Chapter 7

Buffy parked the bike and watched as Spike did the same. She climbed off her bike, walking over to him. He was busy playing with the bike's features, much like a young boy with a new toy; she smirked at him as he leaned back to examine the saddlebags attached on either side of the bike.

"Spike?" she began, as she climbed on the bike facing him, reaching out with both hands to feel his perfect chest and torso. He pretended to ignore her, appearing to be fascinated with the features of the bike. Impatient, Buffy stood, bracing her feet on the foot rests and began sucking on the exposed skin of his neck, occasionally flicking it with her tongue, tasting him before sucking it back into her mouth. She pressed her chest against him and grinned into his neck when she felt his hands on her hips pulling her closer to him. He pulled away from her mouth only to catch it with his own. When they were both breathless, they pulled away to stare into each other's eyes.

"Never gonna make it inside doing that, pet."

"Umm, you're right," she mumbled, kissing his neck again, "must stop, go inside."

He laughed, "Your mates are gonna think I have done something terrible to you."

"You have," turning her attention to the other side of his neck, "wicked, lascivious things."

"Wicked, lascivious things, eh? Baby, I'll show you wicked and lascivious right here on this bike in if you don't stop."

She pulled away from him with a wicked grin. "Now that is tempting, you had to think of that now that we're in my driveway with a house full of people?" she teased.

He snaked his arms around her, pulling her across his lap so she faced him on the bike. She started to say something, but was cut off by his lips as he crushed them against hers. He traced her lips with his tongue, and she responded in turn, flicking her tongue out to meet his. Her hands reaching under his coat to feel his biceps flexing as he struggled to get closer to her on the bike. He leaned back on the bike the slight adjustment in position causing her to slide down his thighs bringing them closer together. She pulled away from the kiss and watched him as she ground her hips against his.

"What did you say about getting wicked on the bike?" she asked with a naughty smirk on her face. "Is this what you had in mind?" she said with a deliberately innocent look on her face.

"Not even close, luv."

She gave him a little pout, and slipped out of her jacket, inwardly she got a little rush at the look of approval he was giving her as he raked his eyes over her body. She pressed her body against his, and placed a sucking kiss on his neck before she whispered in his ear, "So are you going to show me what you meant, are all you all talk?"

He growled at that, pushing her away from him so that her back rested between the handlebars of the bike. He attacked the skin exposed on her stomach with his mouth sucking on it and licking it while she writhed underneath him. He pushed the material over her breasts until he found the treasure he sought. He sucked one nipple into his mouth nipping it between his teeth then sucking harder, he flicked at it with his tongue the bit it harder, and smiled as she moaned his name in pleasure. He let the fingers of his other hand stroke the bare skin of her side with the slightest of touches causing her to arch closer to him. He pushed his hips forward to grind against her mound as he pulled his mouth away from her breast to watch her face.

"Buffy…" his voiced trailed off as her hands were pulling at his jeans. The buttons gave way and his eyes rolled back in his head as her hand firmly closed around him squeezing gently before stroke the length him.

"Is this why they call you Spike?" She asked quietly. He tried to answer her, but was unable to form the words as she increased her tempo. She leaned closer to him, and whispered, "Scoot back, Spike." He did as she asked sliding back as far as he could on the bike, she pushed his jacket off then unbuttoned his shirt pushing it aside as she ran her fingertips across his chest. She smiled appreciatively at his body.

So perfect. His skin is like alabaster.

She couldn't resist the urge to taste him. She began at his neck tracing the blue veins that shone through his skin. He groaned. She traced one nipple with her tongue before biting then sucking it into her mouth to tease it with quick swirls of her tongue. He pulled at her hips trying to draw her closer to him, but she pushed his hands away. She kissed lower teasing his belly button with her tongue, before lapping at the head of his cock twitching beneath her.

He hissed at the sensation. She shushed him then sucked him into her mouth. Spike gritted his teeth. This was not the plan. She sucked harder taking him into her throat making a humming sound, the vibrations nearly sending him over the edge. She picked up on his reaction immediately and repeated the sound. She felt his hands in her hair and relaxed her throat, it was like they knew what the other was going to do next, he thrust his hips, and called out her name as he slid further down her throat. She fondled his balls with one hand as she sucked her way up and down his cock, humming quietly, savoring the taste of him, then working her way back to the tip.

She held him in her hand as she sucked on his tip. Then releasing him, she commanded, "I want you to come for me now."

Spike's eyes fell on the mass of gold hair that descended on him, sucking him deeper and deeper then moving away to tease and nip at him with her tongue and teeth. She looked up at him, with his cock in her mouth and he came as she again sucked him to the back of her throat. She lapped at him a final time before tucking him back into his jeans.

"Commando, huh?" she snickered.

"Is there any other way, pet?" she laughed but was silenced when his lips grazed against her neck.

"That wasn't quite fair, luv," his tenor low and sexy, his voice trailed off as he sucked on her collarbone. One hand slipped under her sweater to tease a breast while the other pulled her closer to him, he kissed her again, this time with force, his lips possessive, demanding, his tongue swirling through her mouth setting her on fire. She let out a breathy moan, as he pinched her nipple.

"You are so hot. You're all I've thought about since I first saw you."

She groaned, as she felt her panties get wetter at the sound of his voice. I bet I could get off just listening to him talk. "Again with the talking."

"It's you. You get me so hard- you are so beautiful- I just have to let you know what you do to me.- What I want to do to you."

"What do you want to do to me?" she drew another long slow breath as she felt his hand rest on her thigh, his thumb pressing on her clit through her jeans tracing it gently in a small circle motion.

" I want to feel your hot little body all around me while I suck on these gorgeous titties. I want to take you on this bike and give you the ride of your life, pounding into your tight little quim until you scream my name and beg me to do it just a little bit more." Her head fell back and he took the opportunity to suck on her neck, while his hand loosened the tie on her jeans then slipped in to tease her clit directly.

"You are so wet, luv." she grunted in response. " I want to be inside you, feel your slick excitement coating me from the inside out. Oh yeah, I want to feel you cum, clamping down on my cock so hard that I can't move. I want to hear you want me so much that you beg in incoherent words before I give in an make love to you for hours until we both pass out from exhaustion and complete pleasure." He slipped a finger inside her, he could tell she was close at the quivering of the muscles around his finger, he moved it slowly in and out of her tight passage, groaning at his own desire to be inside her. "I want to taste you. I want to feel your thighs wrapped around my head while I suck your clit, bringing to the edge, then backing off over and over for hours, when I finally take you over the edge you nearly black out with the intense pleasure." She looked into his eyes.

"Please." was all she managed to squeak out. He smiled at her and increased his tempo. She began to struggle against him, pushing her jeans further down her thighs then pulling at his jeans trying to push them away.

"Spike, need you now, please." She was desperate to have him inside her, but Spike gently pushed her hands away.

"Shhhh luv, not now, come on baby, your so close, you can have what you need right now, just let go." he kissed her hard, then stood slightly bending down he licked her navel ring. She scooted higher on the back giving him more room to maneuver.

"Very sexy." he mumbled, giving it a last lick, then raising his eyes to see her panting as she draped her arms over the handle bars spread out for him. He slipped a second finger inside her as he sucked her clit between his lips hard, stroking it with firm quick swipes with the tip of his tongue. She screamed at the sensation and clamped down on his fingers with such force that he couldn't move. He stroked her with light flicks of his tongue as she thrashed underneath him. He sat back down and pulled her limp body against his chest as he laid back on the bike, his fingers lightly stroking her back, smiling at the contented little purrs escaping her lips.

