"You know if someone wouldn't have blown the DA deal to pieces, we wouldn't have to be here going over these stupid proposals." Michael complained as he threw yet another report on the table. "Do you realize how much my department put into the campaign to announce the partnership?"

"I think I have some idea." Lindsey Wilkins, head of SSC's finance department, commented as she too tossed a report back on the shiny mahogany colored table. "My people are still adding up the receipts." She pushed her wired rimmed glasses up slightly on her nose and eyed Michael. "When someone gives you a budget...you may consider sticking to it." Lindsey was in her late thirties, with fire red hair curly hair, and somewhat on the plump side.

"My job, dear Lindsey, is to make SSC look good…not to count the pennies." Michael straightened his tie and smoothed his hair. "That is your job."

"Believe me I know that. With people like you around how can I forget."

"OK you two...let's get back to finding a suitable partner for the Unity project." Ernie interrupted. He glanced down at his watch and wondered where Leigh was.

"As far as I'm concern we already had a good partner. They were established and had a good image." Michael said.

"And they already had the work in place...so we didn't have to spend money on extra resources." Lindsey added. "But you know who killed the deal. Sure they had issues, but what company doesn't. And now here we are again starting from scratch. And where is madam president anyway...I hope she hasn't decided to go traipsing off half way around the world again while we stay here and clean up her mess."

"Not a bad idea...but I think I'll pass." It was said by a low husky Texas accent from the back of the room that everyone instantly recognized. Leigh walked in the door and the only sound heard was that of the door closing. She was dressed in a charcoal gray suit, with a gold silk blouse. Leigh had chosen to wear her ebony tresses down and bouncing against her shoulders. "Although I hear Fiji is lovely this time of year."

"You're late." Lindsey said and she looked down at her gold Rolex and back up at Leigh.

"But fashionably." Leigh responded coolly and wasn't surprised when Lindsey frowned. Lindsey Wilkins was definitely not a fan of Leigh's. At least she hadn't been since, her husband had a made a pass at the beautiful CEO a couple of years before. Leigh figured she should be mad at her husband...Lindsey saw it differently and blamed Leigh. The rumor around the office was that Lindsey and her husband were on the verge of splitting up.

This had made for a very confrontation working relationship at times. The bottom line was that if Lindsey wasn’t the most qualified person for the job, Leigh would have found some way years ago to legally push her out of SSC. But for now like many things in life…Leigh had to deal with the vice president of finance. "Lindsey, Michael, Ernie". Leigh made eye contact with each before sitting down.

"So how’s it going?" Leigh asked as she laid her briefcase on the table and opened it.

"Well Leigh it’s not going anywhere." Michael replied. "There doesn’t seem to be any company in this stack of reports that’s compatible for the Unity Console Project."

"Interesting…." Leigh commented before reaching in her briefcase and pulling out a stack of folders.

"Come on…not more reports." Lindsey and Michael both complained in unison.

"Yeap… but I think you might find these interesting." With precision, Leigh managed to somehow slide blue folders to each of the other three people at the same time.

Ernie flipped open his folder and eyed the charts and graphs. "What’s all this Leigh?"

"Performance data."

"From what?"

"Well after I...or rather SSC terminated the Dynamic Associates deal…"

"You had it right the first time." Lindsey interrupted with a sneer. "You terminated the deal."

Leigh sighed and rolled her eyes at the redhead. "Damn it Lindsey will you get over it. People’s toes get stepped on everyday…your feet are no different. Also I thought after the board meeting the other day…we agreed that it was the best decision."

"You mean after you decided and then as an after thought you let us know." Lindsey snapped.

"Please Lindsey, I was as disappointed as you, but as usual Leigh’s made the right decision." Michael added and cast a smile at Leigh and as always it was not returned. Instead Michael received an imaginary gust of cold air from Leigh’s icy glare. Of course Michael ignored it. "I was in the same meeting as you and we all did agree. Let’s just try to make the best of the situation OK. "Michael’s attempt at impressing Leigh failed miserably. She had no doubt that Michael pretty much felt the same way Lindsey did. The only time Michael was supportive of Leigh’s ideas was when she was in the room. And the support he gave then, she definitely didn’t want.

But in the meantime he had managed to piss off Lindsey by somewhat defending Leigh. If there was anything that Michael enjoyed more than Leigh, it was pissing off Lindsey. Leigh figured that would have to be enough to pacify him. She continued as if nether Lindsey or Michael had said a word.

"Like I was saying…" She cast an ice blue glare at Lindsey before continuing. "after the termination of the Dynamic Associates deal, SSC was basically left with two options.

Either we find another company that already has the functionality that the project needs or we simply write the code ourselves. Well since I knew you all would be busy reading reports about possible companies to partner with…I spent my energies on the other options." Leigh stood up. "I and a couple bad ass developers took the last build from the integration of our code and DA’s and striped out all the worthless functionality that we didn’t need. And amazingly enough, we came to the conclusion that we only absolutely needed maybe three dozen of the hundred services that DA was running. We only needed maybe sixty percent of the classes that they were preloading at startup. Once was dumped the weight that DA had so generously packed on the last few weeks, we had developed a lighter version of the Unity Console. We ran some tests, and I must say I’m pleased as hell with the outcome. Look for yourselves."

Leigh watched as everyone started to leaf through the folders, and Ernie was the first to respond. "Well I’ll be damned. You’re telling me that startup time was decreased by thirty-three percent and memory consumption was cut in half."

"Yeap." Leigh crossed her arms and smiled.

"And you were able to get it up and running on a machine with 128 RAM and 300 megahertz
with these stats?" Again Ernie commented with a silly grin on his face. "I’m impressed and I’m sure the potential application teams will be as well."

"That’s the idea Ernie." Leigh stood up. "What we have here folks is a piece of technology that’s quick, portable, and applicable to software technology in general."

"But isn’t it still using some of Dynamic Associates code…so does that mean that now you want to partner with them again." Michael interjected with a raised brow.

"No." Leigh said firmly. "What I want is for us to write our own code that mirrors the necessary functionality that they were offering. But hopefully when we do it, it will be a hell of lot more stable and efficient."

"And where exactly do you intend to get the resources to accomplish such a task. From what I hear you’ve already got development jumping through hoops to make those aggressive deadlines." Lindsey said uneasily.

"Well Lindsey that’s where you come in. I need you to readjust the budget to accommodate hiring at least ten developers and to allocate funds to the new department they’ll be forming."

"Excuse me?" Lindsey let the folder in her hand fall to the floor. "You want me to readjust the budget to accommodate a whole department. My people already busted their asses for weeks to give you the budget you have now."

"And?" Here was go. Leigh said casually and looked around the room. Neither Michael nor Ernie said anything.

"I’m telling you that it’s not going to be possible. Its too late in the quarter to start screwing with the budget."

"And its never a good time to screw around with me Lindsey." Leigh said coolly. "So make the numbers work and have it on my desk tomorrow morning." Leigh looked again at Ernie who was giving her his best ‘Leigh ease up" look. Between him and Dr. Duncan’s advice, Leigh was constantly checking her attitude these days. "Ok and if there isn’t enough money to spread around, we can reevaluate how many new people to hire. But I’m not budging on forming the new department."

"Fine." Lindsey replied crisply. She wasn’t too happy at all.

"And Michael."

"Yes, Leigh." He answered smoothly. Leigh felt like rolling her eyes, but didn’t. And perhaps for the millionth time since her indiscretion with Michael, Leigh wondered what she had been thinking. That’s just it Leigh, you hadn’t been thinking…

"I need your department to work closely with Ernie to come up with some demos of this new lightweight version of the Unity Console so that we can win back the confidence of our already signed contracts and hopefully land a few more."

"Sure thing…I’m right on it."

"Oh Ernie I’d like your opinion on the new developers that we hire. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few software engineers from DA decided to jump ship. Also we’re going to need a manager for them. And for once, I’d like one that doesn’t put golf ahead of answering his pager. Ernie simply nodded in agreement. "Also I’ll be talking to our legal department. Since we’re going to be writing our own code to mirror DA’s functionality, I want our asses covered if the folks from Dynamic Associates start bitching about patents and copyrights."

