Lost Girl 1. Chapter 1

**Reality Love Bites.**

**Chapter 1**

* * *

"I'm sorry! I'm sure I just misheard you," Bo exclaimed, putting down the magazine she had been halfheartedly flipping through. "Because what I just heard was that a few months ago you signed us up for a reality tv show."

Bo's mouth opened in disbelief as her roommate and best friend nodded her head emphatically in confirmation. "And don't forget the best part, we made the cut!" Kenzi said, waving the confirmation letter at the brunette.

Bo had gotten used to her friends eccentricities, they had been living together for five years, after all, but she wasn't sure how to respond to this tidbit of news. Kenzi would enter and sign up for anything and everything. Whether it was to be in the running for some prize, a role in a reality tv show or for a karaoke competition down at their local drinking hole. Kenzi would sign up and she would always drag Bo along with her. _Maybe it's not that bad,_ Bo thought to herself. _I mean she has won us most of the stuff in this apartment. _

Kenzi continued to wave the piece of paper out in front of her and Bo sighed and took it from her and started to read what her best friend had gotten them into now. The brunette started to shake her head in disbelief. "Oh no no no no NO! Hell no!" Bo thrust the letter back at Kenzi whose smile had transformed into a scowl.

The petite girl tossed the letter on the coffee table and placed her hands on her hips. "What do you mean no? This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get back on the horse, Bo Bo. You have been moping around the apartment for months since breaking up with Melissa. You might find your soul mate and live happily ever after."

Bo stood up and went toe to toe with her friend, crossing her arms defensively across her chest. "I have not been moping about Melissa or the fact that we broke up and she got me fired from the best job I ever had."

"Mm hmm. Sure you haven't. Sit down, sweetie. Please."

It was the 'please' that did it and the sincerity of worry in Kenzi's ice blue eyes. Bo took a deep, calming breath and fell back onto the couch. "My life just really sucks right now, Kenz."

"All the more reason not to dismiss this opportunity straight away without at least thinking about it," Kenzi said, taking a seat beside Bo and taking her hand. "You have had a rough three months. Going to palm springs and living it up in a mansion for up to six weeks could be just what the doctor ordered to get you out of your funk! Besides, I will be right there with you, so it will be like an all expenses paid vacation."

Bo looked at her friend squarely in the eye, "What is in this for you because you did read the description of the show right?"

"Yeah. What of it?"

"It's the lesbian version of the bachelorette! And the last time I checked you were as straight as they come, Kenz."

Kenzi waved her hand, "Oh please, I can totally fake it. I'll be your wing man and together we will get you to the end. I mean I must of been convincing enough in the small video I sent with us doing jello shots off of that naked lady for our audition because they picked us as a double act. You've watched the bachelor so you just know that the lesbian up for grabs is going to be super hot and well off financially and you my stunning friend will sweep her off her feet and live happily ever after."

Bo frowned at her friend because despite how absurd this all seemed, Kenzi was making it all sound so exciting and fun. _Am I seriously considering this? They are going to find out that Kenzi misled them with that audition tape and we will both get kicked out on our asses! But until then perhaps some job opportunities would arise from this little adventure, _Bo thought.

Kenzi clapped when Bo picked up the letter and read it all through again. "It will be fun, Bo. We will be there a minimum of two weeks just hanging out drinking champagne and lounging in the sun beside a huge swimming pool. We will be at the house most of the time unless there is a challenge or we get chosen for a date. Seriously, it will be just like a holiday."

"Except for the camera's that will be following us around all the time and that we are going for all the wrong reasons. I'm certainly not open or ready to fall in love again. It's dishonest, Kenz. What if we are responsible for taking away the opportunity for another woman who was meant to meet the bachelorette?"

"Now don't close yourself off to the possibility of finding love and happiness, sweetie. You deserve that as much as anyone else and with me by your side anything is possible."

Bo smiled sadly at her friend. "I love you, Kenz. You are always there to support me, but who am I kidding! I am an unemployed loser who has lost all her direction in life. I'm a mess. Who would ever want me."

"If I swung that way, I would be all over you like bees on pollen, sugarplum."

Bo laughed and gave her friend a big grin. Kenzi always had the ability to make her feel good about herself, even as she sat there in a pair of old yoga sweats and a faded, torn T-shirt with Cheeto crumbs down the front. "OMG this says we need to be there by tomorrow!"

"Yep, so we should get packing, right," Kenzi asked hopefully. "Besides they don't know you got fired from your job. All they know is you are in PR and an agent to the stars and drop dead gorgeous. You can tell them that you are between firms or something or even better branching out and starting your own agency! Every contestant that makes it to the top five gets $10,000 and the final two get $25,000."

"Really? Wow, that money could really help and I was thinking about going out on my own until everything with Melissa happened."

Kenzi stood up and dragged Bo with her before giving her a big hug. "This will be fun, you'll see," the young Goth said, stepping back and brushing the crumb transference off of her corset. "Go get yourself showered, presentable and packed while I organise our flights to palm springs."

Bo left Kenzi who was already pulling out her phone to start making calls and made her way through the modest apartment to her room before she allowed her brain to talk her out of it. If it hadn't been for Kenzi and a few other clients that decided to stay with her, she would have been penniless by now, especially after her ex cleared out their joint saving account and disappeared. Kenzi was the most famous of her client's. As one of the hottest DJ's on the club circuit, her star would only get brighter with time. Bo was just thankful that she hadn't bought a house with Melissa before finding out the she had two other girlfriends and that she wasn't even her first choice. Bo had felt like her heart had been ripped out when she had gone over to her lovers house and found her literally loving someone else on the kitchen counter. _Maybe this could be the start of a brand new life,_ Bo thought with renewed optimism as she stripped and stepped under the hot spray of the shower. _Maybe I can open myself up to love again..._

* * *

"Okay, Tamsin, darling. Here you are, this is where you will be staying throughout the show and this is where you will have your overnight dates in the final weeks. Just a few miles up the hill is where the contestants will be staying."

"So I won't be in the same house and I'm not allowed to use my phone or have internet access? What did I let you talk me into, Vexi?" Tamsin asked suddenly unsure if the lure of finding someone that liked her for her, was actually worth it. _No internet, no phone and just me with my thoughts for company? At least I have Vex. I'll make him hang out with me when I'm bored out of my skull, _the blonde thought to herself.

Vex the effervescent host and producer of the show watched the mixed emotions that crossed over his friend and the star of his shows face. "Now don't you worry, darling. When you aren't meeting the ladies and out on dates or doing the interviews about your thoughts on the women vying for your love, you will be sleeping. And in the spare few hours you do have, you can either watch a movie or read a book. Trust me that you will have hardly any downtime compared to the contestants so there is no need to panic."

Tamsin nodded in understanding as she continued to take in the surroundings of the medium sized, modern house that would be her home for the next six weeks.

"Now, as I mentioned on the drive to the airport all the contestants will think that you are a detective with the LAPD. They will not find out that you retired and are now a half owner of one of the largest private security agencies in the world and in turn are a very wealthy woman as per your request."

"Thank you. I know it sounds silly, but I have been burned a lot since becoming more than a lowly member of the LAPD. I am hoping that in the first few weeks I will be able to get a good impression on who is in it for me and not the money that the show offers."

Vex waved his hand with a flourish at Tamsin's thanks, "Actually, it's given us the opportunity to add some extra excitement to the show because when we reveal your secret to the remaining contestants there will also be a new addition coming in."

"What! You are going to bring someone new into the mix midway through? Who?"

"That my Nordic princess I can't tell you. But it is going to be a doozy," He replies with a mischievous chuckle.

Tamsin didn't like the sound of that, but ultimately she would have very little say on what would go down on the show. "I only agreed to do this because you and Ciara wouldn't let up about me trying to move on. Though if I'm honest, Vex...I'm not sure if I'm ready."

Vex took Tamsin by the hand and led her to the couch that was positioned in front of a huge flat screen tv. "It's been four years, Love. We aren't saying you should forget about Jesse but you know as well as I do she wouldn't want you to mourn her forever. Everyone deserves a second chance at love, Tam Tam, even you."

Tamsin nodded and bit her lip as she fought to control her emotions. She was tired and her friend bringing up Jesse would no doubt bring her nightmares tonight. She tried very hard not to think about her wife in the hours before sleep because the guilt that she still carried with her would manifest into dreams. She hugged Vex and gave him a reassuring smile before standing up. "I'm going to unpack and get some sleep if you don't need me for anything else. I'm exhausted."

Vex nods and clasps his hands together, "Yes, yes of course. Someone will come get you bright and early for hair and make up and then we will do a little Q&amp;A about your expectations, fears, hopes et cetera before meeting all the lovely ladies that will be fighting for your heart. Sweet dreams, pet."

_Not likely,_ she thought to herself as she watched Vex leave and close the door behind him before trudging tiredly upstairs to the bedroom with her suitcase. When Vex had first approached her about being the star of his show she had adamantly refused. But after he gave her his sad puppy dog eyes and told her that this show would either make or break his career, she had reluctantly agreed. It didn't help that her best friend and business partner Ciara had also jumped on the bandwagon, taking Vex's side and agreeing that it was time for her to move forward. They had told her that just burying herself in work and not even being open to the possibility to finding someone to warm her bed and heart was no way to go through life. Tamsin couldn't imagine finding anyone that could even come close to what she had had with Jesse.

_Oh, Jess. I still miss you so much. I am so, so sorry. No one will ever replace you. I'm doing this for Vex, honey. This is so important to his career and I want it to work out for him._ Lez get married (what a God awful name) was airing on a new cable channel that would cater specifically for the LGBT community and they had high hopes for the show's success. Tamsin admitted to herself that she was indeed desperately lonely. She had gone on a few dates with her friends' encouragement, but there had never been a spark. Could she find someone genuine to love her on this ridiculous show? While she didn't have high hopes, she would do her best to keep an open heart and mind...Even as the guilt washed over her once more that being with someone else would be a dishonour to Jesse...

* * *

Lauren flipped up the tray and buckled her seatbelt at the pilots request. She still couldn't believe she was actually doing this. She hated reality television with a passion. She always found it so phony and overly dramatic, but to be honest, she rarely watched television, preferring to get lost in her books. She had a few months before she started her residency at Cedars-Sinai and she had filled out the application on a whim to have a little adventure before starting the job that would take over her life for three to five years. Besides the excuse for a free way to relax for a few weeks while her new apartment was getting renovated, there was also the possibility of making friends and possibly finding love. The monetary incentive was also a welcome bonus, she thought as she closed her eyes and gripped the hand rest tightly as the plane came to a shuddering stop on the tarmac. She had huge College bills and wanted to pay them off as soon as humanly possible. Lauren hated nothing more than being in debt so she would suck it up and risk making a fool of herself on television to get a head start on becoming debt free. Her family had been excited for her as they had waved goodbye to her at the airport spouting that anything that helped her loosen up and have a little fun was a good thing. She had just smiled and given them all a kiss farewell before boarding the plane for LA.

After disembarking the plane and collecting her luggage she found the driver the studio had sent to pick her and several other girls up. She smiled shyly at the man holding a sign with Lauren Lewis and two other names on it. He told her with a scowl that she was the first to arrive and would have to wait. Lauren pointed to a small coffee shop nearby and informed him that she would grab a coffee and a bite to eat while she waited. He didn't appear happy, but when she brought him a coffee and a muffin five minutes later he gave her a grateful smile which she returned before taking a seat within view of the driver and waited.

Eventually someone approached and talked animatedly to the bored driver. She was cute in a wholesome, down to earth, fresh off the farm way. She had wavy, shoulder length blonde hair and a sweet smile. She observed the driver point in her direction and the woman made her way over to Lauren with a look of undisguised excitement on her face. "Hi there," she said, reaching out a hand in greeting when she reached Lauren's table. "I'm Crystal."

Lauren reached out and shook Crystals offered hand. A polite smile formed on her lips at the bubbly introduction, "Hello, Crystal. I am Lauren. Lauren Lewis."

"Pleased to meet you, Lauren. Lauren Lewis," She responded with a flirtatious undertone and a brushing of her thumb over Lauren's hand before releasing her.

Lauren couldn't help the blush on her cheeks and cursed herself for her penchant for social awkwardness. She cleared her throat and sipped at her coffee and looked at the crowds of people walking by. She hoped the last person on the sign arrived soon because she could feel the new arrival at her table giving her an appraising look over and it was making her exceedingly uncomfortable.

"I can't wait to meet all the different ladies and the woman that we are to fight over. This is my chance to show the world my talents and possibly open up my options and get my big break in a movie or something."

Lauren would have preferred to just sit in silence, but her mother had raised her better than that and she was taught at a young age to acknowledge and converse politely when spoken to. "Oh, you're an aspiring actress?" Lauren responded, looking at her over the top of her cup.

"Yes! Isn't everyone that does reality television aspiring to be famous?"

Lauren just shrugged in response. She certainly wasn't doing this to get famous, but it made her think about the other contestants. Was Crystal right? Was she going to be surrounded by perky, beautiful people that wanted their fifteen minutes of fame? God, she hoped not. She could feel Crystal's eyes boring into her once more. Was she going to feel this awkward around everyone in the house. _Fifteen lesbian's under the same roof,_ Lauren thought, swallowing the lump of anxiety forming in her throat. _What have I gotten myself into? I must be completely insane!_

"So if you aren't doing this for media exposure, what are you doing it for? Love?" Crystal laughed as if that was funny and Lauren was grateful when she saw a woman with a killer body shoved in a form fitting red dress, address the driver and nodded her head. He motioned to Lauren with a flick of his hand and a nod of his head and she stood up quickly, eager to get going.

"The driver is waving us over," Lauren said grabbing her suitcase. "Time to go." Lauren followed the driver and the exotic, beauty in the red dress though the airport and opted for the front seat when they arrived at the town car. The driver didn't say anything, just pulled out and starting driving towards the designated destination...

_To be continued?..._

* * *

**Author's Note: Okay, there you have it. I need to hear from you if you are wanting me to keep going with this crazy story idea lol. I feel it could be really fun and I would love to know who is on board and interested in reading it. I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but this will be an opportunity to try out and mess with other pairings besides Doccubus while still staying true to my one true love which is Bo/Lo. ;) This will be a good growing exercise for me as a writer to branch out with other characters and their personalities. **

**My friend Rafi (aka TheSparklingBlue) is going to help me with this story. She has already been instrumental in shaping this first chapter with her thoughts and suggestions, so a big cheer for Sparkles! Hooray! ;)**


	2. Chapter 2

**Reality Love Bites.**

**Chapter 2**

* * *

Bo shifted uneasily under the scrutiny of the woman across from her in the limousine as they continued to circle the block waiting for their turn to meet the bachelorette.

It was Kenzi that eventually broke the tension filling the interior. Kenzi sipped some more of her champagne and gave the woman across from them a hard stare, "Why don't you take a picture it will last longer!"

The woman with beautiful coffee skin and a head full of brown curls flicked her eyes to Kenzi before grimacing and looking into her lap.

"Kenzi!" Bo admonished her friend, although she was secretly relieved to no longer feeling the intense gaze of the woman.

"What? She's been staring at you since we got in the car!"

"I'm sorry," came a soft voice and both Bo and Kenzi looked over to apologetic eyes. "I'm a photographer and I do that sometimes without realizing it. You have an amazing face." She shook her head as if wishing she hadn't spoken the last part. "I'm Nadia Fivola," she finished with a friendly smile.

Bo returned the smile, feeling not nearly as uncomfortable now that she had spoken instead of just staring. "I am Bo and this is my very protective best friend Kenzi."

"Yo," Kenzi said as a greeting. She noticed that they had just turned into a driveway. "Finally! It's showtime ladies put on your game face." The car came to a stop in front of a spectacular mansion. "Holy shit balls! Look at this place, Bo Bo! This is going to be fantastic. Okay, I'm gonna go first. Bo, you be right behind me and ride my awesome coattails." She winked at her best friend before jumping out of the car and strolling effortlessly towards the waiting blonde.

Kenzi knew she was rocking her unique sense of style and appraised the woman waiting for her. _Jesus! She's a Nordic princess. Bo likes them blonde,_ she thought as she came to a halt in front of her. Kenzi took the blondes offered hand and pulled her in for a quick friendly hug before pulling back. "I'm Kenzi."

"Tamsin. It's a pleasure to meet you. So tell me a little about yourself. Your outfit is amazing!"

"Thanks you're sweet," Kenzi said with a wink. "Well, I was born in Russia, but I live in LA now. I spin beats and am pretty big on the local circuit."

Tamsin smiled wide, "You're a DJ? That's so badass!" She felt little to no sexual attraction to this petite little firecracker, but she was drawn in by her spunk and fire. _I think I'll keep her around for a while. I think she'll bring something to this show even though I would only be interested in a friendship with her, _she thought to herself.

"Oh yeah, DJ Frenzy is standing right here before you. My best friend and agent will be out the car next." Kenzi saw one of the production guys motioning with a signal to hurry things along. "Well, it looks like I'm getting rushed along. Talk to you later," she finished with another wink before strutting inside the mansion.

Bo took several deep breaths before stepping gracefully out of the limo. She walked confidently towards the beautiful woman waiting for her even though she had butterflies in her stomach. _Why the hell am I doing this again?_ she thought to herself as she greeted the woman who had just introduced herself as Tamsin.

"A pleasure to meet you, Tamsin. I'm Bo" she gave Tamsin what she hoped was a winning smile because she felt like she was going to throw up. She didn't miss the way Tamsin's eyes appraised her from her head down to her feet and up again.

_She's gorgeous_, Tamsin thought before she found her voice, "You look lovely tonight, Bo. Tell me a little about yourself."

"I'm sure I will seem boring seeing as you just met the outrageous DJ Frenzy," Bo responded with a chuckle, relaxing a little as Tamsin's eyes danced happily with her comment.

"Right! She mentioned you are her best friend and her agent." Bo nodded and Tamsin continued, "Your friend is certainly one of a kind, but don't think for a second that you don't shine just as brightly as her. I look forward to getting a proper chance to talk at the cocktail party tonight."

Bo accepted the friendly hug and then made her way inside, grinning from ear to ear that Kenzi had managed to get them both into the house with little to no effort on her part.

Bo caught up to Kenzi in the house and they followed a crew member as he showed them their room. "This place is amazing," Bo said, taking in the exquisite surroundings of the modern, luxurious mansion before stepping into the room she would be sharing with Kenzi and another contestant.

Bo felt herself be tugged to sit on the bed and watched as Kenzi closed the door and quickly joined her. "Now remember that there will be camera's in our faces almost all the time and we will never know who's listening so try to keep from outing me in front of them."

Bo laughed, "You do know how absurd that sounds with the lesbians being out of the closet and the straight girl being inside it."

Kenzi punched Bo on the arm, "Shhh! See! You're gonna blow my cover."

Bo rolled her eyes and made a motion of locking up her lips and throwing away the key, "They won't find out from me, I promise. My lips are sealed."

A knock came to interrupt their conversation. "Uh, come in."

The door opened to reveal Nadia. Bo moved aside to let her in and she motioned to the third bed. "I hope I wasn't interrupting, the guy told me to just walk in but..."

Kenzi rolled her eyes as if she was bored and started unpacking her bag. Bo was thankful that Kenzi's back was turned to the other woman and hadn't seen it. She gave her friend a look of warning before focusing on Nadia who seemed to feeling very uncomfortable and Bo didn't want to be the cause of it.

"It's fine, you didn't interrupt. I'm sorry that we seemed to get off on the wrong foot, but I'm sure seeing as we are sharing a room we will all get to know each other and it will be great."

"The guy also said we only have twenty minutes before we all have to be in the banquet room with the other girls."

"TWENTY MINUTES!" Kenzi squealed jumping to her feet. "I need to start getting ready."

"What?" Bo said as she watched her friend start pulling even more stuff out of her bag.

"You can't possibly expect me to be wearing the same outfit that I just arrived in."

"I'm pretty sure we are supposed to just stay in the outfits that the wardrobe people approved," Nadia added softly. She found herself a little scared of the unpredictable and loud women.

"The hell with that! Nobody dictates what I wear. Now if you don't mind, I only have fifteen minutes to get this masterpiece of iconic fashion brilliance done," she responded, with her arms full of makeup and clothing she entered the adjoining bathroom and kicked the door closed with her foot.

* * *

**Back outside...**

The last limousine arrived with the final three women and Tamsin was thankful for that fact. She was feeling so overwhelmed with the previous twelve women that she couldn't wait to go back to her small cottage to take a few moments of solitary confinement to gather herself before the cocktail party. She had no idea it would be this exhausting, but with the continuous hold ups between each car's arrival she had been standing in the same spot for hours and it was driving her crazy.

The previous women all seemed to blur together until she couldn't really recall one face from the other. There were a few exceptions of course, Bo was one of them and Nadia had seemed quite sweet as well, but Bo had come to her mind several times. Tamsin had been blown away with her quiet confidence and her dazzling smile. She wanted to seek out the brunette at the cocktail party and she wanted to get to know the woman that had awoken something in her for the first time since losing her wife.

"Heads up," one of the producers whispered from the shadows getting Tamsin's attention. "Last three and then we can take a break. Now smile."

Tamsin turned her attention to the limousine and the shapely tanned calf that came into view. "Wow!" Tamsin murmured, and she heard several of the crew agree with her as the woman in a tight black cocktail dress approached her in a way that felt like she was the prey to this woman's predator. She oozed style and sophistication with just the right amount of dark, exotic sex appeal that blew Tamsin away.

"Greetings my name is Evony Fleurette Marquise," the stunning woman said in a voice that sounded as if it was dipped in liquid chocolate.

"The pleasure is all mine, Evony," Tamsin managed to breath out. The presence of this woman rivalled Bo's and she found herself drowning in the dark, amused eyes that gazed at her. _Yes. This woman knows exactly how to use what she has and isn't afraid to make an entrance, _she thought as Evony proceeded to air kiss her on both cheeks like a pro, causing her to shiver as the woman's cheeks brushed against hers. _This one is dangerous_, was Tamisn's second thought as she registered her body's response to Evony's simple yet intimate greeting.

"I will not hold you up here, but be sure to grab me for a private chat later tonight. I am sure you have been on your feet for a long time because it felt like I was in that car for an eternity." She leaned forward again, but this time brushed her lips close to Tamsin's ear, "find me," and then she was gone.

Well, if she were gauging on chemistry and sex appeal Evony would be the flat out winner with Bo coming a close second. She took a calming breath and tried to ignore the subtle throb between her legs. _Two to go Tamsin. Keep it together. _

She smiled and nodded politely as the next woman half walked, half skipped to meet her and drew her into a hug that implied a familiarity that wasn't present. "Hi there, I'm Crystal and I just recently moved to LA from a little town no-one's heard of to become an actress."

"Nice to meet you Crystal and I wish you luck with the acting." Tamsin didn't really listen to what she said next because she saw the final woman waiting patiently while Crystal continued to talk, ignoring the crew's prompts to move on. In a brief pause in the perky blondes chatter Tamsin ripped her eyes from the other blonde and focused on Crystal again. She took her hands as she went to talk again, "We are a little pressed for time, but I can't wait to hear more about it tonight at the party," Tamsin said as politely as she could. It was sad in a way because she liked the woman's positive energy, but it just felt like she was trying too hard and felt that it would irritate her if the perkiness wasn't toned down a little.

"I look forward to talking to you tonight. I can't wait to meet everyone else and..."

"Well, they are all inside waiting to meet you too," Tamsin said cutting her off.

Crystal finally seemed to notice the irate producer who was trying desperately to get her to go inside. Tamsin was crushed into another hug before finally being free to look at the final woman to make her acquaintance.

Lauren walked up to the waiting woman and accepted her hand in greeting, giving it a firm shake. Tamsin introduced herself and asked her to share a little bit about herself.

"Hello Tamsin. My name is Lauren Lewis and I'll be starting my residency in a couple of months."

"Residency? You're a doctor?" Tamsin was at a loss for words. Smart, poised and beautiful. Lauren was moved towards the top of her list to join Evony and Bo for the first impression they had engaged with her. But the fact that she was a doctor threw her and it put a dampener on her attraction to the blonde. Flashes of Jesse rushed through her mind. She had been a surgical nurse and the memory of her wearing scrubs and falling tiredly into the bed beside her filled her mind. Lauren's voice brought Tamsin back from her past and into the present.

"Yes, a doctor," Lauren responded with a chuckle at the blondes shock. "Is that so hard to believe?" Lauren quirked her head to the side, noticing a change in Tamsin's demeanour. She noted a hint of sadness and something else that she couldn't quite place... guilt maybe. _Hmm, maybe there is more to her than I first thought._

Tamsin blurted out the first thing that came to her mind. She needed to get away. She needed to be alone so she could breath. "Oh no, not at all. You just don't look old enough to be a doctor. Are you super smart like Doogie Houser?" Tamsin clamped her mouth shut and wanted to slap herself in the head in mortification. _I can't believe I Just said that! What a dork. _Tamsin smiled awkwardly, unsure what else to say to the woman and eager to just get away. Lauren had knocked her completely off her game without doing anything.

Lauren smiled politely, murmured that she looked forward to getting to know her and then walked into the house leaving Tamsin out in the cold alone...

* * *

Bo and Kenzi were at an advantage they realised as they watched the dozen other women talking and sizing each other up. Already being friends seemed to keep the other ladies from attacking them like they were each other. There had already been several catty remarks about some the comments that had been expressed as they shared their first meeting with Tamsin. There was just one more contestant to come and they would all probably swarm around her as well.

Kenzi had convinced Bo to play it cool and to just observe and watch the other contestants as they vied for the attention of the camera's. She had said that if they could find their opponents weaknesses, it would be easier to take them down.

Bo thought it all sounded a little extreme, but was convinced after, a bottle blonde by the name of Candy lost her temper and lunged at a stunning petite Asian woman named Jasmine after she referred to Candy as being ninety percent plastic. Several of the other girls, including the strikingly handsome Dillon that Kenzi had dubbed the 'token butch', rushed forward to break them apart.

Bo's attention was brought away from the escalating cat fight when she saw movement out of her peripheral vision. Bo's breath caught as the blonde entered the room in a beautiful burgundy gown that flowed over her tall, statuesque frame, her bare back toned and flawless.

Kenzi nudged Bo in the side, "Told you this would be fun, look at them go at it." When her friend didn't respond she turned and saw where her bestie's attention was. Kenzi appraised the blonde who met Bo's gaze briefly before with a small smile before looking away and joining Nadia who was observing the fight from the corner. "Bo snap out of it!"

Bo yelped in pain when the next jab was a lot harder than the first. "I'll ah be back in a moment...I am just going to ask Nadia something," Bo said getting to her feet.

Kenzi stood up and stepped in front of Bo, who hadn't stopped looking at the new arrival. When Bo just moved her head and looked over her friend's shoulder when she blocked her view Kenzi grabbed the brunette's face and forced her to break her gaze. "No," the young Goth said with a shake of her head. "Wrong blonde, Bo Bo."

"What? I'm just going to introduce myself," she responded innocently an eager sparkle in her eyes.

"Yeah, right," Kenzi muttered. Bo seemed determined to make the acquaintance of the final arrival so she stepped aside and trailed behind Bo as she made a beeline straight for Nadia and the strikingly handsome blonde.

She had seen this look on Bo's face once before. She had listened to Bo over the years try to convince her that she shouldn't ignore the possibility of love at first sight. That those feelings from just a glance or a few words could be just as real as feelings grown over time. Bo was a romantic soul that believed in diving head first if it felt right because she didn't want to miss out on meeting her soul mate just because she was too afraid to take a chance.

The first time she had seen it had been with Melissa and that had turned out very badly. Bo had opened herself up completely and had been crushed to find out that Melissa was cheating on her with two other women. One had been her boss and when Bo had walked in on the two of them, she had suggested that it would be best if Bo cleaned out her desk. Bo had been too distraught and devastated to fight and had left her job the next day convinced that she wouldn't be able to see them together at the office and be able to concentrate on her work.

Kenzi watched as Bo reached out and shook the blonde's hand who Nadia introduced as Lauren. She saw that the handshake lasted just a little too long and saw that both women seemed equally responsive to one another_. Why couldn't Lauren have been the prize instead of Tamsin,_ the young Goth thought as she watched Lauren blush and finally release Bo's hand. The sparkage between her friend and the new arrival was palpable. It made Kenzi want to give them some privacy as they continued to talk and gaze at each other intently. She saw that Nadia had noticed the chemistry as well and excused herself after fidgeting for a few moments as Bo and Lauren continued to talk forgetting that they weren't alone.

But unlike Nadia, Kenzi didn't like being ignored and as she looked around, she noticed that the catfight was now over and the group had split into two. She also saw that there was more movement with the crew and several of camera men had joined them. One of the camera's was held by an attractive African American man wearing a fedora and it was trained on the three of them, the other was focused on the double doors across the room. Kenzi was convinced that everyone could feel all of the latent sexual tension swirling around Bo and Lauren right now. It was probably all in her head, but she had seen that look on Bo's face before and she was definitely smitten with the blonde smiling back at her. "Ahem." Both Bo and Lauren blinked as if coming out of a trance and looked at Kenzi, "Yeah, hi. Sorry to interrupt, but I think we should head on over with the others I think we are going to have company real soon."

As if on cue Vex burst through the double doors from the foyer and started clapping his hands emphatically. "Okay, my lovelies! If you could all gather around I would just like to go over some of the basic rules that if broken will result in getting thrown out of the house. Chop! Chop!"

Bo gave Lauren one last dimple filled smile before following Kenzi to join all of the other ladies. She could feel Lauren following closely behind her and she put a little extra sway in her hips to give the blonde something to look at. She came to a stop beside Kenzi and was ecstatic when the blonde came up along her other side, their arms brushing slightly in their close proximity. Kenzi looked over at Bo then Lauren and then back to Bo. She rolled her eyes when Lauren blushed and Bo grinned happily at her. _I am definitely going to have to keep an eye on those two,_ she thought as Vex explained that any fraternization with other contestants would mean instant expulsion from the show...

