<em>- Bo at the slumber party-</em><br/><br/>As Nicci slipped her hand into his and spoke about how drawn they were to one another, Bo found himself nodding in agreement, his eyes momentarily locked onto hers.  A force of protective warmth invaded his senses, surprising him still with how quickly such feelings were developing toward this woman he had met only hours before.  When her hand left his to began passing out chocolate treats, he felt the loss keenly, but couldn't help chuckling at her playfulness.  When Mari's lips parted to allow the chocolate truffle to slide slowly into her mouth, Bo found his own lips parting slightly until her wink caused his jaw to snap shut.<br/><br/>After Mari declared her favorite, Bo slapped one hand against his thigh and gave Marcus a look.  "Angus!" he declared with feigned indignation, "That sneaky ol' bastard!  We're gonna have to keep on eye on that one."  Then his gaze went back to Mari, a playful twinkle in his eyes as he smiled at her.<br/><br/>When Nicci moved on to the next one, Bo thought for a moment that Mila seemed withdrawn into herself.  She had that air of a wallflower about her, as if she wasn't quite comfortable being herself around new people.  Bo could understand that, his own secrets often leading him to silent withdrawal or light conversations that rarely broke the surface into sincerity.  He wondered what secrets she carried, what fears.  She was such a lovely creature.  He only hoped that she would open up to them eventually, and trust.  He hoped that he could as well.<br/><br/>As Mila uncurled from her cocoon to playfully paint Mari's nose, Bo thought that there was hope for her yet.  He laughed along, realizing that there was hope for himself as well.<br/><br/>