"Good idea Leigh." Ernie said.

"Ernie explain to Michael and Lindsey here what all the pretty colors and numbers mean will yah. Sometimes I forget they’re not technies like the rest of us." Leigh ignored the Lindsey’s irritated expression. "If you'll excuse me for a few minutes...I need to make a phone call. " Leigh pulled out her cell phone and walked to the window.

Erin and McNeil sat in the small interrogation room and listened to Minton rant about the Sinclaire case. Seems someone had tipped him off about the illegal search and seizure a few days before. When Erin had seen the angry district attorney enter the police station, she had quietly tried to disappear. But McNeil had quickly found her and insisted that if he was to get pulled through hot coals, his hair wasn't the only ones that were going to get singed.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Minton yelled at the two people in front of them. "Do you know the type of law suit that could have been filed against us? I should have you both fired."

"Fine by me...then maybe I could finally have a life." McNeil muttered.

"Both...but I don't work for the District Attorney’s office or the Miami PD." Erin said half jokingly.

"You know Ms. Bradshaw that's true, but I'm sure your supervisor's won't be too please with your criminal activities." Minton smiled, but there was definitely no humor in it. "As a

matter of fact...I should have you arrested right now...that way you won't be able to fuck up anything else up. You've proven to be a bad influence since you've arrived."

"What...if it wasn't for me...you wouldn't even have a suspect in this case." Erin snapped back. "No disrespect to you of course McNeil." She added.

"None taken." McNeil added casually and threw his hands in the air.

"Maybe we wouldn't have a suspect...but we wouldn't be up to our asses in potential lawsuits either."

Erin sighed with great frustration and got up from the table. "Haven't you assholes figured it out by now that she's not going to sue anybody. She knew we would find a way into her house, so what did she do...she planted a fake ruby to make us look like idiots. We put wires in her house, so what did she do...she fixed it so that we can't hear anything but freaking Willie Nelson. Why the hell would she file a lawsuit and put an end to all of this? Can't you see she's having too much fun?"

McNeil folded his arms and smirked. While Erin watched Minton opened his mouth to no doubt retort something nasty to her outburst, but the ringing of her cell phone saved her. However at that moment Erin didn't feel much like talking to anyone and it was apparent in her tone when she answered the phone.

"Erin Bradshaw."

"Whoa there Kansas...you OK?"

"Leigh?" Erin asked knowing she recognized the voice immediately. There were not too many
people in the world that sounded like Leigh Sinclaire. She watched McNeil and Minton both
become alert at the mention of Leigh's name and then exchanged looks with each other.

"Yeah, the one and only."

"Well your ears must be burning because I was just talking about you."

"Really?" Erin didn't need to see the woman to know she was grinning. Although these days,
it was getting easier for Erin to conjure up an image of the CEO. "Talking about me, or complaining about me?"

"A little of both actually." Erin answered.

"Yeah that seems to be the trend around town these days."

McNeil tapped Erin on the arm. "What does she want?" He asked as quietly as he could.

And before Erin could ask the question herself, Leigh answered.

"Well the reason I'm calling is because it’s been a hell of day with meetings and all and
I really need to unwind." There was a pause and Erin waited without saying a word. And
for some reason it really didn't sit well with her that McNeil and Minton were in the room
listening to their conversation. "So since you're going to have someone watching me and
then reporting back to you anyway...I was wondering if..." There was another pause.
"I was wondering if you would like to join in on the festivities this evening."

"You wanna go out?" Erin blurted out and was more than aware of the two men's eyes on
her as she said it.

Leigh chuckled on her end. "Well why not Kansas? Tell me you're not going to turn me
down again. I'll have you know that Bernie cried his eyes out the other night after
you left. So you owe me one. You have no idea how hard it is to sleep when you have
a huge dog sobbing at the end of the bed. I can't count how many times I’ve tried to tell
him that he wasn't the reason why you didn't stay. But there was no convincing the
damn dog you know. So I poured a bottle of gin in his water bowl to finally get him to
shut up. Do you think dogs have hangovers? Because if they do ole Bernie is going
to need a strong cup of coffee...Maybe I should call Mary and tell her to check up
on him."

Erin's eyes started to water from the great effort it was taking her not to laugh at
Leigh's antics over the phone. She closed her eyes and tried to compose herself, but when
she opened them again...there was McNeil and Minton staring at her with curiosity
written all over their face.

Erin quickly erased the smile off her face. "Interesting story, but I don't think it would be a good idea."

"What if I told you that I'm not taking no for an answer?" Leigh retorted.

"I believe I would then have to answer with a "Maybe"."

She heard Leigh sigh. "Come on Kansas you're making me work too hard here. I thought
you were the one that was supposed to do the chasing...not me. Do you have a hot date
or something?" Leigh asked in a sly tone. Erin pictured her wiggly dark eyebrows as she said it.

"No." Erin answered.

"Okay…well I’m not going to beg because us Texans never do. But I will do this. I’m going to give you three reasons why you should go and if you disagree with any of them…I’ll let the whole subject drop."

"I’m listening." Erin said hesitantly.

"Ok…one, you have nothing else planned, two, I’m damn good company, and…three.." There was another pause. Erin didn’t know how much more pauses she could take. "You know you want to go." Leigh had said it slowly and with a hint of a challenge in her voice.

She’s gotcha there Bradshaw. Erin heard herself say in her head. Though she didn’t want to admit it, Erin did want to go. She would have said yes immediately, if McNeil and Minton wouldn’t have been digesting every word that came out of mouth. She couldn’t explain it…except that it was similar to how she’d felt when she was in middle school. It was like the same feeling when the most popular girl in school would invite you to sit at her table during lunch…or invite you over to her house after school. Though that wasn’t entirely true…if felt like something else as well from her youth, but before Erin could figure that out she heard Leigh’s voice again in her head. You know you want to go.

"What time?" It was what Erin offered as an answer.

"Great." It was obvious that the CEO was pleased. "Meet me at the Lion’s Den at 9:00 tonight…and Kansas…"

"Yeah."

"Wear something sexy…and remember leather is always a good choice."

"Wh... what?" Erin stammered and hoped that McNeil and Minton couldn’t see her face turning red from the sudden rush of heat.

She heard Leigh laugh slightly. "You heard me. And tell Detective McNeil that I said hello. See yah tonight." And on that note Leigh hung up. Erin pulled the phone away from her ear and simply stared at it. Wear something sexy…what is all that about?" Erin wondered. She’s just trying to rattle you…like the whole strip search the other night. It’s good thing that no else is hearing my thoughts right…they might interpret this situation a totally different way.

"Is there something that you want to tell us Ms. Bradshaw" Minton barked with narrowed eyes and brought Erin’s attention back to him and McNeil.

Erin put her phone away. "Nothing for you, but McNeil…Leigh Sinclaire says "Hi"."

"Well wasn’t that nice of her. " McNeil cooed sweetly before thick dark blonde brows furrowed as he frowned. "But that doesn’t sound like the only reason that she called."

"She wants to see me." Erin hunched but knew the two men weren’t going to let the conversation end there.

"Yeah that much I gathered." McNeil scratched his head. "You know I don’t understand that woman. She’s got a lawyer that’s got our department so wrapped up with legal bullshit that I can’t even get an official statement from her. But she’s calling you? "

"I’m not the cops McNeil." Erin rationalized…she knew there were other reasons behind it. Some she knew herself…some she was still trying to figure it out. Most of which she didn’t feel like sharing at this point.

"But she’s knows that you think she’s guilty. So what gives here?"

"Exactly Ms. Bradshaw…what does give here?" Minton questioned. "If I’m not mistaken you’ve talked to the woman on several occasions, had dinner, and even been to her house. Now she wants to go out… If you’re going to become bosom buddies with Leigh Sinclaire…why the hell are you shoving her down our throats as the primary suspect in this case?"

"Because she’s guilty!" Erin replied defensively. "And I am not bosom buddies with her OK."

The truth of the matter, Erin is that you don’t know exactly what you are to her. Not enemies…not friends…not strictly professional…not totally informal…what exactly are you?