"You alright, luv?"

"mmmhmm."

He laughed, and moved to stand up. "Come on little bit, better go inside."

She groaned in protest. "I don't think my legs work. You broke me. They are all shaky."

He leaned in, whispering wickedly in her, "that's a sure sign I did everything right, pet."

He followed her, reaching out to catch her arm and turn her back to face him, crushing her mouth to his before letting her go. Her heart pounded in her chest as she returned his kiss. She had never before in her life felt so well kissed. She didn't even know it was possible to feel well kissed. When he kissed her, it felt like he wasn't holding anything back, that they were well matched in every way. It was as if their souls already knew each other and every thing else was cursory knowledge. ********* "Hey Buffy, did you get lost or something?" Willow snarked as they entered the house. She smirked as she noticed her friend's swollen lips and what appeared to be a hickey partially concealed by her jacket's collar.

"Hey Wills, it's pretty quiet, I expected the party would still be raging," Buffy inquired as she sat on the barstool next to Willow. "They're still in the pool, I think. Except Oz, he's taking a shower." Willow blushed slightly.

'Hmm, Willow getting all-red-in-the-face just saying Oz, guess I'm nott the only one acting all crazy.'

"Spike…" Buffy, said softly, shaking him. He groaned, wrapping an arm around her, pulling her against his chest.

She tried again, "Spike, you need to wake up." He rolled over, turning his back to her, pulling the comforter tighter around him and mumbling something she couldn't quite make out. She sighed, temporarily defeated and crawled out of the bed. She went to her closet and pulled out fresh jeans and a light sweater. Without thinking, she pulled off her pajama pants and turned on the CD player. She jumped a little when she heard his voice.

"Now that is a sight worth waking up for." Sleep still audible in his voice, he was smiling appreciatively at Buffy standing in her closet with her back to him, wearing nothing but pink satin panties and the tank top she had slept in.

"Now you wake up. I've been trying to wake you up for thirty minutes," she said as she pulled on her jeans.

"I missed you, had to wake up to see where you went."

"Sorry, I have to go."

"Go? Go where?"

"Gez, whiny much Spike? I have to study, I've got two finals tomorrow."

"Um, not whiny. Just tired. Finals? Tomorrow? What about work tonight?"

"I got someone to cover tonight so I could study."

She sat down on the bed next to him, running her fingers through the curls on his head, thinking how much more she liked his hair like that. Before there were no curls, just a hint of waves, slicked back with gel. Her fingers moved from his hair to his face, tracing his cheekbones and jaw. His eyes closed as he relished her touch. Her fingers moved over his lips, 'so perfect, so kissable, I could kiss him for days;'she replaced her fingers with her lips, kissing him gently before standing up and pulling on her sweater.

Spike was amazed. Her touch wasn't tentative, but full of confidence, and it made him even more attracted to her. She wasn't ashamed or embarrassed, she was comfortable with who she was and the decisions that she had made. Spike was certain he had never met anyone like her.

"What time will you be done tomorrow?"

"Around 9."

"Did I understand that we have Monday through Wednesday off?"

"Yeah, the bar is 'dark' on Mondays and Tuesdays, and I guess since the Coyotes are off Wednesdays, Faith is letting you guys off too."

"I'm a little confused. If the Coyotes are off Wednesday, who is running the bar?"

She laughed, "Sorry, thought you understood last night, there are the lesser Coyotes or the 'pups' and then there are THE Coyotes, an honor reserved for only the hottest, popular, toughest, veterans which include Willow, Anya, Tara, and myself. Wednesdays are for the lesser Coyotes. We work every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and most Thursdays. We work when the casino is the busiest."

He smirked, giving her an 'are you shitting me?' look.

"I know, it is bizarre, but that is how it is done, better to just shrug your shoulders and move on, besides the money is great."

"You think you might be up to going out after your test tomorrow night or I could arrange a late dinner for us when you are done? Whatever you like, I want to see you."

She smiled, "Oh I think we can figure something out."

Chapter 8

"Hey Wills, anything left to eat?" Buffy asked as she bounced into the kitchen. Willow smiled at her, noticing Buffy's relaxed and rather happy demeanor, a rare thing during the days prior to finals. Normally during finals week, Buffy was wound so tight that anyone who knew her stayed far away, only speaking to her when absolutely necessary. She guessed a certain bleach blonde was responsible for the unexpected pleasantness and made a mental note to personally thank him later.

Willow and Buffy had been best friends since she had moved to Vegas at the beginning of their sophomore year of high school. They had been through a lot together over the years and were as close as sisters. She was one of the few people in her life that accepted her unconditionally and Willow cherished their friendship. She was thrilled to see what appeared to be a new glow to her friend's face and was eager to have a girl's gossip night to catch up on the latest events. She knew Tara and Anya had plenty to dish, she had gotten an eye full of Anya and Mike the night before in the hot tub. She and Oz had quickly fled back in to the house when they realized that Anya's cries were not for help. She couldn't wait to harass her brazen friend about it.

Afterwards, her and Oz joined Tara and Jonathan in the den playing pool until Xander and Faith had arrived with some other security guys from the bar. Everyone had a good time, dancing and drinking until dawn. She really liked Oz. He didn't have a lot to say, but it wasn't awkward, which was pretty cool. Any other time, it might have turned her off, but with Oz she had felt comfortable, and just one look from him had her contemplating how his lips would feel against hers. She didn't have to wonder for long though, he had taken her quite by surprise with a kiss that strangely combined tenderness, passion, and possessiveness all at the same time. It had been a long time since she had thought of a guy as 'boyfriend' material, but this guy, on kissability alone was a contender. It didn't hurt that Xander liked him too. Her and Xander had been best friends since kindergarten, and dating anyone without the Xander Harris stamp of approval was certainly doomed to a horrific, swift end.

Willow was what Buffy described as 'scary smart', the stereotypical geeky smart girl in high school. Going to college had been a liberating experience for her, no longer was she despised for being intelligent but sought after because she was brilliant. She had finished her bachelor's degree in a mere three years and her master's in eighteen months. She had flourished during that time, discovering talents she had no idea existed. She had been badgered into auditioning for a position at Coyote Ugly, never expecting to make it to the second day. But Lil, the woman who had established the first Coyote Ugly in New York and Faith, her handpicked protégé, had been convinced that she had just what it took to be a Coyote if she could just get past her shyness and let the "tough-bitchy-vixen-Willow-within" out. They had been right.

She loved working at the bar. She could be anything she wanted there. She didn't have to work there anymore. She had plenty of freelance computer consulting work coming in, but she didn't want to quit the bar yet. She got paid to dance at one of the most popular nightspots on the strip with her best friends. What could be better? Faith wanted to keep all of them as long as possible so she was flexible about letting her take off when she had some deadline coming up, so she stayed. She socked the money she made away in CDs and stocks, with the help of Anya.