* * *

**Author's Note: Thank you for the huge response both good and bad. :)**

**I'm hoping the second chapter doesn't disappoint too much. Now I don't actually watch the bachelor/ette shows so I'm kinda winging it lol. If there are any of you that do watch these types of shows feel free to PM me with the sorts of challenges and date scenario's that happen if you like. I would love to hear from you.**

**Let me know if you are still liking it. And once again a huge thank you to thesparkling blue for being my beta and telling when I need to add something else or change stuff.**

**Take Care,**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo **


	3. Chapter 3

**Reality Love Bites.**

**Chapter 3**

* * *

Lauren lay in the darkness as she went over the events after she had joined the other contestants in the large banquet room. She was thankful that Evony had told Crystal to shut her mouth otherwise the perky blonde would have probably still been chattering away.

Lauren wanted to reflect in silence and she was finally able to do that as Crystal's soft snoring and Evony's even breathing were the only sounds in the room.

Being the last contestant to meet Tamsin she had been shown where her room was located and then ushered towards the room filled with fifteen other lesbian's all vying for Tamsin's affections. She had managed a quick glance in a large mirror that adorned the hallway wall as she passed by. She wasn't as ruffled as she thought and she relaxed slightly as she stepped into the room filled with excited voices.

The first thing she had noticed was the fight, but before she could even think about what that was all about her eyes met the intense gaze of a stunning brunette who made her stomach tighten and heat spread throughout her entire body. She was shocked by her body's reaction as the woman had looked her up and down with obvious appreciation. She had managed a small smile before heading towards someone less intimidating standing in the corner. She had felt the brunette's continued attention as she shook hands with Nadia and smiled politely as the woman told her a little about herself. Lauren nodded as she fought to gain some control over the effects the mystery brunette was evoking within her.

She was just getting her cool and calm demeanour firmly back in place when she felt the presence behind her. The soft fingers touching her bare back for a fraction of a second before the brunette materialised in front of her beside Nadia and had her reeling once more. Her heart thudded in her chest and heat once again spread throughout her being as Nadia introduced Lauren to the brunette and her friend. She mutely reached out and took the offered hand as the gorgeous woman with an adorable, dimple filled smile introduced herself as Bo. Electricity seemed to spark between Bo and her when their hands touched and Lauren found herself not wanting to let go. She released Bo's hand reluctantly as Nadia excused herself after watching on for several moments. Lauren knew that the woman had sensed the sexual tension between them because it was practically suffocating her.

Lauren was buzzing and she wasn't even sure what Bo was saying as she got lost in those dark eyes sparkling at her. The woman exuded a confidence that wasn't overpowering or arrogant, it was just intoxicating. She had looked down from those dark brown orbs to look at Bo lips as she talked to her. She saw the mouth stop moving as Bo noticed where Lauren's attention was and fresh heat pooled between her thighs as those lips first turned up in a sexy half smile, before teeth bit at the bottom lip as if the brunette was fighting off her own explicit thoughts. Lauren was sure that she had been closing the gap between them as her eyes moved back to Bo's eyes and to the mutual attraction that reflected back at her.

As she thought about it now she was convinced that if Bo's little friend Kenzi hadn't cleared her throat, breaking the spell between them. She would have kissed those lips because at that moment she wanted nothing more than to take that bottom lip between her own teeth before pressing her mouth against those luscious, enticing lips. She had wanted to slip her tongue into Bo's mouth and taste her.

Lauren suppressed a moan as she remembered every feeling and sensation of that moment and she wished that she didn't have roommates. The heat and moisture forming between her legs was phenomenal and she felt the need to touch herself as she thought about the brunette who had captured her attention from the very first glance. _Get yourself under control Lauren! You are acting like a horny teenager, get a grip!_

Lauren remembered the knowing look that Kenzi had given her as Vex had explained the rules of the house. She had found herself blushing as Bo had smiled and looked her way briefly. She had seen the desire in the brunette's eyes and she was sure that she had reflected the same need in her own. _It has been a while, maybe that is why I reacted so viscerally to Bo's attention, _Lauren thought to herself. _Whatever the reason, I need to reel it in because regardless of whether Bo is feeling the same there was no way that they could act upon those feelings._

Vex had then shocked the entire house by telling Candy and Jade that they had to pack their bags and leave the house immediately. They had both looked at him momentarily stunned before asking 'why', in raised, disbelieving voices.

He had informed them that there was to be no physical violence of any kind between the contestants and if they had read the guidelines of the contract they had signed they would have known that. He motioned for the large man called Bruce in the corner to please escort the ladies out of the house. Candy and Jade had once again turned on one another with curses and accusations flying on whose fault it was. Lauren had seen the delight in Vex's eyes as Candy leapt forward as if to scratch out Jade's eyes, but was lifted by Bruce from behind and carried towards the door, kicking and screaming for him to let go. Jade had quietly left the room tears falling down her face, following the raging Candy who Bruce had finally put down and was stomping up the marble staircase towards her room. All their antics were being captured by the camera's and Lauren realised that they were giving the host and producers exactly what they wanted.

Vex had sent several camera men scurrying after the two women telling them to capture everything and to ensure that they both gave a short interview before leaving. He had clapped his hands as he faced the remaining thirteen shell shocked contestants. Lauren sighed and shook her head at their hosts undisguised glee. Of course he was happy with all the drama because drama made good television and she knew that this was a test show for the new LGBT cable network and had no doubt that he would try to make a huge splash at their expense.

Lauren had looked around the room, registering and taking note of how the other women were responding to Vex and the scene that he had just caused. Her eyes met Bo's and Kenzi's faces last. She found Kenzi doing exactly what she had been doing and was watching everyone intently. Bo had been looking right at her and she felt the brunette's fingers brush against her hand where their sides met as they stood side by side. She had shuddered at the light contact and had let out a tiny whimper, which attracted Kenzi's sharp gaze and then the contact was gone and she missed it instantly.

Lauren sighed in the darkness as she found herself lingering on Bo once more. She was going to be in big trouble if she couldn't go five minutes without thinking about the sexy brunette. Lauren had consciously made an effort to keep some distance between her and Bo as the night progressed. They had had to wait another forty minutes before Tamsin had arrived and she had spent that time talking to all of the other contestants while fighting the urge to seek out Bo. The laid back atmosphere changed upon Tamsin's arrival as each of the contestants tried to get the bachelorette's attention. She had noticed in the times that she had failed and let herself look over at Bo that the brunette met her steady gaze with an intent look of her very own. Tamsin had been sent into a private area to have a little one on one time with each contestant before she was forced to evict another three ladies from the house afterwards. There had been a bit of protest when Vex had informed them of this, seeing as two of the girls had already been kicked out. The host had just shrugged and told them that they had better make an impression if they didn't want to be going home tonight as well.

She had been talking to Nadia again when a member of the crew told her to go interrupt the one on one conversation and that once again she was the last one to get time with Tamsin. She had almost fled the house when she had opened up the curtain separating the small intimate space where Tamsin had entered about an hour prior and saw that Bo was sitting across from her. She was sure that the look on her face would have looked comical as she stared at them, her mouth agape as they both turned towards her. It felt like forever until she had found the ability to talk and tell them that she was sorry for interrupting, but it was her turn to talk with Tamsin. It didn't help that Bo was beaming at her and was once again sweeping her eyes over her as if she wasn't wearing anything. She felt so exposed under the brunette's gaze and she had wanted to ask Tamsin to leave at that moment so that she could have one on one time with Bo instead.

Lauren sighed again and sat up in bed, she looked at the clock on the dresser and couldn't believe what the illuminated numbers read. She was thankful that they weren't scheduled to do anything until after lunch because it was only a couple of hours until dawn and she hadn't been able to get any sleep. She fluffed up her pillow and lay down again. Closing her eyes, Lauren willed her brain to shut up and allow her to sleep. Instead, it continued to replay the rest of the night starting right where she left off.

Bo had turned to Tamsin once Lauren had managed to form a coherent sentence and thanked the bachelorette for her time. The brunette then gracefully stood from her chair and had walked confidently towards Lauren her eyes smouldering with confident attraction. She had brushed past Lauren ensuring that they touched, leaving her body sparking all over again as she turned and watched Bo leave, willing her to look back. She was halfway to Kenzi, when she looked back and gave her a knowing smile and a wink. She had felt herself blush at being caught still staring at Bo when she was supposed to be talking to Tamsin who was calling her name softly.

She had turned to find Tamsin with a wry smirk on her face and an eyebrow raised high. "I can see that she doesn't just have that effect on me then? She has confidence in spades that one doesn't she?"

Lauren had blushed even more at being caught ogling Bo by Tamisn. She was mortified and stood uncertainly by the door trying to decide whether to stay or go.

Tamsin motioned to the seat opposite her, "Would you like to join me or would you like to follow Bo?"

"I... Uh... I'm sorry?"

Tamsin laughed as Lauren went another shade of red. "I'm only playing, Lauren. Please sit down so we can have a small chat before they take me away again to prepare for the elimination." The talk was easier after that and Lauren had started to relax once more. She guessed that Tamsin had thought it had gone well as well or she would have sent her home. Lauren finally fell asleep just as the sun was starting to come up. She would end up getting four hours sleep before getting shaken awake by a bright eyed Crystal...

* * *

Kenzi was ecstatic that Nadia had been selected to go into one of the rooms vacated by the five women that were already gone. She climbed out of her bed and approached Bo, who seemed to be having a very nice dream if the murmurs and moans were anything to go by. She sat on the bed and nudged her friend in an effort to wake her. Bo mumbled in protest and slapped at the hand that was now holding her nose. "Go away, Kenz! I'm trying to sleep."

"But I need to talk to you and this is practically the only time when there won't be camera's in our face, Bo Bo."

The brunette opened one eye and looked at her best friend in the semi dark room. "You interrupted an epic dream, you know," she muttered as she sat up and faced her friend.

"Oh, I bet it was with the way you were moaning in your sleep. I guess the question is which name would you be saying as the dream came to its orgasmic conclusion? Lauren or Tamsin?"

"I think you already know the answer to that, Kenz." Bo was thankful that her friend couldn't see the blush rising to colour her cheeks.

"I do. So what is your game plan to win over Dr. Hotpants? Sabotage her from getting Tamsins attention while you get to know her better and make her fall for you instead of the Nordic princess?"

"I haven't really thought of that. I mean, how am I going to pretend to be interested in Tamsin so that I don't get booted from the house too soon so that I can spend more time with Lauren? What if Lauren thinks I am actually interested in Tamsin and not her? Or what if Tamsin sets her sights on Lauren and she falls for her instead of me? I can't get her out of my mind, Kenz!"

Kenzi patted Bo on the arm in an effort to calm her down. "I'm your wing man remember. I will help you in any way that I can. Tamsin seems quite enamoured with that classy, European chick Evony. It's still early in the game, Bo Bo so you just need to keep it together and try not to be so damn obvious about how attracted to Lauren you are. At least make it less obvious to everyone else in the house while finding subtle ways to make sure that Lauren's know that you are interested. I mean, how hard can that be while having camera's and microphones in your face all the time," Kenzi said.

"Right, because being subtle is a speciality of mine," Bo responded sarcastically. "This is going to be a disaster. You saw the way I acted when Lauren came in for her turn to talk to Tamsin. I wanted to pounce on her! I didn't even care that Tamsin was right there!"

"It will be fine, Bo. I'll make sure of it. Who always has your back?"

"You do," she responded with a huge smile.

"Damn straight!" Kenzi gave Bo a hug before going back to her own bed. "Now get some sleep, Bobolicicious. Tomorrow it's game on!" ...

* * *

Tamsin awoke with a start, her pajama's sticking to her body as she became aware of her surroundings. She wiped a sleeve across her sweaty brow as her heart started beating at a regular pace instead of a hundred miles a minute as her nightmare faded. She didn't need to remember the dream that had woken her up because it was the same every single time. She got out of bed and changed into fresh sleepwear and then opened the glass sliding door to the balcony. She took several deep breaths of the fresh night air. Tamsin headed downstairs to the kitchen and turned on the coffee maker. She knew that she wouldn't get any more sleep tonight.

She looked at the clock and saw that it would be dawn soon anyway. After pouring herself a cup of the freshly brewed coffee, she went back upstairs and sat out on the balcony waiting for the sun to rise. Tamsin had hoped that the nightmares were behind her after they had started to plague her less and less frequently. But obviously with the constant thoughts of Jesse since coming here and talking to other women about what they wanted in life and in a relationship they had come back with a vengeance.

As much as Tamsin tried to let go of the guilt she felt about being responsible for Jesse's death, she just couldn't. She couldn't let go of the fact that Jesse would still be alive if it wasn't for her. They would still be together and happy if it wasn't for her actions on that fateful night. But then she had a thought, _would we still be together? Things had been strained between us for a little while. The strain of our jobs and the constant changes between night shift and day shift had caused a lot of issues. That's what had you snapping at Jesse that night over something so small and inconsequential. _

Tamsin had tripped that switch and she relived that night again as her guilt overwhelmed her.

_She had just come off of a double shift working on a triple murder of a mother and her two children. Tamsin had been beyond exhausted and she had come home and gone straight for the coffee, when she opened the fridge and found no milk she had cursed and slammed the cup on the counter. Jesse had walked in and asked her what was wrong and she responded with, "All I want is a goddamn cup of coffee and there isn't even any fucking milk. I thought you said you were going to the store today!"_

_Jesse had crossed her arms over her chest and her jaw had clenched as her wife bit her tongue and stayed silent. This just pissed Tamsin off more because she hated it when it was a one sided conversation. She knew that she was overreacting, but the exhaustion and the frustration of not finding enough evidence to solve her latest case had her itching for a fight to release the pressure of uselessness building within her._

_"What could have come up that you didn't have time to go to the store? It was your day off today, right?"_

_"You have obviously had a bad day. I know that double shifts can be a killer, but there's no need to talk to me like that. I went to the store. I must have forgotten to grab the milk. I'm sorry. I'll pick some up tomorrow. Come to bed, baby. It's late and you look exhausted."_

_She should have just let it go and gone to bed like Jesse had asked, but she didn't let it go she pushed and made the biggest mistake of her life. "I guess I'll just have to go to the store and get my own damn milk!" She had finished the remark with a cold stare before grabbing the keys from the hook._

_"No!" Jesse had said, snatching the keys from Tamsins hand. "If it's so important that you have to have the milk right now I'll go get it. It was me that forgot it after all, right?"_

_"If it's not too much trouble that would be fantastic," she had responded sarcastically making Jesse sigh in frustration. Tamsin saw the sadness and pain in her wife's eyes as if she was pleading for her to give her something besides the cold darkness that had been the norm over the past few months. But I gave her nothing and she walked out, slamming the door behind her and I never saw her again._

Tears had started to fall down Tamsin's face as she remembered being furious when she wasn't back after a half hour. _Then when the hour passed and she didn't answer her phone, she started to worry that Jesse had decided to leave her. About two hours after Jesse had left to buy her precious milk, there was a knock at the front door. Tamsin had answered it, staring blankly at the two uniformed policemen standing there. Soon she had collapsed as the eldest of the two officers informed her that her wife had been shot during a robbery at their corner market and had died instantly._

The sun rose into the sky as tears streamed down Tamsins cheeks, her breath coming out in harsh, laboured sobs as the memories of that fatal night crushed her heart once more. She stayed outside on the patio long after the sun had come up, lost in her pain and guilt. Her alarm sounding from inside informed her that Vex would be by to walk her through todays events and what challenge the contestants would take part in to win the first date with her. She slammed a hand down on the clock to shut up its incessant beeping and fell back onto the bed.

She knew she had made a mistake agreeing to do the show. She wasn't ready to open herself up to anyone yet. Love was still pain to her because she was still haunted by her mistakes of the past, haunted by Jesse. She wished that Ciara was here. They had been friends since college and she had been her savior after Jesse's death. _Get a hold of yourself, Tamsin. You are doing this for Vex and you don't have to actually marry someone. It's just a television show for fuck's sake!_

Her mind drifted back to the night before, specifically to when Lauren had entered the private area and had interrupted her and Bo's one on one time. She had picked up on something between the two women. She had joked with Lauren about her, preferring to go after the sultry brunette but she knew that she wasn't imagining the longing in Lauren's eyes. She had enjoyed talking to both of them very much and they were in the top five of the contestants that had managed to at least spark any kind of interest.

The detective in her however was telling her to keep an eye on how Bo and Lauren interacted with one another during the challenges and perhaps she could get them as a joint date to test her theory that love was blooming but it just didn't involve her. The interesting thing was that the thought of two contestants finding love with each other instead of her didn't piss her off, but gave her hope. She would watch and wait. She would keep them for a while longer and she would also keep Bo's Dj friend around. If she wasn't certain that she could find love on this show of Vex's perhaps she could orchestrate some love matches of her own. Once she was more convinced of her suspicions she would approach Vex and talk to him about helping her to salvage what would be just a lost cause if he relied on her to find love.

_Speak of the devil,_ she thought as Vex's voice carried up the stairs calling for her. "I'll be right down. Grab some coffee while I take a shower and change." _This could be fun,_ she mused as she stripped down and stepped under the hot spray. _This could be very fun indeed..._

* * *

**Author's Note: Okay so chapter 3 is done and I hope you are still enjoying it. I have been truly excited by the response I have gotten for this story. As I begin to write I don't really know where it is going to go I just go with it and then send it to my friend Rafi to read over. She tells me whether it sucks or not and then I ask her if I'm good to post. So fingers crossed that you like it to. Dusty Love will be next, hopefully by the end of the week.**

**I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts.**

**Take care,**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	4. Chapter 4

**Reality Love Bites.**

**Chapter 4**

* * *

"You look like shit, Darling!"

"Gee, thanks," Tamsin responded sarcastically to Vex, who patted the couch beside him.

"Tell Vexie what's wrong," he said when she sat heavily into the cushions beside him. "Did you sleep at all? You are gonna need some extra attention in the makeup department to cover up those dark bags under your eyes!"

Tamsin rubbed her temples, "Tell me why I agreed to do this again."

"Because you love me and want me to be successful. Now tell me what's going on."

"I had a nightmare." Tamsin didn't need to elaborate, because Vex knew what she was talking about instantly.

"I didn't think you were getting them anymore," He said softly taking her hand.

"Yeah, It's been a while. I think one of the contestants reminded me of Jesse and that's what triggered the dream. I'll drink some more coffee and your makeup guru can work her magic and I'll be good to go," Tamsin said with more excitement than she felt.

"It was Lauren that triggered the memories of Jesse, right?"

The blonde nodded before getting up and going into the kitchen for more coffee. "Yeah, I think so. They are alike in a lot of ways."

Vex got up and followed her holding his cup out for a top up. "I'm sorry, I questioned my decision to have her as a contestant for the show for ages after sending the acceptance letter. May I ask why you didn't get rid of her last night?"

Tamsin shrugged, "She's nice. I liked talking to her," she answered flippantly. She also kept her around to see her and Bo interact a little more with one another. She really had a feeling about those two.

"Because she reminded you of Jesse?"

Tamsin took a sip of her coffee. "Perhaps."

"Maybe you should get rid of her in the next elimination," Vex suggested.

"No!" Tamsin said a little too forcefully, which made Vex frown at her in concern.

"But if she's the reason the nightmares are back don't you think having her around will cause the dreams to linger."

"She is in my top five, Vex. Whether it is because she has a lot of the same qualities that Jesse has or just because she sparks my interest more than most of the others, I don't know, but I want her around for a while... Okay?"

Vex raised his hands in the air. "Fine, fine... Whatever you want, darling. But if you are just keeping her around in some morbid way of punishing yourself for Jesse all over again... well, let me say that it isn't healthy."

"That's not what I'm doing. I want to get to know her better." Tamsin gave him the look that told him that the subject was closed and he just sighed and put his cup in the sink.

"Just don't say I didn't warn you," he muttered under his breath, but loud enough for her to hear him.

Tamsin gave her friend a hug, which he returned. "Are you ready for the first challenge and the date that follows straight after."

"Yeah, I guess so. What's not to love about women running around in helmets and body armour trying to shoot one another for a chance for a date with me," Tamsin said with false enthusiasm that her friend chose to completely ignore.

"That's the spirit! Lets get you into makeup and the car will take you to the challenge destination straight after that. A camera man will ride in the limo with you and will question you about your thoughts about the ladies left and who you would most like to go on a date with."

"Oh, goodie." she responded with a roll of her eyes. "I've spent like a grand total of twenty minutes with each one. I barely know anything about them yet."

"Then make something up, Tam Tam," He responded with a backwards wave as he left her standing in the middle of the kitchen. Minutes later the makeup artist arrived to make her presentable and worthy of being fought over for a date...

* * *

Lauren scowled at Evony through the visor of her helmet. "All I'm saying is that regardless of whether it is paint balls instead of real bullets coming out of these guns, it's still a violent game. I don't like violence. I have been in the emergency rooms and have seen what happens when people allow violence into their lives or are the unsuspecting innocents caught in the crossfire!"

"Keep the camera's on them," Vex whispered into Hale's ear and he nodded and zoomed in a little closer making sure he didn't miss a thing.

"It's just a game for God's sake," Evony responded in exasperation and most of the other woman shrugged and nodded their heads in agreement. "I can already tell you are going to be completely useless on my team, so let's take care of that problem right now shall we." Evony lifted her gun and pulled the trigger shooting Lauren twice in the chest and once into the face mask visor.

Several of the contestants cried out in shock and Lauren yelped in surprise and pain at the contact of the balls hitting her in the chest.

"Are you crazy?!" exploded out of Bo's mouth and she started forward to check on Lauren and to protect her from getting attacked again. She was stopped by Kenzi pulling on her jumper.

"Ease down, Bo Bo," Kenzi said softly when Bo turned to glare at her friend.

Bo looked back towards Lauren and their eyes met, "It's okay," the blonde said softly, wiping the paint off her visor with her hand. Vex and Tamsin approached the group and it was obvious that the blonde bachelorette's opinion of Evony had dropped a little with her actions. She went straight to Lauren and placed a hand on her shoulder and asked if she was alright. Lauren gave Tamsin a smile and nodded her head, causing a streak of jealousy to join Bo's anger.

"What do you call that, Miss Marquise," Vex said the camera's still trained on them. "I would have thought that you would have taken the ejection of two contestants last night for physical violence seriously."

"I call it friendly fire," She responded sweetly. "The only reason Lauren is standing here and not sitting on the bench is because she signed a contract agreeing to participate in every challenge presented to her, just like the rest of us."

There were murmurs of agreement from some of the others. Bo for her part was watching as Tamsin fawned all over Lauren. She forced her eyes away and glared at Evony, "So what? You're saying you did her a favour just now?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying. Now the skinny, blonde pacifist can go sit down and the rest of us can get started without anymore, 'stop the violence' sermons."

Bo's anger rose even more at the way Evony talked about Lauren, "She could have been hurt being shot at such close range! Did you even think about that?"

Evony frowned at Bo, "What's your problem? You're acting like I shot your girlfriend or something."

Bo opened her mouth to respond and she could feel the blush rising to her cheeks, but Lauren's voice spoke up first. "I am fine and I accept the claim of friendly fire if it means I can now sit out of this challenge."

"See, she's fine, warrior princess, protector of the meek."

"Bitch!" Bo wanted to punch the smug smile off of Evony's face.

"Save it for the game, Bo," Kenzi whispered behind her. "Think of what 'you know who' will think if you punch her right now."

"You're mine," Bo hissed at Evony threateningly.

Evony laughed in delight, "Oh, bring it on, Xena!"

"Are you sure, Lauren," Tamsin asked the blonde, ignoring the camera in their faces.

Lauren nodded, her eyes flicking past Tamsin to look into Bo's fierce, protective gaze, "Yes. I would just like to sit down as an eliminated player and watch the other players on the monitors. I have a bit of a headache."

"Of course, Darling. Go take a seat you are released from this challenge," Vex said, eager to move things along. The footage will be cut to ensure that only the best bits are seen by the viewers.

"Come on. I'll go with you and we can watch it together, okay," Tamsin said leading Lauren in the direction of the elimination bench, where there were several monitors showing different sections of the tactical course.

Vex clapped his hands and said, "Okay ladies its time to get started. Lauren is in good hands with Tamsin."

Bo ground her teeth at his words, continuing to watch as Tamsin led Lauren away, her arm draped across her shoulders.

"There are camera's spread out throughout the course, so there will be eyes on you at all times. Once you have been hit, put up your gun and make your way over to the elimination bench to join Lauren and Tamsin. Everyone knows the rules you have two minutes to talk amongst your teammates and then head into the course. When you hear the horn blow it's time to shoot your way to a date with our beautiful bachelorette. When we are down to the final few players the horn will sound again and then it will be every man, I mean woman," Vex corrected with a wink, "for themselves. Good luck to you all and your two minutes starts NOW!"

Kenzi tugged on Bo's sleeve and pulled her to where the rest of her teammates were standing. She half listened as Kenzi laid out the strategy before following her friend into the course. "This is all us, Bo Bo. You and me until the end, I got your back!" ...

Lauren watched the screen anxiously her eyes following Bo's and Kenzi's progress. They worked well together and she was sure that later on tonight the other girls would complain about the unfair advantage that allowing them onto the same team had produced.

Tamsin spent her time watching Lauren watch Bo on the monitors. She was convinced more than ever that there was something real happening between the woman next to her and the fiercely protective brunette who had just taken out the first person from Evony's team. Tamsin couldn't remember her name but it was one of the next contestants that she was planning on sending home anyway. A moment later she saw Lauren clap when Bo and Kenzi double teamed and trapped Crystal and eliminated her. Tamsin noticed that Evony was cool, smart and cunning as she and Nadia picked off a couple of Bo's team to even out the odds a little after starting a woman down.

The bench started to fill up as the minutes passed until only five contestants remained. There was excited chatter as Dillon took out Nadia only to leave herself exposed and open for Evony to take her out. A horn blew signalling that it was now every woman for themselves, but that didn't stop Bo and Kenzi working together to stalk the other remaining player. It was quiet as they all watched Bo and Kenzi converse for a moment before splitting off and obviously planning to out fox Evony who had found a very good position up high, making it harder for Bo and Kenzi to get to her.

"Evony has a very good tactical mind," Tamsin commented to the group explaining her position gave her a distinct advantage. "She has a bird's eye view on the entire section of the course surrounding her. She has the barrier protecting her and the only way to get to her is with the ladder which she can also guard easily. The only way I can see either Bo or Kenzi winning is if one works as a distraction and they hit at her simultaneously."

There were hushed whispers as they talked amongst themselves about who they thought would win and both Lauren and Tamsin heard a lot of the girls hoping that someone would take Evony out because of her bad attitude before the game with Lauren.

Bo managed to avoid a barrage of paint balls from Evony as she met up with Kenzi once more. "The bitch is good, I'll give her that," Bo muttered and Kenzi laughed.

"The only way I see to take her out is for one of us to sacrifice ourselves and possibly getting eliminated to bring her up from that barricade."

"I have another idea," Bo said with a smile.

"And that would be?"

Bo winked at Kenzi and then yelled out to Evony up on the tower. "Are you really gonna hide up there instead of coming down here and facing us with skill and agility, Evony? You sacrificed all of your teammates while you hid up there."

"Casualties of war while I took out most of your teammates single handed, Bo. You're just wishing you were as smart as me!"

"Wait! If we can get under her tower where the ladder is we can get her easily with one of us climbing the ladder and when she shoots, I will shoot her with my gun that is already pointed and ready. You just yell, when to pull the trigger," Kenzi said. "What do you think."

Bo was thoughtful for a moment. "How many shots do you think she has after the last barrage of paint she shot at me? We are fast so what if we just run from this section to that section over there until she runs out of ammo and we take her out!"

"She has wasted a lot of ammo on you already," Kenzi said with a grin. "She wants to get you so badly for sticking up for Lauren because you made her look like a bully in front of Tamsin."

"I don't care about Tamsin," Bo growled. "Did you see the way she was hanging all over Lauren!"

"Focus, Bo Bo. I know you don't care about what Tamsin thinks of you but Evony does. Use that to piss her off to shoot at you more. Okay?"

Bo nodded, "Okay. Be ready to move. If we are lucky she won't even pay attention to you and you can get her." Bo cupped her hands wanting to make her voice as loud as possible. She knew that the camera's scattered throughout the course didn't have audio and she wanted the other contestants to hear her taunting Evony if she could manage it. Because there was one thing that Bo had noticed about Evony. Image and the way she was perceived mattered to her and Bo really hoped that she could piss her off. "HEY, EVONY?"

"What? Would you just come out and get dead already because I'm getting bored."

"COME AND GET ME, I'VE GOT ALL DAY! BESIDES I'M NOT THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO WIN, YOU ARE!"

"What crap are you talking about now?

"YOU REALLY THINK THAT TAMSIN IS GOING TO WANT TO KEEP A BULLY AROUND?"

"I was doing your girlfriend a favour! She didn't want to play anyway."

"YOU COULD HAVE DONE THAT AS SOON AS THE GAME STARTED BUT YOU JUST COULDN'T HELP BUT TO MAKE A BIG SHOW OF IT! BUT IN CASE YOU DIDN'T NOTICED TAMSIN WASN'T PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED WITH YOUR BEHAVIOR." Bo ran towards the other wall while Kenzi moved to the next one over on the other side. Bo heard the smack, smack, smack of the paint hitting the wooden barrier. Bo heard Evony curse and Bo laughed out loud taunting her opponent. "YOU'LL HAVE TO DO BETTER THAN THAT, EVONY."

"God you're so goddamn annoying!" Another few paintballs hit the wall and Bo knew she was getting to the woman.

"AND WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER CONTESTANTS?" Bo asked as she signalled to Kenzi to get ready.

"What about them?" Evony responded, sounding bored.

"DO YOU REALLY THINK ANY OF THEM ARE GOING TO TRUST YOU IN THE FOLLOWING CHALLENGES? YOU PUT A GREAT BIG TARGET ON YOUR BACK, EVONY. SO EVEN IF YOU WIN THIS ONE YOU BETTER PRAY THAT YOU WIN THE REST BECAUSE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER YOU ARE GONE!" Bo ran out from behind the barrier and straight towards the tower shooting as she went. Bo wasn't expecting to hit her, but as she got closer and closer to the tower Evony was forced to lean over the top of her cover wall to shoot Bo. Bo felt the paint pellets hit and explode on her upper chest and head until there was the click that her gun was empty and she heard Evony cheer in delight. The cheering didn't last for long, however, when having totally forgotten about Kenzi she was squealing in surprise as Kenzi unloaded the rest of her Ammo upon her. "Guess you lose, Biatch," she said before, being crushed by Bo hugging her tight. They left Evony cursing and complaining about the paint in her hair as they made their way towards the exit. "I guess that means I'm going on the first date with the bachelorette." They looked at one another and burst out laughing.