All I know is that from the moment I met the woman, it’s been more…The questions raced through her head, and Erin could not come to an answer. But McNeil and Minton were waiting for one. "Look instead of analyzing my relationship with Leigh Sinclaire, why don’t we see its advantages. She won’t talk to the Miami PD, but she’ll talk to me. Don’t you see how we can have the upper hand there?"

The two men exchanged glances and McNeil spoke first. "You know Mint, she does have a point. The woman does seem to like her for some reason or another. I say we give her a few more days on this thing."

"I don’t know." Minton stood up from the table and ran a hand through his thinning dark hair.

"Why not?" Erin walked a little closer. "Now is the time when we need to put the press on her. While I’m spending time with her, McNeil will still have his guys following her, and in the mean time, someone can check out who made that fake ruby. Santos said that it was an exquisite copy down to every detail. Maybe it was such a good copy because they had the original to go by. If we find who made that ruby…maybe we can find a connection to Leigh Sinclaire." Unless the woman is an expert at make costume jewelry as well…which wouldn’t surprise me.

Minton still looked like he wasn’t going to budge. Erin tried another tactic. "Or you could kick me out of the investigation like you originally suggested…and then you will have nothing.

She’ll slip right through your fingers like Blue Bonnet Butter. And you’ll be right back at the beginning before I came in and fucked everything up with my evil influence." Erin paused and tapped her finger against her chin. "Interesting and that would mean no suspects and no leads. Which ultimately means nothing to tell the museum or the hungry press." Erin began to see Minton was catching one as she saw a bit of panic creeping into his expression. "But I on the other hand will continue as I have…on the right track. And when I do catch her…I’ll have all the recognition and I’ll go out of my way to point out how your office and this department were anything but cooperative. And you’ll have nothing more than a bruised ego because you would have been shown up by a lowly insurance investigator from Kansas." Erin folded her arms. "So what’s it going to be boys?"

McNeil smiled. "Well Erin Bradshaw you’ve got my vote. I say we continue with the case as we have. We should definitely use Leigh Sinclaire’s interest in you." When Erin heard the word "use", she immediately felt ill at ease with it. You’re not her friend and she’s not innocent…so you will simply be using all resources to get the case solved. Plus…she could be using you by showing interest in you…thus keeping you close…which means keeping the investigation within her reach. But for some reason, I don’t think so. Mentally Erin shook her head and looked up at Minton waiting for an answer.

"Awe the hell with it. We’re already deep in shit anyway…what’s a little more. Continue as you have been Ms. Bradshaw but I must warn you if things get out of hand…this department and the DA’s office will act as if they don’t know you."

Long after ending her phone call with Erin Bradshaw, Leigh continued to lean against the wall and stare at the breathtaking view below. But the beauty of the scenery was lost on her. Her thoughts were still thinking about a certain petite blonde whom she would be seeing later on that night. Leigh nibbled lightly on her bottom lip and tried to rationalize the feeling that had come over her. What exactly is up with you and the art bounty hunter anyway? Leigh she wants to be put you behind bars, and here you are inviting her out. Yeah, she intrigues you because she figured out it was you that stole the Rhine Ruby…but its more than that isn’t it. She’s also smart, funny, feisty, and adorable as hell. Hey where did that last part come from….

"Must have been some telephone call. Mine if I ask what it was about?" Asked Michael over her shoulder.

"It was business Michael and none of yours." She replied and turned around to face him. "Let’s keep it that way shall we."

He smiled and dimples creased his cheeks. He was a handsome man…there was no denying that. "Should I be jealous?"

Leigh cast an irritated glance towards Lindsey and Ernie, hoping they hadn’t heard Michael. They seemed to be engrossed in a conversation about the performance numbers. Then she turned her blue eyes back towards Michael. "What you feel is of no concern to me." She said evenly.

"I’m sorry to hear that Leigh because how you feel is very important to me." He frowned. "That wasn’t that Brent Landers was it? Tell me you’re not back with that jerk."
 

"I’m not going to answer that." Leigh voice was low and loaded with enough warning to set off an alarm. Michael studied Leigh’s stoic expression for a minute.

His eyes narrowed slightly as if he finally understood something. "No, this isn’t Brent. It’s someone else…someone new." He stepped closer. "You’ve met someone else." Leigh heard the jealously seething in his voice.

Leigh could have clarified things right then and there and explained that she was going out with a friend that evening…a female friend. But the last time she looked in the mirror, she had seen a grown woman…which meant she didn’t have to explain anything to anyone. This especially meant an ex lover who clearly didn’t know his boundaries. If Michael wanted to speculate about her love life, he could do just that…speculate.

So if Michael was waiting for an answer, he would never get one. Leigh simply walked passed him back to the table. "Let’s get back to work shall we…I don’t want to be here all day."

Erin stood in front of her closet and tried to determine what she was going to wear that night. She cast a glance back at the bed and grimaced slightly at the high stack of discarded clothes. Why is it every time you’re suppose to meet the woman, you act as if you know nothing about dressing yourself? Erin ran frustrated hands through short-layered blonde hair, and fell back against the bed. Which caused the tall stack of clothes to tumble over.

She turned over on her stomach and noted that it was 7:30 pm. She didn’t have much time. Erin pushed herself off the bed and again turned towards the closet. Leigh’s words still echoed in her mind. Wear something sexy. She had heard those words in her head constantly since the raven-haired CEO had first purred them to her over the phone earlier that day. And for some odd reason Erin did not want to disappoint Leigh.

Granted wearing leather in Miami was a strange idea. But it seemed they were having one of the coldest winter’s Miami had ever seen that January.

Erin buried her face in her pillow and thought about how ridiculous she was acting. This case was no different than any other case. True, she had agreed to participate in the little "game", between she and Leigh…but it was still a case. So in other words…Erin who gives a shit if you look sexy or not tonight…you need to find that damn Ruby

Erin pulled herself up and again and stared at the closet. And then she saw them and hanging in the very corner. She got up and walked to the closet.

Erin held the brown leather pants up in front of her, and grimaced slightly. She'd bought the pants the year before, mainly due to the Vanessa's insistence that they looked great on her. "Well they are leather." Erin said to the empty room and then turned towards her rack of shoes. She traced her fingers against numerous boxes, until they rested on one that belonged to a pair of brown boots.

"Ok Erin, now you need a shirt..." Erin then again looked at the pile of clothes that covered her bed and now the floor.

Determined not to destroy her bedroom anymore than she had already, Erin tried to weed through the clothes with a little more order. After a few minutes, she found a while T-shirt with brown Japanese writing across the chest. "I think this might work." On that note, Erin went racing towards the shower.

A short while later, she emerged from the steamy bathroom and blow-dried her hair. She quickly dressed and then walked over to the full-length mirror and curiously looked at her appearance.

"No bad." She said to her reflection with a small smile emerging on her face. The pants fit perfect...perfect being like a second skin...and emphasized the curves of her hips and behind. The boots had given her the extra height that she needed. And the shirt was a little on the tight side and cut right before her belly button. "Yeap Bradshaw...not bad at all."

"Good luck getting in." The cab driver said with too much pessimism for Erin's taste.

She tossed him enough money to cover the fare and tip. She turned back around and frowned when she saw that the line wrapped around the building. Either Leigh has some pull here...or we're going to be standing out here all night. Her green gaze surveyed the crowd and she noted that she was more disappointment than she should have been when she didn't see a certain tall raven-haired woman. She looked at her watch and it was only a few minutes after nine o'clock.

Erin crossed her arms and looked up at the building. It definitely didn't look like much…nothing like the clubs that Vanessa dragged her too when she was in New York. There was a huge neon sign that said "Lion’s Den" and it seemed that at any moment it was going to burn out.

Again Erin glanced at the crowd and gave a silent prayer that her choice of outfit seemed to fit in with what everyone else was wearing. Although it did seem that she had taken a little more care that most.

"Hey you!" She heard a male voice shout and she spun around and spotted a tall dark- haired man by the door pointing at her.

Erin looked around to make sure he was indeed talking to her.