Everything Anya touched seemed to turn to gold. She got her first taste of it helping Buffy sort through her mother's estate, since then she had been making investments for herself and a few 'key clients' as she described them. In truth, Anya had no financial need to work at the bar either. She too did it because it was fun, and it afforded her time well spent with her friends. Anya had a reputation for bluntness, or rudeness depending on who you asked, ironically it served her well at the bar, she was one of the most popular Coyotes. Many long nights had been devoted to solely to the philosophical ramifications of that truth. Do men secretly like being treated like children? Or was it Anya's directness that turned them on? They hadn't really decided, but it made for great discussion nonetheless.

Living in Buffy's house had helped all of them immensely, allowing each one to save a great deal of money, but she didn't kid herself. Eventually, this would all change. One by one, they would move on to the next phase of their lives. She predicted it would be shortly after Buffy finished school. She knew she had offers in California, Reno, and even Washington, as well as offers to manage several upcoming campaigns. She had no idea which direction Buffy would go in, she wasn't sure Buffy knew yet. In any case, eventually, at least she hoped, they would each find a mate and move on to pursue careers and families.

She turned her attention back to Buffy who had been joined by Spike. The pair was teasing each other as they prepared enormous sandwiches and made plans for the next day. She sensed something between them that she had never seen before, at least not coming from Buffy. Sparks were flying between the two of them, she suspected that the temperature of the room had increased at least five degrees when Spike had sauntered in wrapping his arms around Buffy's waist, kissing her neck. She could hardly wait to hear all the dirty little details. Buffy had been exempt from their weekly smut-fests for far too long, this week she would be front and center with the dish!

She excused herself when Buffy and Spike sat down to eat and headed up stairs in search of Oz. He had asked if he could use her computer, wanting to commit some new lyrics to paper before he forgot them. She found him still at the computer with a satisfied grin on his face.

"I guess the song muse is being rather generous today," she said softly.

Oz smiled at her, "Nah, I just met this incredible girl who inspires me to greatness."

"Really, who's the wench, I'll kick her ass," Willow teased as she sat down on his lap in his waiting arms.

"Ooh, a tough girl with a streak of jealousy. Guess it's true what they say about redheads."

"What, that we have fiery tempers, you better believe it."

"No worries Red, you are all the inspiration a guy could ever want."

"Aw, that is so sweet."

"I'll show you sweet," he mumbled as he crushed his lips against hers.

Tara was cleaning up the aftermath of the night before. She was the newest member of the 'Scoobie gang' as they affectionately called themselves. The others had been together since high school, she had met them when as a freshman in college she took a part-time job working at the gallery Buffy's mom and Giles owned. She was by far the most introverted of the bunch and she often marveled that she had ever fit in their little club at all. The group had officially adopted her after Buffy's mom had died, and she often thought she was there to fill the mother role that they each lacked. That was fine with her. She relished the role of confidant or when it was needed the voice of reason. Those attributes came naturally to her, she was earthy and spiritual.

She had visited many universities, but the moment she set foot in Vegas she knew this was where she was to be. The desert whispered to her, beckoned her to come near, and she couldn't resist the call. Working at the bar was an exercise in stretching herself, and most of the time she was not at all comfortable with it. It had however, paid for school and kept her in supplies. She was an artist, well on her way to being recognized as a master potter.

When Giles had learned of her interest in pottery had immediately established himself as her mentor/benefactor. When she had moved into Buffy's house Giles surprised her by setting up a studio and kiln in the second apartment. Her relationship with Giles constantly confounded her. He was so kind to her and generous, but more than that, she could tell he respected her. He didn't see any point to her working at the bar, and more and more she was inclined to agree with him. She had subtly been phasing herself out, volunteering to work the kiosk outside the bar or the pump. She was trying to workup the nerve to tell the gang she was done. Giles had offered her a full time position at the gallery, and many of her pieces had sold, money was becoming less and less of an enticement to stay. She was afraid they would take it badly when she quit.

On some level everyone, with maybe the exception of Xander, knew it was coming, maybe not specifically her quitting, but for all of them, each of them was desperately trying to hold on to that last vestige of youth; the illusion of forever young and beautiful. But they weren't 21 anymore, and the new possibilities that were looming on the horizon were becoming harder for them to resist.

The night before had been fun. Jonathan was sweet and she knew all of her friends were hopeful that they would hook up. She didn't have the heart to tell them that she would not likely be hooking up with anyone. She was in love with Giles. It was ludicrous and she knew it. He had no clue. If he ever once in the briefest of moments ever had considered her, he most certainly had dismissed the notion as obscene. It would not be proper, he could as well been her father, and propriety was 'of absolute importance' to the Englishman. She smiled as she thought of him with his overly formal mannerisms and clipped speech. That's probably why I instantly liked Spike, he reminds me of Giles. She didn't know if she would be able to keep her feelings for Giles secret for much longer. Every Wednesday the girls had a weekly gossipfest. This week was sure to be revealing. They all knew Jonathan was showing an interest in her, they would call her out for not giving him a chance. She would probably have to tell them. She hoped everyone would be too interested in the prospect of Buffy in a relationship that she would be overlooked. Keep dreaming sweetie. Buffy is going to do everything she can to divert the Anya-inquisition, she will call you out just get a break.

"Hey Tara, did everyone leave?" Xander sat down on the couch opening a bottle of water.

"Yeah, Buffy went to the library to study, and Willow and Anya took the guys back to the hotel, except Spike, he took Buffy's motorcycle back."

"Oh my, she let him take the Softail unsupervised? This is serious. Angel never got to take the bike unsupervised," Xander was mildly stunned.

"She lets you take it whenever."

"Well, yeah, but I change the oil, take care of the tires, you know, do all the things her brother would do- you know, if she had one."

"Oh"

"Man, Angel is gonna be ten kinds of bent if he sees Spike on that bike. He thinks it is his."

"Yeah, well he thinks Buffy is his too, and we all know how close to reality that is."

"Still, my money is on nasty scene when brood-boy finds out. Hope Spike kicks his whiny ass!"

"Not nice Xander."

"Strangely, nice is something I have rarely been accused of…."

"And you are proud of this, why again?"

"Valid lifestyle choice, move on. Besides, I really came in for the weather report."

Tara laughed. "and by weather report I'm assuming you mean Buffy?"

"You assume correctly, how is hurricane Buffy? Small craft advisories in effect? Impending evacuation? Or do we assume crash positions?"

"Actually, she was really relaxed this morning. Refreshingly calm. Didn't yell at Anya once. We aren't sure if we should thank Spike or pulling him aside warn him."

"Nah, more fun if you don't. If he can't handle hurricane Buffy there is no point. Better to find out sooner rather than later." Xander laughed. He loved Buffy, he really did. Even so, he was utterly terrified of stressed-out-week-of-finals-Buffy.

"That's a good point I guess."

"So where was the Buffmeister and the bleached wonder last night anyway?"

"No one really knows. She flew out of here in a hurry mid-afternoon."

"Oh," Xander thought on that for a second and decided to move on, "Willow and Oz seemed friendly. Not as friendly as Anya and Mike, but friendly."

"I thought so too. She was all blushy face this afternoon when he would look at her. I think she has a big case of the 'likes'. Hey, what's the deal with you and Faith?"

"The usual, she bosses me around, toys with me, uses me, while I submit, unable to resist the possibility of hot, dirty sex."

Tara shook her head in disbelief. Sometimes the basis of Xander's decision making was enough to send her weeping for the future of mankind if he was at all representative of the men of his generation.