"She'll expect a kiss at the end of the night," Bo said softly, knowing they only had moments before they would be surrounded with camera's that had mics attached to them.

"The things I do for you. Use the time to get to know Lauren." Kenzi stopped and turned to face her friend. "But, Bo...be discreet, okay?"

Bo bit her bottom lip and nodded in agreement. "I'll do my best, Kenz. I can't wait to spend some time with her!"

"Bo! Kenzi! What a riveting final few minutes. Team work till the end, I like it," Vex said as he approached with camera men on either side. "Get some shots of Evony having a tantrum about her hair will you," Vex asked and one of the camera men rushed off.

Bo noticed that Kenzi was eyeing off the attractive African American man in the fedora as he played with some of the dials on his camera. She elbowed her friend in the side and Kenzi fought to keep the blush off of her face and focused on Vex, who was still talking animatedly into the camera as he described the highlights of the challenge and that Kenzi and Tamsin would be heading off straight from there to their the fun filled night time date. Vex grabbed Kenzi and pulled her in front of the camera. "So tell me, Kenzi. How excited are you that you won the first challenge and get to have the first date with our beautiful bachelorette?"

" I am super duper excited," Kenzi said before finishing with, "I'm sure we will have a great night together, getting to know one another at a more intimate level."

"Annnnnd cut!" Vex said and beamed down at Kenzi. "I wish all of the ladies were as easy to film as you! It takes some of these girls ten takes to get a little interview done. Now off you go and get changed," Vex said, pushing Kenzi toward the small building that held toilets and changing facilities.

A half hour later Kenzi was clean and in her spare set of clothes. She was escorted to a limousine, the door open and Tamsin visible inside. _You better make tonight count Bo Bo,_ Kenzi thought as she smiled wide and enter the car sitting next to a smiling Tamsin...

* * *

**Author's Note: Here it is, the next chapter. I know you had to wait a long time, but I am hoping you will sit down and reread the first three chapters to refresh yourself before continuing onto the new one and the chapters will be coming at more regular intervals now if I know that you guys are still here and reading it with me. ;) So bring on the sunshine because you know how much I appreciate it.**

**Take care and have a wonderful New Year,**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	5. Chapter 5

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 5**

* * *

Kenzi did a little dance in the obscenely tall boots she was falling in love with as she admired them in the long, full length mirror. She saw Tamsin grinning at her through the reflection of the mirror. The petite DJ put her hands on her hips and spun around to face the blonde, "What are you grinning at?"

Tamsin laughed and Kenzi heard Hale give a small chuckle behind the camera as well. She was momentarily distracted by the attractive man who always seemed to be wearing a different hat. Tamsin cleared her throat, which grabbed her attention once more. "I was smiling because I was kind of wishing to be those boots that you were gazing at so adoringly. I want someone to look at me like that and I am hoping to make that connection, with one of the contestants on this show," she said hamming it up for the cameras.

Vex wanted her to act a little more optimistic and excited to be taking part in the show. She had seen a couple of episodes of a few other dating shows because Vex had made her watch them to learn how he needed her to act. 'Perception is everything,' he had said. 'You don't have to believe in it, but the audience does! So start acting like you want to find the love of your life, because my professional livelihood is resting squarely on your shoulders!'

She had agreed to make an effort because Vex was one of her best friends and deep down she really did hope to find someone that would ignite her passion for love and life once more. Tamsin was now pretty certain that Kenzi would not be a suitable candidate as a suitor, because she had decided to go with her instincts about the fiesty, funny and sarcastic DJ that was once again admiring her boot clad feet. Tamsin's gut told her that Bo's best friend was as straight as an arrow and was just along for the ride. She suspected that this firecracker of a woman in front of her was probably the reason Bo was even here. So for that reason and the fact that Tamsin enjoyed Kenzi's company, she would not 'out' the woman yet. But it didn't mean she wouldn't have some fun with the DJ in the process.

"Let's try some of the clothes the sales woman has picked out for us, because we are expected to be at the next destination in about an hour."

Kenzi looked at the pile of clothes that were laid in an orderly fashion on a couch beside her. "Well, these certainly aren't formal clothes..." She looked up at Tamsin, her eyes lighting up, "are we going clubbing?!"

The bachelorette moved to pick up some of the clothes and motioned to Kenzi to pick up the rest. Her face was hidden by the camera so that only her date could see it. "I am not allowed to tell you that. It's supposed to be a surprise," Tamsin answered, giving her a wink and a smile, but also nodding her head ever so slightly.

As suspected the DJ picked up on her subtle confirmation to her question and Kenzi played along, much to the blonde's delight. Kenzi pouted and responded with, "Aww, surely there is some way I can convince you, though I'm pretty sure I'm right."

"Well, the sooner we get into that change room and select a complete outfit for each other, we can go and find out. Come on!" Tamsin took Kenzi's hand with the hand that wasn't holding a pile of clothing and dragged her date into the change room. "Tamsin turned to the camera and with a huge mischievous grin and sparkling eyes, she said, "Sorry, no camera access in the change room, but perhaps we will kiss and tell later," before pulling Kenzi into the furthest cubicle and closing the curtain behind them.

Tamsin didn't wait before removing her clothes and standing in front Kenzi in just her underwear. She was impressed that the young, raven haired woman didn't look as nervous as she had expected her to be, being in such close quarters with an almost naked woman. But she also didn't see any lust or attraction in those striking blue-grey eyes either. "So, what would you like to see me in tonight?"

Kenzi eyed the selection of clothes that had been chosen for the blonde and used her unique sense of style to mix and match an outfit for Tamsin to try on. After she had squeezed herself into the tight pants, fitted shirt and jacket, Tamsin eyed herself in the mirror critically. "You have a wonderful eye for knowing what looks good, even if it is not what most would choose to put together, don't you?"

Tamsin watched Kenzi in the mirror as she shrugged off the compliment, "That opinion isn't shared with everyone, but I like it."

"I love it!" Tamsin proclaimed with a smile and turned towards Kenzi. "Now let's get you out of your already spectacular outfit and choose another." Tamsin reached out and went to help Kenzi with her clothes and for the first time the young woman's calm and nonchalant attitude crumbled.

Kenzi's eyes widened and her hand slapped Tamsin away, "I am quite capable of undressing myself, thank you, very much! Besides, if my outfit is already fabulous and club ready, I have to ask why I need to change at all."

Tamsin smiled a small, almost crafty smile as she leaned against the wall and appraised her young companion. "Is the fact that you are uncomfortable removing your clothes in front of me seriously going to stop you from getting an entirely new outfit worth several thousand dollars? Including those boots?," the blonde added, just for fun.

"You just want to see what's beneath all this!" Was Kenzi's response as she motioned at her body with a wave of her hands.

_Oh, yes. This is fun!_ Tamsin thought to herself, starting to genuinely enjoy herself. "Is that so bad?" The blonde fought to keep a straight face when she saw Kenzi's face in response to her innuendo. "You saw me. Why can't I see you? It doesn't really seem fair, does it?"

The blonde could see the DJ go to war with herself. She could almost see Kenzi weighing up just how far she was willing to take this charade of hers. "I guess you have a point, but it's not like you gave me a choice in seeing you," the young woman muttered, as she began to strip down to her underwear.

While Kenzi wasn't her preferred body type, she was still a woman and Tamsin found all woman beautiful in their own way. And she knew that Kenzi could see her appreciation in her gaze and she unconsciously shifted uncomfortably under the blondes unabashed perusal. But what Tamsin said next was enough for her to forget that she was standing practically naked in such a small space with a lover of women. "The look I gave your body just now. That is something even you can't fake. Are you at least bisexual or are you completely straight?" Tamsin motioned for the woman to choose her own clothes, which Kenzi did gratefully as she frantically tried to think of what to say. She realised that the blonde whose shrewd eyes still continued to watch her closely was completely onto her. So did she fess up now and risk going home tomorrow or did she try to salvage her ruse to stay longer. As if reading her mind Tamisn said, "The truth, please."

Kenzi finished getting dressed in the free outfit and said, "What do you think? It goes perfectly with the boots, right?"

"Yes, you look great. Are you going to ignore my question about your sexual orientation completely?"

"It depends."

Tamsin stood up straighter and gave her a look that told the DJ that she was pushing her luck. "On what?"

"On whether the answer will be my automatic ejection from the show." A shapely eyebrow rose at that response. "How long have you suspected?"

"Pretty much from the beginning. My gaydar is usually pretty damn reliable all on its own, but if you include my observation skills that leaves me almost a hundred percent certain that you are a straight as they get and have absolutely no inclination towards the fairer sex."

"But you didn't send me packing at the first elimination?"

"No, I didn't."

"Why, not? If you knew."

Tamsin sighed. She was suddenly tired and regretting that she even said anything. "I wasn't absolutely certain and I liked you." Kenzi looked a little shocked by the admission. Tamsin realised she needed to clarify in what capacity, she liked the young woman. "From the first moment we met, I knew I wasn't attracted to you sexually."

"The look you just gave me as I stood before you in just my undies seems to contradict that statement," Kenzi responded with a raise of an eyebrow and a knowing smile.

"I find the female form beautiful, but that doesn't mean I want to sleep with every woman I see in their underwear, Kenzi!" The DJ had the sense of mind to blush at her assumption and the way Tamsin had just rebuked her theory. Tamsin just continued to explain why she had kept the unique woman around. "When I met you I was enveloped in your vibrant and colourful personality. You exuded a lively and unique presence and I felt instantly that we could be great friends."

Kenzi brightened with Tamsin's words and she instantly got her bounce and confidence back. "So that's why you didn't get rid of me? I think we could be awesome friends, Tam Tam! Does that mean that even if I am straight, you would keep me around for a while?"

"If you are able to play along and give a believable performance for the cameras and perhaps do a little something else for me."

"Like what?" Kenzi asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"I have made some other observations about a few other contestants and I was hoping you could help me out."

"You want me to spy?"

"Yes," Tamsin responded ignoring the assistant director as he called for them to 'get a wriggle on'. "Almost done," she called out before facing Kenzi once more. "Well?"

"Who exactly do you want me to spy on?"

"Spy is such a strong word..."

"Who, Tam Tam?"

"Well, the first person you are very familiar with.."

Kenzi stopped in gathering her personal clothing and looked at the blonde, her eyes wide with surprise. "You want me to spy on Bo?"

Tamsin rolled her eyes, "I would like you to watch Bo and I would also like you to pay special attention to her interactions with, Lauren Lewis."

Kenzi cursed under her breath and she wondered how many others had noticed her best friends obvious attraction to the reserved, blonde doctor. "Bo Bo knows that she can't do anything stupid and I will make sure she keeps her hands off the doctor. You like Lauren, huh?"

Tamsin shook her head, "Actually, I would like your help in getting them together over the duration of this competition. It will make great television, I think, especially if I don't manage to connect with someone. Don't tell anyone else but Vex is my best friend and I don't want his dreams to go up in smoke just because I'm not ready to move on." Kenzi saw the far away look in Tamsins eyes as she seemed to transport to another place and time. A call of, 'step on it ladies!' broke the spell the blonde had fallen under. "So will you help me if and when I need it?"

"To help my best friend find happiness again?" Tamsin nodded. "Of course I'll help. Now lets go party up a storm and give those cameras a show they won't soon forget!"

"Bo and Lauren aren't to know about this. It needs to be real, Kenzi."

"You can count on me, Tam Tam. You keep my secret and I'll play along with your plan." Kenzi gave Tamsin a wink and motioned for the blonde to lead the way out of the changing room in their new outfits. The young Dj noted the cameras were trained on them the minute they made their way down past the other cubicles. Putting on a mischievous smile she slapped Tamisin on the ass making the blonde yelp in surprise, "Come on, hot stuff, let's get to the rest of the date. I'm going to make sure it is one you will never forget" ...

Meanwhile, at the mansion Bo watched as Crystal rallied the other contestants around her, insisting that they play a drinking game beside the pool. Bo had had enough of Crystals incessant chatter over dinner and had chosen to go into the hot tub instead. She had caught Lauren's eyes almost pleading with the blonde to accompany her, but she had chosen to head off with the others. Bo was sure that Lauren had wanted to join her and perhaps she had only declined because she didn't want to get kicked out of the house for fraternising with another contestant, but she felt slighted anyway. _I would have kept my hands to myself_, she thought morosely as she took a drink from her bottle of corona that she had placed in the cup holder. Though even as she thought it, she didn't know whether that was true or not. Bo had rushed to get a seat beside Lauren at the dinner table and she had been unable to resist sitting a little closer than necessary, their thighs touching because of it. She had sat there quietly just enjoying the closeness and hanging on every word the blonde said. _She didn't really speak to me during dinner, though,_ Bo thought with a frown. _What if I am imagining it all? What if I am imagining a mutual attraction between us, when there is actually only the crazy one sided infatuation of my own_. She shook her head as if trying to shake out these negative thoughts._ I felt something between us, I can't have imagined it, could I? _She suddenly wished that Kenzi was here to talk to. She took another sip of her beer as she watched Lauren down a shot as the others laughed and shouted whoops of encouragement. Crystals laugh was really starting to get on Bo's nerves and she didn't like the way the wannabe actress kept trying to touch her doctor at every opportunity. It may have looked innocent but she could tell by Lauren's face that it was making her uncomfortable as well. Bo drained her beer and feeling the need for another, stepped out of the tub and walked hurriedly into the house to fetch one.

Lauren felt like she could feel Bo's gaze upon her as she played along with Chystal's ridiculous game. She had wanted to join the sultry brunette in the hot tub the moment she had declared that she didn't want to play the silly drinking game, but the blonde was afraid that her attraction to Bo was already obvious to several of the other contestants in the house. So she had decided to play the game for a little while before excusing herself to join Bo in the hot tub.

"You have to take a drink, Lauren. You better start paying attention or you will be passed out before you know it!" Lauren came back to reality as Crystal squeezed her leg just above the knee. She refrained from cringing at the loud and clingy woman's unwanted touch. Lauren picked up another shot that Evony had so kindly poured for her and slammed it down, the tequila sending warmth throughout her body.

"I think I'll sit the rest of the game out and take a soak in the hot tub," Lauren declared putting down the glass and faking to be slightly more inebriated than she felt. "Tequila goes straight to my head, I'm afraid." Lauren gave everyone a smile and managed to avoid Crystal's hand as it reached out towards her by standing up as quickly as possible and taking a couple of unsteady steps backwards. Everyone else easily accepted Lauren's bowing out of the game except for Nadia, Crystal and Evony. Nadia seemed to decide to help Lauren escape and pushed her glass towards Evony to fill as she dared Crystal to strip down and run around the pool naked.

Lauren didn't look back as she turned and walked away from the group. Her heart was already thumping in her chest with anticipation of spending some time alone with Bo. She really wanted to get to know the stunning brunette better and with Kenzi out with Tamsin this was a great opportunity. Her smile fell when she saw that Bo wasn't in the hot tub. She had been there just minutes before, Lauren was sure of it. The sound of the glass sliding door had her focusing on Bo, clad in a teeny, tiny, black bikini and carrying two bottles of beer back to the steaming, bubbling tub.

Lauren was still wearing her crop top and shorts over her own swimsuit and she felt nervous, but also excited about stripping off her outer layers of clothing in front of Bo. She watched the brunette bend over to place her drinks in the provided beverage holders and her breath hitched with the view of Bo's breasts as they barely stayed within the confines of the two 'barely there' triangles of fabric. _She's gorgeous,_ Lauren thought as she continued to enjoy the view. Her breath hitched and her heart nearly burst out her chest when Bo, as if sensing Lauren's gaze, looked straight at her, the brunette still bent over, her hand gripping the second bottle of beer.

Lauren was sure she looked like a startled deer at that moment and wanted to cringe when she gave the brunette a small wave and an uncertain smile. _God! Did I seriously just wave at her! I am such a dork! _ Bo responded with a bright smile that was full of dimples and Lauren felt as if she would melt with the sudden heat that rose within her. _Say something before she thinks you are simple, Lauren! _

The blonde gave another small wave, this time motioning to the hot tub, "mind if I join you?"

Bo stood up and Lauren watched intently as the brunette climbed into the steaming water and sat down. "Did you get sick of playing with Crystal and her band of minions?" Lauren's smile faltered and Bo looked stricken for a moment. "I apologise, Lauren. That was mean and I have no idea why I said that. I would love for you to join me." Lauren hesitated and she liked that Bo seemed to almost panic thinking that she had offended her and that the blonde may change her mind.

Lauren put Bo out of her misery and gave her a shy, half smile, "It's okay..." Lauren looked around and found that the two remaining camera men were occupied with Crystal beginning to remove her clothes. Lauren refocused on Bo, "She is quite irritating and needs to be the centre of attention. I had about as much as I could take."

Bo gave her a wide grin, "I had had enough of her just ten minutes into dinner and Evony just seems to encourage her because she knows I can't stand the little twit!" Bo glowered over to where Chrystal was squealing and pretending that getting her kit off wasn't something she wanted to do. She turned back to the woman who had intrigued and fascinated her from the moment she had laid eyes upon her. "Soooo, Lauren. Are you coming in or not. The company and the water will be delightful and feel ever so good, I promise... And not necessarily in that order."

Bo's voice dripped with innuendo and a promise of something both dangerous, but so sorely wanted. _Oh my... Does that mean that the water will be delightful and Bo will feel ever so good?_ As Lauren's eyes met Bo's she was almost shocked by the intense heat and lust that pierced her and made her pulse and ache between her thighs. The blonde was sure that Bo was seeing the exact same desire directed right back at her and she started to unbutton her shirt with slightly unsteady hands...

* * *

**Author's Note: Hello my faithful readers. I apologise for the slow updates, health issues and a busy social life are to blame. My shoulder is doing better, however, so I am hoping to be able to spend a little more than a couple of hours at a time on my laptop over the coming weeks. I know a lot of you are eager for the next chapter of Dusty and I will try to get it to you sooner rather than later. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and are still finding it different and fun!**

**Take care and thanks as always for your reviews and support.**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	6. Chapter 6

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 6**

* * *

"Okay, so with the music and the crowd, getting decent audio will be impossible. Just get some shots of Tamsin and Kenzi in the booth laughing, talking and getting to know one another. We will cut the footage with some music of our own and insert the before and after interviews throughout. I doubt there will be much physical contact between these two, but a few hand touches would be good if you can get them," Vex said, telling Hale what he needed for the show.

"You don't think Tamsin and Kenzi will hit it off?" Hale asked as he set up his camera. He had just finished doing the interviews with both Tamsin and Kenzi with the prompt cards Vex had given him. "They both seemed quite excited from the interviews."

Vex waved the camera mans comment away. "This little thing isn't really Tam Tam's type. Besides, it's the first date and even though I have asked Tamsin to try to play it up for the camera's, I doubt she will. Not yet."

"Kenzi's attractive, fun and sassy, what's not to like?"

Vex looked at Hale curiously. "Yes, she is all those things and while I can see Tamsin becoming friends with that little firecracker, there are several other women in the running that are more Tamsin's type in the sexy, hot, hot lovin' department. Just finish setting up the camera and leave the matchmaking to me, okay." Hale regarded Vex for a moment before shrugging and continuing his set up. "Thatta Boy!" Vex slapped Hale on the shoulder and went to the bar for a drink.

* * *

Bo watched as Lauren slowly removed her button down shirt and shorts and to her it was as hot as any strip tease she had ever seen, and she had seen a few. The blonde was wearing a high cut, black one piece bathing suit. Bo's breath hitched when Lauren turned and placed her clothing on a chair near the tub, giving her a clear view of the blonde's bare back and long, toned legs. She forced her gaze away, picked up her beer and took a slow, long sip, but she looked up again as Lauren climbed into the hot tub and sat in the seat right beside her. Bo motioned to the other bottle, which Lauren declined with a small shake of her head and a soft 'no, thank you'.

Squeals and whoops from the other side of the pool had them both watching Crystal with her hands covering her breasts and groin running past them and around the pool before stopping in front of Evony who was waiting for her with a towel. "She is really pushing the boundaries for the rules of the house, don't you think?"

Bo turned to face Lauren, "Honestly, I think it's the fighting that will be upheld above anything else. Oh, and getting caught having sex with another contestant, of course. I think the rest will just give the producers some titillating footage to bring in more viewers. Because surely they would have booted Evony for shooting you today before the game had even begun otherwise, don't you think?"

A small frown creased the blonde's forehead as she considered Bo's statement and the brunette found it utterly adorable. "I suppose so."

"The confrontation made good drama as did the fight earlier and the instant dismissal of Candy and Jasmine, but they can't kick everyone out or there won't be enough people left to vie for Tamsin's affections. So I think they will be loose with the rules as long as it's pretty harmless. Though if you hadn't been wearing your protective gear you could have been seriously hurt!" Bo's eyes drifted over to where Evony sat. She rolled her eyes as they continued to drink and get louder and louder. Bo had noticed however that Evony, herself, wasn't doing a lot of drinking and was just egging on the others. "I'm pretty sure even now she is trying to push some of the others into going too far so that they get eliminated from the show. I really don't like that woman very much."

"I wanted to thank you, Bo. For sticking up for me today."

Bo shrugged as she turned back to Lauren, "I don't like bullies, Lauren. I would have done it for anyone."

Bo felt as if Lauren was looking directly into her soul, her gaze was serious and intense. "So if Evony had done it to Crystal?"

"Well, maybe not Crystal," Bo said jokingly, but she had a feeling that Lauren wasn't buying her aloof dismissal about her obvious display of protectiveness she had displayed at the paintball centre. "Okay, I probably wouldn't have done it if it had been someone else, but you already know that, don't you? I feel a certain protectiveness when it comes to you. I've felt it since the moment we met. I've felt a lot of things from the moment we met...," Bo let her voice trail off. She felt the air around them changing as if it was being charged with the intensity of their gazes.

Lauren broke the spell by closing her eyes and shaking her head slightly, "Bo..." Bo reached out and placed her hand on the blonde's leg, mid thigh. She relished the intake of breath and the lick of her lips, that Lauren responded with at the contact. The blonde opened her eyes and Bo saw that they were darker in colour and almost smouldering with lust. "Bo... you shouldn't. We can't... I don't..."

"Excuse me ladies?" One of the cameramen had snuck up on them as they had gotten lost in the closeness and intensity of their forbidden attraction.

Both women turned their faces forward to give him their attention, but it was Bo that recovered her voice first. "What's up?"

"I just need to ask you both some questions from these prompt cards about todays challenge and your thoughts about the bachelorette and then we can head out for the night and give you ladies a break."

"Sure thing! Shoot!" Bo responded with a smile that would be sure to diffuse any suspicion if the man had noticed anything unusual about their behaviour. "I'm sure you are ready to get back to the crew wing and get some well deserved rest."

The man nodded eagerly, "you got that right. They are long days for sure and we don't get paid nearly enough!" He lifted his camera and started asking his questions.

Lauren found her voice and answered them with fake enthusiasm, trying desperately to ignore Bo's hand on her thigh. She was sure that the bubbles and steam hid what was going on under the water, but with every passing moment Bo's hand would inch just that little bit further up her leg. Her skin seemed to burn beneath the brunette's hand and towards the end of the interview she clamped her legs together, effectively trapping Bo's hand from moving those last few inches. She was wet, aching and pulsing with her bodies demanding reaction to Bo's touch.

"Thanks ladies. See you in the morning."

Bo waved her free hand that wasn't trapped between Lauren's thighs. "Our pleasure, right Lauren?"

Lauren forced a smile and wished the cameraman a good night's rest. The moment he was out of earshot and view Lauren reached down, grabbed Bo's hand and removed it from her leg, placing it on the seat between them. "Are you trying to get us kicked out of the house?"

Bo's eyes widened and a blush crept up her neck and cheeks, "No, I just... Are you mad? Am I in this alone? Am I the only one feeling this incredibly strong connection between us?"

Lauren squeezed Bo's hand, which she still held between them. "No, I'm not mad, but that was incredibly reckless and it can't happen again."

"So you don't feel anything for me?" Bo tried to pull her hand away but Lauren held fast. She was beginning to feel incredibly stupid and embarrassed by her rash actions to touch the blonde doctor. _What the hell is wrong with me? I'm as bad as Crystal for fuck's sake! Her reaction wasn't like it was unwanted though. _"I'm sorry for touching you when it so obviously wasn't welcomed. My mistake."

Lauren moved Bo's hand back to her thigh, her hand still resting on top of it. Bo didn't move a muscle and waited for the blonde to sort through and reiterate what she wanted to say, trying to make herself clearer. "I didn't say it wasn't welcome," Lauren murmured softly, her eyes searching Bo's, "but it's against the rules and despite this instant connection, I barely know you. We are both here to compete for another woman's affections, can't you see how wrong this is!"

"Are you here for LOVE or for the money?" Bo stared intently at Lauren. The blonde was very good at schooling her facial features to hide what she was truly feeling. Bo guessed that it would come in handy as a doctor, but right now it pissed her off and she pulled her hand away from Lauren as her frustration rose.

Lauren allowed Bo to take back her hand and she missed the contact immediately. "Bo, please don't be mad."

"I'm just trying to understand. I know why I'm here. I am here because my crazy best friend dragged me here in the spirit of a free holiday and a chance at winning some money and possibly some new work opportunities. Love was the furthest thing from my mind after the nightmare of my last relationship, that left me not just broken hearted but unemployed as well! But that all changed the moment you walked into the room. Now I am sticking around so that I can be around you and get to know you better."

In that moment Lauren wanted to kiss Bo. She was so earnest and sweet and wore her heart on her sleeve. Despite her obvious mending heart, Bo was still open to the possibility of having something special with her. She had bravely declared that she wanted to get to know her and risk being hurt again. "God, you are so cute! I could kiss you right now," Lauren blurted before she had a chance to stop herself and she clamped a hand over her mouth and felt the blush burn her cheeks.

Bo beamed at Lauren, dimples out in full force. "That would certainly get us kicked out, doctor."

Lauren splashed water at Bo as she continued to grin at her. "I can't believe I just said that! This is crazy, I don't know what is happening!"

Bo wiped the water from her face and smoothed back her hair, "Will you go out on a date with me, Lauren?"

"What!"

"When this is all over and we are out of the house. Whether I get booted tomorrow or you make it all the way to the end... Will you go out with me?"

Lauren laughed and Bo allowed the joyous sound to wash over her. "I don't know what to say! This is so surreal..."

Bo took a drink of her beer before laying it all out in front of the blonde who was looking at her with a dumbfounded look on her face. "Look, Lauren... I like you... a lot. I don't know if you believe in love at first sight or if you believe real love grows over time... all I know is that I feel incredible whenever you are near me and I am willing to fight to keep this feeling. I want to explore this connection that I feel with you and I will do my best to keep my hands off you while we are here to ensure that I can continue to get to know you." Bo looked at Lauren with hope filled eyes and said, "Just tell me that this isn't all in my head. That you feel it too, please."

Lauren stood up, ensuring that her body was between the crowd's view of Bo and raised a finger to her lips. She kissed it and then placed the same finger, she had kissed, against the brunette's mouth. "It isn't just you, Bo...I feel it too. I want to explore this thing we have as well. I'm going up to bed now, it's late and the tequila is giving me a headache. See you tomorrow."

Bo reached out and kissed Lauren's finger in return, before watching the blonde get out of the hot tub and walking away.

* * *

The limousine pulled up in front of the large mansion that held the contestants and crew for the show. Tamsin turned her attention to Hale, who sat quietly across from them and asked him if he would mind stepping outside for a moment to give her and Kenzi a quiet moment alone together.

"Vex said I'm supposed to get a few shots of you finishing up your date," Hale responded reluctantly as he looked from Tamsin to Kenzi, his gaze lingering on the tiny raven haired woman, whose blue-grey eyes mesmerized him.

"I will walk Kenzi to the door and thank her for the wonderful time we had. Vex will get his footage, Hale. It was just very hard to have a decent conversation in the club so that is why we danced and drank instead, isn't that right Kenz?"

"Dance we did, Tam Tam. I had a blast!" Kenzi fixed Hale with one of her penetrating stares, "I'm sure we won't keep you waiting long, Hale."

_She said my name! She is so beautiful... and those eyes. Why do all the women I feel a real attraction beyond sex, end up being either taken or gay? Well, this is the first lesbian that I have had a crush on, I think.. But still! It's like some cosmic joke or something,_ he thought to himself. "Of course. I'll just set up and wait outside."

"Thank you, Hale, you're very sweet," Kenzi responded with a smile that left him flustered and falling out of the stretch limousine. He managed to save his camera from hitting the driveway, but lost his hat in the process, the wind blowing it into the garden that adorned the centre of the circular drive.

He stuck his head back inside, giving each of them a huge smile to deflect the embarrassment he felt, "Take your time ladies." He finished his statement with a wink before closing the door.

Tamsin chuckled, "I think he has a crush on you. Too bad he thinks you're a lesbian."

"Yeah, yuck it up, Nordic princess. I'm glad you find my predicament so amusing!"

"You like him!"

"Do not!"

"Do too! I'll give him your number when I kick you out of the house, okay?" Tamsin said wiping tears from her eyes from her laughter. "He is a really great guy. I was here a week before you and we talked a lot while we went through all the prep work for the show and what was expected of me.

"You'd really do that? Give him my number?" Kenzi asked in surprise. She felt no need to hide anything from the blonde anymore. Tamsin already knew that she was an imposter.

Tamsin just grinned at the young woman, "Why not? It seems that I have made a metamorphosis from the bachelorette to matchmaker."

"Don't discount the possibility of finding love yourself, Tam Tam," Kenzi said in sympathy. "You are really great and if I swung that way I would be all up in your business."

Tamsin laughed again and rolled her eyes, "No you wouldn't, but thanks for saying so. Let's get back on track shall we. Do you have any questions about our plan?"

"Trust me when I say that keeping Bo from blowing this plan of ours is going to be a full time job. She has fallen hard for Dr. Hot Pants and I am sure she has been utilizing every moment while I have been out with you, ensuring that Lauren knows that she is interested. My job will be making sure Bo Bo doesn't get them kicked out for fraternizing. She has a way of luring women into her bed with her magic honey pot. You should have seen her before her ex crushed her heart and soul!"