"Yeah… I’m talking about you blondie!" He shouted back and motioned for her to come near.

Interesting. Erin thought as she made her way towards the door. Along the way she heard murmurs and wise cracks about how she was trying to jump line.

The guy who had been calling her was dressed in jeans, a black T-Shirt, and had more earrings in his ears that she could count. Erin figured he must have been a bouncer, he was very muscular and could definitely see him intimidating people with his gray eyes and bulging biceps.

Looks like Leigh has some pull after all. Of course she does silly…people like Leigh Sinclaire don’t wait in line…they totally bypass them. "I was told to personally escort you in." He said smoothly as he opened the door to the club and nodded for her to enter. Erin went in with the bouncer close behind. As soon as she stepped inside, Erin’s ears were assaulted by some of the loudest music that she had ever heard and she winced slightly.

She recognized the tune immediately and that it was being performed live. But Erin seriously doubted that Shania Twain would be performing I Feel Like a Woman in a dive like this. Besides that the woman singing the song had a huskier voice that Shania.

Erin tried to get a look at the stage, the room was too crowded to even look beyond two feet in front of you. If the fire marshal gave this place a limit on the number of people that could be permitted, they had exceeded it. This theory was further supported when a guy bumped into Erin and almost knocked her over.

When she regained her composure, she saw the bouncer holding the clumsy man by the lapels of this jacket. "Yo buddy watch where you’re going OK and apologize to the nice lady will yah."

The guy muttered an apology and then scurried off to disappear in the sea of people.

"Thanks." Erin offered as she took off her jacket.

"No problem…I was told to keep you in one piece. This place can kinda get crazy if you know what I mean." Erin didn’t miss the appreciative glance her gave her once her jacket was fully off.

"I see."

"The name’s Mike by the way."

"Mine’s Erin."

Mike smirked. "Yeah, Blue told me to look for some blonde chick that looks like she could shuck corn....and that's you darlin'"

"Blue?"

Mike looked at Erin as if he couldn't believe she didn't know who Blue was. "Blue...the leggy blue-eyed goddess who I would leave my wife and kids over if she even winked at me." When he still didn't see that the blonde was catching on, Mike pointed across the room. "That's Blue."

As if on cue, the crowd began to part...and Erin had an almost perfect view of the stage. And then she was looking at who she assumed was the woman she heard singing when she came into the noisy bar. And instantly Erin did a double take. The woman was tall, clad in tight leather pants with a matching halter-top that showed off a well-toned stomach and arms. Her ebony hair hung long and straight and fell well past her shoulders.

It can't....That woman can't be....And before Erin could finish her thought, the woman on stage threw back her head, leaving a clear view of her face. Sapphire eyes flashed and a saucy smile creasing tanned cheeks. Her husky, yet sexy voice cut through the room like a knife. Oh yeah... that's her.

"Blue is Leigh Sinclaire." She said out load before her mouth fell open.

"Yeap... who would have ever thought that a computer geek could be that hot." Mike said before he turned towards the door. "Well enjoy...I've got to get back to the door." On that note he left Erin gaping in the middle of the crowd staring at Leigh.

Erin watched with admiration slowly creeping into her shocked expression. Come on Erin you

shouldn't be that shocked. She's probably good at basket weaving as well. She wanted to laugh at her own humorous remark but was distracted by the elevation in noise, because the crowd was now singing along with Leigh.

"OH OH OH !!!!!"

Erin had never seen so many men sing so enthusiastically alone to a song pertaining to how it feels like to be a woman. Leigh moved her hips seductively to the music and pranced around on stage like a true performer. Within a few minutes Erin found herself singing along and tapping her foot on the floor. She’s really good. She thought and then watched the CEO end the song with a very high kick that was timed perfectly with the band’s last few chords.
 

The applause was thunderous as Leigh bowed and stepped off the stage. It was like something from a rock concert. People, mostly men, rushed up to her. Leigh smiled at them and suddenly made eye contact with Erin. At that exact moment, the guitarist on stage struck a chord and the band started a new song. Leigh grinned and made her way towards Erin.

"I was beginning to think you'd stood me up." She laid a hand on Erin's shoulder. The sentence had mostly come out breathy as Leigh tried to recuperate from her performance. And Erin could barely hear her over the crowd. But the touch on her arm came in loud and clear.

Leigh realized that once she'd laid eyes on the blonde in the crowd, she had been a little too happy to see her. As a matter of fact, when nine o'clock had come and gone...Leigh had become nervous. And that was one thing that she never was.

"So you sing too." Erin shouted back to make sure she was heard over the music and noise.

Leigh took a step forward and then whispered in Erin’s ear. "I have many skills." Not only had Erin heard the words but she felt them too. She felt the heat radiating from Leigh and became instantly intoxicated by the all too familiar scent of Leigh’s perfume.

Leigh pulled back and smiled…and if she wasn’t mistaken the blonde was blushing. "And I really like the outfit… I see you took my advice." Leigh looked the blonde up and down with obvious approval.

"I see you took your own advice too." Erin had definitely noticed that Leigh was wearing the black leather like it was a second skin. The pants were hip huggers… and were definitely doing their job.

"I couldn’t be a hypocrite now could I?" She asked with a wink. She grabbed Erin’s hand and pulled her towards her. "Come on Kansas let’s go find a place to sit.".

But before Erin could say anything, she was being pulled by the CEO through the crazy crowd. Erin took note of how many people stopped to holler out Leigh's name or rather the name Blue. She'd already made a mental note to ask Leigh about that later. Several times along the way, Erin had lost Leigh's hand because of the constant bumping of people. The last time it happened, Leigh stopped and took Erin's hand in her own and intertwined their fingers.

"Hold tight now...I don't want to lose you." Again Leigh had whispered in Erin's ear to make sure she had been heard and she hadn't missed the look on the blonde's face either time.

"Interesting choice…" Erin said sarcastically as she gazed around the noisy bar.

Leigh responded with a lopsided grin. "I know…great isn’t it? I use to bartend and sing here when I was in college." Leigh caught the surprised look on Erin face. "Hey Kansas I wasn’t born rich…"

"So I’ve heard. Seems there was a time when all you had to your name was that million dollar smile of yours." Erin retorted.

Leigh smiled one of her most brilliant ones at Erin before frowning playfully. "You think it’s only worth a million…I’ve been quoted a better price before."

"Must have been due to inflation." Erin teased and got a raised dark eyebrow and smirk from the woman across from her.

"Well regardless...you got me at a great price last week. Only $50,000".

A deal it had been indeed, Erin thought. Leigh had a smile worth a million, a body any woman would give her right arm for, and those eyes...they were priceless. "Oh how can I forget...that check just cleared."

"I would have talked to you for free you know." Leigh said as she picked up a pretzel and popped it in her mouth. It was true, although the night of the auction was burned in Leigh's memory as one of her most bizarre and flattering moments.

"But not the police?" Erin said remembering McNeil's earlier gripes.

"Talking to the cops comes with a very high price." Leigh said with a bit of seriousness in her tone. Yeah a waste of my time....

"What's that...your freedom? Don't tell me that the mighty Leigh Sinclaire is scared."

"Of the Miami Police Department...please." Leigh pointed to Erin. "You on the other hand...I'm not quite sure about though."

"Are you saying I scare you?"

"I wouldn't exactly say scare but..." Leigh bit on her bottom lip slightly. "You did start this whole thing."

"Wrong." Erin said. "Seems like you started it when you stole that ruby."

"Whoa there...that hasn't been proven."

"Not yet anyway...but I'm getting there."

"Kansas I do love your determination. Which is why I need to keep an eye on you." She pointed her finger at Erin playfully and winked.

"So is that what tonight is about?" Erin asked. "Keeping an eye on me?" After Erin made the comment she saw light blue eyes studying her with much interest. Not a bad set of eyes to have watching me...

Leigh considered what Erin had said. Good question Leigh...what exactly is tonight about? I wanted to unwind...to relax. So you do this by bringing along the very woman who wants to prove that you're a thief...yeah Leigh that sounds very relaxing...Care to come up with another reason. Well let's see....could it be because I wanted to see her....Bingo!!!! "Tonight Kansas…is about unwinding and just having fun." Sue me...I decided to go with the first answer...the safe answer.