It was late afternoon when the members of Slayer convened for rehearsal. Mike and Jonathan were discussing the previous evening while Oz was trying to put music to the lyrics he had written at Buffy's. Mike and Jonathan had known each other since they were kids. They couldn't be more different. Mike has an outgoing-happy-go-lucky kind of guy, and he never lacked the attention of women. Jonathan on the other hand was introverted and thoughtful. He tended to be overly cautious, the voice of sanity amid the chaos. When people would actually ask the question-that everyone was undoubtedly thinking: "How have to two of you remained friends so long?"

Mike would dead-pan, he needed a designated driver, Jonathan was his for life. Jonathan didn't really mind, Mike kept things interesting, and he accepted him how he was. Besides, he introduced him to music, and playing with the band on stage allowed him to escape his persona, free to explore other identities. Mike had been going on since Anya and Willow had dropped them off about Anya.

"Jonathan?"

"Hmm?"

"What do you think of Anya?"

"I dunno…"

"I've never met anyone quite like her. She is so direct. So blunt. Almost tactless."

"Mmmhmm."

"She is damn bossy in bed, too," Mike whined.

"And is this a bad thing?"

"I dunno. On one hand it's been a turn on, no wondering what she wants -she made it very clear. On the other hand, the mystery was stripped away almost immediately. You know?"

"Mmhmm."

"Man, I'm not sure if I am the luckiest man alive or if I should run in fear."

Jonathan wasn't really paying attention as Mike hashed it out. He was to busy trying to figure out a 'nice' way to let Tara know he wasn't interested. He had seen a really cute girl that he couldn't wait to meet at the bar. She was a lesser Coyote, he had figured that much out, but she was gone before he had worked up the nerve to talk to her. It was painfully obvious that Willow and Anya were hopeful that he and Tara would hook up, and he did think she was attractive, but he didn't feel a spark between them, come to think of it she seemed rather preoccupied as well. Should I say something? Nah, better to just see what happens next, no sense in embarrassing myself if I don't have to. If things get to weird I will ask the guys what they would do.

Chapter 9

Tara looked at her watch nervously for the fourth time in the last five minutes.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a red BMW convertible stopped in front of her, "Tara? Are you alright?"

She smiled shyly and got in the car, noting the worried expression on the Englishman's face.

"Sorry, Giles, I didn't mean to worry you, Willow and Anya were going to stay here with Oz and Mike and I didn't want to hang out in the suite while they were doing couple things… pretty awkward, not being part of a couple and all, and I rode in with them."

"Very well then, I always enjoy your company," he gave her a slight smile as he drove off in the direction of his house.

They drove in silence until they arrived at his house; Giles opened her door and took her hand to assist her out of the car. Tara felt a rush of electricity go through her as his fingertips brushed hers.

Giles had been contemplating asking her out for quite sometime. He cared deeply for the girl, intellectually and emotionally she was his equal, if not more mature, but in physical years she could be his daughter. The fact that she lived with a girl he considered his daughter only exacerbated his worry. In actually, Buffy was really the source of his only hesitation. Her approval had significant meaning, she was his only family and he didn't want to jeopardize his relationship with her. It had been a conversation between himself and Buffy that had finally spurned him into action with Tara. Buffy had said something about wishing he had someone in his life, and that life was too short to spend it afraid of what everyone else thought. He hoped she meant it. To hell with everyone else, besides Vegas is one place where the normal rules just don't matter much.

When they were settled inside, Giles offered her a glass of wine. The living room was dark, lit only by a few well-placed candles and the soft sounds of classical music wafted throughout the house. She sipped her wine and closed her eyes, soaking up the warm flush the alcohol was sending through her. She felt the couch shift beside her, and smiled when Giles sat down next to her. He leaned back into the corner of the couch and pulled her to lie back against his chest. Tara's heart began to race; it was the first time he had done anything to suggest that their relationship was anything more than professional. 'Maybe…'

He spoke softly, "I've been thinking, would you by chance be free New Year's Eve?"

"I am."

"Would you like to attend the New Year's Ball with me? As my date?" His nervousness was apparent and he quickly took a gulp of wine, waiting for her response.

She sat up and turned to face him smiling, her voice soft, low, and slightly shaking, "I thought you would never ask."

He leaned tentatively toward her, eyes fixed on her lips, then softly brushed his against hers, gently pressing them together and she sighed as his tongue lightly grazed her lips, tasting the rich flavor of the Merlot. Her hand gently caressed his cheek, then moved to his neck, pulling him toward her as she lay back on the soft leather of the couch.

*********************************************** Willow fidgeted on the couch, flipping through the channels on the TV. Mike and Anya had disappeared into his bedroom as soon as they walked in the door. Oz had gone to change clothes.

Oz returned from his room and sat down next to her. Willow was blushing all over, wondering if Oz was going to pretend not to hear the sounds from the adjoining room. She looked at him from the corner of her eye, pretending to be engrossed in the TV. She guessed by the look on his face he was trying to discern what the strange noises were, she snickered at the look of horror on his face when he finally realized what was going on.

"Oh dear GOD! No way I am listening to that all night! You want to go get something to eat or something?"

Willow sighed in relief and hopped off the couch, following Oz into the hall with alacrity.

"Thank you," Willow laughed while they waited for the elevator, "I couldn't imagine anything being more uncomfortable than listening to them all night."

"No problem. I need to talk to Harmony about different room arrangements. That is unnerving. It will be pretty fun embarrassing the hell out of Mike later though…" he smirked. "Still, kinda hard to enjoy 'private time' with the hottest redhead in Las Vegas when you know first hand that everyone on the floor knows what you are doing," he said in a low voice, as he lowered his mouth to hers in a slow sexy kiss.

The elevator doors opened and they parted momentarily to step inside. Seeing they were alone, their lips met again in hungry demanding kisses as their hands roamed over each other's bodies. They separated with a groan when the doors opened at the lobby.

"Wait here a minute." Willow nodded as he quickly disappeared into the lobby.

He returned several minutes later, grabbing her hand. "Come on, Red." He pulled her back into an elevator that had just opened, pushing 20. She gave him a questioning look.

"I have a little surprise." He drew her back into his arms, kissing her until the elevator stopped. He broke the kiss, "Close your eyes."

He took her hand and led her out of the elevator. She heard a lock click and then a door open, and he pulled her inside, letting the door softly click behind them.

He placed a soft kiss on her lips and then on her forehead, "Open your eyes."

She gasped, the room was covered with rose petals and a table was set for two with filets, twice baked potatoes, steamed asparagus, and lobster tail. Oz was at the table opening a bottle of champagne and she felt a chill go up her spine at his thoughtfulness. He handed her a flute and offered her a strawberry. She took a bite from the sweet fruit he offered her then smiled as his lips descended on hers and his tongue swirled out to taste them.

*************************************** Buffy tried to pay attention to Anya ramble on about Mike and the event of the previous week, but she was restless.

It was Wednesday, gossipfest night and Buffy couldn't wait for it to be over. So far the week had been indescribably frustrating. She had bounced through her finals, ignoring the curious looks from her classmates, who couldn't quite believe she was the same girl who normally sent undergrads away trembling in fear during finals week. She was especially happy since her favorite faculty member had asked her to present a paper she had done for his class in the spring at a conference in January. The conference was in LA and all the leading academics in her field would be there, it was a tremendous opportunity.