"The fact that she is still mending over her past relationship may help us then. I for a fact can believe that Bo would be able to seduce almost anyone in that house. If I hadn't noticed her affinity for Lauren from the start, I would have had Bo at the top of my list for possible suitors."

Kenzi saw the familiar look that she had seen in countless women when they thought about her best friend and asked curiously, "Then why are you doing this? Why not try to win Bo over and court her, seeing as that is what this show is supposed to be about?"

"Well, besides the fact that the contestants are supposed to be the ones wooing me and not the other way around, I know that it takes more than several weeks to build a strong foundation for a lasting relationship. This platform is not an ideal place to find love, Kenzi, or at least not the lasting kind that I want. I am ultimately doing this for Vex. He is a dear, dear friend and has helped me a lot through my pain and grief from losing my wife. Him and Ciara..." Kenzi searched Tamsins face as she thought about this Ciara woman. _Hmm, interesting,_ she thought. Tamsin snapped out of her thoughts and refocused on Kenzi. "Sorry, where were we? Right, so we stick to the plan and everything should go off without a hitch. There will be another elimination after the group challenge tomorrow. Yourself, Bo and Lauren are safe and whoever wins the challenge will be safe, everyone else is on the chopping block." Tamsin saw that Kenzi was frowning. "What is it? Why the frowny face?"

Kenzi shrugged, "It's just that I was a huge fan of these shows. But being on this side of it and knowing that it is nothing like what the finished product is going to be. I will no longer be able to be one of those clueless viewers watching and not know that it is all a big giant setup. Television is so fake! They tell you what to do, how to act and if they don't like what you have to say, they will cut it and make it more pleasing for the audience..."

Both women were silent for a few moments before Tamsin spoke up, "It's not all fake, Kenzi. I would like to think that our friendships that is developing is real... That most of the feelings are real, but because the place that it's happening is so surreal and in its own little private bubble and not in the harsh reality of the real world... well, that's what makes it seem so fake and unreal." Tamsin made a face, poking her tongue out to the side, "Did that make any sense at all?"

Kenzi laughed and reached out and patted her new friend on the arm, "Funnily enough, it did! Thanks, Tam Tam, because you are right, this friendship is very real. We better get out there. Hale has been waiting for a while and I'm sure all the ladies in the house are chomping at the bit to ask me all about my date with you."

Tamsin agreed with a shake of her head, her hand coming to rest on the door handle, "So you are still fine with the good night kiss we discussed?"

"Yep, just keep it PG-13 so that it's believable that you like me enough to keep me around, but not so much that it makes me a target for the others to try to get rid of me."

Tamsin opened the door and stepped out of the limousine before reaching in to take Kenzi's hand, "Got it. No tongue," she whispered with a wink. They walked up to the ornate front door hand in hand and with the porch light illuminating them, Hale filmed their few words of thanking each other for a wonderful night and sharing some of their favourite highlights from the night for the camera. Tamsin then leaned in and gave Kenzi an intimate but chaste kiss and a hug. "Good night, Kenzi, and thank you again for a wonderful night."

Kenzi smiled, "It was a blast! We will definitely have to do it again," she said before opening the door and walking inside.

Tamsin said good night to Hale, who seemed a little sad, but that couldn't be helped if their plans for the show were to work. Tamsin would make it up to the sweet cameraman later, but right now she was confident in not only the show's success and what that would do to help boost Vex's career, but also that she and her ally Kenzi would succeed in bringing Bo and Lauren together and hopefully give them the opportunity to find happiness with one another. _At least someone will have a happy ending,_ Tamsin thought as the chauffeur took her down the hill to her living quarters...

* * *

**Author's Note: Thank you for your continued support for this little story. I am still having a lot of fun writing it and I hope to hear whether you are still enjoying reading it! ;)**

**So bring on the sunshine...**

**xoxo **

**Doccubus21.**


	7. Chapter 7

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 7**

* * *

So much had happened over the past week. Contestants had left and a new one had been added. Bo had observed it as if she wasn't even involved in the process because unless an event affected Lauren, she hadn't much cared. Bo smiled as she thought of Lauren and tapped her pen on the table beside the blank piece of paper. She was sitting in a small room by herself and was supposed to be writing a poem for the next challenge. She had been unable to think, being around the remaining contestants as they chatted together so she had silently excused herself, giving Lauren a small smile as she exited. Bo could hear the muffled voices of the patrons in the cafe and the clinking of cutlery through the door. She would have the most time to write her poem for the poetry reading that would determine the first full day date with Tamsin tomorrow after drawing out the final position performance number.

Things had been different after her declaration to Lauren in the hot tub, not just between them, but with Kenzi as well. Bo had spent as much time with Lauren throughout the week as she was able to and they had grown ever closer by the day, becoming firm friends. Kenzi had essentially acted as a chaperone most of the time. Her best friend had hovered and had only interfered if she had felt moments that had gotten a little too intimate between them. Bo was thankful for her friends timely interference really because she often found it a challenge not to reach out and touch Lauren sometimes.

After a huge group date at a gay and lesbian charity gala to promote equality and tolerance they had been shocked to learn that Tamsin was to dismiss half of the contestants and Bo had worried that she would be one of them. She had gone out of her way to avoid Tamisin at the event and had only been in her presence for a dance which Vex had commanded mandatory for each contestant to do. Bo had answered Tamsin's questions politely as they had danced, but she hadn't done anything particularly inspiring. In all honesty Bo had spent her time looking over Tamsin's shoulder to watch Lauren dancing with a handsome woman in a pink tuxedo.

She had sat nervously as each woman was called up to accept their red rose from Tamsin and the bachelorette had made her sweat until she called her up last. She had stood there with the remaining contestants and had breathed a sigh of relief because she hadn't wanted to leave the house yet. She wasn't ready to leave Lauren. Kenzi had patted Bo on the back and had winked at her before whispering that she needed to at least try to pretend to be interested in someone other than a certain blonde doctor. That hadn't been the end of the surprises that night however. Vex had then clapped his hands to get the remaining contestants attention and surprised them all...

* * *

"Okay ladies, settle down. The night isn't quite over yet, we have one more surprise. Tamsin, darling? Would you mind standing over here beside me?" Tamsin nodded and moved to stand beside the host and gave him her attention. "Take a look at your remaining suiters. Are you happy with the choices you have made? Do you feel that one of these lucky six may indeed be your next true love?"

Tamsin had looked at each of the ladies standing before her, still in their formal attire. Evony, Nadia, Lauren, Chrystal, Kenzi and Bo had remained. They weren't all Tamsin's choice, of course, the producers had had their input into the matter. She had wanted to get rid of Crystal, but the producers had said that she livened up the house with her loud and outrageous antics and made for fun and titillating television. They had wanted Tamsin to get rid of Bo because she wasn't giving her enough attention or even seemed like she had really wanted to be there. So Tamsin had compromised, saying that she wanted to keep Bo because she was playing harder to get than the others and that she would dismiss Dylan instead of Crystal to keep them happy. They had agreed.

"Yes. I am very happy with my decision, she said. "Each woman here has something special and I look forward to being able to getting to know each and every one of you a little more intimately." Tamsin had ensured that she looked directly at Bo when she said that and the reaction she received was perfect. The stunning woman, who she knew had no interest in her whatsoever managed to look both sheepish and defiant at the same time. The blush that crept up her neck and coloured her cheeks was also pleasing.

"That's great!" Vex responded before clapping his hands again and moving on. "But we do have a special surprise for you and the housemates." Tamsin took her eyes off of Bo and turned to Vex as he continued to put on his show. "Tamsin, we are about to introduce a new contestant into the house and this someone you are already familiar with."

Tamsin's eyes went wide, "What? Who?"

"This woman is someone close to you and has had feelings for you for a long time."

Tamsin wanted to punch her friend in the face as he continued to play it up to the camera's. _Vex is enjoying this way too much,_ she thought to herself as she tried to keep her cool. _Who could it possibly be? _She flashed through all the terrible blind dates Vex had tried setting her up on. _God! I wish Ciara was here! I always need her to help keep Vex in line! _Tamsin hadn't really heard much of what he'd been saying as her mind continued to race. She hated surprises and he knew it!

"So without further ado, Tamsin, here is the woman who would like to also have the opportunity to win your heart!"

With a sweeping flourish of his hands the camera's swivelled to the large double door of the mansion. Tamsin's heart thudded in her chest and she could swear that in that moment, no one was breathing as they waited for those doors to open. And when they did, Tamsin felt light headed from equal parts shock and happiness.

Ciara swept into the room wearing a stunning formal, floor length dress and looking every bit as elegant and graceful as Tamsin knew her to be. Her honey coloured locks were up in an elegant style that allowed one to appreciate her soft beauty and long neck.

Tamsin hadn't listened as Vex welcomed and introduced Ciara to the other contestants who were either glaring or openly appraising their new competition. _It's Ciara! Your best friend. Say something. Do something. Anything! _But Tamsin just stood there rooted to the spot. Her best friend and business partner had feelings for her? _When did that happen?,_ she thought.

"You should also know that Tamsin is not a police detective, but co-owner of one of the largest private security companies in the world with Ciara. I shall leave you all to get to know one another. Tamsin you will leave now as well, there is a car waiting outside for you."

That seemed to snap Tamsin out of her stupor! "What? But I haven't even gotten to say hello to her!" Ciara turned and gave her a smile at that and looked to be about to approach even as Evony and Crystals voices started to cry out that Ciara being here was totally unfair.

"You will have a chance to catch up, but not yet. Ciara will have to win a date with you just like everyone else. Now off you go. I'll accompany you, shall I?" Vex grabbed her arm and started pulling her towards the exit. Tamsin saw Ciara give her a shrug and another smile before they were in the hall and heading hastily towards the exit.

"You're a right Shit, you know that!," Tamsin hissed as Vex helped her into the car.

He laughed, "I know darling, but you still love me. The look on your face was awesome. The viewers are going to love it!"

Tamsin shook her head and opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She was still so shocked and flabbergasted.

Vex turned serious, "I'll come and see you a bit later and we can talk. Okay?"

Tamsin nodded mutely and she allowed him to close the door as the car started and took her back to her temporary residence...

"This is bullshit! Come on, Crystal. Let's go before I do something I'll regret," Evony turned on her heels and stormed out of the room towards the rooms.

"IT'S JUST NOT FAIR!," Crystal whined as she followed Evony out of the room.

Kenzi moved forward and shook Ciara's hand, "So that was Evony and her annoying sidekick Crystal. Evony was confident that she would be walking away with Tamsin's heart, so that's why she's not incredibly impressed that you have come in and rained on her parade."

"Plus, she's a total bitch," Bo added before reaching out and shaking the new comers hand, "I am Bo and this is Kenzi, Lauren and Nadia." Bo motioned to each of them in the introduction.

"It's very nice to meet you all," Ciara responded with a crisp and refined English accent.

"Oh ho! If only Evony had heard you speak as well! Her head would have surely spun around!," Kenzi said with delight and a clap of her hands! Upon hearing a snort from the direction of the cameraman, she looked up to find Hale looking at her and smiling. She smiled in his direction before focusing on the group once more. "So you know Tam Tam already, huh?"

Ciara raised an eyebrow at the nickname, but nodded cordially at the young woman. "I do. We have been best friends for years."

"Come, sit and tell us all about her. Why have you waited so long to declare your feelings for her? Bo Bo, grab some drinks. Ciara's going to tell us stories!"

They chatted well into the night and they learned a lot about Tamsin and her past and as all the contestants went off to bed they all felt that Ciara may just be the perfect person for Tamsin...

* * *

Bo frowned down at the poem she had written. It was much more serious than she had meant it to be. As she had continued to think about Lauren and the days leading up to where she was now, Bo had managed to write something that was very meaningful about what Lauren had managed to achieve within her in such a very short time.

Bo wasn't sure if reading this poem out loud was a good idea. It was very personal and revealing, but a knock at the door informing her that she needed to finish up and get ready to go on stage left her with little choice. _I wish Kenzi was still here,_ Bo thought as she gathered her poem and exited the small room that she had retreated to. Bo shook her head as she thought about the night that her best friend came out of the closet, literally and was eliminated from the show...

* * *

They had all been drinking up a storm, playing silly games and talking about everything from dolphins and world peace, to what you would take with you if you were stranded on an uninhabited island. Evony and Crystal had thawed a little in concern to Ciara because she hadn't yet won a chance to get some time with Tamsin, which Evony found incredibly fun to tease her about. Kenzi had said that she was heading off to clear her head a little as they started to talk about more private and personal things. Bo had chosen to sit across from Lauren and next to Nadia because it was getting harder and harder to pretend that it wasn't Lauren she was staying for.

Bo had thought nothing of it when Crystal had drunkenly declared that she was going in search of Kenzi, so when an outcry of, " ' OH MY GOD!' " came about ten minutes later, everyone was up and running out of the living room and into the great hall.

Other cries of astonishment followed when we all saw what Crystal had stumbled upon. There she was standing by the door that was built into the grand staircase and everyone knew as the storage room. Inside that storage room were Hale and Kenzi in varying degrees of undress and smudged lipstick over their faces.

"This is gold! Hale! You dog, you," said the other cameraman who was filming the embarrassed couple as they fumbled around the small confines of the room looking for their clothes. One of the other crew had raced off to get Vex and an hour later, Bo was watching her best friend leave the house in disgrace...

* * *

A scattering of applause drew Bo from her thoughts. And she watched as Crystal soaked it up before leaving the stage reluctantly. Bo took a deep breath, she was nervous and knew this was her chance to truly express herself to Lauren without anyone knowing that it was specifically written for her. Bo, of course, hoped that Lauren would know. Especially with the blonde and Evony heading off for a double date with Tamsin that night.

Bo had done her best to fail at the challenges over the week, as she suspected, Lauren had as well, but that had all come to an end when the Quiz yesterday had Lauren and Evony teaming up and winning. Bo was confident that it wouldn't matter and that she wouldn't lose Lauren's affections overnight, but a tiny part of her that still hadn't healed from her previous betrayal by someone she loved had her worried just the same.

"Last to read her poem titled, Forever Yours is Bo Dennis! Make her feel welcome folks." The MC smiled in Bo's direction and she took one last deep, calming breath before stepping out and onto the small stage.

She looked up and saw everyone waiting expectantly, including Lauren, the other contestants and Tamsin. Bo closed her eyes for a moment. _Ignore them all and just read_, she thought before doing just that and reciting her poem.

_**F**__**ound a connection with you right from the start,**_

_**O**__**ver the months, more intense feelings started to spark.**_

_**R**__**eveling and cherishing the time that we shared together,**_

_**E**__**very day my heart mended, healed and got better.**_

_**V**__**alue and self worth, you inspired and taught,**_

_**E**__**quality in a relationship that I desperately sought.**_

_**R**__**evived, restored and belief renewed,**_

_**Y**__**ou were my cure, my abused hearts glue.**_

_**O**__**ur future is bright, pure and true,**_

_**U**__**topia on earth, when it is me and you.**_

_**R**__**eal love is rare, sacred, a gift,**_

_**S**__**hared with you, however, it's worth all the risk.**_

Bo was met with silence for several moments before the entire cafe erupted with applause. She looked meaningfully in Lauren's direction who was thankfully right beside Tamsin. Her love, beamed as she applauded and Bo spotted the tears welling up in her eyes and her heart soared knowing that Lauren knew it had been about her. Bo's gaze slipped to see Tamsin and the look on her face gave Bo a knot in her stomach and she was thankful that she hadn't eaten since breakfast or she would have lost it all over the stage. She knew from Tamsin's look that she had just done what she had been avoiding all week. She had just won the challenge and would be having an all day date with Tamsin tomorrow...

* * *

**Authors Note: I know some of you had to wait quite some time for this update, but now that it is here I hope that you enjoyed the chapter that was full of shocking surprises. Genesis or Exodus will be next in the next week or so. :) As always your comment will be very much appreciated. Till next time thank you for reading and take care.**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxoxo**


	8. Chapter 8

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 8**

* * *

"Are you feeling all right, Lauren? You've been incredibly quiet most of the night."

Lauren turned from looking out at the dimly lit surroundings flashing past as the limousine took herself, a cameraman, Tamsin and Evony back to the mansion after their double date. She felt unwell and she knew that Evony would think it was a way of getting attention, but she really did feel quite sick. Whether it was something she had eaten or watching Evony practically jump into Tamsins pants while they had dinner, she wasn't sure, she just knew that she couldn't wait to get back to the house and up to the rooms where the cameras couldn't go so she could vomit in peace.

"I'm feeling a little sick. Must have been something I ate."

Lauren had been right. While Tamsin remained concerned, Evony just glared at Lauren and rolled her eyes from her position pressed as closely to Tamsin as possible without actually being in her lap.

Vex had been pleased of course with the way Evony had pulled out all the stops over dinner. It made great TV and they would cut and edit the footage to make it as dramatic and titillating as possible. When Vex had asked why Lauren was just sitting back while Evony made a complete spectacle of herself in getting Tamsin's attention, she had responded that she liked to watch, which had delighted Vex and brought raised eyebrows from both Tamsin and Evony. The comment had gotten Vex off her back as she quietly ate her dinner and added some conversation every once in a while just to keep it that way.

Now Lauren just wanted out of the limo and some peace and quiet. She felt uncomfortably hot and claustrophobic despite the huge space the stretch limousine provided and her stomach was swirling her dinner around dangerously. "I really feel quite nauseous." Lauren fought to keep her dinner down and she opened the window to allow the air to hit her face. The breeze was warm, but it still made her feel a little better. Lauren noticed that the car was approaching the driveway and would soon be curving its way up the long stretch of paving to the house. "I hope you don't mind if I say a quick good night to you here and get myself into bed." Lauren looked at the cameraman who was sitting silently beside her. "Can we do that?"

"I suppose so. Vex probably won't be pleased," He said gruffly with a shrug of his shoulders.

"I'll give the viewers a show to make up for Lauren's lack of enthusiasm." Evony gave Lauren a wink and squeezed Tamisns thigh suggestively.

Lauren fought the urge to vomit and was grateful when the car came to a stop. She was up and across the space in a flash. She leaned down and gave Tamsin a kiss on the cheek and murmured that she had a wonderful time before jumping out of the limousine as soon as the driver opened it and was rushing towards the front door to her salvation.

What she found on the other side made her shake her head. Crystal was standing on a chair and looking out the window so she could give a play by play to Nadia and Ciara. The latter looked a little pale as Crystal delightedly informed them that Evony was making out with Tamisn on the doorstep like a woman possessed.

Nadia looked over at Lauren, "You don't look too good. You okay?"

Lauren gave her a small smile, "I'm just going to head on up to bed. I think I may be coming down with something. She gave Ciara's arm a squeeze as she passed her and assuredly told her that she had nothing to worry about.

Ciara gave Lauren a small note of thanks, but still looked like she wanted to be sick herself. Lauren had just made it to the stairs when she heard Evony enter the house followed by her name. "Not now, Evony."

A hand clamped around her arm and she spun Lauren around. "No. Now! That bullshit "I feel sick" ploy didn't work at all. Especially after the kiss I just gave Tamsin on the porch. She'll be thinking about that for days, weeks even! Give it up now Lauren and admit that you can't handle the fact that you have no chance against me and you have to resort to getting pity from her."

"Let go of me Evony. It is not a ploy; I really don't feel well." As if to help convince Evony, her stomach lurched and the battle to keep the nausea at bay failed and she convulsed losing some of her dinner onto the other woman's shoes. Lauren heard Evony screeching and yelling at Crystal to "grab something, anything, and get this stuff off me!", as she held a hand over her mouth and rushed into the first door at the top of the stairs. Slamming the bedroom door in a hope that no one pursued her, Lauren pushed open the adjoining door, rushed into the bathroom and just made it to the toilet in time.

Lauren didn't register that the light was on and the room was full of steam as she hugged the toilet and emptied her stomach with every violent convulsive retch.

Bo was just stepping out of the shower when she saw Lauren rush into the bathroom and head straight to the toilet, vomiting violently. She closed the door as she rushed to aid the ill woman and gathered the blonde hair as Lauren continued to retch, despite her stomach now being completely empty. Bo rubbed the doctors back with her free hand and after several minutes Lauren was able to sit back as her stomach finally settled. She rested her head on her arm that rested on the bowl and closed her eyes as she gauged how she was feeling and if the was more vomiting to come.

"Are you okay, Lauren. Can I do anything?"

It took Lauren a moment to register that someone was in the room with her and was rubbing soothing circles on her back, but the voice was coming from behind the closed bathroom door.

"Lauren?"

It was Nadia's concerned voice. Lauren was about to respond when the person rubbing her back did it for her and she froze when she heard the strong and steady voice of Bo.

"It's okay Nadia. I'll take care of her. The worst seems to be over. I'll get her cleaned up and into the spare bed to get some rest. Let the others know that we won't be down for the rest of the night."

"Okay," Nadia responded and both Lauren and Bo seemed to wait until they heard the outer door in the bedroom to close before they breathed again.

Lauren felt exhausted and also embarrassed that Bo was seeing her in such a state and that was when she realised that she had rushed into the closest room to the stairs which was in fact Bo's room!

"Let's get you cleaned up a bit and how about we flush your deposit, sweetheart." Lauren nodded and reached out tapping the lever and washing her expelled stomach contents away. She heard the faucet in the basin run and a warm face washer moments later, wiping her mouth and chin.

Lauren's eyes fluttered open, "I'm sorry. Your bathroom was the closest. I..." Her voice gave out as she saw that Bo wasn't wearing any clothing, her skin still damp in places and her hair loose and dripping. Lauren was breathless and her stomach fluttered as if full of butterflies as her eyes wandered up the side profile of Bo's body as she rinsed the face washer in the sink, seemingly unaware of being observed or not caring.

"No need to apologize. It was obviously an emergency. You just surprised me as I was getting out of the shower, that's all. Are you feeling better? Is there anything I can do?"

_You can turn around and face me and let me see all of you,_ she thought. Lauren could feel the heat on her face and knew that she was blushing profusely. _She is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes upon._ Lauren couldn't stop staring and her heart almost burst out of her chest when Bo turned to face her. The vision of Bo scorched her brain and caused the pulse between her legs to make her whimper with the need and ache that she felt.

The look of panic on Bo's face surprised Lauren and her pulse quickened to the speed of a galloping horse when the naked, desirable woman rushed to kneel in front of her and reached out a hand to her forehead. "Jesus, Lauren! You're flushed and burning up! Perhaps we should get you a doctor."

"I am a doctor," Lauren breathed out.

Bo gave the blonde a small lopsided smile at the comment. "Are you going to do a self diagnosis?"

She wanted to reach out and take Bo in her arms. She wanted to kiss the remaining drops of water from her body. She wanted to... "Yes."

"Okay then. Let's hear it." Bo was oblivious to the fact that this was all her doing as she sat comfortably in front of the blonde with her hands resting on her thighs.

_I want to lay you down and I want to bury my face between your legs and make you scream my name! I'm losing it! Focus Lauren! Focus! _Lauren forced herself to close her eyes. It was the only way she was going to be able to encourage her brain to say the words that she needed to say so that she didn't act on the impulses that her body was screaming for her to do.

"You are what triggered the flushing, fever that has overcome me, Bo.. Please..." Lauren licked her lips and opened her lids to look into Bo's dark, expressive eyes. "Please put some clothing on before I do something that will break all the rules."

Lauren almost laughed when she saw Bo look down at herself and blush. _She had honestly forgotten that she was naked! Unbelievable! _Bo looked back up at Lauren, her hands sort of covering the main parts and the blonde couldn't help but release a chuckle. "You really forgot, didn't you?"

Bo stood quickly and grabbed her silk kimono from the hook on the door and slipped it on. "I was that concerned and worried for you that it slipped my mind. I'm sorry."

Lauren fell even more in love with Bo at that moment. Lauren went to stand and found that she was a little unsteady on her feet. Bo rushed to her side again and helped Lauren to keep her footing.

"Thank you, Bo," Lauren said as she accepted the assistance and moved to the sink. She opened the cabinet to find several packs of toothbrushes and opened one. Lauren brushed and rinsed her mouth before turning towards Bo. "Please don't apologise, Bo. You being so concerned about my well being that you forget that you are naked... Well... I... I think that may be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me."

Bo smiled at Lauren, "Is it wrong that I kind of wish that you did lose all control and broke all the rules?"

Bo's look was so intense and Lauren melted into it. The raw passion and lust had such weight to it that it was as if the steam hadn't dissipated from the bathroom at all. "Oh, Bo," was all Lauren was able to whisper. Lauren was gripping the sink as her knees got even weaker. _There are no cameras in the bathroom. No one will ever know._ Lauren sighed and started to lean towards Bo, her eyes flicking from that intense gaze to that waiting, kissable mouth.

Bo reached out and ran her thumb across Lauren's lips as they got ever closer to her own. She saw Lauren hesitate, just a fraction and Bo held the woman's gaze and whispered, "Just one kiss... Please."

Lauren's legs were shaking and if it wasn't for her grip on the basin and the hand that Bo put on her hip, she would have collapsed as soon as their lips met. It was the lightest of touches, their hot breath intermingling as they continued to look deeply into the others eyes. The connection was powerful, electric, and Lauren was the one that finally gave in, reached out and laced her fingers into Bo's damp hair and pulled their mouths crashing together in a heated embrace that may have lasted minutes or an hour. Time meant nothing, everything fell away and it was just the feel of their mouth and tongues, expressing what they needed to say. Lauren's head swam with the intensity of the embrace and the reality that she truly was in love with this woman. And she felt horrible because of it.

Lauren pulled away from the kiss, breathing hard. "I'm sorry. This isn't right. I shouldn't have. There are rules!"

Bo shook her head and reached out to Lauren, "Screw the rules!," she hissed. "I know this isn't the place and that this was not a part of your plan when you signed up for the show, but please don't deny what we have found."

Lauren's head swam and she fought a wave of dizziness and she wasn't sure if it was because of what had just happened or because she was ill. Bo hands came out to steady Lauren as the colour drained from her face. "You need to lay down before you fall down, Lauren. Come on!"

"Wait! Just a moment... please. I need to say something, Bo. I can't leave it like this. You need to know."

Bo stopped trying to usher Lauren out of the bathroom and gave her her undivided attention. The blonde could see the apprehension in Bo's eye and it broke her heart and that was why she had to reassure her that her feelings were real and she didn't regret what had just happened. That it was just bad timing and she needed to keep her head out of the cloud of fairy tale fantasy for the time being. "I care for you, Bo...deeply. There isn't a question in that, but honestly, I didn't sign on to this show to fall in love. I am drowning in college loans and debt and the money I could make from this will take so much pressure off as I start my internship next month. I already hate myself for being in it for the money and because Tamsin is actually a really nice person. I just really need..."

Bo placed a finger to Lauren's lips as she watched her eyes fill with tears. "It's okay. I get it. I was dragged here by Kenzi and she was totally in it for the free holiday and the money. I wasn't expecting to fall in love with you, but I am really glad that I allowed my crazy best friend to drag me here, because I found you and you are spectacular. Whatever happens during the show doesn't matter, okay? Do what you need to do and I will do the same. Just don't doubt the way I feel for you."

Lauren nodded, "Okay. I... I really don't feel well. Please help me to the bed before I..." Lauren's eyes fluttered and she registered Bo catching her before it all went dark...

* * *

**Author's Note: I just got back off my holiday yesterday so that was the reason for the delay in updating. So I hope you enjoyed this installment and I will try not to keep you waiting too long for the next one. Take care xoxo**


	9. Chapter 9

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 9**

* * *

Bo stepped out of the mansion to find Tamsin standing by the open door of the limousine, holding a red rose. The blonde beauty was smiling brightly and looked extremely comfortable in her casual, tight fit, stretch pants, T-shirt and hoody. Bo had been curious when she had opened the box containing the similar clothing that she had been given to wear for their date today. The hair and makeup crew hadn't fussed over her as much as usual explaining that the activities didn't require a lot of glam. So Bo's hair was pinned back with only a few stray pieces framing her fresh and almost makeup free face. She felt more like herself in these clothes and minimal makeup than she had for almost the entire time she had been in front of the camera's.

Bo had stayed by Lauren's side most of the night, taking care of her and had actually mentioned forfeiting the date to continue to monitor the sickly blonde. Lauren had taken hold of her hand and told her that she had been an angel looking after her while she suffered from the bout of food poisoning that had struck her, but that she was through the worst of it and would probably just sleep for as long as the producers would allow and that Bo should go and have some fun.

However, even as she smiled and greeted Tamsin with a chaste kiss and accepted the rose, Bo couldn't help but wish that it was Lauren that she would be spending the day with. _How am I supposed to pretend that this is exactly where I want to be for the entire day when we haven't even gotten in the car yet and I want to turn around and return to Lauren's bedside and take care of her?_

Tamsin's voice broke Bo's turmoil, "Let's get this show on the road, shall we? We have a huge day of thrills and fun ahead of us! After you." Tamsin motioned for Bo to climb into the waiting car and gave her a spectacular, shining smile filled with excitement.

Bo entered the limousine and slid across the seat and Tamsin slid in beside her, their thighs touching. Bo tried to ignore the camera man and Vex, who were sitting across from them and focused on the blonde beside her. "So what do you have in store for me today?"

"We'll get to that in a moment. Firstly, I'd like to know how Lauren is doing? I was just told that she was suffering from a bout of food poisoning and I feel terrible that we didn't realise sooner. Though her throwing up on Evony's shoes surely would have been a sight to see!"

Bo let out a small chuckle, relaxing a little, as she thought about Lauren. "Couldn't of happened to a nicer person. Evony isn't exactly the most popular person in the house and she is always getting in Lauren's face about something. But, in all seriousness Lauren is feeling much better now. Thanks for asking. She insisted that I keep my date with you instead of sitting by her bedside."

Tamsin smiled at Bo knowing that that was exactly where the brunette wanted to be. She would choose to sit by Lauren's bed in a heartbeat if Tamsin suggested that that was an option, but it wasn't. Vex and the other TV execs were not happy with how aloof and un-invested Bo seemed in her efforts to competing for Tamsins heart. "Well, Evony certainly has been the most aggressive in her actions and intentions to win my affections and I guess that aggressive tactic is bleeding over into the house."

"She's a bitch to anyone she views as a threat and I think she put Lauren at the top of that list."

