?”

“Are you daft?” Spike couldn’t believe his ears. “Didn’t you hear a bloody word I just said?”

Buffy stared at the angry man in front of her. “So what are you going to do?”

“What am I going to do?” Spike shook his head and stomped over to her. He kneeled in front of her and took her hands gently into his. “I’m going to love you,” he whispered before he kissed her mouth.

Leaning back, Buffy stopped the kiss before it barely started. “No!”

Sighing, Spike said, “What now?”

“No, we can’t do this. You’re my boss.” She stood up and walked away from him and into the kitchen.

Following her, “Technically, yes. I am above you,” he smirked, “but I am not your boss.”

“You have authority to fire people.” She looked away, leaning on the sink.

“Not normally. I wasn’t even supposed to come on this trip. The other VP stepped out at the last minute and I stepped in.” He stepped closer to her, resting his hands on her shoulders.

“Spike we can’t.” He caressed her shoulders and squeezed them.

He tugged on her so she would turn around, “Yes, we can.” As his mouth swooped down on hers, she parted her lips. Their tongues tentatively met, saying hello to each other again. She fully turned into his arms and wound her hands up to his shoulders. Spike picked Buffy up and set her on the counter. His hands explored her back as the kiss deepened even further.

Pulling away, Buffy breathed deeply, “So where do we go from here?”

“One step at a time, baby. One step at a time.” And their mouths met once more.

William called Mr. McNally and left a message that something came up and he would not be in the office today and cancel all his appointments and dinner that night. Spike was more than more than willing to look past her lies of five years ago as long as she discontinued the practice. Content that they overcame the first hurdle, the pair decided to live the day up. He convinced Buffy to change clothes once more and William escorted the young Ms. Summers to lunch. He insisted holding her hand in the crook of his elbow down from the door to her apartment down to his rented car. “A jaguar? Are you nuts in this neighborhood?”

He cocked his head to the side and raised his eyebrow, “I remember someone telling me she lived in a nice respectable neighborhood.”

She had the decency to look ashamed, caught at another lie. “I didn’t want you to worry. It’s a good neighborhood, I just don’t tempt fate.”

“All right, luv. I make sure next time I come here, it will be in an old Desoto.” He opened up her door and helped her in the low seat. Her sundress dipped precariously low and Spike took full advantaged and leered.

“Aren’t those classics?” she asked as he hopped in the other side and she did her buckle.

“Well, yeah, they are.” He smiled and turned the car on. “But nothing compares to the purr of this kitten.”

“I thought I was your kitten?” She fluttered her eyelashes and pouted.

“Awe, baby. You are my kitten but she’s a purring and you aren’t.”

“OK, you asked it. She’s a purring because you ‘turned her on,’ guess that’s the difference between the car and me.” She winked at him as he growled.

“Touché, luv. Touché.” Spike expertly slid the sleek car out on to the busy LA streets. “So where to?”

“I don’t know. You are the one that wanted to go out.” Buffy looked over at him. Her gaze looked with his and she inhaled deeply. Buffy couldn’t believe after five years, he still took her breath away.

“Let’s go eat. I grabbed coffee on my way in, but haven’t eaten anything.”

“I know,” he looked over at her and raised his eyebrow. “Remember that phone call this morning? It was Cordelia. Telling me she saw you.” He nodded and continued down the road.

“Where’s a good place to eat, pet?”

“Don’t know. Never am here during lunch and if I am, I usually eat at the park.”

“The park you say? Where?”

“About a mile ahead.” Spike followed her directions and they soon were walking in the heart of the park. Young children were playing as their caregivers watched. Buffy spotted her favorite hot dog stand and dragged Spike over. “This place has the best hot dogs in the LA area.”

“Hey there Elizabeth, like your usual?” The hot dog vender named Willie asked. He quickly fixed her dog and looked at Spike, “and what would your friend like?” Spike ordered his with lots of ketchup. After paying, the couple found a nice patch of grass overlooking a small pond. Spike spread out his suit jacket for Buffy to sit on. Thankful she didn’t have to sit on the grass, Buffy started to eat her hot dog.

“How long have you been coming here?” Spike watched Buffy watch the children feeding the ducks in the pond.