More to the point, she had big plans for the night and she could barely contain the stupid grin that threatened to take over her countenance every time she thought of Spike. After looking forward to some serious alone time with Spike all day, she was none to pleased to find the band assembled around her pool when she got home from school. Spike apologized and tried to make it up to her, only to be interrupted by Willow and Oz who apparently thought it would be smashing if she worked up a few songs to perform with the band at the club. So they rehearsed. FOR HOURS.

Every time she and Spike managed to be alone for more than ten minutes, someone interrupted. Finally they gave up, with a string of bloody hells and bugger all emanating from Spike.

Tuesday hadn't ended up much better. She and Spike had worked out at the hotel, but when they got back to the hotel suite he shared with the band, Mike and Anya were at it, shaking the pictures on the walls. Spike had suggested that they could best them, but quickly backed off from the suggestion. She was glad; she didn't want their first time to be about anything other than them. The night had entailed yet another rehearsal coupled with Anya's brilliant notion that they should teach the guys some of the dances.

Again, no privacy at all.

Even in her own room, the sounds of doors opening and people moving throughout the house spoiled the mood. The high point had been the couple of stolen hours they shared that afternoon riding motorcycles through the canyon.

It hadn't been all bad, she thought. They had talked a lot. He was fun, but could be serious. They liked a lot of the same things. He had some interesting thoughts on American politics in comparison to the British system. Every day she liked him more, she was giddy at the thought of him. Already she hated to be away from for more than an hour.

She knew she felt more for him in five days than she ever had for any other man she had dated. Her thoughts were interrupted at the mention of her name.

"Buffy!"

"She's probably daydreaming about hot-hard-Spike-lovin'…" Anya said to Willow in a snarky tone.

"Hello? Sitting right here." Buffy retorted.

"As if, you have been ten billion miles away for the last 15 minutes. What's the what with Spike anyway?" Anya asked with eyebrows raised.

"I like him, that is all you need to know."

"Don't think so Missy, we have been waiting for years to hear some smut from you, so start with the spillage." All the girls snickered, looking at Buffy expectantly.

"Anya, you provide plenty of smut for all of us. Besides there isn't much to spill, at least not in the last couple of days no thanks to you," she muttered under her breath.

"Ok, we're gonna do this hard way," Willow said as she refilled the empty margarita glasses. Buffy took a long drink, waiting for the barrage of questions.

"Where were you two the other night…after work?"

"The canyon- he wanted to see it at night. So I took him."

"Uh huh, and?" This time it was Tara, looking rather sheepish knowing, this wasn't easy for Buffy.

"And we made out and stuff. It was nice."

"Nice? You have spent nearly every minute with this guy since you met him. Do the dirty dancing scene at the bar and all we get is nice?" Anya was beginning to get more than a little drunk, and more belligerent with each drink.

Buffy finished off her nearly full drink in one gulp. "What do you want to know?" she asked with a sigh.

"What's he like?" "Is he a good kisser?" "Is he hung?" "Can he go for hours?" "Is he good?" The questions were flying at her in rapid succession making her head swim.

"WHOA! One at a time.- He is awesome. Sexy, funny, attentive, spontaneous, but he can be serious. And did I say sexy…oh so sexy. And yes. He is a good kisser. Incredible. Is he hung? None of your damn business… and the hours thing. I don't know. And what I do know of his skills, I would have to say yes, he is good. Very good."

The girls erupted in another fit of giggles.

"What are you birds talking about?" Spike stood at the gate with the rest of the band gathering behind him.

Buffy groaned, feeling a deep flush rise from her chest to her face. Anya and Willow fell off the chairs they were on, laughing hysterically.

"This can't be happening," Buffy muttered under her breath.

Spike sauntered over to her, drawing her up in his arms to kiss her soundly, then sat down in her chair pulling her to his lap. Oz and Mike pulled up chairs to sit next to Anya and Willow. Buffy noticed Jonathan wasn't with them.

"Did you forget someone?"

"Huh?" Mike answered.

"Jonathan?"

"Oh he met some girl at the bar, Dawn I think."

The girls again started laughing at the mention of Dawn, this time Buffy laughing as hard as the rest.

"What?" Oz asked. "Is she a nut or something?"

Tara collected herself, "No (giggling) just young… (gasping) kind of clingy- whiny- maybe a little possessive, but really sweet. She really is."

"Sounds like the perfect girl for him if you ask me." Spike laughed.

He pulled Buffy against his chest so he could whisper in her ear. "Any chance we are going to get some privacy tonight, luv?"

Her heart sped up at his nearness. If they didn't get to be alone soon, she was thinking of renting a room some where in town for the rest of their stay.

"Your guess is as good as mine," she said out loud.

"What is everyone doing for Christmas?" Tara asked.

"Um, hello, still Jewish here…so no big plans for the holiday," Willow laughed pouring another round of Margarita's.

"I haven't decided yet," Anya began, "what are you guys doing?" she asked, waving at Mike and Oz.

"I am going home to visit my parents. I was hoping the Jewish Red-head would come with me." Oz smiled at Willow.

She squeaked, "Really? I would love to!"

"Cool, my folks with love you." he gave her a soft kiss.

Buffy choked on her drink. Damn, when did they get all meet-the-parents?

"You ok, pet?"

"Mmhmm. Yeah."

"Well, I don't really have plans. Maybe you and I could do something?" Mike asked Anya.

"OHHH, yes! Orgasms for Christmas, what could be better?" Anya was delighted.

"Wouldn't you have those whether you were with him or not?" Buffy snickered.

"Well yes, but I enjoy them more when I am with someone. Bitch. And for the record, seems you have sported more than oh-sooo-satisfied-smile yourself of late." Turning her attention to Mike she continued, "so I was thinking about going skiing, would you want to go?"

"Absolutely! I love to ski!"

They all laughed again. Buffy was getting excited at the notion of the house to herself, listening to everyone make plans, "Tara, do you have plans?" Buffy asked hopefully.

Tara blushed, and stuttered a little as she struggled to answer, "Well yes…I wasn't sure how to tell you all…." They all turned to stare at her. Tara didn't talk a lot in large groups so what ever she had to say was big news.

"It's ok, Tara, you can tell us, we love you." Buffy encouraged softly.

Tara smiled at her, "Well the thing is… Giles kinda asked me to go away with him for Christmas."

Everyone was silent as the processed the information. Oz mouthed to Spike, "Who is Giles?" Spike shrugged back at him. Willow looked to Buffy for a reaction, then to Anya, unsure if she understood the implication of what Tara was saying. Buffy was the first to react after the initial shock.

"REALLY?!" she squealed, jumping out of Spike's lap and crushing her in a hug, followed by Willow and Tara.

"When did this happen?"

"Um, Sunday," she blushed. "So, um, I will be… well, not here. I don't know where, it's a surprise."

They all squealed in approval.

"Wow…Giles… who knew." Anya whistled.

"Oh no, need another pitcher of 'Rita's. Come help me bleach-boy." Buffy grinned pulling Spike out of the chair.

******************************************** Buffy struggled to regain control of her senses. As soon as they had stepped into the kitchen Spike had pushed her against the nearest wall and attacked her lips and neck with his mouth and tongue while his hands kneaded her breasts. His knee had slid between her thighs to push against her- she wanted nothing more than to continue like this until the end of time, but she could hear her friends plotting to interrupt them. So she pulled away.

"We are about to have company, again," she grumbled.