"Not you? I would say that you would be equally threatening, if not more so." Tamsin was incredibly pleased when she drew a blush from the buxom and attractive brunette. "I am so pleased that it was you that won the poetry contest. The poem was very illuminating to say the least. You have been hurt in the past and it is understandable that you would be wary of recklessly throwing your heart at a complete stranger. I am hoping to use this day to get to know one another better and to hopefully encourage you to risk your heart and get into the spirit of the game and show me your intentions."

Tamsin watched Bo visibly pale and she reached out and squeezed her thigh, "Don't worry. I'll be gentle. I promise," Tamsin said, finishing her statement with a wink and Bo laughed nervously in response. Tamsin felt a little bad for playing with Bo, but it was the only way she would be able to push her further in the competition, she just needed to get Bo to open up a little and at least appear to be in it to win it.

Bo swallowed the lump in her throat. She hadn't thought it would be this hard to just pretend to be interested in Tamsin so that she could stay on the show and spend more time with Lauren. It was dishonest and Bo valued honesty and she was struggling with the notion of deceiving Tamsin. She wasn't a bad person. She was nice, beautiful and sweet, but she wasn't Lauren. _And Lauren isn't the Bachelorette, Tamsin is! You need to start playing the game or don't, make up your mind!,_ her internal voice screamed at her. Bo shoved her conscience down and looked up into Tamsin's penetrating gaze. "So what will we be doing today? Something active I take it by the wardrobe choice.."

Tamsin nodded eagerly, "Your profile said that you're an adrenaline junky and loved being active and enjoyed the outdoors. So they have planned a fantastic day for us based on that. Afew activities to get our adrenaline pumping and then ending up for an afternoon in the great out doors before going to Olive Garden for dinner."

_Damn it, Kenzi!, _she thought to herself. To Tamsin she said, "What else did this profile say out of curiosity?"

Tamsin burst into laughter, "You should know if you filled out the form, but I'm going to take a stab in the dark and say that it was in fact your BFF that filled in all the paperwork. Am I right?"

Bo couldn't hide the embarrassment she felt and nodded, "Yeah, I had no idea what was going on until she told me we were going to be on a reality tv show. Kenzi has always been the crazy one and I'm the one that gets dragged along," Bo responded with a laugh. She missed her best friend and it had only been just over a week since she had slunk out of the house after being caught in the closet with Hale the cameraman.

"You were the double act and Kenzi certainly made an impression in more ways than one," Tamsin responded with a giggle of her own. "I actually miss her vibrant personality, though I must say that I always suspected that her interest wasn't with the ladies."

"You didn't say anything, though?" Bo asked curiously.

"Sexuality is quite fluid these days and a lot of the stereotypes just don't fit in this day and age. I suspected that she was either straight or bisexual, but I wasn't a hundred percent sure for quite some time and when I was sure that there would never be a sexual thing between us, I still wanted her around because I thought that we could be really great friends and she was such a fun and effervescent character. I wanted her around for a bit longer."

"I get that. I don't know what I would do without her and I miss her already and it's only been like a week! You must be excited about Ciara too, then?" Bo watched Tamsins face light up with the mention of Ciara. The waif thin and elegant English woman had charmed the house with the exception of Evony and her sidekick Crystal. "Perhaps I should have snuck Ciara out for this date. Especially if you are practically climbing the walls in frustration like she is at not even being able to talk to you when she was added to the mix."

Tamsin surprised Bo by wrapping her arms around her in a hug, "Oh my goodness! Aren't you just the sweetest person in the whole wide world!" Bo patted Tamsin's back awkwardly for a moment until the blonde moved back, her eyes actually shining with unshed tears. "Wow. I have no idea why I am almost crying right now," Tamsin exclaimed as she use the sleeve of her hooded jacket to dry her ryes and gain some control of her emotions.

"She's your best friend. You miss her and it was cruel that they thrust this huge surprise at you and waved her in your face before making you leave without even a hug and a hello."

Tamsin took Bo's hand and nodded vigorously, "Exactly and to be told that she has had feelings for me for a long time. I was completely floored to say the least. Gosh, I hope I get to at least talk to her soon. I have so many questions!"

Bo smiled at Tamsin sensing that Evony had no hope in hell of winning this competition if Ciara managed to get some alone time with her friend. Tamsin was a stunning woman and she was practically glowing as she thought of her friend. "You honestly had no idea that Ciara had feelings for you. Nothing had ever happened in the past?"

Bo watched as Tamsin's eyes went to another place and time. An air of sadness seemed to fill the air to mingle with the longing that Tamsin had to speak to her friend. "There was a moment when we were first getting to know each other, a kiss during a silly drinking game at a party in college."

"That's all?" Bo asked with a rise of her eyebrows.

Tamsin nodded, her eyes still holding the far away look. "Yep. That's it because a bit later at the same party she introduced me to her friend Jesse and I fell head over heels in love with her. I married Jesse a year later, right before I started at the police academy. Ciara has been there all the way, through every significant event in my life and I don't think I would be where I am now if it wasn't for her after losing Jesse." Bo squeezed Tamsin's hand as fresh tears sprung from her eyes and trailed down her cheeks as she talked about her deceased wife. "Ciara was my saving grace. I had completely shut out the world, trapped in the darkness of my grief and guilt. She was the light that guided me out of that pitch black hole of despair and has been a beacon to me ever since."

"And now that you know that Ciara loves you as more than just her best friend?"

Tamsin focused back into the present and looked into Bo's dark, understanding eyes. "I... I don't know... It has me desperate to talk to her... To be able to see that this isn't just some joke to make the show more dramatic and exciting. I need to hear it from her, you know... Because if she really does care for me... loves me beyond our friendship..." Tamsin's voice trailed off. She seemed to shake herself and patted Bo's hand before releasing it. "I'm so sorry! This can't be any fun for you. I didn't mean to completely fall apart and spurt all my emotional baggage on you."

"You don't need to apologize, but I honestly don't think anyone else in this game has a chance of winning. Which will infuriate Evony for sure!" Bo exclaimed in delight.

Tamsin cocked her head to the side and raised a single eyebrow, "And why do you say that?"

Bo smiled at the clueless blonde, "Because I think Ciara already has your heart and you just haven't figured it out yet."

Tamsin smiled softly, leaned in close to Bo and kissed her on the mouth, taking the brunette completely by surprise. After breaking the kiss, Tamsin moved her face to the side of Bo's face and brushed her lips against her ear, whispering, "And I think someone in the house has already stolen your heart." Tamsin leaned back to find Bo blushing furiously.

"Time will tell if you are right about my heart Bo, but I think there are plenty of opportunities left in this game, don't you. I mean, you have managed to charm me without even trying and we haven't even arrived at out first date destination yet."

Tamsin watched Bo struggle to find something to say. Tamsin hadn't planned on showing her hand so soon, but the temptation to push Bo to do something unexpected in order to prove that she was worthy of keeping on the show was too hard to resist.

Tamsin looked over to Vex, who had managed to stay silent through the entire exchange of conversation and the surprise kiss. He was sitting there with a giant smile on his face. He also obviously couldn't keep quiet any longer either. "Finally something I can use to make Bo seem interesting. We will have to cut out a lot of the audio and dub it with some commentary about you two having a deep and meaningful conversation and connecting with some ridiculous sappy, romantic music in the background, but the light touching and the kiss is DYNAMITE!" He clapped his hands. "Let's continue to move forward. Bo? I want you to use this as a stepping stone to show me that you can truly be a top three contender, because honestly, it has only been through Tamsin's insistence that you are still here!"

Bo switched her attention back to the blonde beside her, "Really?"

Tamsin grinned, "He's right. I was made to keep Crystal because I insisted that you stay at the last elimination."

"But why? If you... I mean..." Bo threw her hands up at a loss after Tamsin's little whisper of knowledge that something was going on in the house with another contestant.

Tamsin knew that Bo was asking her why she had kept her if she already knew that Bo was falling for someone other than her. "Oh, because I have big plans for you, my dear." Tamsin laughed as Bo got a wary look on her face. She leaned into Bo again and whispered, "Don't worry, I won't bite... much."

Vex's announcement that they had arrived at their destination saved Bo from responding to Tamsin's playful teasing. It was suddenly too hot in the limousine and Bo fumbled with the door handle, not even waiting long enough for the driver to open the door for her. She tumbled ungraciously out of the vehicle and ignored the crew and camera's that approached her hurriedly. Tamsin's exit was much more graceful and she stepped up alongside Bo and placed a hand in hers.

"Relax, Bo and try to look like you are enjoying yourself."

Bo looked at Tamsin, "I'll do my best. What are we actually doing?" The noise of a plane engine grew louder and Bo watched as the small plane skipped along the tarmac and came to halt. She read the sign writing on the side of the bright red plane. "Oh God! I really am going to kill Kenzi when I go home for writing adrenaline junkie on my profile."

Tamsin watched as all the colour drained from Bo's face as Vex announced to them both that they were about to each get to experience a thirty minutes of aerobatic flight, going through barrel rolls, loop the loops and other adrenaline charged aerobatic manoeuvres. "We have camera's mounted onto the plane so that the viewer will see you scream and shout as you have your session. Have fun ladies and we will see you when the ride is over and we can move onto the next activity that will have you landing in a secluded piece of nature for an intimate lunch by a spectacular waterfall!"

"May I please ask how we will be getting to this secluded place?"

Vex clapped his hands together, "by jumping out of a plane and parachuting in, naturally," he said with delight.

"Oh yeah, I am definitely going to kill her," Bo muttered under her breath as Tamsin laughed and squeezed Bo's hand as they made their way over to the pilots for the small safety talk before take off...

* * *

**Author's Note: Ok another chapter down and I hope it didn't disappoint. It is late and I am tired so I apologise if there are more mistakes than usual. I would love some sunshine as winter has come to my kingdom and I have had grey skies and rain for days! **lol** Thanks as always for your support for my stories and I will try to get an update for Genesis in the next week or so. Until next time thanks for reading and take care!**

**xoxo**


	10. Chapter 10

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 10**

* * *

"Well, today wasn't the big disaster that I was expecting, so bravo girls."

Instantly Bo's hackles rose at Vex's comment and she stopped her recount of one of Kenzi's most outrageous stunts that she had been animatedly sharing with Tamsin and gave him a hard stare. "What the HELL is that supposed to mean?" she demanded.

"Oh puh-lease!" Vex rolled his eyes at the defiant brunette sitting beside Tamsin. "You can't honestly say that you've given this show your all. The only reason you are still here is because of Tamsin."

Bo crossed her arms over her chest. "Well, shouldn't it be her decision who she wants to spend time with?"

Vex burst out laughing. It was close to being hysterical and it took him a minute to stop and pull himself back together. "You can't honestly be that naive, Darling!"

"Vex," Tamsin said softly as she rubbed Bo's thigh, hoping to soothe her a little. "The whole process was a surprise to me as well. I had no idea that almost every single decision would be discussed and negotiated. That I would be forced to keep contestants just because they make for more titillating and outrageous television!"

"Drama and titillation is what brings in the ratings, Tam Tam. Can you honestly say that this woman has shown you anything genuine to suggest that she isn't here just for the prize money? She hasn't shown any enthusiasm in any of the challenges since the paintball event and even then she allowed her straight friend to go on the date with you. I think winning the poetry mic night challenge was an accident to boot!"

"YOU BASTARD!"

"Am I wrong?" Vex asked with a raised eyebrow. Bo clenched her jaw and said nothing and just continued to glare at him. "The truth is you have cruised through this competition so far and if the other TV executives don't protest when Tamsin asks to take you to the final three, I will!"

"How do you know I want to keep Bo? Maybe I will dismiss her in the next elimination. Perhaps I just really wanted to have a proper date with her first before dismissing her."

"So you are going to get rid of her in the next culling?"

"I have had an enjoyable time today and you have gotten some pretty good footage. You told me so earlier."

"Oh my God! You want to keep her around!" Vex exclaimed emphatically. "Un-fucking-believable. She may be beautiful and have a nice rack, Tamsin, but she hasn't given you any real substance!"

"HEY! I AM SITTING RIGHT HERE!"

Vex ignored her and focused on his friend, "What is this hard on you have for this girl, Tam? Please tell me because I just don't get it. The time for messing around is over. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. There are not going to be any more challenges. Starting tomorrow, you are going to have dates with Nadia, Crystal and Ciara because they haven't a date with you yet. And then the night after tomorrow you will choose your top three to spend an entire day and night with you at your cottage. Please don't waste a spot on her," he finished with a point of his finger.

"Why do you dislike me so much?" Bo asked a little deflated after Vex's outburst. She could feel how much he cared for his friend and she wasn't here for the right reasons and the guilt flooded through her making her feel sick to the stomach.

"I don't dislike you as opposed to distrust you. I am not just doing this for my career. I did it for my friend, who has been alone in her grief for too long." Vex turned to Tamsin. "I love you and I have listened to Ciara, my other best friend, tell me constantly that she can't tell you how she feels because it's like she is betraying Jess."

"You did this to make Ciara admit her feelings for me?"

"And for you to realise yours for her, yes."

"And if I choose somebody else," Tamsin asked, struggling to clamp down on the rising emotions within her.

The entire process of the show had dredged up so many repressed and unresolved feelings for Tamsin. She hadn't wanted to face that she was desperately lonely and longed for someone to love and hold in her arms at night. She had allowed her guilt to reign for way too long and she had always clamped down on her feelings whenever the idea of being more than friends with Ciara had entered her mind.

But since it had been revealed that Ciara was here to win her heart, her love, she hadn't been able to think about anything else and she had been going out of her mind with the need to talk to Ciara.

"If you have genuine feelings for someone else, of course, I would want you to go with your heart, but at the same time we need the viewer to believe that it's real and I'm sorry, but I don't feel anything between the two of you and neither will the audience." Vex fixed his gaze onto Bo. "If you really want to continue to the top three, you better pull out all the stops when you say goodnight on the doorstep tonight. I am talking about a pouring of the heart about how strong your connection to Tamsin is and how you really want to be her wife. And then I will expect a melt into a puddle kiss to prove your growing feelings towards Tamsin. I want you to give the performance of your life and convince even the most cynical viewer that you are falling in love. Got it!"

Bo swallowed the lump in her throat. She was in love, but it wasn't with Tamsin and she felt raw and exposed because even Tamsin knew that Bo's heart wasn't in it for her. Bo broke her gaze from Vex and looked at Tamsin. Bo valued honesty above almost everything else and tried to live her life accordingly, but what she was doing right now was so beyond her comfort and moral zone.

Obviously the look in Bo's eyes let Tamsin see her thoughts and her struggle because Tamsin leaned forward to whisper into Bo's ear. "Can you do this if I tell you I have a plan and that everything will turn out okay in the end. You don't need to believe just make sure everybody else does."

The limousine pulled into the driveway. "It's time to act your asses off ladies and be assured that the other contestants will be watching." Vex slid out of the limo with the cameraman following to get the shot of them exiting the car and saying good night to one another.

"You ready?" Tamsin asked with a small, reassuring smile.

"I feel like I'm going to be sick," Bo responded morosely.

"Can you do this?"

"I don't know," Bo responded honestly. "It just feels so wrong. You know my heart belongs to someone else. It's dishonest and unfair to everyone else that are here for the right reasons."

"COME ON LADIES!"

"You can do this, Bo."

"I just... Why are you doing this?"

Tamsin searched Bo's troubled eyes and had the sinking feeling that the night was not going to end well. "We don't have time to discuss this. You will just have to trust me. If it helps close your eyes and think about the woman who does have your heart while you kiss me."

Tamsin got out of the car and held her hand out to her. Bo hadn't thought of anything else but Lauren and the thought of Lauren watching her kiss Tamsin made her physically ill. She allowed Tamsin to lead her onto the porch and tried to push her her troubling thoughts aside. She had stayed for one reason and one reason only, to spend as much time with Lauren as she could. She was in love with the blonde doctor and Lauren was in love with her. She didn't want to taint that love any more than she already had. She didn't want Lauren watching her make out with Tamsin.

"I had such a wonderful time today, Bo and I certainly saw a glimpse of the woman that wrote such a touching and romantic poem to win the date today."

Bo stared blankly at Tamsin. The poem! Bo had almost forgotten why she was on this date in the first place. The poem was for Lauren. Everything was about and for Lauren. She wouldn't cheapen what they have for the sake of money and ratings. She would be true to herself and the way she felt about Lauren. "I'm sorry. I can't do this anymore," Bo said softly, pleading with Tamsin to understand that it wasn't about trust, but about what was the right thing to do.

_Here it comes,_ Tamsin thought to herself as she watched the struggle disappear and clarity and determination replace it. _If this is what she wants I won't change her mind. _"What can't you do?" Tamsin asked playing along.

"I can't keep pretending. The poem was written about someone else. I have fallen in love with one of the other contestants and I can't continue pretending to be interested in you when my heart belongs to another. I value honesty and I have behaved terribly and am not proud of my behaviour. I hope you can forgive me. I should never have gone on the date. I have deceived you and I will not waste any more of your time. I am leaving the competition as of right now."

Tamsin took Bo's hand in hers as tears brimmed in her eyes. She could see Vex biting his hand to keep from shouting out. He didn't want to disturb the filming of this moment and Tamsin knew that she would need to sit Vex down and reveal to him that she already knew that Bo didn't care for her and that she wasn't hurt by Bo's actions. "Thank you for being honest with me, Bo. I can't say that I'm not disappointed, but at the same time I did feel that we hadn't clicked the way that I had hoped."

"I'm sorry," Bo said softly, tears forming in her own eyes from the revelation and freedom she felt from her confession.

"Please don't be sorry for being true to yourself and ending this now and not later. Before you go could you do one thing for me?"

Bo nodded, "If it is in my power to do so sure."

"I would like you to whisper who in the house you have fallen in love with before you get into that limousine and leaving immediately. One of the house staff will bring you your belongs. I hope you understand that we cannot allow you to go back into the house and have contact with any of the other contestants."

"I understand," Bo said sadly. She leaned forward and whispered Lauren's name into Tamsin's ear and felt the blonde nod.

"Thank you. Good bye, Bo. It has been an honour and a privilege to have been given the chance to get to know you and I wish you all the luck in the future of getting the happy ending you deserve." Tamsin gave Bo a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"It's time to go, Bo," Vex said and opened the car door for her.

Bo's heart constricted in her chest at the thought that she may never see Lauren again. Bo hadn't anticipated Tamsin informing her that she couldn't say goodbye to the other women in the house. And just like Kenzi she left the house and the tv show in complete disgrace...

* * *

"What's happening?" Lauren heard Evony say loudly as Crystal stood on a chair staring out of the small window beside the front double doors of the mansion.

Lauren had ignored Evony when she had burst into the room where she had been resting and exclaimed that she should join the rest of them for the commentary of the conclusion of Bo's and Tamsin's date. She had felt more and more nauseous as the day had gone on and it wasn't from the food poisoning she had been suffering from. It was the thought of Bo and Tamsin spending an entire day together and what type of intimacy was going on between them. But curiosity had won out and she stood at the top of the circular staircase and leaned against the bannister listening to Crystal relay everything she was seeing from her perch upon the chair.

"They are just talking. Tamsin is holding Bo's hand," Crystal exclaimed. "It looks kind of intense and Bo looks like she's about to cry at any moment. I can't see Tamsin's face."

"So Bo's playing the emotional vulnerability card. Interesting. It's probably going something like this. "I can't believe how fast these feelings are growing and it is all kind of overwhelming blah blah blah. I have been hurt before and I am scared to jump into anything so quickly. Please tell me you are feeling what I'm feeling blah blah blah."

"You think that would work?" Crystal inquired with a frown.

Evony snorted, "Why not? Play all vulnerable and broken and women feel the need to fix it and kiss it better. Bo is smarter than I gave her credit for.

"Oh wait! Bo is leaning towards her. She is whispering something in Tamsin's ear."

"Whispering sweet promises of what she'll do if she gets the all night date, no doubt." Lauren wanted to slap Evony in the face.

"Bo still looks like she wants to cry. She almost looks as if she's in pain. Tamsin has just wrapped her arms around Bo in a hug and kissed her on the cheek."

"Not even a kiss on the mouth? Great! I totally made out with her. Their date must not have gone well. That's..."

Crystal cut Evony off, "What's going on? Bo has just gotten in the limo and closed the door. Vex seems to be consoling Tamsin."

* * *

"Excuse me, which room is Bo Dennis in please?"

Lauren let out a squeak of fright at the softly spoken voice coming from her left at the top of the stair.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

Lauren managed to find her voice, "Tha.. That's okay. What did you need?" she asked, hoping that she hadn't heard the woman correctly.

"I need to grab Miss Dennis's things from her room. Could you point me in the right direction please."

"Uh, sure. It's that one." Lauren pointed at the door across from where she was standing. "What's happening? Is Bo okay?"

"I'm sorry. I am not at liberty to divulge any information about anyone or anything. I just need to get her stuff so that they can escort her off the property. Excuse me." The woman smiled at Lauren apologetically before heading into Bo's room and closing the door.

The sound of the front door opening and Vex's voice ringing out for the ladies to gather in the living room, followed by the clapping of his hand echoed in the huge entry hall. Lauren got her feet working and took the stairs two at a time to join all the others as they rushed after Tamsin and Vex.

The curious voices of the gathered contestants mingled together as Lauren stepped up alongside Ciara and waited for Vex to tell them what was going on. Of course it was Crystal and Evony that were being the loudest and Lauren ground and clenched her teeth together in irritation.

"You okay, Lauren? You look pale. Perhaps you should go back up to bed."

Lauren turned to Ciara and smiled at the caring and elegant woman. "I'm doing much better. It's just Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb over their grating on my last nerves," Lauren responded softly back, causing Ciara to let out a small burst of laughter and Nadia to smile beside the english woman.

"Okay ladies, listen up! I have a few announcements before I send you off to bed for your beauty sleep. Some need it much more than others..."

"Vex!," Tamsin chided punching him in the arm. "You are all incredibly beautiful women. Ignore him."

Lauren found it difficult to keep eye contact with Tamsin and focused on Vex instead.

"Firstly, if you haven't figured it out already by spying through the window, Bo Dennis is no longer with us. She will be on her way to the airport as we speak to join her little heterosexual friend Kenzi." Vex held up his hands for silence as questions started to fly from Evony and Crystal. "And before you start demanding to know what caused Bo's unexpected departure, I'll stop you and just say that it is for personal reasons that will be kept between Bo, Tamsin and Myself. DO NOT pester Toby," Vex pointed at the cameraman that was filming them and had been present outside, "for information. He has a confidentiality contract just like all of you. So leave him alone. GOT IT!"

"Hey! Why are you looking at us?," Crystal whined.

"Shut up, Crystal," Evony said with a roll of her eyes. "I won't lose sleep over Bo going home, so what's the next piece of news?"

"Very well, moving on. There will be no more challenges and over the next couple of days the ladies who have not had a date with Tamsin will each get an opportunity. So that means Crystal, Nadia and Ciara will each get either a morning or afternoon date and over the next two evenings Tamsin will dine and hang out here with all of you." Vex looked at each of the contestants in turn. "Now I cannot stress this enough..." He paused for dramatic effect. "Use every single moment over the next two days to make an impression to our bachelorette because at the end of that second night Tamsin will pick her final three."

The was the collective sound of the five women drawing in a sharp breath at that revealed information.

"That's right ladies. The end is nigh and so is the money and the prize of marrying this stunning woman beside me. So get your beauty sleep and bring your A-game to these final two days. Crystal?"

"Yeah?" the perky blonde answered uncertainly.

"You are set to have your date first. It is a breakfast date and Ciara will be having the afternoon date with Nadia having an afternoon date the day after. Any questions?"

"Yeah, who decided the orders of the dates?"

"I picked the names at random out of a hat, Crystal. Anything else?," Vex asked, scanning the women once more who responded with "no's" and shakes of their head. "Fabulous! Then Say Goodnight to Tamsin and get off to bed.

Tamsin made blatant, intense eye contact with both Lauren and Ciara as all the contestants shuffled off towards their rooms. Lauren looked back with sadness and uncertainty which pulled at Tamsin's heart as she thought about how she could fix the damage of Bo leaving before her plan had come to fruition. But her heart leapt when she met Ciara's gaze and she had to force herself to stay where she was and not rush into her best friend's arms. Ciara gave her a knowing smile and a wink before leaving Tamsin with Vex and closing the doors behind her giving them some privacy.

"Drama! Drama! Drama!," Vex exclaimed. "That was a huge surprise. What name did Bo whisper to you! Do you think we need to kick her out of the house as well? Have they been secretly getting it on? Because that is totally a breech of contract!" Vex tilted his head at his friend thoughtfully. "You don't look shocked or surprised by any of this."

"That's because I'm not."

"You knew!" Tamsin nodded. "For how long! And why didn't you say anything!" Vex's voice was getting louder and louder by the moment.

"Come on back to the cottage for a drink. We need to talk," Tamsin said simply as she linked her arm with his and led Vex towards the door...

* * *

**Author's Note: So were you all surprised by what's happened? I would really love to hear from you. Can't wait to wake up with your reviews. Thanks for the support you have shown for my announcement about my plans to hopefully publish. The support has always meant so much and I can't thank you enough. As always any mistakes are my own.**

**Take care and thanks for reading.**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	11. Chapter 11

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 11**

* * *

Kenzi couldn't believe the state her friend was in when she returned from her gig. Bo lay slumped on the couch surrounded by empty beer bottles and junk food. She was still in her loose fitting yoga pants and black tank top that she had slept in the night before. The front of her black top was coated in the orange dust from the gigantic packet of cheeto's resting in her lap. Kenzi put away her DJ equipment before quietly going about cleaning up the disaster area that her friend had created around her.

She left the television on, noticing that Bo had been watching yet another chick flick and she noted the pile of tissues that the pining woman had tossed into the open cardboard box with a partially eaten extra cheesy pepperoni pizza within. Screwing her nose up, she just closed the lid and dumped it straight into the garbage shoot out in the hallway of their apartment building. Bo had been forlorn and despondent since arriving home a couple of days ago. Kenzi had been surprised to hear her best friends key in the lock and had realised upon seeing her friend's face that Tamsin's plan to get Bo and Lauren together had failed. She had crossed the area between them in seconds and had wrapped her arms around Bo. She had tears in her eyes as Bo dropped her bags and had gripped Kenzi tightly as she cried and mumbled about how she had probably made the biggest mistake of her life.

Kenzi had led Bo to her room and had held her until she had cried herself into complete exhaustion and had fallen asleep. She had had to wait until late this afternoon to actually get a coherent explanation about what had happened. She hadn't been surprised that Bo's moral compass had come into play and had forced the brunette to make what much have been one of the hardest decisions she had ever made. It was the fact that she hadn't been able to see Lauren before she left, that she hadn't been given the chance to explain why she was leaving the show, that weighed on Bo so heavily.

The brunette didn't doubt her or Lauren's feelings for one another and wholeheartedly believed that they belonged together. No, it was Bo's fear that Lauren would think that she had run away from their love because it had been her that had told Lauren that the show hadn't mattered and that whatever they had to do to get to the end wouldn't mean anything. Bo also had no doubt that Vex would throw gasoline on the fires of confusion and doubt that Lauren would have at her abrupt and sudden ejection from the house.

Bo woke up and peered at Kenzi through bleary eyes when she lifted the half eaten bag of cheeto's off her lap. "You're back. What time is it?" Bo rubbed her eyes and looked down at her top. Bo started to brush the crumbs off her chest halfheartedly.

"This has to stop, Bo." The brunette didn't respond, but Kenzi knew her friend had heard her because she saw the muscles in Bo's jaw twitch. When Bo stood up and looked set on heading straight to her room without a word, Kenzi decided that she had to put on the tougher gloves, because the gentle and supportive gloves weren't helping Bo get out of her funk. "You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself and you really need a shower, you smell! Do you really think Lauren would be impressed by this!"

That made Bo spin around, "Don't, Kenzi. I'm warning you..."

"You are better than this. Stop wallowing in self pity. You did what was right and Lauren will search for you when this is all over or you will search for her. Either way you will see her again and you will get your chance to explain what happened."

"You look so sure. You can't know that. She may believe whatever Vex says to paint with me in a bad light. She probably hates me by now."

"Vex? What does the annoying producer have to do with anything?"

Bo threw her hands up in the air. "He hates me! He thought I was just in it for the money. But I'm sure my confession that I was in love with another contestant will have him determined to crush me completely. Tamsin is his best friend and the best way to hurt me for deceiving Tamsin will be to go after Lauren."

"I think you are over reacting, Bo Bo. That your emotions are just so crazy right now that you are creating scenario's in that head of yours."

"It's his show and I made a mockery of it."

"I still don't think..." A knock at the door cut off Kenzi's next statement. "Who the hell is knocking on our door in the middle of the night," she said as she looked into the peephole before opening the door to the bored looking man holding an envelope. She signed for the delivery before closing the door and handing the hard cardboard envelope to Bo. "It's for you."

Bo tore open the envelope with a frown and pulled out the smaller envelope within. "It's from the studio," Bo said as she began to read.

Kenzi watched her friend visually pale before her eyes. "What's it say?"

"Well, I guess you were right about what Vex would do." Bo looked up at her friend. "They want me to come back to talk about the legal ramifications for breaching my contract. At least if he is focusing on me Lauren should be safe." Bo screwed the letter into a ball and tossed it in the direction of the bin. Want a free plane ticket?" Bo asked, shoving the ticket at Kenzi.

"You're not going?"

"Let him sue me. I have no job and my savings are dwindling by the day! I have nothing that they can take from me."

Kenzi had no doubt that this was a false way to get Bo back on the show. She felt that Tamsin was behind this telegram because she had also breached her contract by being found in the closet with Hale and she hadn't been handed a letter threatening legal action. "I really think you should get on the plane, Bo."

"Why? I don't deserve to be punished for falling in love. It's not like I planned it."

"I know you didn't, Bo. But what if the same thing is happening to Lauren. Tamsin made you tell her who you had fallen for in the house, right?"

"Yeeaahhh," Bo said the word slowly as her mind quickly switched to Lauren.

"Well, what if Tamsin told Vex and he has used the information to create more drama for the show and has called her out in front of the remaining contestants. What if he plans to make an example of you both just because he thinks it will bring more ratings. You should be standing beside her Bo and even if Lauren hasn't been outed, you may be able to get a message to her or find out some contact information for her."