“I guess since we moved here. It was… an adjustment at first and this place reminded me of Sunnydale and my mom. I remember she used to take us to the beach and we would chase the seagulls and have a picnic.” Shaking her head from melancholy thoughts, Buffy turned her questions on him. “So how did Mr. Poor English Major become a rich, successful VP of an advertising firm?”

“Didn’t I tell you?” Spike laid down after finishing his hot dog. He played with a long strand of her hair as she finished hers. Buffy laid back, propped up by one elbow, looking at him.

“I don’t remember. I remember at first I tried to forget about personal information, afraid I would try to track you down. I knew you worked in Chicago and you told me you got promotions, but I don’t remember you telling me you worked in advertising.”

He grunted. “After I graduated, I got a job as a copy editor at Omni Hype. I went over their advertising dialog and paper material. I guess I impressed the right people and I worked my way up the ranks. The company was looking for a couple smart people to fill positions vacated from retirees.” He shrugged. “I was in the right place and the right time when it came to this job. I am head of their proofing and editing departments among a couple other things, but it’s a pretty cushy job.” He twirled her hair around his fingers as he talked. “Darla, another VP was supposed to come, but something came up at the last minute for her. I’ve only been in this position for a few weeks so the low man on the totem pole got to step in. But, believe me, I wouldn’t trade it in for the world. I would have never tracked down my golden princess.” She scoffed. “What, you are! I never called you that before?”

“I must admit you haven’t.”

“So which is it: love or princess?”

“You mean which one can you call me?”

“Yeah.”

“Neither.”

“Luv…” He brought his hand up to cup her cheek and scooted closer.

“Spike!”

“Then princess it is.” He tugged on her head and moved his closer. Buffy licked her lips as they neared. “Do you have any idea what you do to me?” She smiled and licked her lips again. “Oh yeah, do it again baby!” Her lips parted simultaneously as his brushed up against hers. His tongue lapped at the edge of her lips, encouraging hers to engage in the small erotic play. Grabbing his neck, Buffy deepened the kiss and ran her tongue at the top of his mouth. He groaned and chased her tongue back. Spike slid his hands up the back of her dress, drawing her closer yet. Buffy brought her hands down to his chest and push a little. In return, Spike settled his hands on her waist and pulled. Pushing harder, Buffy achieved an inch of space between their heads. Disappointed with the lack of lip lock, Spike moved to capture hers again. She saw him moving closer and arched back, thrusting her breasts into his chest. “Oh my princess wants to play?” Spike surged back and bumped his lower portion on her.

Buffy’s eyes widened as she realized that Spike was being affected by their kissing and was indeed fully aroused. “Spike, not here,” she whispered. Spike lifted his head and peered around. The children and the pond were now playing on near by swings.

“Guess not the place, huh, pet?” She shook her head. “Let’s go back to your place.” He sat up and winced. His erect cock, straining against his pants. Shimmying, he repositioned it so it was at least lying flat and not bulging.

Spike looked over at Buffy and she shook her head. “Let’s stay here and watch the clouds.” Buffy laid on her back and peered up at the blue sky. His mouth opened and closed like a gapping fish. Buffy looked over with a bemused look, “What?”

“What? She asks what? I’m having a little bit of a problem here.” He gestured towards his pants.

“Spike, let’s just enjoy the afternoon.”

“Enjoy the afternoon?” He repeated. “I know a great way to enjoy the afternoon, it involves me, you, and a nice soft bed.” His hand caressed her shoulder.

“Spike, as tempting,” she licked her lips and looked down at his member, “maybe we should take it slow.”

“How bloody slow do you want to take it? It’s been over five years!” Any lust Spike was feeling just went out the window.

“Spike…”

“Don’t do this to me, pet.” He looked into her eyes and whispered, “Don’t do this to us.”

“Spike…” Why wouldn’t he let her get a word in edgewise?

“Buffy…” Why is she doing this?

“You’re my boss.”

“Buffy…”

“Spike, you are. You can deny it all you want. But this is wr…”

“Don’t you dare say it, pet.”

“Spike, it’s true.”

He looked straight into her eyes, “Fine, you are fired.”