"Bloody hell. What do you have to do to be alone 'round here anyway?"

"Well, sounds like everyone will be gone Christmas. Do you have plans?"

A slow smile spread across his face. "As a matter of fact, I do not. Have any ideas, pet?"

"A few." she whispered as she brushed her lips across his, wrapping her arms around his neck, allowing him to suck her bottom lip into his warm mouth.

"Get a room." Mike yelled at them as he walked in the room.

"Bloody hell." Spike mumbled as he pulled away from her.

"Where are you going? I own this place, I can make with the smoochies where ever I damn well please."

"That's my girl," he said wickedly as he pulled her tightly against him.

***********************************************

Chapter 10

Buffy stood in front of the mirror in the Coyote's Den carefully applying her favorite red lipstick.

Anya studied her; "Hey what color is that…I like it."

Buffy shrugged and flipped the tube over to read the label, "Harlot."

"Ooh, how perfectly fitting.."

"For you maybe, Miss-Five-Orgasm-A-Day-Minimum."

"Ok first, SHUT UP, second, it is a goal, NOT a minimum, and third, SHUT UP."

"Besides, it's not like you have been action-free-yourself-lately," she muttered under her breath.

Willow and Tara collapsed in an armchair in a fit of giggles. Tara cleared her throat, "Hey, I want you guys to hear this from me. Tonight is my last 'official' night as a Coyote; I told Faith earlier, she is going to announce it at the pep rally."

She scanned the stunned faces of her friends, trying to gage their reactions. Willow whimpered before finally speaking, "Tara, why? What are you doing? Is anything wrong?"

"No! No, everything is perfect. Things are really going great for me, it's just time. The demand for my pieces is more than I can keep up with and still work here," she looked at her feet blushing, drawing a long breath before continuing, "and things with Giles, well… they're moving fast. We've wasted so much time; I don't want to waste another moment. I don't want to be obligated to this place…I want to be free to travel with him, help him with the gallery, spend more time on my art. I'll miss working with you guys. But you all know, this was never really me, anyway…"

Everyone was silent, trying to process the new development. Buffy was the first to speak. "Well, if this is your last night, we have to make this one to remember! We're pulling out all the stops tonight girls, we have to give Tara a proper Coyote farewell!"

Anya and Willow howled in agreement, as they all crushed Tara in a group hug; the Coyote howl was deafening as Buffy and Tara joined the wail.

"I can't wait to talk to Giles! I am so happy for both of you. Besides, I want him to meet Spike."

Tara blushed, "Well, you don't have to wait. He will be here tonight."

Buffy was stunned. "W-what?"

"Giles is coming tonight. He wants to see me as a Coyote."

The girls again erupted in laughter.

"This is going to be a night NO ONE will forget. Who has the smelling salts? Giles is going to need them, I can just feel it!" Anya spat between fits of giggles and gasps for air.

"We better hurry, Faith will come undone if we're late to her pep rally," Willow muttered.

"More than she already is?" Anya snickered.

"Good point."

**********************

Jonathan jumped at the howl that emanated from the next room.

"Jesus, what are they doing in there?" Jonathan had an expression of fear mixed with curiosity.

Oz and Mike looked at each other with smirks, then burst into laughter.

Spike fought a grin, "Bugger all, what are they doin' in there and why aren't we in there?"

"Beats me man, I'm crushed, I thought I was the reason Anya made that sound…"

"Kinda blows that theory man." Oz punched him lightly on the arm.

"Bite me. Your wench is in there too man, what makes her howl?"

Oz mumbled something under his breath and turned his attention to his guitar strings.

"So you have heard this before? This is normal behavior? And you continue to see these women why?" Jonathan stammered.

"Chill Jon- It's a Coyote thing- all though it can be sexy as all hell when…" Mike's thought was interrupted as he fell out of the chair trying to dodge a boot Oz hurled at his head.

"We've got to jam- time for Faith's meeting."

"That chick scares me," Jonathan mumbled as they filed out of the dressing room

** As the girls filed out of the dressing room into the outer office, they met the band as they were heading to the stage for their first set. Buffy's breath caught in her chest when Spike came into view. Damn, will I ever get used to how hot he is? She could hardly resist the sudden urge to press her body against his and run her fingers though the loose curls of his hair. -So freakin sexy- How is that possible?

"SHUT THE HELL UP NOW!" Faith roared standing on top of a crate. "OK, Listen up, I'm in a pissy mood and don't intend to repeat myself. Tonight is Tara's last night. So little man, whatever the hell your name is… the quiet one," she pointed at Jonathan, "Dawn is taking over for Tara, so stick close to her."

The Coyotes giggled and snickered among themselves. Buffy mumbled, "Someone should have told him to wear leather pants and boots, he is going to be soaked in about 5 seconds." Dawn had a well documented reputation for dropping things. Faith probably would have fired her long ago, but she had the 'school girl' look the men loved and she could dance nearly as well as the Coyotes.

"SHUT UP ! Ok, everything else is the same. Put on a good show. Make sure the customers have a good time. Girls stay where Xander and his guys can see you, must be a full moon or something, it's been rougher than usual this week. That's it, go make some money." ***********************

Buffy started to follow her friends into the bar when someone grabbed her arm and pulled her the opposite direction down the hall. In seconds she found herself completely separated from everyone else. She didn't resist. *Spike wants to play. Bad Spike.* It wasn't until she was pushed face first against the wall and a hulking frame pressed against her back, grinding against her ass, that she realized her mistake.

"Angel. Let. Me. Go. Now."

"Hello to you too." He licked her neck, before placing an open mouth(ed?) kiss on her shoulder, then sucking hard on the tender flesh of her neck, pressing harder against her, forcing a knee between her thighs.

Buffy was fighting the urge to panic. This was her worst fear. She wasn't paying attention and now she was in a position she couldn't get out of without seriously pissing him off. *I so didn't need this shit tonight. Reason with him…bahhahah.*

"Angel, I have to go. Faith is in super bitch mode…"

"Don't care. Where have you been lately? Haven't seen you in weeks." He sniffed at her hair, and shifted his grip so that he held both of her wrists in one hand above her head. His free hand forced its way between her and the wall to squeeze one of her breasts like a vise. Buffy winced.*I've taken about all of this shit I am going to take.*

"I am going to ask you nicely one more time to let me go to work."

"And if I don't?"

"Angel, please."

He squeezed her harder and bit at her neck. "No."

She snapped. She stomped with all of her weight on his toes, taking advantage of his surprise and spinning out of his grasp, then kicking him in the chest and knocking him against the opposite wall. She spun away from him and started down the hall away from him, never seeing the figure in her path until she collided with it.

"Sorry, " she muttered as she looked up. "Oh god - Spike."

Every muscle in his face was contorted in rage. He was struggling with every fiber of his being to control the urge to kill the man struggling to his feet before him. He had seen him groping Buffy. He heard her ask him to stop… All he could think was kill… kill the bastard.

"Are you ok, luv?" his voice was cold, flat, barely controlled.

"I'm fine. Come on, we've got to go." Spike studied her face. His eyes flickered when he noticed the angry red whelps on her neck where Angel had sucked and bit her. His eyes trailed further to her chest, noticing fingerprints marring the golden skin her halter left exposed.

"Don't look fine, pet." His fingertips grazed over the red whelps that peeked out from the edge of the fabric. She flinched. His expression softened, visibly hurt at her reaction to his touch.