"I can explain why I left and she can see I did it for her, because I love her." Kenzi watched her friend transform before her eyes and she couldn't help but smile. Her Bo was back and filled with that spark that always had her making the most out of every opportunity in her life. Bo was a force to be reckoned with and her open and honest heart was one of the reasons she had become friends with in the first place. Bo evened out Kenzi's wild and reckless behaviour, they were two parts of a whole. "You're right, Kenz. Either way I need to try to get back to Lauren and make sure she knows that I love her and want us to be together when this stupid show is over." She grabbed the ticket from Kenzi's hands and pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you for being the bestest friend in the entire universe." Bo pulled back a look of determination and hope on her face as she gazed at her friend. "I'm going to go pack a few things. Will you drive me to the airport?"

"Sure I will, but ahh, Bo?"

"Yeah?"

"I think you should take that shower first because you still smell," Kenzi said with a smile and a small laugh.

Bo looked down at herself and ran a hand through her neglected hair, "Right you are! Shower first."

Kenzi just shook her head as Bo rushed into action, eager to do whatever it took to get back to the woman that she loved...

* * *

Lauren's heart hurt and it was affecting her mood. Bo had been gone for two days and it was shocking how much pain Lauren felt with the loss. She had tried to push down the discomfort, longing and sadness she felt with Bo's absence but she had failed miserably. Lauren had started to rival Evony with her snarky remarks and short temper. She was irritable and unhappy. She wanted to hear Bo's voice, her laugh. She wanted to feel her stomach flip whenever she saw Bo's incredible dimples when she smiled widely at her. She wanted to gaze deeply into Bo's dark and passionate eyes. She wanted to kiss Bo again, hold her and never let go.

Lauren sighed and tried to focus on whatever Ciara was saying. Nadia gave her a small knowing smile, her eye filled with compassion. Lauren was grateful to them both. They had both noticed her change in demeanour and Lauren wished that she could confide in them, but the camera's made it impossible. Lauren suspected that they knew that it was Bo's absence that had upset her, but she doubted that they knew the depth of her feelings for Bo. She had never loved and felt so connected to another human being and having that connection severed without an explanation was excruciating.

Lauren shook her head and really tried to concentrate on something else besides Bo. Ciara was nervous about her date with Tamsin tomorrow. "What if my declaration of feelings ruins our friendship? I think I'd die! I'm so stupid. I should have just kept my feelings to myself. I had my chance back in college, but I stood back and watched my then best friend Jess win Tamsin's heart. It was the right thing to do and I don't regret it but...," she let her voice trail off and she took a deep calming breath.

Lauren reached out and rubbed Ciara's arm supportively. "You and Tamsin were together in college?"

Ciara shook her head, "Not really. I was shy and awkward and Tamsin was like this shiny ball of energy, so full of confidence and attitude. I had a huge crush on her, but I kept it to myself. Jess was my only friend and I didn't even share it with her. I felt foolish for wanting someone so clearly out of my league."

Lauren watched as Ciara's voice changed and a far away look replaced the stress and worry from her features. Ciara wasn't in the room with them anymore, she was reliving her time in college all those years ago. Even Evony and Crystal were listening intently now as Ciara shared her story of how she missed her chance to win the girl of her dreams.

"Jess was everything I wasn't. She was self assured and was very beautiful, but she was also sweet and kind. I would see people question our friendship whenever we were out together. Jess gave me confidence and made me feel safe. I begged her to go with me to the sorority party because I had heard that Tamsin was going in the hallway as I had been heading to a lecture. Jess tended to shy away from parties and it may have been one of the reasons behind our friendship. I never asked why she talked to me in the cafeteria on the second day of my freshman year, because I was just so happy that she had and was genuinely my friend. When we arrived at the party the juvenile game of spin the bottle was already in session and I saw Tamsin sitting in that circle, laughing as some jock had to kiss one of his teammates. I am sure I just stood there gaping at Tamsin as I always did and that is what had Jess asking me if I wanted to play."

Ciara burst out laughing at the memory, making everyone in the group smile along with her.

"What did you say?" Evony asked, her usual bitchiness absent as she waited eagerly for the rest of the story. Perhaps Evony was eager for any information that may give her an edge to be picked for the top three, with the elimination just around the corner. Ciara was still lost in her memories and probably wasn't even aware that it had been Evony that asked the question.

Ciara laughed again, "I shook my head at Jess and probably looked like a deer caught in headlights. Watching Tamsin from afar was completely different from sitting across from her and her actually seeing me and making eye contact. But Jess smiled at me and said that it might be fun. So I allowed her to take my hand and drag me to the circle. I should have known that Tamsin would never notice me when I had Jess sitting next to me. As the bottle continued to spin I saw Tamsin make several attempts to get Jess's attention and it was not subtle at all. When the bottle landed on me, I didn't even notice because I was too busy trying not to burst into tears. Jess poked me in the ribs getting my attention, completely unaware of Tamsin's suggestive glances. She informed me that the bottle had landed on me and my eyes almost popped out of my head as I shook my head no. The cheer from the rest of the group had me turning my attention to the bottle in the middle of the circle and I followed it to the person it pointed to. I swear my heart almost exploded as I looked into Tamsin's piercing eyes. She was smiling and laughing with her friends as she beckoned me with her finger to come into the centre of the circle to claim my kiss. She crawled like a predatory jungle cat and I was her prey. I was lost in her confident and playful gaze as Jess and the guy on the other side pushed me towards her."

"Please tell me you didn't throw up on her or something," Crystal added ruining the magic of the moment as everyone hung on to every word out of Ciara's mouth.

Even Lauren felt like she was right there looking at a terrified younger Ciara being drawn towards the woman that she had loved for so long. "Ignore her and continue," Lauren added with a smile. "Did you kiss her?"

Ciara nodded, letting out a small chuckle, "Well, she kissed me, as if it was no big deal at all... and I ... I just melted. My world exploded into technicolor and then it was over and everyone was clapping and cheering. I left the game after that, telling Jess that I needed a drink and got up on shaking legs, my lips still tingling from her kiss. Jess accompanied me like the great friend she was, much to Tamsin's disappointment. But she found us about twenty minutes later and started the conversation by expressing her disappointment that Jess had left before she had been able to win a kiss from her. I felt the spark between them instantly, it was palpable, I could taste it. Tamsin introduced herself and Jess introduced herself and me. The rest of the night we chatted and got to know one another. Tamsin was sweet and included me. She made me feel important, because I was clearly important to Jess, but there was no denying the undeniable connection the two had. I had never seen Jess light up the way she did with Tamsin's attention and I knew that my crush was nothing compared to the genuine love blossoming between my best friend and Tamsin."

Ciara was sad, but it was obvious to Lauren that it was because she missed her dearly departed friend and the memories had opened that painful loss. Evony spoke and it was surprisingly kind as she asked a question bringing Ciara back to the present, "Did you ever tell Jess about the crush you had on Tamsin, which clearly developed into love as time went on?"

Ciara shook her head, "No, never. If I had said something back then Jess would never have pursued a relationship with Tamsin and she would have missed out on many years of happiness with a woman who loved her with all her heart. Their love was beautiful, epic and I would never have been brave enough to pursue Tamsin back then. I was way too shy and self conscious, unlike the woman I am today. The friendship I shared with Jess and Tamsin expanded my world and gave me the belief to spread my wings and be who I am and not the shy, awkward girl i was. I wouldn't have changed what happened back then, for anything in the world. I am taking my chance now and I know that Jess would be cheering me on right now from her place in heaven. I just really hope that Tamsin doesn't feel that she would be betraying Jess's memory if she pursued and chose to love me the way I love her with all my heart and soul."

"Well, no offence, but I hope for the complete opposite because you have the huge advantage over the rest of us and I was a shoe in for Tamsin's affections and attention until you arrived. Come on, Crystal, sappy story time with Ciara is over. Let's go do something fun," Evony said, back to her usual self making Lauren shake her head and suppress a laugh as Crystal scurried after the bossy woman, who clearly hated to admit that she may lose.

Nadia excused herself to have a shower and get ready for bed. Lauren offered Ciara a little support before she headed off to her room to get some time alone. She had struggled to figure out the reason for Bo's departure from the house and for the first time she felt that it didn't matter. She wouldn't worry herself sick about the reasons because she felt that she should have more faith in her feelings for the buxom beauty who had completely stolen her heart. Bo wore her heart on her sleeve and had shown Lauren during their weeks together in the house how strongly and passionately she felt. What Lauren had felt radiating from Bo, the raw intensity of her feelings, could not have been misinterpreted. Lauren just had to keep the faith that she would see Bo again soon and they would have the rest of their lives to enjoy what they had found with each other.


	12. Chapter 12

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 12**

* * *

"So tell me what the television powers that be had to say to you, Bo. I still can't believe they didn't haul my ass down there with you!" Kenzi flopped down onto the couch with the phone to her ear, happy to hear from her friend. "Maybe I should have come with you anyway. For moral support, you know. Am I a terrible friend?"

Bo shook her head, then realised that Kenzi couldn't actually see her. "No, you are the best friend a girl could have Kenz and you have several gigs lined up this week and you're the one paying the rent at the moment, remember," Bo responded with a chuckle that her friend matched on the other end of the line.

"Yeah, well don't feel down about that Bo Bo. I have been networking for you big time and the word is spreading about why you left your firm and went out on your own."

Bo winced, hating to remember why she was now a talent agent without an agency and only a few clients. An image of her now ex girlfriend Melissa bent over her kitchen cabinet with her ex boss giving it to her from behind hit her in technicolor. Bo shook her head in an effort to rid herself of the images. It still hurt. That betrayal. She thought of Lauren and her heart hurt a little less.

"Bo! Earth to Bo!"

"Huh, oh sorry, Kenz. I tuned out for a second."

"I said that you should expect a few calls over the next few days. A lot of people are unhappy with their new representation at your old agency. Fear not, Bo Bo. I got your back. You will be drowning in new and old clients in no time! Now tell me what's been happening with the TV people. Are you stalling? Is it bad? Are we going to lose the shirts off our backs. They should be grateful! Our fuck ups are going to make GREAT television," Kenzi said emphatically, her voice getting louder and louder."

"Calm down, Kenz. I haven't even seen anyone yet!"

"What?"

"A driver picked me up at the airport and brought me straight to a hotel not far from the mansion where the shows being filmed and I was told to enjoy the hotels facilities because the powers that be and their lawyers couldn't meet me till late tomorrow afternoon."

"You're kidding me?!"

Bo slumped down in the front seat of her rental car as the gate to the contestant mansion opened and a limo pulled out. "They probably just want to make me sweat a bit. It's just a scare tactic, Kenz," Bo said as she quickly exited her car and passed through the gate as it closed.

She gave out a small squeak as a second vehicle started winding its way down the long driveway towards the gate. Bo cursed herself for not remembering that there was always a vehicle full of crew that needed to be on hand to touch up the contestants and handle the other equipment while they were off site on dates and challenges.

"Hmm, okay. If you say so. So what? You've been lazing around the hotel pool all day? Sounds like fun! Are you sure you don't want me to come down and keep you company?" Kenzi heard her friend curse through the phone followed by rustling sounds and Bo's rapid breathing. "What the hell is going on there, Bo?"

"I had to hide," Bo answered before letting out another curse followed by more rustling sounds.

Kenzi sat up a little straighter, her spider senses tingling. "Bo, please tell me you are just hanging out at the hotel. Lounging by the pool, drinking cocktails and ogling all the pretty ladies in their bikini's. Eating the all day buffet. Working out your frustration in the hotel gym. Watching porn and drinking all the little bottles of booze in the mini bar. My spider senses are telling me you are doing something crazy in your down time, Bo! Please, please tell me it isn't so." There was nothing but more rustling and the breaths of exertion. "BO!"

"Shh, Kenz!" Bo hissed as she edged around the side of the mansion. There were sounds coming from the backyard near the pool. She could distinctly hear Crystals irritating squeals of laughter. Bo heard people approaching along the path and quickly ducked behind another shrub as a group of three male crew members laughed and joked together as they headed to the many trailers lined up along the side of the mansions huge grounds.

"I'll shh if you tell me what kind of crazy stunt you are pulling right now. You are supposed to be the sensible one remember!"

"I need to see Lauren," Bo responded simply. "Get her attention and talk to her alone if I can! The big elimination is tonight, Kenz. I need to tell her why I left so abruptly."

"God! They are going to add trespassing to your breach of contract charges. I implore you to turn around right now, Bo. You are about as stealthy as a bull in a china shop!"

"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence, Kenz! I'll be careful, I promise. Besides, if I get caught, I get caught. She's worth it," Bo said as she edged towards the wall and peeked around the corner looking for Lauren. She quickly hid back behind the wall. _Did Evony just see me?_ Bo edged back to her hideout shrub. "Do you have any helpful tips or advice, Kenz? If you don't I'm hanging up," Bo said softly into the phone as she waited to see if Evony had indeed seen her from her position beside the pool, or if the distance had concealed her presence sufficiently.

Kenzi paced the small area in front of their couch in their compact apartment. "Okay, listen up and don't move from that spot until we come up with a good plan for operation Desperately Seeking Lauren, got it?"

Bo smiled into the phone, "Thanks. You really are the best friend a girl can have. You've always got my back," Bo whispered quietly into the phone and sat down from her crouching position to get comfortable in her hiding spot."

"I always got your back, Bo Bo. Where are you right now?"

"Sitting behind a bush along the side of the main house," Bo answered.

"Okay, so the first thing is to just listen and talk as little as possible because bushes don't talk, Bo."

Bo gave a small, quiet chuckle," okay. Got it. So what's the plan?" ...

* * *

"You a bit nervous, Tamsin?" Vex asked as the cameraman took a close up of her sitting at a table in a little bistro, the afternoon sun shining through the large picture window.

"What makes you say that?" Tamsin asked her friend.

Vex pointed to a spot in front of her, "That makes me think you're nervous."

Tamsin looked down at the shredded napkin heaped into a pile between her hands. She frowned as she gathered the mass of shredded paper and looked around for a place to dispose of it. Vex motioned for one of the assigned service staff to take the rubbish from the anxious blonde who muttered her thanks.

"Tamsin? What are you feeling at the moment? This is the last date before you will be forced to choose your final three contestants for the overnight dates. Is it the fact that you are about to have a date with someone you already know so well, just not in a romantic sense?"

Tamsin glared at her friend. _He's enjoying this way too much,_ she thinks as she starts to fiddle with the straw in her glass of water. "It feels like I have been here forever. Are they running late? If you are doing this just for dramatic effect, Vex, I swear to God you'll pay for it in the near future!"

"Apparently your date has hit a little unexpected traffic. Ciara should be here soon, Tamsin. You've missed her haven't you?" Vex tried again to get Tamsin to engage and share her feelings with the camera and what he hoped would be a captive audience when the show gets released.

"I've been away from my best friend for almost two months now with no contact, even once she surprised me and entered the house, so of course I've missed her!"

Tamsin had had about enough of the whole damn reality circus. She longed to go home and get back to her life. She was sick of the camera's and sick of pretending to be someone she wasn't. She wasn't a big sharer of her feelings, never had been, but Vex's damn show required her to express every little damn thing. She longed to lock herself in her own house for days to just enjoy the silence and privacy that she had been without for so very long.

Vex wasn't giving an inch and she gave him a look that told him that he would be in the doghouse for quite some time after this fiasco was all over. "Yes, Ciara has been a great friend since college correct?"

Tamsin sighed and closed her eyes, "That's right. I met her and my late wife Jess in college. We were as close as anyone could be and I would never have made it through losing Jess in such a senseless act of violence if not for Ciara. I... I guess that's what makes me nervous that... That..." Tamsin let out another sigh.

"That what, Tamsin?" Vex pushed.

"I'm worried that now that Ciara has decided that she wants more... That she wants a romantic relationship with me.. That, well, our friendship will change, be different. What if I hurt her and I lose her as a friend? I don't think I could survive losing them both!"

Tamsin felt tears threatening to fall and she placed her head in her hands and took several deep breaths to try to get her emotions under control.

"You are talking about losing Jess to an armed gunman in a robbery and losing your friendship with Ciara? Just for the viewers clarification," Vex said, his voice hitching just a little as his own emotions broke through.

_Jess was his friend too,_ Tamsin thought and her anger eased because she realised that Vex wasn't as unaffected as he always appeared to be. He had loved Jess almost as much as she had and he adored Ciara.

"Have you thought about what it could be if you and Ciara could find love and happiness together? Or have you only thought about what you could lose and not what you could gain?"

Tamsin raised her head and looked at her friend, who was standing behind the cameraman's left shoulder. They shared a moment of complete understanding and the weight of the situation before her, hit her all at once. There was knowledge in her friend's eyes. Ciara's feelings weren't a new thing to him.

"How long? She whispered. "How long have you known?"

"I don't think that's my place to say. Perhaps you should ask your date who I am told has just arrived."

As if on cue, there was a distant tickle of the bell signalling that someone had just entered the bistro. A moment later, Ciara rounded a corner, stunning in a drop dead gorgeous cream pantsuit and a string of pearls adorning her long elegant neck. Tamsin couldn't help but return the huge smile that her friend gave her in greeting.

"I'm so sorry. Traffic was dreadful! An accident on the freeway. It's hot out there, I must look a fright," Ciara said in her crisp, musical English accent. "Should I freshen up?"

"You look wonderful, Ciara. You always do," Tamsin said, rising from her seat and making her way around the table to embrace her best friend. "I've missed you so much," Tamsin whispered beside Ciara's ear, as her friend wrapped her arms around the blonde in a familiar comforting hug and didn't let go.

"I've missed you too. I, however, knew that I wouldn't be able to talk to you straight away after the bombshell I dropped on you. I'm sorry for that," Ciara said before moving back a step and out of Tamsin arms. The air seemed to change around them as they just stood there in silence staring at one another.

Ciara wasn't sure if it was only her feeling this new static energy until Tamsin let out a deep breath and took another step back and hugged herself, rubbing her hands up and down the goose pimpled flesh on her arms. "Well, this is new."

Ciara gave her friend what she hoped was a reassuring smile, "Shall we sit."

Tamsin nodded and surprised Ciara by pulling out her chair like a gentleman would do on a date in all the old movies they watched together. "Thank you," Ciara said as she settled into her chair.

Tamsin didn't respond as she made her way around the table and took her place across from Ciara, who seemed to be almost as nervous as she felt. The room was surprisingly quiet considering the amount of crew members surrounded the two women. Every single person in the room seemed to sense that something significant was happening right before their very own eyes.

Tamsin fidgeted with her fork for a few minutes before she shook her head and looked Ciara straight in the eye, "I'm not really sure where to begin. I've wanted to be able to pick up the phone and talk to you every night since this whole thing started and yet now that you are sitting across from me, I'm at a loss for words and have no idea where to start."

Ciara leaned over and took Tamsin's hand with her own. "I'm sure you have questions and I will answer them the best I can, Sin.

Tamsin shook her head and smiled, "You're the only one that calls me that. I never really understood why."

Ciara's expression was suddenly very serious, her eyes intense and seemed to penetrate Tamsin's very soul. "That's what you were to me for a very long time, Tamsin."

The blonde looked at Ciara in confusion. "A sin?" Her friend gave her a small nod and Tamsin decide to ask the same question she had asked Vex, "How long?"

"Since college. Then it was just a crush. You were my Sin of Lust and after you met Jess, it turned into Envy. Over the years the lust turned into a deep profound love that has never been matched by anyone else in my life. The only person I have loved as much as you was Jess."

Tamsin was momentarily stunned by Ciara's response. Her mind flashed back over the years trying to see sign's that she may have missed. "Did Jess know?" Tamsin asked curiously.

"I never told her and if she suspected, she never said anything."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know," Tamsin said and she wasn't even sure what she was saying sorry for. For not realising Ciara's love went well beyond the realm of friendship. That it must have been torture seeing her and Jess together day after day.

"I'm not sorry. I got to witness my best friends live happily together for a very long time. You made Jess so happy Tamsin."

"Not always," Tamsin responded sadly, pain clear in her eyes.

Neither Ciara or Tamsin noticed Vex slip out the side door to take a call. They were too focused on one another. But they certainly heard him as his voice steadily rose to whoever was on the other end of the connection.

They looked up as the door was flung open and a furious Vex stormed in his face red as he continued to yell into the phone, "NO! YOU KEEP HER THERE! BUT SEPARATE WHOEVER SHE WAS TRYING TO GET TO! I'M ON MY WAY." Vex snapped his phone shut. "Bring the car around! Now!" Vex screamed to his assistant and she scurried off without a word.

"What's going on?"

"Your little project, Tamsin. She will be the death of me! Or at the very least my career!"

"My project?"

"Yes! The one I brought back under false pretences. She decided to tresspass and sneak into the mansion!" Vex said in exasperation.

"Oh, that project," Tamsin said. She smiled as she thought about Bo sneaking into the mansion to see Lauren.

"Oh no, no, NO! Don't you dare be smiling, Miss Thing! This woman is a pain in my ASS!"

Tamsin laughed, stood up and went to Vex. "She may be a pain in your ass, Vex, but this woman is television gold! Get it all on film and scour those hidden camera's to get all the footage you can of her attempt to make contact with the woman she has so desperately fallen head over heels and out of her mind in love with."

"We are going to have to let her in on the real reason she's been brought back though. I think it is the only way we are going to get her to cooperate." Vex said as his colouring finally settled down from crimson to a rosy pink.

Tamsin patted Vex on the back, "Take her back to my cottage. I'll talk to her after the rose ceremony, choosing the final three. Okay?"

"Fine. You two will be fine to carry on the date and give me some good footage, right. I really need to get this situation at the mansion under control. All hell is breaking loose, apparently. Evony is going off her nut!"

Tamsin turned back towards Ciara and bathed in the warm feeling she got just from looking at her friend. "I'm sure we'll be fine. Right, C?"

"We certainly have a lot to discuss and I'm kinda hungry. I haven't eaten anything today because I was too nervous. So go and leave us to our date."

Tamsin liked the sound of that. This was actually the first date that she had actually taken seriously and in that moment Tamsin realised that that was significant. Tamsin couldn't lie. She had had thoughts about Ciara over the years of a sexual nature. She had chalked it up to loneliness and the fact that Ciara made her feel safe and loved, but now...now she thought that there may have been more to it than that...

* * *

Bo paced the length of the room while she occasionally glared at the head of Vex's security team. "You seriously think you can keep me here against my will. That's kidnapping!"

Bruce shrugged and gave Bo an apologetic look. "Sorry, Bo. I like you; you were always nice to me and the other boys. If it was my choice, I would just let you go, but the boss wants to talk to you."

Bo's phone rang and she stopped pacing and fished it out of her jacket pocket. Kenzi's name flashed on the screen. "Can I answer my phone?" Bo asked Bruce sarcasm dripping from every syllable.

Bruce shrugged again. "I s'pose. I'm just doing my job, Bo. I'm not your enemy."

Bo softened a little towards the security officer. She really did like the musclebound softy. Bo pressed accept and lifted the phone to her ear, "Hang on a sec, Kenz. Can I get some privacy, Bruce. You can guard the other side of the door."

"I don't know, Bo," Bruce replied with a large hand rubbing his chin in uncertainty. "I promised Vex I wouldn't take my eyes off of you."

"Where am I going to go, Bruce?" Bo headed to the sole window in the room and gave it a yank. "See! Locked, and I'm three story's up! I'm not going anywhere, Big Guy."

Bruce took a moment and then gave Bo a small nod. "Okay, Bo. I'll be right behind this door so please don't try anything crazy."

"Cross my heart and hope to die. Out you go." Bo watched Bruce leave and close the door behind him. By this time Kenzi had settled down and was waiting patiently for Bo to tell her what was going on. "Hey. Sorry, I had to get rid of my guard dog so that I can have some privacy."

"You didn't check in. I got worried. You got caught didn't you?"

"Yeah. Now I'm stuck in a room by myself with Bruce guarding the door until Vex get's here. He's pissed, Kenz. I could hear him through the phone when Bruce called him."

"Fuck Vex, his bark is worse than his bite. Did you at least get to see Lauren."

"No. But I am hoping that she will get the message I gave Nadia."

"Nadia?"

"Yeah, I ran into her in the main hall on the way to the bedrooms. Then Evony came in and lost her shit and called out to Bruce and his cronies."

"I'm sorry you didn't get to see her, Bo."

"WHERE IS SHE?!" Vex's voice came echoing through the huge house.

"I've gotta go, Kenz. I'll call you when I can."

"Okay. Take it easy, Bo Bo. It will all work out in the end. I'm sure you'll get to see Lauren now that Vex is here. One look will be all she needs, Bo, even if he just marches you out of the house."

Bo smiled into the phone, "Thanks, Kenzi," she said as the door to her prison was thrown open and a furious Vex stood at the threshold.

"You are a royal pain in my ASS, Dennis!"

"I've missed you too, Vex," Bo responded with a disingenuous smirk as she hung up her phone and put it back into her pocket.

"Who was she talking to? Why didn't you take her phone?"

"She's not a prisoner, Boss," responded Bruce.

Vex ignored him and closed the distance between him and Bo. "I should call the cops and have them charge you with breaking and entering and trespassing, Dennis. Give me a reason not to."

Bo saw all the camera's behind him and sneered at him. "I think you have something else in mind, Vex. This show is your baby and just hauling me off by the police isn't dramatic enough for you."

"You got that right! I'm going to expose you and the woman that you snuck in here to see and I'm going to get it all on camera. Let's go. Everyone is waiting downstairs."

Bo shrugged and led the way out the room and down the stairs. Her heart hammered in her chest as her eyes fell on Lauren and the look she received back told her that Nadia had come through and had relayed her message. What puzzled Bo was the fact that Lauren was standing beside Crystal and Evony and Nadia was standing several feet in front of them. Bo met Nadia's eyes and understood that she was standing there because Evony believed that Nadia was who Bo had come to see.

"Stand there in front of Nadia, Bo. Evony caught you red handed conversing with Miss Fivola." Vex sounded awfully proud of himself and when Bo saw Nadia give her the slightest nod, she realised that Nadia was throwing herself under the bus for her and Lauren.

"Nadia? What did Bo have to say to you. Would you like to tell everyone watching at home why she snuck onto the grounds and into this house so desperate to talk to you?"

Bo focused on Nadia as interested as all those viewers would be when they saw this footage. Her eyes flicked to the other contestants behind Nadia. Evony and Crystal wore smug expressions as they watched on eagerly and Lauren seemed perfectly calm except for the emotion that Bo saw in her expressive eyes.

"Bo wanted me to know that I wasn't the reason that she left." Nadia gave Bo a smile that suggested that she play along as she continued to speak. "Well, I was the reason, but not in a bad way."

Bo gave Nadia the smile that she usually reserved just for Lauren. Bo wasn't sure why Nadia was taking the bullet for Lauren, but she was thankful to the sweet woman for doing it. Bo suspected that Nadia had known all along about her feelings for Lauren. And her smile reflected just how grateful she was for Nadia's sacrifice. Bo had a feeling that Nadia knew she would be on the bus home tonight and wouldn't be one of the top three. That she had nothing to lose."

"You and Bo have feelings for one another?"

Nadia nodded, "We found a connection and expressed our mutual affection and attraction for one another, yes."

"Is this true, Bo?"

Bo nodded and found she couldn't talk with her mouth so dry. "May I have a bottle of water, please?"

Vex snapped his fingers impatiently and moments later, Bo was taking large gulps of the cool refreshing liquid.

"So is everything Nadia said true, Bo."

Bo cleared her throat, "Yes. I know it was against the rules to develop feelings for another contestant, but it's not like love is in our control, is it? I left because pretending to have feelings for Tamsin when I had feelings for someone else was wrong. I couldn't kiss another woman even if it meant nothing, because it would have been a betrayal of who my true feelings lie with. It was a moral decision and I stick by it, but I also couldn't bear the thought of her thinking that I left because of what I felt between us. When this is over we will be together if you want that. I love you." Bo had ensured that she kept her speech general and didn't mention Nadia by name because Nadia and she both knew that she was speaking directly to Lauren.

Nadia went to open her mouth to speak, but Vex cut her off. "And on that note you will now be escorted off of the premises, Miss Dennis."

Bruce and another one of the security team took Bo firmly by her forearms and started walking her towards the front door. "What about Nadia? What are you going to do to her. Please don't do anything to punish her for my actions. Nothing physical ever happened between us. Nothing," Bo cried out as she was pulled out of the house in a last ditch effort to show her gratitude for the woman that had protected her and Lauren's secret.

"That is no longer your concern, Bo. If you try to interfere again we will have you arrested. Is that understood." Bo could see that Vex was enjoying the drama immensely and she could understand why. Bo suspected that his show would be a huge hit and it would be mostly because of her and Kenzi's antics.

Bo blew a kiss over her shoulder and yelled, "UNDERSTOOD, BUT THE JOKES ON YOU, VEXIE! I GOT THE GIRL! BYE BABY SEE YOU SOON. I LOVE YOU!"

_Yeah,_ Bo thought to herself as she was pushed into a town car right outside the gate, _this is going to be a great show!_

* * *

**_Author's Note: Well, there you go! lol I hope you enjoyed this installment and that I recieve some sunshine for my efforts. Review my lovely readers. Review. ;)_**

**_Take care and thank you so much for reading. I love you all!_**

**_Doccubus21 xoxo_**


	13. Chapter 13

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 13**

* * *

"However did you manage to give us a private limo ride back to the mansion without a camera in our faces?"

Ciara wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at her friend, "I have my ways."

Tamsin threw her head back and laughed joyously. She had had such a wonderful time with Ciara on their date. She always had fun with her, she was her best friend after all, but there was now something new and different mixed in with the normal, comfortable energy that had always been between them. "I have no doubt about that. You have always been resourceful, why do you think I went into business with you," Tamsin responded with a wink. "How did you manage it, may I ask?"

Ciara quirked her head to the side and looked thoughtful for a moment. "You can ask and I may even tell you if you give me something in return."

Tamsin turned her body more on the seat so that she was facing her companion better. "What do you want?"

Ciara's smile was wicked with mischief and flirtation and it caused Tamsin's stomach to flip flop in nervous anticipation.

"I would like a few answers to some questions that I have had burning inside me since I've entered the house and met the competition," Ciara responded. "And then perhaps we could test out this new intensity that I am feeling between us. You're feeling it too, right?"