"And you thought you'd bring me along for that?"

"I thought I would give you the chance to experience Leigh Sinclaire up close and personal. Do you know how many people would kill to be in your shoes right now." Leigh realized that her statement had a bid of arrogance attached...hey it was true. She'd been on the cover on enough tabloids to prove that point.

"Lucky me." Erin muttered before surveying the room. "This isn't exactly how I thought I would be spending my evening."

Leigh folded her arms and smiled slyly. "So how did you imagine that tonight would be?" Erin watched one dark eyebrow rise with curiosity. "Hoping you were going to have me all to yourself huh?"

"Well..." Once again Leigh watched Erin's face turn red. She does that quite often...or is it just me? Maybe because every other sentence you say to the woman sounds like you’re flirting…umm did I just think that?

"Kansas looks like you’re going to have to share me with a whole room full of screaming people. So I guess if you were hoping to hear me slip up and reveal information about a certain event that took place last week…you’re out of luck."

That’s exactly what I was hoping. Erin thought. She had thought perhaps they would again have dinner and the great conversationalist Leigh Sinclaire would indeed slip. But now looking at the smiling dark-haired woman…Erin knew that her presumption that had been nothing more than a fantasy. Leigh was way too smart to let anything about the robbery just slip out…at least unintentionally. If you feel that way Erin, why the hell are you hanging around the woman? "Well I guess I'll just have to plow you with liquor until you talk." Erin motioned for the waitress.

"I must warn you that I have a very high tolerance for alcohol. So we could be here all night if you plan on interrogating me with such harsh tactics"

"I've got the time." Erin responded coolly.

"Well then let the games begin Kansas."

"Is everything a game to you?" Erin asked as she leaned forward a little.

"No." Leigh answered matter of factly. "But this can be. Since you absolutely insist on talking about the whole robbery thing...let's make it fun. Say for every question that you ask me about the heist, you have to have a drink and I get to ask a question of my own."

Well that would alleviate us being here all night....unlike superwoman over there...I have a very low tolerance. Also Erin figured that Leigh would find someway to not answer every question that she was asked. "No deal."

"Sounds like someone can't hold their liquor. Which is not a good trait when you come to a reputable house of iniquity such as this."

Maybe but I'm not going to admit it to her. "I think its ridiculous that's all. Next you'll be saying Hey Kansas let's play the alphabet game." Erin imitated Leigh's Texas accent and then rolled her eyes.

Leigh chuckled. "Real cute. But I would have probably suggested strip poker, but then again we've already kinda played that." There you go again Leigh…are you flirting? If so when did you start doing it with women…I'm not flirting...I'm just....ah hell just shut up.

"Please don't remind me." She wrinkled her nose.

"Yeap good ole Bernie is still talking about it"

Erin had to giggle at the comment. "Did the poor dog recover from his hang over?" The statement sounded totally absurd and she could barely say it without laughing.

Suddenly Leigh looked sad. "Well when I left him he had an ice pack on his head and he asked me for a couple of aspirins."

"Liar!" Erin said quickly as she began laughing.

"I kid you not Kansas..." Leigh said in a mock serious tone and tried not to crack a smile...but it was hard. "That dog of mine is crazy about you. I mean I was afraid to tell him that I was meeting you tonight because he would have wanted to come. But he needs his rest you know" And then Leigh couldn't hold it in anymore herself and she started laughing as well. And this went on until the waitress interrupted them.

"Well I see you two are having a good time." The waitress said as she took out her ordering pad.

They both looked at each other with watery eyes and then smiled.

"So what's your poison this evening ladies?" The waitress asked.

"I'll have a Thunder Road. She'll have a Shirley Temple...damn that rule about not serving minors. "Leigh said with a smirk and snapped her fingers.

The waitress looked from Leigh to Erin. "She's kidding right?"

Smart ass. Despite the annoyance that she felt for the woman just then, Erin was really growing to like Leigh's Texas accent. Erin thought as she glared at the CEO.

Leigh watched Erin wrinkled her nose at her comment, and made a mental note about how adorable that was when she did that. Adorable….there’s that weird word again Leigh…I’m beginning to start worrying about you.

"Yeah, she tends to do that a lot" Erin said before turning her attention back to the waitress. "I'll have a Kaluha and Cream."

"You might as well ask for a glass of milk...come on Kansas you can do better than that." Leigh challenged.

"Fine...make it a White Russian." Erin said and Leigh just shook her head in response.

"I guess it'll have to do.....at least there's vodka in it. And how about a basket of hot wings."

"Sure thing." The waitress scribbled on her pad. "Oh by the way you look great up there on the stage boss lady."

"Thanks." Leigh responded before the waitress left the table.

"Boss lady?" Erin asked with a bit of confusion shining in her green eyes.

Leigh shrugged. "Did I forget to mention that I kinda own this place?"

"It figures..." Erin said before glancing around the place again. "So you loved it here so much during your wild college years that you didn't want to let it go in your even more wild and bad ass adult years."

"Something like that...but Morty, the guy that owned it, retired a couple years ago and asked me to take it off his hands."

"Not exactly the trendiest place in Miami...but it definitely seems to be a money maker." Erin figured that anything having to do with business that woman touched not only succeeded but also excelled. "So tell me about Blue."

"It’s a nickname bestowed upon me by this wonderful establishment when I was working here."

"Guess I don’t have to ask why". Erin said and Leigh batted her azure colored eyes before her gaze dropped to Erin’s chest.

"Exquisite." Leigh said slowly.

Tell me that I’m not imagining that Leigh Sinclaire, God’s gift to the computer world and men, is now staring at my breasts and calling them exquisite. "Excuse me?" She asked.

"Exquisite" Leigh repeated this time pointing to Erin’s chest. "The writing on your shirt is Japanese for exquisite." Her eyes then locked with the blonde’s and saw that she was embarrassed. "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing." Erin said quickly. Damn Erin you can be such an idiot sometimes.

"Ok." Leigh said hesitantly. At that moment the waitress came back to the table.

"Here you go Ladies, one Thunder Road and one White Russian. And a basket of hot wings." She laid the drinks and the food on the table. "And if you need anything else Blue…just give me a holla."

Leigh nodded as the waitress left and then took a sip of her drink. "So how’s your glass of milk" Leigh teased.

"It’s just fine." Erin answered after she took a sip of her own drink.

Leigh sat back in her chair and began gently rocking her head to the music. "So you wanna dance?" Leigh asked rather loudly to a make sure she was heard.

Erin, who had been looking around as well, snapped her head and attention back to Leigh. "Dance?"

"Yeah." Still seeing the shocked expression in Erin’s eyes, Leigh began to laugh. "Damn Kansas I didn’t mean with each other."

"Of course not." Erin muttered and took that opportunity to drink down the rest of her drink with Leigh watching with amusement.

Why does she keep reacting like that? It’s as if she thinks I’m coming on to her. "Well let’s dance." Leigh rose from the table. "I really like this song you know."

And before Erin could comment a man was already at Leigh’s side. Erin watched him whisper something in her ear, and then Leigh throw back her head with laughter that ended with one of her saucy smiles. Next Leigh and the guy headed towards the dance floor with his

hand on the small of Leigh's back. Why this particular gesture drew Erin's attention she didn't know.

"Kansas come on." She called over her shoulder to Erin. "The night's just beginning."

"I see." Erin said out loud before she headed towards the dance floor herself. And much to her satisfaction she didn't have to wait long for a dance partner as well.

Several hours later Erin Bradshaw sat at the table and bobbed her head to the music. She had to admit to herself that tonight had turned out to be one of the best "surveillance" outings that she'd even had. Leigh Sinclaire was definitely good company, so much in fact that she and the CEO hadn't talked about the robbery since she'd first arrived at the Lion's Den. Either Erin was having a really good time...or Leigh was even sneakier that Erin had given her credit for.

If that's possible. Erin thought as she took a sip of her drink....which was one drink too many. Actually the drink she's had before that one had been the "one too many" drink. Erin had reached that fatal line between fashionably having a buzz and being totally drunk.