"I said I am fine. Don't piss me off. Let's go."

"Hey man, you heard her, she's fine. We were just catching up. Me and Buffy here, we go way back. There's no problem. You must have misunderstood." Spike scowled at Angel's attempt to charm him, then spun on his heel and followed Buffy as she stormed to the bar.

She mumbled an apology to Faith as she scrambled over the bar and hurried to wait on the long line of customers.

"Where the hell have you been? We have been buried out here." Buffy turned to face Faith, fighting tears of rage and frustration.

"Angel."

Faith took one look at her neck and chest and her expression immediately changed. "Anya, take over. Spike, you guys are on." Spike nodded and gathered the band. "B, come with me."

Buffy let out a big sigh and followed Faith into the back office. "I'll be right back, wait here." Faith walked back into the bar and quickly found Xander. "Find Angel, then throw his ass out of my bar."

Xander smiled, "What did he do? Can I hurt him?"

"Just get him out of here. Now… " She smirked slightly, "if he gets hurt…" she shrugged and walked back in the direction of the office.

Faith pulled a camera out of her desk.

"Faith, what is that?"

"Insurance," she said as she began snapping Polaroid's of the marks on her neck, wrists, and chest.

"Are you ok? You can leave if you want. I'm not completely heartless."

"Hell no, I'm not leaving. He isn't going to win. This is my life. My job. Forget it."

"That's my girl. Kick some ass B." They nodded at each other and hurried back into the bar. Buffy hopped over the bar and threw her hair over her shoulder, "So… who is going to buy me and my friends here a shot?" Then smiled at her friends as they groaned while twenty or so men lined up to buy the first round. 'That's much better.' she thought as she raised her glass to her friends and slammed the warm liquor to the back of her throat. As they each slammed the glasses down on the bar, a distinctive salsa guitar riff filled the bar. They squealed and hopped on top of the bar as Spike began to sing:

Man it's a hot one Like seven inches from the midday sun I hear you whisper and the words melt everyone But you stay so cool

Buffy and Anya danced back to back as Tara and Willow shimmied up and down each other. The crowd howled as the girls danced down the length of the bar. Buffy swung around a pole at the end of the bar, before joining Willow and Tara in pressing her body against Tara's back, only to have Anya press against her.

My monequita, my Spanish Harlem Mona Lisa You're my reason for reason The step in my groove And if you say this life ain't good enough I would give my world to lift you up I could change my life to better suit your mood

Mike let out a low whistle watching the women in their seductive dance; everyone in the place was memorized as their hips swung in time to the music.

Cause you're so smooth Spike and Buffy's eyes met, she threw him a sexy smile. He nodded in acknowledgment as she spun on her heel, turning to face the back of the bar as she rolled her body in a slow wave.

And just like the ocean under the moon Well that's the same emotion that I get from you You got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth Gimme your heart, make it real Or else forget about it

Spike jumped down from the stage and moved toward the bar as he sang. When he reached the bar, he looked up at the dancing goddesses, swinging their hips as he grinned at them. Buffy and Anya extended hands to him. He hopped on to the bar, positioning himself with Buffy and Anya on one side and Tara and Willow on the other. He took Tara's hand, pulling her close to him as his body moved in a sensuous sway, placing a sexy kiss on her hand then spinning her away from him and turning to Anya, who was pressing her body against his.

I'll tell you one thing If you would leave it would be a crying shame In every breath and every word I hear your name calling me out Out from the barrio, you hear my rhythm from your radio You feel the turning of the world so soft and slow Turning you round and round

As the song ended, Buffy moved to the other side of him, snaking an arm around his waist as she danced between his thighs.

Spike whispered, "You're up next, luv."

"Now?"

"Yep." He grinned as he tossed her a microphone.

Spike pulled Tara to him, dancing with her down the bar as Willow and Anya hopped down to serve some customers.

Buffy inhaled slowly, letting the sound of the guitar move through her. Slowly swaying her hips, she began.

Tell me just what you want me to be One kiss and boom you're the only one for me So please tell me why don't you come around no more Cause right now I'm crying outside the door of your candy store

She sash-shayed her way to Spike and Tara, placing a hand on his hip and stepping close to him, mimicking each step he took like a shadow. She smiled as he turned to face her, his voice joining hers.

It just takes a little bit of this A little bit of that It started with a kiss Now we're up to bat A little bit of laughs A little bit of pain I'm telling you, my babe It's all in the game of love

She turned away from him, this time he mimicked her steps, following her down the bar.

This, whatever you make it to be Sunshine set on this cold lonely sea So please baby try and use me for what I'm good for It ain't sayin' goodbye that's knocking down the door of your candy store

Buffy danced against him as she sang, throwing her head back. The crowd screamed as he pulled her firmly against him, kissing her neck before dropping to his knees to kiss her stomach. She laughed and spun away from him, turning to Tara. When the song ended, the sound was deafening from the crowd. As they hopped off the bar, Spike smirked at Buffy, "Natives are restless tonight."

"You haven't seen anything yet, bleach-boy," she shouted as she twirled a bottle in each hand, pouring five shots at once.

"Hey Faith, your new girl can't keep up." Anya shouted as Dawn spun around looking for a bottle of Scotch. Slipping on some ice, her long legs went flying out from under her, knocking Jonathan into the bar and causing the pitcher of beer he was holding to slosh out and soak his shirt and the front of his jeans. Dawn was turning purple in the floor as Jonathan scrambled to help her up. He felt sorry for her. She was really nervous and Anya seemed to love harassing her. He wanted to tell her to leave Dawn alone, but Dawn said it would only make it worse. She had to be tough to work there. He thought it was stupid.

He really liked her. She was so sweet and unassuming. It was refreshing. He was intimidated by most women. But he felt completely at ease with her. He couldn't wait for the night to be over so he could be alone with her again. ***********

Spike jogged into the parking garage hoping to catch Buffy before she left. He was buzzed from the shots and the adrenaline rush he always got when he performed; more than that, the events of the evening had him reeling and he desperately needed to talk to her. The rest of the night had gone relatively well. The band received a tremendous response, and Tara enjoyed her last night as a Coyote. When the bar had closed she introduced Giles to the band, and they had chatted for quite some time about their experiences in England. He liked him and knew that Buffy considered him as a father.

What had him so unsettled was Buffy. It was as if she had detached herself from everything. She still put on a great show, but even when she danced with him, touched him, it was almost mechanical, professional. He didn't feel that fire from her that had been there since the first time he touched her ankle in the training room. Every time he touched her or looked at her, the best he got in return was a faint ghost of a polite smile. He didn't like it. Whatever was up with her had to be worked out quickly. The thought of losing what he had found in her had his stomach in knots. The constricting pain in his chest compelled him to find her and fix whatever the problem was, she owned his heart and he knew that any life without her now would be mundane and worthless. I love her. She has to know.

He slowed his pace when he saw her standing at the container where she stored her bikes, relieved that she hadn't left. He drew a long breath, trying to control his emotions that screamed for him to wrap his arms around her and never let her go.

"Hey luv, what's the hurry?"

She glanced up at him, giving him a quick smile, "None I guess. What are you up to?"

Well, she didn't ignore you mate. Maybe you are wiggin' over nothing.