Tamsin almost swallowed her tongue because of the heat she saw in her friend's eyes. There was a hot, fiery passion and air of raw sexuality that Tamsin had never seen or felt before and it was really starting to turn her on. She pressed her legs together and licked her lips as she tried to voice what she wanted to say. Tamsin almost blurted out that there was no competition now that Ciara was here and had expressed her interest, but she managed to hold that in, not wanting to rush anything just yet. Tamsin nodded, "I feel the shift between us, yes. So what are your questions?"

"As soon as we get back to the house you are choosing your top three, right? And two of us are going home?" Ciara asked as she turned and shifted closer to Tamsin, igniting even more heat between them. Their shins were touching now and they leaned in close not wanting to be overheard by the driver even though the privacy screen was up.

Tamsin reached out and placed a hand on Ciara's knee, "Yes, that's right, but don't worry you won't be one of them. Surely you know by the way our date has gone that I need you to be in the top three so that we can explore this new found awareness and uh attraction."

"You're blushing! That's so adorable," Ciara responded, her heart heaving with the possibilities that she could feel developing between them. "I had a feeling that I would be on the list to stay. What I want to know is who is going to join me for the final stretch."

Tamsin's smile faltered a little, "Would you like to guess? You've spent time with them. You tell me."

Ciara's hand had found Tamsin's on her knee and she ran her fingers over the smooth skin, causing goose pimples to spread up the blonde's arm. "Evony?"

"Yes."

"I see the appeal... she is very beautiful and exotic, but her personality lets her down a lot. She is not a very nice person Tamsin."

"I have no illusions about Evony's shortcomings, Ciara, believe me. But there is a mutual attraction, I won't lie."

"Good. I wouldn't want you to lie." Ciara seemed to hesitate in saying the next name. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment before speaking the name softly, "Lauren?"

"Yes..." Silence hung in the air between them for several minutes.

"Am I going to lose you to Lauren, Tamisn? I... I need to know. It's because she reminds you of Jess isn't it?"

Tamsin saw the conflict in Ciara's face and eyes. _She's really worried that I will choose Lauren over her because of the similarities between her and Jess? _Tamsin's mind was buzzing and she bit her lip, trying to decide just how much to tell Ciara. _No one would know. There is no camera pointed at us right now, _Tamsin thought to herself.

"Ciara, you don't have to worry about losing to Lauren."

"I don't? Really?"

Tamsin nodded, "The fact that Lauren is so much like Jess, both physically and characteristically, is the reason I won't choose to be in a relationship with her."

Ciara looked at her friend in complete and utter confusion, "Then why is she still here?"

"I have other plans for her," Tamsin said with a fond smile, "and I enjoy talking to her."

"What kind of plans?"

"I have told you too much already, Cee. Vex would kill me if he knew I was telling you so much. This show is so important to him."

"Please, Sin. I won't let on that I know anything, I promise."

Tamsin rolled her eyes and laughed at the look Ciara gave her as she said that. _How can I possibly say no to her. That look gets to me every single time! _"I can never keep anything from you when you give me that look! You are so bad!"

"You have no idea just how bad I can be, now spill."

_God! I'm done for,_ Tamsin thought as Ciara's comment made her body react and she wasn't even sure if she was just imagining the sexual undertones that she thought she heard in Ciara's comment.

"Fine! But you know nothing. Got it?"

"Cross my heart and hope to die. Now spill!"

So Tamsin filled Ciara in on everything she knew and what had happened before her arrival and about her plan to get Bo and Lauren together as well.

"Oh my God! It is so obvious and clear to me now. Lauren has been irritable and mopey since Bo's departure. She told me she wanted to go home, you know. She must have stuck around so that she could spend time with Bo and now that she's gone..." Ciara let her voice trail off.

"She did?"

"Yeah. Tamsin, what if she turns down your rose tonight?"

"She can't! That will completely stuff up my plan. We managed to get Bo back under the guise of suing her for breach of contract! I need Lauren in the top three!"

"She has every right to refuse, Tamsin."

Tamsin sat there and mulled the situation over and over in her head. Ciara was about to say something when her friends head snapped up and she grinned at her brightly."

"I'll leave Lauren till last! Then she can't refuse because Nadia and Crystal will already be on their way home! They have to leave the house immediately, you see! Brilliant!"

"What if she still walks out?"

I'll have Vex threaten to sue her too. She is going into her residency at the hospital and has a huge medical school loan hanging over her head. The prize money alone for getting to the final three should be enough to get her to stay, don't you think?"

"I suppose, but the fact that she is being dishonest is taking a toll on her, especially with Bo gone. It may not be as easy as you think."

"I don't want to talk about this anymore. Do you have anymore questions or can we move onto the other part of your agenda in getting me all alone in the limo."

Ciara's smile came back and her eyes shone with humour, anticipation and a little nervousness. "You're so beautiful, Sin and you couldn't even imagine how much I want to kiss you right now."

"Then don't wait because I have been wondering what it will be like to kiss you again after all these years. I really want to see if there is a spark, Ciara. Like the one you felt. I'm sorry..."

Ciara put a finger to Tamsin's lips, cutting off what she was going to say. "Don't say you are sorry, Sin, ever. I wouldn't change the past and the happiness you had with Jess for anything in the world. I don't regret a thing and I just want to be the next chapter in your life and hope to bring you as much happiness and love that you had with her," Ciara said softly as she leaned closer and closer to Tamsin.

Ciara removed her finger and gripped the back of Tamsin's head instead and she pulled the blonde towards her and brushed her lips softly over Tamsin's. Tamsin's hand moved to Ciara's waist as she gazed into her eyes and placed another soft kiss upon waiting lips. The air was thick and it seemed to crackle with the new intensity that had been present throughout their entire date. It doubled and tripled as Ciara and Tamsin began to kiss deeper and longer, tongues exploring eagerly. Tamsin pulled at Ciara's hips and encouraged her to straddle her as they continued to make out feverishly.

Tamsin's hands gripped Ciara's ass as she started to move her hips, grinding against Tamsin and causing her to moan as her wetness and desire grew to new peaks. "Fuck, Cee!" Tamsin said breathlessly when they separated for some much needed air.

"Sin. I've waited so long for you to kiss me like that, to touch me. God, I'm so incredibly wet and ready to burst!"

Tamsin's fingers undid the button of Ciara's pant suit and slid down the zipper. "Kiss me again," Tamsin said as she shoved her hand inside Ciara's panties and found her hot, slick and accommodating. "God, Ciara. We have wasted so much time."

Ciara gave Tamsin a hard and rough kiss as she rode Tamsin's hand getting closer and closer to climax. She could feel it building inside her and she broke the kiss and cried out when Tamsin added a third finger. "You weren't ready then, Sin," Ciara said holding Tamsins face and making sure that she held her gaze, "but you are now and you feel so fucking amazing inside me."

"Will you come for me now and keep looking at me like that while you do?" Tamsin's hand began to thrust deeper and faster and she was enraptured by the look in Ciara's face and eyes. She saw the love that she had always seen, but now it was so much more and Tamsin found herself drowning in it happily.

Ciara's hips moved faster to match Tamsin's new tempo and she fell over the edge as her pleasure peaked and she came hard for the woman she had loved for so very long and she made sure that Tamsin saw that love and felt it as it coated her embedded fingers.

The driver's voice came through the speakers informing them that they had arrived back at the mansion as they just held each other as Ciara recovered from her orgasm. They reluctantly untangled themselves and cleaned themselves up the best they could moments before coming to a stop. As Ciara zipped and buttoned her pants she looked over at Tamsin and gave her a devilish grin. "I promised the camera man a fantastic kiss on the porch to go along with his $10,000 bonus check, so make it good." Ciara finished the statement off with a wink.

Tamsin grabbed Ciara's hand and pulled her back for a quick kiss. She heard the driver exit and knew he would be opening the door for them at any moment. "I can't wait till we get an entire night together, Cee. I only wish it was tonight."

"Soon, my love. Soon. And I can't wait till I can taste you," Ciara said before pulling out of Tamsin's arms just as the door opened.

Tamsin squeezed her legs together and groaned as she exited behind Ciara who's delighted laugh rang out into the night...

* * *

Lauren stood beside Nadia her anxiety growing exponentially by the second as they waited for filming to start again. It had been halted because Crystal had lost it when Tamsin had told her she wouldn't be in the top three and had to be physically removed from the house. Vex had been delighted of course, because this was the type of behaviour that made reality shows successful.

Lauren took the opportunity to speak to Nadia, "I'm not going to accept the rose, Nadia."

"I'm going home, Lauren, there is no changing that after what happened this afternoon."

"But it isn't right. You aren't the one who fell for Bo. I am!"

"I don't deserve to be here anymore than you do, Lauren, believe me. I am guilty of exactly the same thing."

Lauren cocked her head to the side as she searched Nadia's eyes, "What do you mean?"

Nadia's eyes shone brightly as if she was fighting back tears, "I fell for someone in the house too, the only difference was that my feelings weren't returned."

Lauren gasped, "And that's why you protected our secret? You fell for Bo as well?"

Nadia gave a small laugh. "Not Bo, Lauren."

"Then who?" Nadia saw the realisation cross Lauren's face when she figured out that she didn't do it for Bo. "Oh..." Lauren was at a loss at what to say. Looking at Nadia now she could see it written all over her features. "I.. I didn't realise. I'm sorry."

Nadia gave Lauren a soft smile and wiped the tear from her cheek that managed to escape, "Don't be sorry. I saw it from the start, felt it, the connection between you and Bo. It is strong, Lauren and she showed you this afternoon that she will be there when this whole charade is over."

"I just feel so horrible. Bo was noble and left rather than taint the way she feels about me. I should have done the same. I can't accept that rose, Nadia. It's not right."

Nadia didn't say anything as Vex came back into the main living area of the house and clapped his hands loudly. "Okay, places everyone. I want to get this done and dusted because the final three will still need to do their little secret diary about their thoughts and feelings."

The camera men and boom operators moved into position and moments later the clapper loader engaged their clapper board and filming resumed once more.

"Nadia, Lauren? As you can see there is only room for one of you to continue on in this competition for my heart."

Lauren looked at Evony and Ciara standing on either side of Tamsin. Evony was looking smug and smirked at her, whereas Ciara gave her a warm friendly smile. Lauren really hoped that Tamsin chose Ciara in the end. There really was no competition on who was the better woman for Tamsin as far as she was concerned. "Would you both step forward, please."

Tamsin looked at each of them, her expression unreadable and Lauren found herself wilting under her intense scrutiny. "I have enjoyed spending time with both of you over the months. You are both wonderful women and anyone would be lucky to have you on their arm and in their hearts." Tamsin focused on Nadia, "Unfortunately, after the events preceding this elimination you are to be automatically removed from the running, Nadia."

"I understand."

"Therefore, I offer the final rose to you, Lauren."

"I don't deserve it. I should be going home as well. Nadia was just protecting my secret. I am the one Bo came to see this afternoon, not Nadia."

Tamsin looked over to Nadia, "Is this true?"

Nadia looked from Tamsin to Lauren and then back to Tamsin. The room was dead silent, which was amazing with so many cast and crew filling the large living space. Nadia was a successful photo journalist whose work also sold for thousands of dollars in gallery's across the world. She had been here to find love and she had, but she hadn't had a chance with Lauren because of Bo. Lauren on the other hand had a large tuition loan and the prize money would help take a lot of pressure off her as she starts her residency in the coming months, so Nadia was determined to do this for Lauren. It was her way of expressing her feelings for the lovely, blonde beside her.

"I'm sorry to tell you this Lauren, but it seems that Bo is somewhat of a heart breaker because she was here to see me," Nadia said her jaw set in defiance.

"But... but... no, that's just not true!"

_Interesting,_ Tamsin thought to herself. "Well, I just don't know what to think! It seems that Bo made quite an impact on the house while she was here and managed to capture several hearts. Unfortunately, Lauren, the evidence points to Nadia and she will be the one to leave the house, so please take this rose and stand beside Ciara."

Nadia nodded once and avoided looking at Lauren as she quickly made her exit.

"This is ridiculous! Bo loves ME, not her! ME! I want to leave." Lauren crossed her arms, refusing to take the rose.

_This is gold, pure GOLD!_ Vex thought to himself, before stepping forward to step into the fray. "Miss Dennis is already being sued for breach of contract, Miss Lewis and if you would like to join her and spend years working your ass off to repay the damages that our teams of lawyers will squeeze out of you, go right ahead and leave. But the easier option is to just take that rose and finish the game and not allow Bo, an obvious player and breaker of hearts to cost you the shirt off your back, your choice."

"But she isn't the bad person you are making her out to be!"

Tamsin glared at Vex. Lauren had visibly paled and was shaking. "I liked Bo as well, Lauren. She is beautiful and charming and would probably be here instead of you, if she hadn't confessed about her indiscretions within the house and left. Please just accept the rose and finish out the remainder of your time here. I have no expectations, you have made yourself very clear on where your feelings lie. Please, Lauren. The prize money is better than being sued, right?"

Lauren reluctantly took the rose from Tamsin's outstretched hand and took her place beside Ciara, who squeezed her arm supportively. "Don't worry, Lauren. It will all turn out for the best, you'll see."

Lauren could only nod mutely at the sweet woman beside her. She thought about Bo and the knowledge that she would be waiting for her when all of this was over, lifted her spirits and steadied her, making her strong enough to get through these last few days...

* * *

**Author's Note: Doccubus will be here very, very soon! ;) Thankyou for sticking with this story. I know it has been a lot less tame sex wise. Lol Also a big thank you to those who leave me a review. I love to read each and every one of them. It means a lot. At this stage I will probably continue with this story until it is finished. There won't be that many more chapters to this one, i don't think. :)**

**Take care.**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	14. Chapter 14

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 14**

* * *

Tamsin glanced over at Lauren, who seemed to be getting more and more anxious by the second. They had enjoyed the day of their full day date by going to the museum and aquarium, but as soon as the sun had started to go down and they went back to the abode that Tamsin had called home for the last few months the atmosphere around Lauren had shifted dramatically.

After dinner they sat and watched a cheesy comedy from the collection of movies that she had found in the cabinet beneath the flat screen TV to keep her occupied in her downtime between filming. They had barely spoken since dinner and Tamsin watched as Lauren fidgeted in her place on the couch as the credits began to roll.

She looked at the clock on the Blu-ray player and was thankful that it was almost time for the special guest to arrive because Tamsin felt like she was suffocating with the anxious tension in the air. But first Tamsin had to play her part and make Lauren interact with her for the camera's.

Tamsin slapped her hands on her thighs, causing Lauren to visibly flinch, before she stood up and stretched. "Well, it's getting late. Perhaps we should move on to the next part of our night and you should head on upstairs."

Lauren stood up and looked at Tamsin as if she was crazy. "And what do you think is going to happen when we get up there? You do remember what I said yesterday at the elimination, right. I AM IN LOVE WITH BO! I may have agreed to stay because I couldn't afford to risk being sued, but I wouldn't go up there and disrespect and spoil what I feel for Bo for any amount of MONEY!"

Tamsin felt sorry for Lauren. She looked frenzied and ready to bolt for the door and the viewers would love it, but Tamsin hated that she was the one doing the manipulating in that moment. She looked at the clock again. _Come on!_ She thought. _Ring the goddamned bell already!_

"I will sleep on this couch," Lauren said as she ran a hand through her hair in agitation before crossing her arms resolutely across her chest. "I can't believe you would actually think that I would go upstairs and what? We would make out or something?"

"Or just sleep." Tamsin responded sarcastically with a roll of her eyes. "You may be a beautiful woman, Lauren, but I am not that desperate that I would put the moves on a woman that isn't even remotely interested in me!" The doorbell rang at that moment, followed by a short rapid knock. "Besides," Tamsin said as she headed across the room to answer the front door, "I had absolutely no intention of going upstairs with you. I'm not even staying."

"What? I'm sorry, I... Bo?" Lauren spluttered as the door opened and she saw who was standing on the porch bathed in the soft illumination of the porch light.

"Lauren?" Bo said as her eyes flicked from Tamsin who was standing there holding the door open, to Lauren who was standing beside the couch with her arms crossed, a surprised look on her face. "What the hell is going on here? Is this some kind of sick joke? Are you on a date? I thought I was here for a meeting with the lawyer's about my breach of contract."

"Please come in, Bo. I'll explain everything," Tamsin responded and motioned for Bo to come inside.

Bo's eyes were stuck on Lauren now and she walked over the threshold as if she was being pulled by an invisible string, coming to a stop a few feet away from her.

Tamsin's eyes flicked between the two women, who stood staring at one another, not saying a word. Lauren's hands were now down by her sides and the air seemed to shimmer with heat around her and Bo.

Tamsin cleared her throat and stepped forward, the cameraman following her, capturing the whole thing as it unfolded. "Wow! The sexual energy in this room is off the charts," Tamsin said with a grin. "I am sure you both have questions as to what is going on right now..." Neither Bo or Lauren even acknowledged whether they were listening to her. They just continued to stare at one another, desire and adoration evident in their eyes. "Or not," she said with a small chuckle. "I have known about the two of you from practically the very beginning of this show," Tamsin declared proudly. This seemed to get their attention and both Bo and Lauren slowly turned their heads to give their attention to Tamsin.

"You did?" This came from Lauren and Bo just frowned in confusion.

"I wasn't brought here for a meeting with a bunch of lawyers, was I?"

Tamsin threw her head back and laughed at Bo's comment. "No, Bo. The whole breach of contract thing was a ruse to get you back here so that you could surprise Lauren here tonight. As I said a moment ago, I noticed your connection and mutual attraction from the very start and I formulated a plan to perhaps get you two together, especially when I doubted that I would find love on this thing."

"So I'm not being sued? This whole thing was planned?" Tamsin saw Bo reach out and find Lauren's hand as they stood side by side watching her and waiting for answers.

"Bo, you made it incredibly difficult for me to pull off this operation to get you two together, while pretending to pursue you both myself. I enrolled Kenzi to keep an eye on your interactions, so that you didn't actually cross any of the fraternisation guidelines, but of course her getting caught in the closet herself with a cameraman put an end to that."

"That's why Kenzi was always around us acting like a damned chaperone!"

"Yes and the fact that you were actively avoiding winning a date with me made my job even more difficult. No one understood why I continued to choose you to stick around when you obviously weren't interested in me at all. It had the producers and the tv execs negotiating with me all the way. I eventually had to clue Vex in because I needed to get you back here to knock on this door tonight. Lauren tried her damndest to get eliminated last night as well, declaring her love for you loud and clear and has been agitated and uncomfortable for most of the day."

Bo turned to Lauren with a huge smile on her face, "You told everyone that you loved me last night?"

Lauren blushed and squeezed Bo's hand. "I did and I didn't understand why Tamsin still insisted on keeping me around! It's all making much more sense now," she said softly as she returned Bo's smile. Lauren turned her attention back to Tamsin, "You planned this from the start? Why not just eliminate us?"

"This is a show about finding love and you and Bo found it. Why wouldn't I want to help bring two people together?"

Lauren shrugged, "I don't know. Vex was never really a fan of Bo and this is just so... unexpected. And then when I thought that you expected me to put on a show of going upstairs with you... I just wanted to get out of here."

"And now that Bo is here and standing beside you?"

Lauren smiled wide and her eyes turned glassy, "I'm... Gosh! So happy and overwhelmed and shocked. I'm feeling way too much to know what to say." Lauren turned to Bo. "I would of found you, Bo. When all this was over, I would have travelled the world to find you. You took a part of me with you when you left so suddenly and I had no idea why you left. I thought that maybe I had done something wrong or that you had changed my mind." Lauren squeezed Bo's hand again, lifted it to her lips and placed a gentle kiss upon it. "But, when you snuck into the house yesterday just to tell me that you loved me and to ease my mind of my confusion about why you left. I wanted to be eliminated, but Vex threatened to sue me for breach of contract if I didn't stay and he didn't believe me when I told him that it was me you came to see and not Nadia. He really doesn't like you."

Bo nodded and threw her free hand in the air, "I know right! He seemed to hate me from the start!"

"Well, in the end ladies, he helped me to get you two together tonight. After your abrupt departure, Bo, I had to bring him in on my plan. Of course we weren't expecting you to sneak into the mansion yesterday."

"Well, he played his part very convincingly," Bo muttered. "I still think he's an ass!"

Tamsin laughed, "he's not everyone's cup of tea, but he has been one of my best friends for years and he is very protective." Tamsin looked from Bo and Lauren one last time, giving them both a smile. "I'm going to head over to the mansion for the night and spend time with Ciara and Evony. The place is yours so I suggest you make the most of it," Tamsin said as she headed for the door after grabbing a small overnight bag that she had placed inconspicuously in the corner beside the end table next to the couch. "A car will be by to pick you up in the morning, Bo. Lauren, you'll have to stick around for the final proposal filming, though I'm sure you know that you won't be my final pick."

"Yeah," Lauren replied with a blush and a chuckle, "my heart already belongs to someone else, but thank you, Tamsin. Thank you for giving us this night together."

"Who am I to stand in the way of love. It's what every girl wishes for, right?" Tamsin replied as she finally opened the door to leave. She was looking forward to seeing Ciara and she could see that Bo and Lauren were itching to spend some much needed alone time together.

Lauren's voice stopped her before she exited the house, "I believe you have found that epic kind of love yourself, Tamsin. I wish you all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you, Lauren. You really do remind me of Jess, you know. Perhaps when this is all over we could be friends? You as well, Bo and that crazy friend of yours. I would love to stay in touch."

"We'd like that, right, Lauren?"

The blonde beside Bo nodded her head in agreement, "I'd like that. Have a good night, Tamsin."

"You too, ladies. Don't waste a moment of it," Tamsin responded with a wink before closing the door and leaving Bo and Lauren alone, except for the ever present camera man.

Lauren reached out and touched Bo's cheek, "I can't believe you are actually here. I hated not seeing you and talking to you every day."

"I know what you mean," Bo responded as she leaned into Lauren's touch. "I'm sure Kenzi will fill you in on how much of a mess I was when I left. It really wasn't pretty."

"But, you're here now."

"Till tomorrow morning at least and I hope that you'll call me as soon as you have finished with the rest of the filming."

"The minute we wrap I will find my way back to you, Bo Dennis. I am crazy, deeply, madly in love with you."

"I love you too, Lauren. Let's not waste another minute," Bo said as she stepped closer to Lauren and rested a hand on the back of her neck and brought their mouths together for a slow, languid kiss.

They melted into one another and the kiss deepened as they held each other close. The sound of the cameraman colliding with a piece of furniture as he captured Bo and Lauren's intimate moment brought them both up for air and looking at him and the lens of the camera as if they suddenly remembered that they had an audience.

Bo chuckled, "perhaps we should take this upstairs, just the two of us."

"That sounds like a fabulous idea, because I don't think I'll be able to stop if you kiss me again," Lauren said softly as she traced a thumb over Bo's bottom lip, her gaze filled with unmitigated desire.

"That means it's good night for you, buddy, and you are out that door!" Bo ushered the cameraman out the front door and locked it behind him, before grabbing Lauren's hand and leading her up the stairs towards the bedroom.

Bo found herself pressed up against the wall at the top of the stairs with Lauren's mouth crushing hers in a kiss that made her weak in the knees. Bo moaned in arousal as Lauren's hands ran up her sides underneath her blouse as she continued to kiss her ferociously. Bo gripped Lauren's hips as the blonde pressed closer against her and Bo felt the flood of moisture between her legs as her body responded to the blonde's attention.

"You're a wild cat," Bo gasped when Lauren released her lips and started to pepper kisses on her neck and collar bone. "I'm about to come right here and you've barely touched me!"

That comment caused Lauren to stop and step back a little, her breath coming out fast and shallow, her milky white skin flushed. Bo shuddered as Lauren's thumbs grazed the underside of her breasts and she wished she hadn't worn a bra. "I still can't believe you are here and in my arms. I'm worried that if I let you go you'll disappear into a puff of smoke and I'll wake up and it will all be a dream."

Bo reached up and held Lauren's face in her hands. "I'm real. I'm right here and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The moment I walked away because I refused to kiss Tamsin was so painful. It felt like my heart was being crushed the further away, I got from you, but I couldn't taint the connection I had with you. It felt wrong to kiss Tamsin, even if it meant nothing and was all for show. It would have tainted the purity of what I feel for you. I know that realistically we barely know each other, but it doesn't feel that way, it feels like I have known you forever. Like you are a twin soul that fits perfectly with mine and that we were destined to find one another." Bo rolled her eyes and fought back the tears that were threatening to spill over with her overwhelming emotions towards the woman staring back at her, right into her very soul. "I know everything I have just said sounds completely corny and new age-y, but it's how I feel. I have never felt so deeply connected to any other person in my life."

"You have the biggest heart, Bo and you wear your emotions on your sleeve and it's beautiful and so overwhelming."

"Overwhelming in a bad way?" Bo asked Lauren softly. She wanted Lauren to be sure that she was ready for everything Bo was offering because she was laying everything on the line and she knew that Lauren could see it in her eyes and hear it in her words.

"Not in a bad way. My heart has never felt this much happiness and all consuming love. It is all just a little scary and unexpected, but it really does feel so right and meant to be. Kismet comes to mind and I am a realist at heart and very rarely spend much time thinking about things so whimsical as soul mates and love through the ages, souls that are destined to find each other in any lifetime or alternate parallel universe." Lauren let out a small chuckle and grinned at the brunette who was beaming at her. "Now I'm being all mushy and new age-y, as you so eloquently put it."

Bo had slowly begun to unbutton Lauren's shirt as she listened to the blonde lose herself in the possibility that they had been preordained to meet and that their love was as inevitable as it felt. "So we are going to explore this together, take things one day at a time and trust in this love that we feel for one another?"

"Absolutely," Lauren responded as she took Bo's hands into her own and led the way into the dimly lit bedroom. Lauren left Bo at the end of the bed, searched out the light switch and flicked it on. Lauren spied the small iPod docking station on the dresser and wished for some music. "I wish I had my phone so that I could put some music on. I would love to dance with you as we slowly undress each other, but we weren't allowed to have them. I miss listening to my music."

Bo pulled out her phone from the back pocket of her black jeans and held it out to Lauren. "I have mine and dancing with you as I continue to undress you sounds like a positively wonderful idea! Find something you like, baby and dance with me."

Lauren grabbed the phone and moved to the docking station as she scrolled through the songs on Bo's phone and found one that she felt matched how she felt about Bo. "Perfect," Lauren said softly to herself as she connected the device and pressed play, allowing the soft melody and fitting words fill the room and surround them as she moved into Bo's arms...

**Chantal Kreviazuk - Feels like home**

_Somethin' in your eyes makes me wanna lose myself_

_Makes me wanna lose myself in your arms_

_There's somethin' in your voice makes my heart beat fast_

_Hope this feelin' lasts the rest of my life_

_If you knew how lonely my life has been_

_And how long I've been so alone_

_And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along_

_And change my life the way you've done_

_It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me_

_It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from_

_It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me_

_It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong_

_A window breaks down a long dark street_

_And a siren wails in the night_

_But I'm alright 'cause I have you here with me_

_And I can almost see through the dark there is light_

_Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me_

_And how long I've waited for your touch_

_And if you knew how happy you are making me_

_I never thought that I'd love anyone so much_

_It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me_

_It feels like I'm all the way the back where I come from_

_It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me_

_Feels like I'm all the way back where I belong_

_It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong_

* * *

**Author's Note: I know you are all probably screaming at your phone, computer or tablet right now. I imagine it is a little like this... "What! You can't stop THERE! Where's the sex! we need the sex! Give us the SEX!" I wonder if you are all shaking your head yes. lol**

**Well, I promise that the next chapter will be exclusively BoLo with no one else to disturb their first time together. I want the chapter to be as pure as their love is and they will not get much sleep at all, that I promise you. It will start off right where I leave this and I hope that I can give you the epic chapter that these two deserve after all this time.**

**I thank you for your reviews and look forward to hearing from you right now in fact. I will not make you wait too long for the continuation of this scene.**

**Tare care.**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	15. Chapter 15

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 15**

* * *

Lauren truly did feel like she was home as she moved slowly around the room wrapped in Bo's arms. One song moved onto another as they danced and Lauren's skin scorched as Bo's hands spread her unbuttoned shirt apart and off her shoulders and down her arms. Bo's fingertips traced the lines of Lauren's bra as the shirt fell to the floor and the blonde shuddered at the soft, reverent touch. "I have dreamt of touching you for weeks. My dreams didn't do you justice, the softness of your skin, the ferocity of your kisses."

Lauren's breath hitched as Bo's thumbs passed over her nipples through her bra. They puckered beneath the brunette's touch sending jolts of arousal straight to the aching sex between her legs. It wasn't just Bo's touch that was effecting Lauren so viscerally, it was also the reverent look on her face as she did it. "God, the way you look at me, Bo. It makes me weak in the knees. No one has ever looked at me with such raw appreciation and desire. You make me feel so seen and loved," Lauren whispered breathlessly as Bo lowered her head and took one of her nipples into her mouth through the sheer material of her bra and sucked, pressing against the sensitive nub with her tongue.

Lauren thought she may collapse as Bo's hands popped the button of her dress pants and lowered the zipper as she continued to play with Lauren's nipples, through the material of her bra with her mouth. Lauren reached out and clasped her hands on Bo's shoulders to her keep her steady and upright as Bo's hands pushed her pants down her thighs until they were loose enough to fall the rest of the way down to her ankles on their own. Lauren threw her head back and closed her eyes as Bo's thumbs went under the material of her underwear at the legs and ran over her hips and over her ass, before Bo took a firm hold of both cheeks in her hands and bit down on her nipple causing Lauren to whimper as a fresh flood of arousal wet her panties.

"Kiss me, Bo!" Lauren gasped as she pulled at the clothing that she was gripping so fiercely for the support of her shaking legs. Bo allowed her mouth to be pulled from Lauren's breast to be claimed by the blondes lips and tongue. Lauren took the opportunity to fumble with Bo's clothing as they kissed. The blonde cursed when they came up for air and her fingers struggled with the laced up blouse that Bo was wearing. "Damn it! Is there a trick to this?"

Bo took hold of Lauren hands, stilling them, and gave her a smile, "No trick, but like any present the anticipation of unwrapping it and revealing what is inside is all part of the fun."

"I've always been the ripping the paper off as fast as I can, type of girl," was Lauren's response, which made Bo chuckle in delight.