She looked over at Leigh who was leaning against the bar talking to yet another man who was hoping to be the one to win her heart.

The evening had been filled with dancing, Leigh singing a couple more numbers on stage, and at one point she had even bartended...performing acts that even the producers of Cocktail and Coyote Ugly would have been envious of.

And Erin was impressed...because Leigh did it all with such ease. Looking at her now, no one

would probably have suspected that she was a billionaire and head of one of the nation's leading software companies. Erin smiled a little...thinking that no one would probably suspect that she was indeed a jewel thief as well.

But I know. Again Erin's green gaze fell on Leigh. And for an instant she pictured her dressed in all black...but very differently from the way she was now. There was no doubt in her mind that Leigh Sinclaire was the one who stole the Rhine Ruby. Erin conjured up an image of the CEO gracefully prowling through the dark shadows of the museum with blue eyes flashing when a glint of light would fall upon them.

"Thinking about something interesting?"

Erin was snapped out of her "day dream" to see Leigh sitting down in front of her. Yeah...you. But I'm not going to tell you that. "Nothing...really." Erin lied and against her better judgment took another sip of her drink.

"Didn't seem like nothing." Leigh eyed her suspiciously and then smiled. "But hey we all have

our secrets."

"Especially you." Erin smirked.

"Kansas...my life is an open book." Leigh held her arms open to emphasis her point.

"Sure. Then it's definitely missing a few chapters."

"Not if people read between the lines." Leigh challenged and then crossed her arms across her chest.

The two women just looked at each other. And for the umpteenth time since they'd met, they sized each other up. And in more ways than either was able to admit to anyone let alone themselves.

"You're a hard one to figure out Leigh Sinclaire." Erin leaned in closer and said quietly...barely audible in the loud room.

Leigh had noticed now the blonde's speech had become slower and a little slurred. Seems

like someone has had a little too much to drink. "Why do you say that?"

"I mean look at you….you’re a computer geek by day…..bartender, singer, and international thief by night…" Erin pointed at her.

Leigh chuckled. "So you think that I’m international….."

"Honestly…I think you something else." Erin said and there was another silence between them. And before Leigh had the chance to comment, a bright spotlight appeared on their table.

"Damn I forgot they do this on Friday nights." Leigh bit her bottom lip and just shook her head.

Erin sat up slightly and leaned forward. "What do they do?"

"Well they pick a table, and asked the people at the table to reach in a bag and pull out a piece of paper. On the slip of paper is a task that the person has to perform….".

"Doesn’t sound to bad." Erin offered with a silly grin on her face.

Oh yeah she’s drunk. Leigh thought as she looked at Erin.

Oh yeah I’m drunk. Erin thought has she continued to grin and watched as a man approached their table with a bag in one had and a microphone in the other.

"Well everyone it’s about that time for Lions Den’s own You Grab it, You Do it." The guy said as he finally stood beside the two women. "And who better to play tonight than the Lion's Den's sexist lioness Blue." At the mention of Leigh’s "name", the crowd went wild and Leigh sighed. She really didn’t feel like playing this game. She knew what was written on those slips of paper...and tonight she really didn't have any desire to perform them with someone in this room. And she conveyed this feeling by glaring at the Johnny Ryan, one of the bartenders, who was in charge of this festive activity.

He merely ignored Leigh's icy blue warning and continued to smile. "So Blue who is this lovely lady sitting here with you tonight?" He asked as he shoved the mic in her face.

"A friend." Leigh answered.

"Sorta having a girl's night out...huh?"

"You could say that."

"Well I don't think its too many fellows that would disagree with me...when I say that you are two of the hottest chicks in here tonight."

The roomed was again filled with loud noise from the crowd and especially the men in the room at the comment made by Johnny. Leigh simply grinned and looked over at Erin who was smiling and looking quite flattered as she looked around the room.

"So are you ready to play ladies?"

"Well actually...." Leigh began, but was interrupted by Erin.

"Of course we want to play...we love to play games. Isn't that right Blue?" Erin said and got a murmured reaction from the crowd.

Looks like I've created a monster...well I'll be. Leigh thought. "Ok...yeah we're ready."

"Well let's play You Grab it, You Do it!!!!!!" Johnny yelled with much crowd participation. "OK…go ahead and reach in the bag and pulled out your task."

Leigh cast another reluctant look at Erin before she reached in the bag. But blonde was still smiling and sipping her drink.

"Choose a person at your table...." Leigh began and turned towards Erin. "Well I guess that means you." Leigh drawled a little uneasily. And then she read the next part to herself. You've got to be kidding me. Well she wanted to play...."And give each other a body shot."

The end of Leigh's statement was not only punctuated with the CEO's smirk, but also with a rather impressive spray of an alcoholic beverage that Erin released from her full mouth.

"What?" Erin exclaimed. I didn't see that one coming. There was laughter from the on-looking crowd.

Leigh casually handed her the slip of paper. "Read for yourself."

Erin closed her eyes and tried to somewhat play down the enormous buzz she was experiencing just then. See what kind of trouble you get into when you drink....She opened her eyes and looked at the slip of paper...and it read exactly as Leigh had said it. She looked over at Leigh who simply shrugged and nodded for Erin to look over her shoulder. A waitress was approaching the table with all the necessary ingredients for the "body shot" performance. Well you can't back out now...yeap not going to give her that satisfaction.

"Alrighty then...let's do it." Johnny said.

"Guess I'll go first." Leigh said as she stood up and reached for a cube of ice off of the tray that the waitress had laid down.

"Ice?" Erin asked as she sat up straighter. "What...what's the ice for?" Don't know much about shots...but didn't think ice was involved.

Leigh moved forward in front of Erin and with one hand she pulled her chair from the table. With one knee she gently nudged Erin's legs apart so she could get closer without sitting in or straddling the blonde's lap. Leigh had to admit their positions were a bit compromising...and a few guys hooted when Leigh leaned over. She wanted to laugh at the shocked expression on Erin's face. "The ice is to wet your neck...so the salt crystals will stick."

"Ok." Erin said quietly and jumped slightly when the tip of the ice touched the very top of her neck.

"Easy now." Leigh in a low voice as she dragged the cube down to just below Erin's collarbone. Next Leigh picked up a saltshaker and began sprinkling the salt on Erin's neck.

"Leigh I don't know about this." She said quietly just loud enough for Leigh to hear.

"Come on Kansas...you wanted to play" She smiled slyly as she placed a lemon between Erin's teeth. "Now let's play."

Leigh stood straight up and grabbed the shot glass filled with tequila.

"OK Ladies are you ready?" Johnny said and the room started chanting. "Body Shot!!!!"

Leigh simply nodded and looked down at Erin...who seemed like she was holding onto the arms of the chair for dear life. Leigh moved closer until her face was just inches from Erin's. "Relax...we're just having a bit of fun. I promise to make it quick and painless." She whispered before bowing her head slightly. Her dark hair felt like silk as it grazed Erin's cheek.

Leigh had meant to keep her promise of this little act being quick...but the minute her tongue touched Erin's neck...everything seemed to go into slow motion. It was if her tongue wanted to capture every crystal of salt that had been sprinkled. She smells just like vanilla. Leigh thought as she made her way up her neck.

When Erin had felt the heat from Leigh's mouth...a shiver went down her spine and she found herself arching her back slightly and letting out a quiet moan. Damn it Erin control yourself...hope she didn't hear you.

Leigh had heard her and quickly snapped her head back. Blue and green eyes locked. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Oh yeah I couldn't definitely use a drink right about now. Without breaking eye contact with Erin, Leigh drank the tequila down quickly. And without any hesitation, she leaned forward to retrieve the lemon dangling between Erin's teeth.

Not knowing why, both women closed their eyes. Leigh's aim had been right on and she bit into the lemon. Her bottom lip lightly grazed Erin's as she pulled back slowly. Erin's eyes were still closed when Leigh opened hers. She sucked on the lemon and then held it in the air. The crowd went wild.