Chapter 12

Buffy looked at Spike, she couldn’t believe what he just said.  “W-what did you just say?”  Her eyes blinked a couple of times, trying to digest the bomb her just placed in her lap.

“I said it was simple, you’re fired.”

“Because I won’t sleep with you?”  He had nerve!  Hope he has some in his balls because she was about to rip those off.

“No… Buffy you tell me it’s wrong because I’m your boss,” his eyes danced with light,  “so I rectify that situation and you’re mad at me.”  Her eyes widened when she finally understood him.

“Oh, you fucking dick head!  I thought you were serious!”  He got on her knees and started to slap his chest. 

After the first couple blows, Spike tried to grab her wrists.  Seeing him retaliate, Buffy straddled his waist to get better leverage.  Grinning from ear to ear, Spike let Buffy climb on top of him and continue to hit him.  His hands rested under his head as he watched his fiery Buffy tire herself out.  After three more blows, Buffy looked down and see the wicked grin and his hands behind his head.  “Go on, pet.  Tire yourself out.  Makes it easier for me.”  He lifted his pelvis up and hit her ass, accentuating his point.

Buffy thought, he wants to play?  I’ll give him playtime.  She slipped off her shoes while he was watching her face and she brought her hands closer to his chest.  Instead of a slap, she caressed his chest and ground down on his popping erection.  “OH, baby you won’t know the definition of tiring until I’m done with you.”  Hopping up, Buffy ran down to the lake and towards the other side.  Jolting up, Spike watched her look back and laughed.

He sprung up and chased after her.  Buffy ran up to the jungle gym, putting the massive structure between her and him.  She climbed up the ladder and through the different passageways before he even got close to the structure.  “Buffy,” GOD, his voice was sexy.  “Come on down.  I promise not to hurt you.”  MUCH.

Her head popped out about five feet from where he was standing.  “Come on and get me.”

Spike looked to where her head was, but now it disappeared.  Sighing, he climbed into the jungle gym.  “Oi, pet.  Come on.  Your shoes are back on the grass.  I’m going to hold them for ransom.”  He carefully stalked his prey.  Convinced he found her he hopped up to the next level intent on scaring her, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Buffy watched as he hopped up, expecting to see her.  She came from her hiding place and tugged on his shoe.  She ran off when it slipped off.  “Ewe, someone needs odor eaters.  I have your shoe for ransom now.  Whatcha going to do about it, big bad?”

Growling at his missing shoe, he backed tracked down a level to look for her.  Glancing around he saw her retreating form glide past and hop into the covered coil slide.  He launched himself over and grabbed the fireman’s pole that was about three feet from where the slide opened up to.  Spike made it down first practically jumping down from the second layer of the jungle gym.  He listened to her in the slide.  She was stuck.  “Pet, need some help?”  He looked up the tube and saw her bare feet (what cute feet, they were) and legs struggle to get out.  Her upper body was squeezed around the coil.

“Ahh.  Damsel in distress here!”  Buffy was frustrated.  This was supposed to be a quick get away.  She was going to pick up her shoes and taunt him.  Instead, she felt his fingers grab hold of her ankle and tug.  Her dress scooted up, revealing her panties, Spike grinned and licked his lips.  “Wait!”  He stopped tugging, watching her ass was enough for him.  His fingers gentle caressed the inside of her ankle as she struggled in the slide.  Her stomach was now viewable and his shoe was resting right there.  He watched as her hands came down and adjusted the dress, covering her up again.

“Awe, come on, pet!  That isn’t nice!”  He pouted and started to tug again.  Her whole body came through the end of the tube.  Thankful to get outside, Buffy forgot about his shoe in her lap.  He grabbed it and ran off to retrieve her shoes.  Laughing behind him, she chased him all the way to the car. 

Chapter 13:

Dawn walked up to the apartment slowly.  The principal checked on her every class period and watched her go from class to class with an evil eye.  She didn’t even get a chance to talk to Conner between classes because the principal would interrupt.  She slid her key into the door and turned it.  She thought to herself, strange, the door is unlocked.  Carefully stepping in she heard her sister giggle and a male voice, not Riley’s, laugh along with her.  She crept around the corner and watched her sister wave a spatula in the air at some man.  He was sitting on the kitchen counter.  His short, curly hair was bleached blonde, almost white.  He was wearing dark suit pants and a rumbled white shirt.  His tie and suit jacket were flung carelessly on a nearby chair.