He stepped closer to her, reaching out and stroking her arm softly. She was stiff, but didn't pull away. He reached out his other arm and tentatively pulled her into his embrace and brushed his lips against hers with a soft kiss, hoping she would respond. She was tense, and conflicted, but her heart and body ignored the messages from her brain and sought what they recognized as their match. The fire between them flickered as she slowly sucked his bottom lip into her mouth, then teased his lips apart with her tongue. Inwardly Spike sighed with relief that the spark- no the flame - was definitely still there, regardless of what was bothering her. He was confused, she had handled herself fine with Angel. He had done what she asked, even though he seriously wanted to pound that guy's arse into the pavement. All he knew was that something was definitely not right.

"Where you off to, pet?"

"Home I guess, I'm pretty tired."

"Not likely to rest much there."

"Sorry, come again?"

"Oz, Mike, and Jonathan are staying out there, something about sleeping a few hours before heading out on their trips. Your house won't be quiet for hours, luv."

"Oh." She was visibly disappointed. She chewed on her lip. "I was looking forward to a long hot bath and a glass of champagne. I need to clear my head- sort some things out."

"You could stay here…" his voice trailed off as his fingers stroked her back softly.

She rolled that thought around for a second. She really needed some time alone.

"I don't know Spike, I didn't grab extra clothes from the dressing room… and I need some time…"

He softly, "No worries luv. Leave it to me. Let's get you upstairs and settled in the tub, and I will leave you to it and take care of some things. You will have the whole place to yourself."

He lightly kissed her forehead. Say yes Buffy you won't regret this…I promise. His silent prayer ran through his head- an unspoken mantra trying to ease any fears or reservations she might have.

She looked up into his eyes, and swallowed at the pained look of longing mixed with concern etched on his perfect features.

"Actually, that sounds perfect."

He lowered his head slightly to kiss her again, slowly, deeply, his tongue softly tracing her lips and parting them as he pulled her body closer to him, desperate to be nearer to her. He pulled away from her, slowly taking her hand and leading her back into the hotel to his suite. **********

Buffy stripped off her clothes and stepped into the plush terry robe Spike had given her as she turned on the water in the enormous garden tube, pouring the entire contents of vanilla bubble bath she had found on the counter into the tub. She had just stepped in tub and laid back in the mountain of bubbles when she heard a soft knock at the door.

She smiled, Oh right, he is really going to leave me alone. You fell for that one. Sucker. "Come in Spike." she muttered with her eyes still closed. She heard the door open and Spike moving around the room. She opened her eyes when she heard the sound of metal connect with the side of the tub. Spike was kneeling next to her.

"Sorry to disturb you, luv. Here is the champagne you wanted. I also brought you some candles. Do you want me to turn off the lights?"

She flushed, thankful she hadn't spoken her thoughts. He is so sweet. The counter and bathtub were covered with candles and on the edge of the tub he had placed a tray of champagne and strawberries and a small stack of magazines.

"Yes, please…Spike, thank you, this is wonderful."

He smiled at her and leaned over the tub, placing a soft kiss on her lips. "My pleasure, luv. Soak as long as you like. Great thing about hotels. Unlimited hot water. I'll be back later."

She snickered and slumped further into the tub as she savored the rich taste of the champagne. I could get used to this. No man has ever pampered me this way. This is decadent. She knew she had confused him tonight. It wasn't his fault. She was pissed at herself. She had been walking around for days like he was the only thing on the planet, and in her Spike stupor she had let Angel pull her into a situation she almost couldn't get out of because I thought he was Spike. I HAVE to be more careful. What am I doing? I am so wrapped up in this guy I forget how to take care of myself. I don't think so. Damn it. I have it so bad.

She sighed as she poured herself another glass of champagne. When did I fall in love with him? Only the first minute you saw him. Her inner voice answered. She smiled as she thought of him, then frowned slightly. She had never felt like this before and wasn't sure she liked it, if she was going to get all stupid and let her guard down in the bar. It was more than just Angel; it could have been anyone. Get your mind right Buffy- talk to him. She closed her eyes, relaxing in the soothing bubbles and letting her mind drift to more pleasant thoughts of Spike in this tub with her, how his chest would feel against her back.

She lost track of the time and was mildly surprised when she glanced at the clock on the counter, realizing she had been in there for nearly two hours. She stepped out of the tub and stepped back into the robe. She applied her favorite vanilla lip balm before stepping out of the bathroom into Spike's bedroom.

Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the vision before her. Spike had covered every surface with candles. On the table next to the bed was another tray with small sandwiches, cheeses, fresh fruit, and iced champagne. Laid carefully on the bed was a lace trimmed silk chemise in a deep shade of jade with a matching robe. She fingered the silky fabric unconsciously as she noticed the soft music that filtered through the room. She slipped the thick robe off and smiled at the sensation of the fine silk as it fell over her breasts and caressed her hips. She pulled the matching robe on, tying it loosely at the waist.

She wandered through the suite in search of Spike, finding him sitting on the balcony sipping on a beer and smoking a cigarette. She stood in the door way, leaning against the jam with her arms crossed in front of her. He looked away from the strip at her standing there with the soft light of the candles glowing through the loose wisps of hair framing her face.

"You look beautiful."

She felt her face flush under his intimate gaze and took a slow drink from the crystal champagne flute she held before stepping on to the balcony and climbing into his lap. Her eyes locked with his briefly, then shifted to study his mouth as his hand traced small circles against the silky fabric on her hip. She wrapped an arm around his neck, gently pulling him closer to her and pressing her lips to his, kissed him deeply until she pulled away from him needing to breath, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Are you gonna tell me what was bothering you tonight, pet?"

"Hmmm," she murmured, catching his mouth in another kiss, their tongues dancing together as his hand moved from her hip up to her back, pressing her closer to him. He pulled away to look at her again, still confused by her earlier distance.

She shifted slightly in his lap, resting her back against his chest and letting her head fall back against his shoulder.

"I'm sorry about before. I know I closed myself off from everything tonight, especially you. What happened with Angel… well." She stopped, searching for the words to explain her actions.

"You handled Angel fine, luv. Which I guess is why I am so confused."

"I shut down tonight because I screwed up."

"OK, now I'm really confused. You didn't do anything wrong."

She sipped on her champagne and turned to face him.

"Yes and No. Spike… I have been doing this a long time… working at the bar and taking care of myself. What I did tonight was careless…I didn't even resist when he pulled me into the hall."

He flinched slightly at her words, wondering if he had misunderstood the nature of her relationship with Angel.

She continued in a soft low voice, as her fingers traced his cheek bones. "I didn't resist because I thought it was you. I've been crazy this week. You're all I've thought about. It never occurred to me that it could be anyone else until I was pinned to a wall being mauled. I am never so careless. And it scared the shit out of me." She paused again, placing a light kiss on his temple. His breathing had become shallow and his heart was pounding so hard he thought his chest would explode at any second as he processed her words. "I have never felt so consumed by my feelings for another person before. The way I feel about you… it is overwhelming."

A sexy smile played across his lips, certain in the knowledge that there on his lap sat his match uttering words that expressed everything he was feeling. He pulled her to him, crushing his lips against hers in a passionate kiss, trying to show her how much she affected him. His lips moved down her neck, murmuring softly against her warm skin.

"Cor, you are so perfect."

"I'm hardly perfect," she snorted.

He looked into her eyes, standing up and carrying her effortlessly into the suite. "You're perfect for me."