When Erin opened her eyes, and the first thing her eyes rested on were leather-clad hips that lead to a very tanned stomach....Leigh's stomach. Her eyes slowly traveled up to the dark-haired woman's body to her smiling face. "See Kansas....nothing to it." She said as she backed up a little and then plopped down in her own chair. Well I wouldn't exactly say it was nothing. "Your turn." Yeap, I wouldn’t call what happened nothing by any means. Leigh took note of how her own breathing and pulse had quickened. She ran a hand threw hair and let out a ragged sigh.

"That's right do unto others...." Johnny said into the mic and crowd again screamed.

The last thing you need Bradshaw is another drink. Erin thought wearily to herself as she pulled herself to her feet. Her balance was a little off and she needed to hold on to the table.

"You alright." Leigh asked with a bit of concern in her voice and eyes.

Nope "Of course I am." Erin said with a weak smile and stepped closer.

"You don't have to do this you know." Leigh offered with a raised eyebrow and with a trace of teasing.

"Just shut up Sinclaire and enjoy." Erin snapped.

Leigh chuckled. There's that feistiness I've come to adore. "Fine...but just try not to leave a hickey OK."

Erin rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Why? From what I felt you didn't take the same precaution." Erin retorted. She picked up an ice cube and not only did she nudge one knee. but both between Leigh's legs until her knees were touching the insides of Leigh's leather clad thighs.

OK...this is a lot closer than I got...but hey she's shorter. Leigh shifted in her seat slightly to accommodate Erin's newfound position and braced herself for the cold ice cube. Erin took her right hand and gently pushed back Leigh's dark hair so she could get a clear view of her neck. She playfully tapped the gold hoop earring that dangled.

Leigh saw her blink a couple of times before she placed the cube against her neck. She started just below the ear lobe and made her way down. Erin didn’t know if was the liquor or something else, but she became mesmerized by the tiny droplets of water that were forming along the tan skin of Leigh’s neck. She had gone a little further down than her collarbone since, Leigh’s shirt was little lower cut than hers. She watched a droplet of water fall from the ice cube to slowly disappear between Leigh’s cleavage. Erin looked up and saw blue eyes staring at her….

"I think that’s enough with the ice don’t you think." Leigh said with a raised eyebrow. "Unless you’re trying to give me freezer burn." Erin's face turned bright red and Leigh smiled.

"Yeah right." Erin said when she saw that she had unconsciously started rubbing the cube in small circles. Abruptly she dropped the cube back on the tray and picked up the salt and sprinkled.

Erin picked up the lemon and stuck it between Leigh’s teeth. "Here goes nothing." She moved her head down towards Leigh’s throat. This is definitely not how I thought I would be spending my evening…but here I am anyway. She gazed on more time into light blue eyes before she closed her own eyes. Make it quick Bradshaw…She had meant to make the lick short...but instead in turned in a series of small ones that didn’t end until her nose touched the tip of Leigh’s chin.

By this time Leigh was holding on to the arms of her chair and closed her eyes. She must have thought I said give me a hickey…because she sure is taking a long time. Body shots are supposed to quick. But then again this wasn’t suppose to feel so…And before she could finish her thought Erin pulled back abruptly and reached for the shot glass.

Wish this was water…because it’s definitely gotten hot in here. Erin drank it down and winced as the liquor left a burning sensation in her throat. Come on Erin you’re almost there. She stared at the lemon held between some of the whitest teeth she had ever seen

And proceeded to finish the task at hand. But her aim was off and instead of grabbing the lemon, she caught Leigh's bottom lip instead.

Oh Shit. To correct her mistake…she quickly let go of Leigh’s lip but not before causing a slight sucking sensation. She aimed again and missed and hit the upper lip. Oh double shit.

Leigh wanted to laugh at the blonde’s lack of coordination, but was distracted by the trail of heat Erin had left behind with each attempt.

Determined not the messed up anymore. Erin grabbed both sides of Leigh face and slowly moved in. "I’ve got it this time." She whispered with her lips briefly touching Leigh as she bit into the lemon and pulled back.

She got it that time…so why do you wish she’d missed again? When that thought entered her head, Leigh opened her eyes to see a smiling Erin holding up a lemon with the crowd cheering on.

"Alright…let’s give these two women a hand!!!!" Johnny screamed and then to the relief of both women he moved on and the band started to play again. Leigh made a mental note to fire him later…ok she wouldn’t fire him…just make his life hell for a little bit.

Erin plopped back down in her seat and then buried her face in her hands. "I am sooo embarrassed." She sighed. After their little performance, Erin felt like she couldn’t even look at Leigh.

Leigh reached out and rumpled Erin’s blonde hair and smiled. "You did good Kansas."

Erin looked up with a crooked grin. "Ya think…but I missed the lemon…twice." She clumsily held up two fingers and Leigh chuckled.

"Believe me I know." Leigh responded and before she could stop herself…she was licking her lips and saw that Erin had watched her gesture with peaked interest. Erin’s gaze moved from moist lips to blue eyes. The eye contact lasted more than both had intended and would have possibly lasted longer had they not been interrupted.

"Umm hello." Both women looked up to see an attractive brunette looking at them.

"Hi." Leigh and Erin both said at the same time and then laughed at the overt cuteness of it.

"I just wanted to say that you looked really hot up there on stage" Erin watched the woman not only give Leigh an appreciative once over…she half expected her to throw herself in Leigh’s lap. I don’t believe this…she’s coming on to Leigh.

"Thanks." Leigh said with a grin and shrugged. "Just having fun that’s all.

For the next few minutes, Erin listened to Leigh and the woman converse. Although to Erin between the music, noisy crowd, and the woman’s uncanny ability to punctuate each of her sentences with the annoying popping of her gum…Erin could barely hear.

If as if I’m not even here…well I can put an end to that. On that note…Erin clear her throat very loudly. Leigh and the other woman turned toward her.

"Well I guess I better get back to my table. See yah." Then the woman left.

"I don’t believe that."

"Believe what?"

"She was flirting with you." Erin said as she cast another disgruntled stare at where Leigh’s admirer was sitting.

"I thought as much." Leigh said casually. Leigh had much experienced with the advances of the opposite sex…and occasionally a woman had approached her. She treated those situations just if they were a man…no big deal. Although she had been glad at Erin's "interruption".

"She has some nerve you know."

"Why do you say that?"

"I mean she walked over here and boldly comes on to you as if I’m not sitting here."

Erin watched a familiar brow rise as blue eyes questioned her.

"I mean I am a woman."

"Yeah…I think that’s obvious."

"And you’re a woman."

"Well I was the last time I showered. I’m glad to see it hasn’t worn off since then." Leigh commented with a chuckle and then sat back in her chair and folded her arms. "What exactly are you getting at."

"Well…" Erin started.

"Yes?"

"Well how did she know that we weren’t together." Erin pointed to Leigh and then herself.

"Because you know…if we were together…she would have totally been disrespecting me when she came over here and literally threw herself at your feet Leigh Sinclaire." Erin rationalized.

Leigh’s eyebrow rose higher and she started laughing.

"What’s so funny?" Erin asked and Leigh continued to laugh. "I mean it’s not such an absurd idea. "

"Oh you don’t think so…you and I together." Leigh continued to laugh.

Erin pointed at Leigh. "I mean you could do much worse than me Leigh Sinclaire…so stop laughing."

"True…" Leigh conceded with a grin. Damn how much did she have to drink. "But Kansas would you listen to yourself."

Erin frowned and did a mental rewind of the last few minutes of their conversation. And within seconds Erin started to laugh as well. "My goodness did I really just say all that?" Erin asked with watery eyes and between giggles.

Leigh nodded. "Yes you did my friend." She reached over and pulled Erin’s drink towards her. "So I am thinking that means last call for you young lady."

"Hey I’m not so young."

"And you’re no lady either…so what’s your point?" Leigh smiled and Erin smirked.

With more effort than she had intended Erin stood up and held onto the table for balance.

"Well I have to use the little girl’s room…so if you’ll excuse me."

"What? You’re leaving me all alone. What if that woman comes back and you’re not here to protect my virtue honey?" Leigh wiggled her eyebrows.