“Shut up, bleach boy.  I am a good cook.”

His deep timber sounded like a waterfall.  “Pet, I’ve heard enough about you and your cooking to last me a life time. We can just go out.”  Dawn knew immediately who the sex guy was.  “SPIIIIIKE!”  She launched herself at his body.

Spike hopped down from the counter as the younger Summers’ sister flew through the air.  He looked over at Buffy and she just smiled.  “Dawn, is that you?”  His arms wrapped around her as they hugged.

“What did Buffy give you our address?”  Dawn looked over at her sister, promising a reprimand for no warning.

“She didn’t.”  Spike shrugged and winked.

“Then how? Why?”  Dawn looked dumb founded.

“Seems your sis here works at the same company I came to visit.”  Dawn’s eyes bulged and she laughed.

“OH MY GOD!  I’ve got to call Janice!”  Dawn ran down the hallway into her room to call her friend.  Spike stepped up next to Buffy and took the spatula away.

His arms wrapped around her and they swayed to silent music.  Her head rested on his shoulder, enjoying the moment.  “What do you say, princess?  Dinner and a movie?”

She was about to give her consent when Dawn bounced back into the room.  “Oh my god, you two are soooooo cute.”  They stepped apart from each other.  “Please tell me that you aren’t going to subject Spike to the tortures of your cooking.”  Dawn smirked and Buffy frowned.

Stepping in, Spike put his hands up.  I was just asking your sis here to go out to dinner.  Want to join us?”  Spike looked at the younger Summers’ sister.

“I can’t.  I promise Janice I would go over.”  Dawn looked apologetically at him and then turned towards Buffy, “So is it alright?”

“Is what alright?”

“Me sleeping over at Janice’s.”

“Absolutely not, it’s a school night!”  Spike watched as the two stood off.  On one hand, if Dawn slept some place else, he might be able to sleep here.   On the other hand, it was a school night and good little girls, Dawn wasn’t, should be tucked in their own beds.

“Buffy!”

“Dawn!”

“Please?”

“Did you finish your homework?”

“During detention.”

“Are you telling me the truth?”  Buffy walked up and looked Dawn straight in the eye.

“Go ask Snyder.”  Dawn rolled her eyes and Buffy looked over at Spike.  He raised an eyebrow and smirked as she bit her bottom lip.

“How about you go out with us for dinner and we drop you off at Janice’s place.”

“Sqeeeeeeee!”  Dawn hugged her sister and danced around.  “Let me call her and let her know.  Then I need to pack, get my books for tomorrow, and…” She trailed off down the hallway listing stuff she still needed.

“That was very generous of you, princess.”  Spike came up behind Buffy and wrapped his arms around her waist.  His head rested on top of hers as they watched Dawn sprint back and forth between rooms.

~*~*~

Spike and Buffy were walking into the dark apartment.  Dinner was good.  They just dropped Dawn over at Janice’s.  Sitting on the couch, Buffy looked over at Spike.  With a leer and a tongue twist Spike pounced on her.  His mouth was near her ear, “I want you.”

“Spike,” she breathed.  His lips trailed a moist path down to her lips.  She truly felt on fire everywhere Spike touched.  Her back, the path he trailed from her ear to the other, her shoulders where his hands currently massaged.  “I want you, too.”  Spike stood up and carried Buffy back to her room.  He kicked the door open and deposited the squirming woman on the bed.  She scooted up to the headboard as he crawled up towards her.  His mouth found hers as they started their journey.  Breathing hard due to their erotic emotions and actions, Buffy pulled away.  “Spike, Oh my god.  I missed you.”

“And I you, pet.  Now come back here.”  Fumbling of clothing and coordination of appendages made an awkward play.  Ready to explore further, Spike remembered he had no protection.  Mentally kicking himself, Spike asked, “Don’t suppose you are on the pill, yeah?”  One look in her eye told him the answer.

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