"Very funny." Erin snorted. "So boss lady where is the bathroom?"

"Over there." Leigh pointed to the left of the stage.

Erin sigh a miserable one as she looked at all the people. "I just wanna go to the bathroom …not sail to the New World." She mumbled and let go of the table.

"You want me to go with you." Leigh asked, not knowing if the blonde would actually make it to the restroom.

"No…I can make it."

"Fine…But do me a favor and just don’t pass out on the dance on your way. The clientele doesn’t seem to take to kindly to that. It tends to minimize their dance space." Leigh added with playful concerned look.

"Sure thing." Erin muttered. "Never mind the fact that I would be passed out….."

Leigh watched her walk away on wobbly legs and half wished the blonde had taken her up on her offer to escort her to the rest room. Concerned about her are we Leigh….Nope just looking out for her is all.

Now that she was alone, Leigh took a minute to reflect on the evening and decided that she was definitely having a good time. Erin Bradshaw had turned out to be better company than she’d thought. Though there had been a couple of awkward moments here and there. Leigh recalled her own strange reaction where she and Erin had been on out the dance floor.

Each time Erin had been dancing with a guy, Leigh had taken note of when a guy had held Erin a little too close or placed his hands a little too low. What’s that about Leigh.? Simple…I was just looking out for her…I think.

Leigh looked at her watched and notice that Erin had been gone for quite a bit of time. "Maybe there’s a line in the restroom." Leigh rationalized. Then a something caught her attention. A crowd was forming near the dance floor and she heard yelling…

"I said let go of me!!!" Erin screamed as she pulled back and found herself plummeting backwards until someone caught her around the waist.

"Is there a problem?"

Erin didn't have to turn around to know that the husky voice belonged to Leigh...and if that hadn't...that awesome smelling perfume of hers had. Erin turned around slowly and looked up at the dark haired CEO and felt a wave of relief wash over her.

"Nope no problem at all." Said the man across from them with a smile. "I just wanted to dance with her is all." Again he reached for Erin but before he could make contact, Leigh grabbed his arm.

"Seems to me she doesn't want to dance with you...so why don't you move on to someone else." Leigh said casually. Please don't let this escalate...I don't need another picture in the paper of me turning Jackie Chan on someone.

"What the hell...." He sneered and pulled his arm loose and glared at Leigh. "Because I don't want anyone else...I want to dance with her." He reached out again and this time Leigh knocked his hand away.

"I'm warning you." Leigh stepped forward and gently pushed Erin to the side.

The man laughed and so did his buddies standing behind me. "You’re warning me? Who gives a fuck about your warning."

"Well perhaps you should…I’m the owner." She placed her hands on her hips and made eye contact with Mike, who was standing behind the guys causing the "trouble". She slowly nodded for him to stay in place…she would handle this. Again her cold state was focused on the guy in front of her.

The guy stopped smiling and contemplated Leigh’s statement. That’s right…just walk away.

And he probably would have if they had not drawn a crowd. When will the male ego ever take a backseat to common sense. Leigh cast another glance at Erin, who looked at if she was about to pass out.

"Kansas are you OK?" She laid a hand on her arm and caught sight of the red fingerprints around her wrist. Leigh’s temper started to flare…Erin had been hurt by the asshole she was trying so hard not to hurt.

"Of course." Erin said and she almost collapsed against Leigh. Between the alcohol and the struggling she had done against the man...Erin was feeling very dizzy. Leigh caught her in her arms and it turned into somewhat of a hug when Erin wrapped her arms around her waist for better balance.

"Nope I better get you out of here." Leigh said gently as she cupped Erin’s chin in hand and lifted it up. Erin face was flushed and she was sweating a bit. "Oh yeah let’s go get you some fresh air."

Erin playfully tapped Leigh on the jaw. "Sounds good to me honey." And then laid her head against Leigh’s shoulder. Leigh smiled and turned to head towards the exit.

"Oh I get it." Mr. Asshole said as he stepped closer to Leigh and Erin. "I should have figured it from you all’s performance earlier. You’re nothing but a couple of dyke bitches." he sneered.

Erin felt Leigh’s body tense immediately. Leigh nodded for Mike to come over.

"Here take care of her until I’m finished here." She said as Mike took Erin out of her arms.

"Do I need to call the ambulance." Mike said with a lopsided grin.

"Not yet, but it might be nice to have one on stand by. But hey that’s totally up to you." She added before she walked over to Mr. Asshole and his friends.

"Excuse me." Leigh said coolly, getting in his face. "What did you just say?" He was about Leigh’s height so they were eye to eye.

The man’s smile broadened as he looked back at his friends and then at Leigh. "I said you must be a couple of dyke bit……" Before he could finish his statement, Leigh’s right fist connected squarely with his jaw and sent him falling back onto the floor.

"Thanks…that’s just what I thought you said." Leigh said sarcastically. "Now if you don’t mind I’d like for you and your buddies to get the fuck out of my club. And if I ever catch any of you here again…I’ll show you what kind of bitch I can really be." Her voice had dropped to a menacing tone that matched the sneer on her face.

The guy scurried to his feet and looked around and he touched his soon to be very bruised jaw. Leigh saw him brace himself and if he was about to come at her. Quickly she turned to her side and launched a sidekick that ended maybe an inch in front of the man’s nose. With her leg still held in the air, she turned her gaze on the man’s friends. "You know if I was this jerk’s buddy I would tell him, it’s better to put his health above his ego."

Taking heed to Leigh’s advice the men grabbed their friend and then ran out of the club. Leigh placed her leg down and the crowd started to applaud. Leigh bowed and turn towards Mike.

"You know Blue if you’re going to handle the riff raft…when do you need us?" Mike asked.

"On the days when I don’t want to ruin my manicure or scuff my expensive boots of course" Leigh answered with a smile and looked at Erin who was lying near limp in Mike’s arms.

"Kansas are you OK?"

Erin looked up with a silly grin on her face. "You know Leigh Sinclaire if you ask me that one more time…I’m going to do to you what you just did to that guy."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah." Erin blinked and then laid a hand on Leigh’s arm. "Just as soon as I stop seeing two of you."

Laugh chuckled and pulled Erin towards her. "Mike make sure those assholes are gone. I’ll take the little drunk with me."

"Sure thing Blue." Mike walked towards the exit.

Leigh placed an arm around Erin’s shoulder and in turn Erin wrapped her arms around Leigh’s waist as if they had done it a million times before. They remained this way until they walked out of the Lion’s Den. Leigh led Erin over to the silver convertible Jaguar and opened the door.

"No limo tonight." Erin asked.

"Nope. Being chauffeured sometimes cramps my style."

"Nice." Erin commented as she got in and ran her hands down the cool leather.

"Thanks." Leigh walked over to her side and instead of opening her door. She merely hopped in over the door.

Erin closed her eyes and opened them when she felt Leigh buckling her seatbelt. "I don’t need anymore tickets and I certainly don’t need any other reasons for the Miami Police Department to write my name down."

"Amen to that." Erin smiled slyly. "Speaking of you and the police…this nice vehicle here wouldn’t happen to be stolen would it. I’m just asking because I hear they suspect a certain CEO of having sticky fingers."

"You know now that you brought it up I am suppose to be dropping if off in the parking lot of the bus station and picking up a package left in a locker. I think the contact person’s name is Fat Joe…if I’m not mistaken. You don’t mind riding along do you?" Leigh cranked up the car with a raffish grin on her face. Her blue eyes were shining brightly in the dark night. She turned on the radio and the air was filled with Creed’s "Higher". Without taking

the car out of park. Leigh gunned the engine.

"You know what Leigh Sinclaire…." Erin said when thinking about the all events that had occurred since she’d laid eyes on the woman beside her.

"What’s that Kansas?" Leigh buckled her own seatbelt and adjusted the rearview mirror.

"You’re bad…very bad." Erin said with a mixture of amusement and fascination written on her face.

Leigh stretched her arm across the back of Erin’s seat and moved in a little bit. "It’s nice to see that you’re finally catching on."

She moved back and put the car in gear and raced off into the night.

 Part IV

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