Bo moved her hands and ran them up Lauren's bare sides, "then by all means rip away, my love."

Lauren grimaced as she took in the sight of the lacing on Bo's top, "it just looks like a big knotted mess now... I may never be able to get into my present."

"Then let me help you," Bo responded as she clutched the bottom of her top, wiggled, manoeuvred and pulled until it came up and over her head, her full breasts bursting free. "Want me to help you with the jeans as well?"

Lauren licked her lips and nodded mutely at Bo's question, which produced a huge grin from the brunette because she had struck the blonde speechless with her nudity despite the fact that Lauren had already seen her naked in the bathroom at the mansion when she had taken care of her when she was sick. Bo kept her eyes on Lauren's face as she opened the front of her jeans and wriggled out of them taking her underwear down with them. Then she straightened up, stepped out of her little pile of clothing and stepped closer to Lauren, completely naked. "Do you like your present?"

"I... yes... um," Lauren licked her lips, her mouth was so dry and she was lost for words at just how stunningly perfect Bo was. "Perfect," she managed to whisper as she reached out and pulled Bo in for a heated and desperate kiss that left them both panting and hungry for more. The crooning of 'John Mayer's - Your body is a wonderland', barely registered as they kissed and caressed, moving towards the waiting bed. However, as the back of Lauren's legs hit the mattress and she fell onto the soft bedspread with Bo gazing lovingly down at her the music took such an abrupt change of tempo and mood that it caused Bo to burst out laughing and step back from the naked and prone Lauren on the bed.

"I'm sorry," Bo said as she moved away from the bed and crossed the room to the iPod dock and turned the music off. "I can't make love to you listening to Gundum style."

Bo, now able to focus a little more on her surroundings as the haze of arousal and desire dispersed, saw that the bedroom door was still open and the bed was in full view of the landing. Bo knew there weren't camera's in the bedroom, but she wasn't sure about the landing and the stairway. After so many weeks with cameras in their faces, they had pretty much learned to completely ignore them, but Bo didn't want to risk their first time being caught on camera in any shape or form.

"Is something wrong? What are you thinking, Bo?" Lauren sat up and looked at Bo curiously at the intent look of thoughtfulness on her face. She watched as Bo went into the adjoining bathroom and came out a moment later in a robe.

"I realised that there may be cameras on the landing," the brunette answered as she crossed the room tying up the robe and draping one around Lauren's shoulders. "I'm going to grab a couple of bottles of water from the kitchen and then I'm going to ensure that we close the door and not give millions of people a free show of our first time."

Lauren seemed to pale at the thought of being caught on camera naked and having viewers seeing her having sex. "Oh my God! I never even thought of that. We were making out on the landing for ages. I'm so glad I didn't fuck you right then and there like I wanted to!"

That made Bo blush, "I would have let you," she said giving Lauren a quick kiss. "I'll be right back."

"I'll be ready and waiting."

True to her word Bo was back in minutes with several bottles of water in her arms. She closed the door with her foot and handed a bottle to Lauren and placed the others on the side table beside the bed. "What's this?" Bo asked, noticing a plain black gift bag in front of the bedside table. She opened it up and pulled out an assortment of sex toys, lube and other accessories, including a harness with a couple of exchangeable dildo's. "Wow! I guess they thought of everything," Bo said with a chuckle as she shrugged off her robe and went through all the items with interest.

Lauren almost moaned out loud with the reaction her body had at the sight of Bo holding the harness. She had never really had the desire to be taken that way, but as she watched Bo unwrap the smaller, more natural sized phallus, attaching it to the harness and playfully holding it up against the front of her, it caused Lauren's cunt to twitch and release a fresh release of desire that she couldn't deny. "I want you to use that on me," she said in a voice that didn't even sound like hers. Lauren left her robe at the end of the bed and crawled on all fours to where Bo was standing, still holding the harness against herself. "I've never had the desire before, but look at the reaction you have created with you holding that against you and the thoughts it produced of you thrusting inside me," Lauren said, her voice still foreign to her with the thick and heavy desire that Bo was able to stir within her. She reached a hand between her legs and after dipping her fingers into the moisture that was coating her sex, then held her hand out for the brunette to see.

There was burning, molten heat in Bo's gaze as she looked at Lauren's coated fingers and the intensity in her face. Bo leaned down and took those offered fingers into her mouth, tasting her lover's essence and sucking them clean. Bo's voice was equally husky with desire when she answered, after releasing Lauren's fingers, "Whatever you want, my love. But after I have been able to explore and love every inch of you with my hands and mouth, okay?"

"I want you, Bo. I need you, so badly. Please don't make me wait any longer," Lauren pleaded.

Without a word Bo took Lauren's mouth with her own and kissed her so deeply that it was as if she was trying to climb inside and she lowered Lauren down upon the bed and followed with her own body, joining together perfectly as they held each other tightly and kissed.

They moved fluidly together and Bo made her way down Lauren's writhing body with her hands and mouth. She kissed both of the blonde's breasts before continuing her journey down the long torso to the closely shaved mound. Her fingers danced over the short blonde pubic hair, and she inhaled the scent of Lauren's arousal as her fingers ran softly over the edges of her outer lips, but avoided the glistening and inviting inner folds that were swollen with need. Lauren lifted her hips, "Stop teasing, Bo!, she exclaimed when Bo blew directly onto her clit making it twitch with aching desperation. Bo looked up from Lauren's groin and the passionate intensity of that gaze almost sent her over the edge, "please," she implored the brunette.

Bo's gaze never left Lauren's as she leaned down and took her hard, pulsing clit into her mouth and flicked it several times with her tongue before adding some suction that caused Lauren to throw her head back and cry out to the ceiling, "Oh God. Yessss!"

Bo freed her mouth from Lauren's clit, "Look at me, Lauren. Look at me while I love you." Bo finished the statement by inserting several fingers into Lauren's wet, hugging heat and reattaching her mouth to the blonde's hard bundle of nerves. Lauren's hips pressed up against Bo's talented mouth as she kept her eyes firmly on her lovers as she teetered and then leaped over the edge a few minutes later, into her first orgasm. She whimpered as Bo's fingers moved within her, milking the climax until her back arched off the mattress and she cried out that she couldn't take anymore.

"Holy Moly!" she exclaimed after taking a few moments to regain her faculties.

"You taste amazing. So, so sweet."

Lauren moaned as Bo's tongue took long tasting swipes at her soaked, glistening folds.

"I'm sorry I couldn't last. Come up here so that I can kiss that talented mouth of yours."

Bo dipped her tongue inside Lauren one more time before crawling up her body for a kiss. Lauren revelled in the taste of herself on Bo's lips as they kissed deeply. Lauren's hands ran down Bo's back and gripped her ass tightly as their pelvis' ground against one another, the brunette's slick desire joining hers. Lauren flipped their positions, putting the panting brunette on the bottom and then positioned her sideways, straddled Bo's leg and pressed their clits together causing them both to moan at the contact. Lauren held onto Bo's raised leg as she thrust increasing the pressure and helping her to grind harder against Bo. "Faster, Lauren! God, I'm so close."

Bo was clutching at the sheets as she cried out and climaxed, her body shuddering with the intensity of her pleasure. Lauren continued to thrust until she too fell over the edge and into the oblivion of a body encompassing second orgasm before flopping down onto the mattress beside Bo and they both breathlessly came down from their bliss together.

"Wow! That was epic and beyond anything I have ever experienced with another human being EVER!"

Lauren chuckled at Bo's comment, "Have there been better moments with a plant, animal or vegetable?"

"Well, there was that time with a cucumber," she responded jokingly with a wink which caused them both to burst into a fit of giggles?

They held one another in a tangle of arms and legs as they talked softly about the future and what they wanted to happen after the show was over. They both felt the incredible connection that had drawn them instantly together upon that first meeting grow inexplicably stronger and surround them in a cocoon of mutual love, respect and a soon to be shared future. Both women soon fell into a restful slumber still curled within each others arms.

Several hours later Lauren was gently coaxed awake by some soft, exploring fingers running over her cooled flesh. She opened her eyes and met her new lover's dark penetrating gaze. Lauren allowed her eyes to trail down Bo's body as she lay on her side facing her and saw that the brunette was now wearing the harness with its protruding appendage and her body reacted instantly to the apparatus when it pressed against her lower stomach just above her mound.

"We only have a few more hours until I have to go," Bo said softly, her voice already rough with need and desire. "So if you still want me to make love to you with this... Do you? The look in those beautiful eyes of yours have darkened, which suggests you are still interested." Bo smiled and reached a hand down between Lauren's legs and found her already wet, "and with this new evidence, I don't even need you to answer," she finished with a chuckle as she lifted her fingers to her mouth to suck them clean. "Hmm, you are very ready for me.

Lauren didn't say a word she just grabbed Bo's face and pulled her into a hungry kissed that told her everything. They kissed furiously for what felt like an eternity, with Bo laying atop of Lauren and rubbing the shaft against her lovers clit, driving her crazy with need. When they broke off their kisses for some much needed oxygen, they stared into each others eyes with such love and devotion that the world seemed to stand still in that moment, there was nothing but them, it was all that mattered.

"I love you so much, Lauren. I need to hear it now before we go any further. Are you sure you want me to love you with this?" Bo emphasized her words by rubbing the phallus against her Lauren's clit once more.

Lauren's response came out thick and husky, but full of certainty. "I want to feel you deeply inside me, Bo. As deep as you can go. As deeply as I love you."

"God, Lauren! You take my breath away."

Bo shifted herself between Lauren's legs and found her wet, ready and waiting. She took hold of the dildo and ran the tip along the length of Lauren's sex. The blonde moaned and raised her hips, trying to take more of the apparatus inside, "stop teasing, Bo!"

Bo entered Lauren slowly at those words. Agonisingly slow despite Bo's desire to thrust. "Okay?" she asked, concerned.

"Hmm, yes. It feels good. Go ahead."

Bo took hold of Lauren's hips and begun to move in and out of her in a smooth, slow pace. "Want more? Faster?"

Lauren loved Bo even more in that moment for the love and concern that she heard with her questions. She could see that Bo was eager to go at a faster pace. The brunette was already shiny with sweat and her breathing was coming out erratic and shallow. "Fuck me, Bo. You feel wonderful. Don't hold back, it's okay."

Bo swallowed hard and gripped Lauren's hips tighter. "If you're sure. I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't. I trust you and if it becomes too much, I'll tell you." Their eyes were fixed on one another as Bo picked up the pace and thrust deeper and harder into Lauren's accommodating heat. Lauren wrapped her legs around Bo's waist as she continued to pump in and out of her, taking her as deep as she could go. It felt incredible and Bo's gaze never left her as she continued to work relentlessly driving Lauren into an orgasm that made her claw at the sheets and shout out towards the ceiling. Lauren reached out with her arms and beckoned for Bo to lay atop of her still buried inside as she pulsed around the phallus within her and took command of her lover's mouth as she rode out her pleasure.

When Bo pulled out several minutes later, Lauren felt the emptiness and wanted to have the brunette back inside her instantly. "Bo?"

"Yeah?"

"I want more."

"You sure?"

Lauren nodded." I feel the time ticking away and I know that you will be gone soon and the thought of it is unbearable."

"It won't be forever my love," Bo said, reaching out and cupping the blonde's face with her hand. "I will be waiting for you, I promise."

"I know... I just can't imagine having a moment without you in my arms now. Nothing has ever felt so right, so destined."

"You are getting all sappy again."

Lauren rolled her eyes, "shut up and kiss me. We are wasting time."

Bo grinned and willingly melted into Lauren's arms again. "How do you want me?"

Lauren gave Bo a wicked grin, "Every which way possible. Over and over again." The brunette blushed, which made Lauren grin even wider as she moved away from her lover. "Sit up with your back against the headboard."

Bo complied and did as requested. Lauren then crawled over to Bo and knelt over her lap and the phallus that waited between her thighs. Lauren reached down, held the shaft and guided it to her opening as she sat upon it, allowing it to fill her. "Fuck, Lauren," Bo exclaimed as she started to rock back and forth in a steady rhythm that rubbed her clit with every downward motion.

"Are you getting enough stimulation to come with me, baby?" Lauren asked as she continued to ride Bo with intent determination and relish. "I want you to come with me!"

"That won't be a problem, my love. I could come just from watching you," Bo responded breathlessly as she took a firm grasp of Lauren's ass and took her left breast into her mouth as they both received pleasure and moved towards their impending orgasms.

Lauren rocked harder and harder, faster and faster until they were both panting, sweaty and ready to crash over the edge. "I'm gonna come, baby. Tell me you're close," Lauren pleaded as she started to lose her rhythm with the first stirrings of her completion.

Bo wrapped her arms around Lauren's back to get their bodies as close as she could manage, enjoying the feel of their breasts pressing together "Kiss me, Lauren. I'm so close!"

Lauren held Bo's face and kissed her furiously as her hips jerked and she fell over the edge, crying out into her lover's mouth as she climaxed. Bo followed moments later as she thrust her tongue into Lauren's mouth in the same tempo as Lauren's still thrusting hips as she rode and rode the shaft within her and the all encompassing orgasm that was tearing through her entire being.

It was Bo, who stopped Lauren's hips as the motions became too much and they just clung to one another, slick, breathing hard and completely satisfied, with Bo still buried snugly within Lauren.

A voice coming up from downstairs made both women jump. "You have a half hour, Miss Dennis. The car is waiting, so say your goodbyes."

Bo looked into Lauren's eyes, "It's too soon. God, I don't want to let you go."

"I feel the same way," Lauren responded as she reluctantly pulled herself free of Bo and the feeling of emptiness gripped her once more. "Come on. I want to shower with you before I have to watch you walk away from me again."

Bo took Lauren's hand and allowed her to lead her to the bathroom, the inevitable separation weighing heavily upon both of them after such a wondrous and perfect night of consummating their deep and powerful love...

* * *

**Author's Note: I know it took a very long time for me to get this chapter out, but I am hoping that what you have just read made it very easy to forgive me. ;)**

**I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and that the rest of the year is filled with much happiness and prosperity. A reminder that Dusty Love will be taken down very soon, most likely the end of January. A big heartfelt thank you to all who have supported me by buying Worth the Risk (available in paperback and kindle). You can get it through Amazon if you are interested and please spread the word to your friends. ;)**

**Take care and I look forward to reading your thoughts on this much awaited steamy chapter.**

**Till next time,**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	16. Chapter 16

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 16**

* * *

Lauren fought the urge to run after the limousine as it pulled away from the curb with Bo safely inside. They had paid no heed to the cameras and crew surrounding them as they had said their tearful farewells. Bo had seared Lauren's mouth with a knee-weakening kiss full of love and promise before reluctantly moving out of her arms and into the waiting vehicle. Silent tears fell down Lauren's cheeks as she stood on the side of the street and continued to watch her love be taken away from her for a second heart-wrenching time.

She let out a choked laugh through her bittersweet crying when she saw Bo's head and upper body pop out from the roof of the moving limousine. Lauren waved and blew a kiss back to the equally tearful and distressed brunette until she was no longer in view and her shoulders slumped with the weight of the loss of her new love. Her heart ached already. After spending such a wonderful night wrapped in Bo's loving and passionate embrace, she felt raw and emotional with each growing second and it was as if she could feel Bo moving further and further away.

Lauren started at the vibration she felt against her leg and she suddenly remembered the item that lay snug in her pocket. Bo's phone. She had pushed it into the front pocket of her jeans as they had embraced. Lauren held her breath as Bo whispered instructions into her ear, before sucking her earlobe for a moment, then releasing her, looking at Lauren with sparkling, intense eyes. Every caress, every word, affected Lauren so viscerally. Bo was within her now and she longed for the moment that they would be reunited again. The show couldn't finish fast enough for Lauren's liking. She wanted Tamsin to say fuck the remaining overnight dates for Evony and Ciara. She wanted Tamsin to just choose Ciara and propose already! She wanted to be wrapped in Bo's arms again, right now!

Lauren let out a sigh and turned her attention to the crew that were milling around. "Let's get the 'morning after' interview over so that I can get back to the mansion," the blonde said using her fingers as quotation marks. She was irritable with the whole process, but as she sat in the portable booth and answered the questions posed to her, she couldn't help but smile as she talked about Bo. The mere thought of her lover and the memories they had made last night had Lauren wet and aching by the end of the interview. She squeezed her legs together for a moment before exiting the small room. Lauren was thankful to see a car waiting for her and said a soft goodbye to the crew before getting into the vehicle for a few moments of peace as they made their way up the hill towards the mansion.

Lauren stared at the phone in her hand. It was fully changed thanks to the iPod dock and she saw the little note Bo had made and set as her lock screen. _Call me at the Hotel tonight, no matter the time. I love you, Bo. xo_

Lauren knew Bo wouldn't be back at the hotel yet, but she rang and talked to the concierge and organised a small surprise to be waiting for her when she got back. Pleased with herself and feeling lighter and excited about calling Bo later, her heart ached a little less as she turned the phone off to save power. She couldn't wait till she could excuse herself tonight and go to her room, the same room that had been Bo's and Kenzi's. She would be alone and away from the camera's and she could talk to Bo and get her reaction to her gift. She hoped the network didn't mind her charging the gift to the room they were paying for. Lauren shrugged to herself too happy and excited now to care as the car pulled up in front of the mansion.

Ciara was out the door and asking questions before Lauren had even had a chance to step out of the car. "Oh my God! Tell me everything! When Tamsin came by last night and told us what was going on... Oh, Lauren! Tell me it was a night made of all your wildest dreams. Don't skimp on any of the details!"

"I may have to tone it down a little bit," Lauren responded with a huge grin.

Ciara literally squealed like a little girl hearing that she was going to Disneyland before she hugged Lauren tightly. "Come on! There is a light lunch and champagne waiting for us inside! I've been going stir crazy for hours being in this huge house by myself since Evony left for her date looking positively edible." Ciara bit her lip nervously.

Lauren took her hand and gave it a squeeze, "She ain't got nothing on you, Ciara. Tamsin has sincere feelings for you. I know it. I feel it in my heart."

"Really? Gosh, I hope so, Lauren. I've been in love with her for so long. I couldn't bear it if I lost her now."

Still holding Ciara's hand, Lauren tugged and started to lead them into the house. "You need to tell about your night as well. What happened when Tamsin just showed up out of the blue last night when she was supposed to be having a date with me? I owe her apology," stated Lauren as they sat down on the couch behind the glass coffee table that held an assortment of different finger foods, small sandwiches and a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket of ice. "I wasn't very nice to her and after everything she organised to get Bo and me together. Oh, Ciara, it was amazing! The best night of my entire life. It was so hard to see her go again this morning, though."

"Tell me everything," Ciara stated as she poured them some champagne and they nibbled on the food. The afternoon was filled with laughter and pleasant conversation as they shared everything, not caring about the camera's surrounding them.

"This whole experience has been worth it because I got to meet you, Lauren. Please tell me we will stay in touch when all this is over."

Lauren nodded as she drank the remainder of her champagne, "Oh absolutely! We can double date!" Lauren said with a giggle.

"Or I could be the third wheel if Tamsin chooses Evony," Ciara said with a laugh that came out almost as a sob.

"Ciara! You can't seriously think that Tamsin would choose her over you! She's horrible!"

"She's stunning, accomplished, exotic and oozes confidence! The fact that's she's a bitch is a very little part of what Tamsin may find attractive about her. Besides, she's not a bitch to Tamsin, only to the rest of us because we are her competition."

Lauren just lets out a grunt in response. She really did despise Evony and the mere thought that Tamsin could even for a second consider picking her over the wonderful woman sitting beside her... was unimaginable!

"I'm grabbing another bottle and you are going to tell me why you are so worried about Evony!"

Ciara picked up her glass and followed Lauren into the kitchen. "The reasons I just laid out for you weren't enough?" Ciara let out a morose little laugh and shook her head, "It could be the fact that I practically gave her my blessing to sleep with her tonight if she wanted to! I'm such an idiot! What possessed me to do that!"

Lauren practically choked on her mouthful of bubbly. "YOU DID WHAT?!"

Ciara sighed as she sat on the stool at the kitchen island and allowed Lauren to fill her glass. "It wasn't just Tamsin and I last night, remember. Evony was here too, and I could see that there was a real attraction there and Evony can be damned alluring! Tamsin loves strong and self-assured women, especially since losing Jess. She seemed to date women that were as different from her as possible. She dated a whole bunch of Evony's!"

"Well, there's your answer then," Lauren said simply as she drank more of her champagne.

"Huh?" Ciara asked, confused.

Lauren shook her head and rolled her eyes at the clueless woman in front of her. "Don't you see! If she really wanted to live happily ever after with an Evony, she would have already. Simple."

Ciara laughed, "I like your theory, Lauren, but the other Evony's paled in comparison to the REAL Evony. When I got a few moments alone with Tamsin it was as if the world fell away and it was just us floating in our own little bubble, but I couldn't ignore the fact that I saw Tamsin using some very familiar mannerism's on both of us over the course of the night. I know her better than she knows herself and even though I showed her exactly how much chemistry we are capable of in the limousine after our date, it doesn't change the fact that..."

Champagne sprayed from Lauren's lips and she coughed and spluttered for several minutes as Ciara's laughed at the blonde's reaction. "What?! I came into this thing late in the game, Lauren. I needed to stake my claim and it wasn't just Evony I was concerned about losing Tamsin to. You are a dead ringer for Jess, you know. Not just in your beauty, but in your wonderful character and caring soul. You remind me so much of her." Tears welled up in Ciara's eyes and she let out a sob as her grief for her beloved deceased best friend overcame her. "God, I still miss her every day!"

Lauren put her glass down and stumbled around the counter and embraced the crying woman. "Oh! Hey, hey... Shhhh. It's okay," she murmured as she comforted Ciara.

Several minutes later, Ciara was wiping at her eyes, embarrassed by her outburst as she pulled out of Lauren's comforting embrace. "I'm so sorry, Lauren. I didn't mean to start blubbering like a complete Basketcase."

"I understand, Ciara. There is nothing to be embarrassed about, you obviously loved your friend very much. I have felt it every time that you reminisced about the history you have with Tamsin and Jess was a huge part of those stories. She deserves to be remembered and missed, so never ever feel ashamed for it."

"See! You are so like her. Thank you for your words. I know we haven't known each other long, but I feel so close and connected to you and just feel that we are going to be friends no matter what happens on this silly show."

"I feel the same way. Now will you please get back to the fact that you and Tamsin got down and dirty in the limo!"

Ciara blushed, "I don't know what came over me. I had never really been so bold and forward before, but after seeing all the women that were vying for Tamsin's heart, I just sort of threw caution and fear out the window and just went for it!"

"Aaannd," Lauren prompted, "how was it?"

Ciara turned a bright crimson, "Amazing. Beyond anything, I had imagined. I think that's why I told Tamsin that she was free to explore her attraction to Evony tonight. That she didn't owe me anything yet. Not until she chooses me and asks me to marry her. I need her to be certain, because if she chooses me, it will be forever. This isn't a game to me. It's real and I am completely invested in Tamsin and what I want with her. There's no gimmick, no falsehood of emotions. I have loved her for over ten years and my emotions and intent have been laid bare and naked at Tamsin's feet and I know she is terrified of risking our friendship. She needs to be certain beyond doubt, Lauren."

The blonde reached out and took Ciara's hands into her own, "She would be a fool not to pick you, but I admire your ability to allow her the freedom to search her own feelings and to decide if she is in it one hundred percent with you."

Ciara looked at the time, "They will be having dinner soon. God, I just know this is going to be the longest, most excruciating night of my life. I am going to be imagining them together and Evony seducing Tamsin and turning on the charm to get her into bed and whether the love of my life will give in to that temptation." Ciara put her head into her hands, "Argh! I wish I was an airhead who has absolutely no imagination, right now. Help keep me distracted, Lauren, so that I don't go completely mental. Please!"

Lauren grabbed the bottle and glasses and said, "Come on! Movie marathon until you can't keep your eyes open and you can just dream about your new life with Tamsin." Lauren winked at Ciara and gave her a reassuring smile. "I still have absolutely no doubt who Tamsin will choose and you still have your full day date tomorrow. By tomorrow morning, Tamsin will be like 'Evony who!'" ...

* * *

Bo entered her hotel suite to find a trail of rose petals leading to the bed. Upon the bed was a black box sealed with a bow of gold ribbon. Bo opened the small card tucked under the ribbon first. She smiled as she read the note and saw that it was signed by Lauren. It read...

_I wish I could be there with you right now, my love. _

_Believe me when I say that I am missing you desperately already! _

_I hope you'll be wearing this when I call you tonight._

_Eternally yours, Lauren. xoxo_

Bo opened the box to find a bright red sheer bra and panty set with a see through robe inside. She gave a wicked smile as she held the silky expensive garments in her hands. Bo placed the lingerie back into the box and replaced the lid when there was a knock at her door. She opened it to find a young man in a courier's uniform waiting impatiently with a bored look on his face.

"You Bo Dennis?" he said, his tone matching his countenance.

"That's me. Yes."

"Sign here please." He thrust the tablet and stylus at her.

Bo signed quickly wondering if this was another surprise from Lauren. The courier didn't even look at her signature as he shoved the tablet into his bag and pulled out a padded yellow envelope and practically tossed it at her, already turning to leave. Bo watched him walk away for a moment before stepping back into her room and closing the door. She opened the envelope to find a dvd saying play me and a golden debit card. Bo crossed the room and inserted the disc into the entertainment centre and pressed play. Vex and Tamsin filled the screen and Bo sat on the end of the bed, her mouth hanging open as she listened to what they had to say.

"We are both hoping that you had a wonderful night with Lauren and that you are prepared to continue on this crazy roller coaster of a ride that Tamsin here has concocted," Vex said and Bo could see that he was trying his best to sound civil. "She has practically railroaded me into changing my entire show, just so she can play matchmaker and it is going to cost me big time! So you better not disappoint me, Bo Dennis and you damned well better be serious about that blonde doctor of yours."

Tamsin slapped Vex on the arm and explained what the hell he was talking about. "Vex really means to thank me for making his show a slam dunk and he will be begging me for help in his future projects." Vex started to gripe at Tamsin and Bo could see their friendship shining through and it made her smile. Despite her dislike of the eccentric man, she could see genuine love in his voice and face as he argued playfully with her. "Just shut up for a moment will you, so I can tell Bo what we have in store for her."

Vex waved his hand in the air, "Whatever! Get on with it. You need to get to your date with Evony."

Tamsin looked back at Bo through the television screen, all playfulness gone. "I will be expecting to see you in two days time standing right beside me, Bo. That's right, there is going to be a double proposal. I will propose to either Evony or Ciara and YOU will be going down on bended knee and asking the lovely Lauren Lewis to be your wife. The enclosed debit card has five thousand dollars on it and you are to visit a jeweller of your choice to choose a ring for your lucky lady. A car will be sent to get you the day after tomorrow to bring you to our final shoot. Well, that's it. See you at the proposal," Tamsin finished with a wink seconds before the screen went dark.

Bo sat on the bed in silence for several minutes, flipping the plastic card between her fingers.

_Marriage. To Lauren. _

She swallowed hard.

_This is HUGE! Am I ready for that kind of commitment? Is SHE? What if she says no? _

Bo shook her head, ridding herself of that thought.

_No! I love her and she loves me. Waiting and time won't change that. I'm going to get her the most beautiful ring I can find and I am going to ask her to spend the rest of her life with me. _

"She loves me," Bo said softly to herself, feeling the warmth of her feelings for Lauren wash over her, rinsing away any doubts that were trying to invade her. "Yes, she loves me," she repeated as she grabbed her jacket and headed for the door.

_Time to go shopping_, she thought as she closed the door and headed towards her future...

* * *

**Author's note: Here is the chapter that took me a week to write. Very busy week indeed! Lol**

**I hope you enjoyed this installment and you'll let me know by leaving a little review with your thoughts. Are you all team Ciara? Or are there some of you hoping that Tamsin chooses Evony? There are probably only three or four chapters of this story left and then I will set my mind back out into space to continue with The Matriarch's and The Commander's blossoming relationship though I'm sure that it will not be smooth sailing for them. :)**

Till** next time, take care.**

**Faithfully Doccubus forever and ever,**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	17. Chapter 17

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 17**

* * *

Tamsin imagined that this was how Lauren was feeling during their date the day before. _Well, until Bo arrived,_ she thought to herself. The feeling of intimacy and expectation hung in the air. Of course Tamsin had known that there was no possibility of anything intimate happening with Lauren last night, she had planned the surprise Bo visit after all, but Lauren hadn't known and she had felt the blondes anxiety and confusion as to why she was even there on the date in the first place after declaring her love for her buxom fellow contestant. Tamsin sincerely hoped that they had had a wonderful night together and that Bo had reacted well to the double proposal idea.

_And now here I am confused and anxious about what is going to happen tonight with Evony,_ she thought. Tamsin had enjoyed her day with Evony. They had gone hot air ballooning followed by a very romantic picnic and it had been magical except for one thing. Ciara. She hadn't been able to stop thinking about her throughout the entire day and she had a feeling that Evony knew that she didn't have her complete, undivided attention.

It was now time to move on with the rest of their evening. Dinner was finished and the wine was almost gone as they sat together, the sound of ZZ Ward playing softly on the stereo. They had talked about a hundred different things over the course of the day and Tamsin was impressed by the worldliness and intelligence displayed by the stunning dark haired beauty beside her. Beneath all the attitude and sass there was a genuine, deep and enigmatic soul.

Evony was accomplished, wealthy and business savvy and owned several large vineyards in both Spain and France, but spent most of her time in her multi-million dollar chateau in the south of France. She had confessed that she had longed to find someone to spend her long, lonely nights with and had decided to apply for the reality show as a way to cut out all the bullshit of figuring out whether the woman she was wooing was in it for her or her money and lifestyle. She had confessed to dalliances with numerous women who were equal to her in beauty, but not in brains or stature. They were bimbo's basically, she had said, someone to keep her bed warm. Evony had opened up to Tamsin, admitting that the parade of mindless sponges that spent her money and answered to her every whim, never challenging or questioning her, had become tiresome and unfulfilling.

"I want and need more. I want a woman to challenge me and call me out on my bullshit as well as love and support me for myself and not my money. I like you Tamsin, very much. I feel that we have had a wonderful time on our dates and that you know that I'm not a complete bitch... That I was just playing the game. I don't like to lose and you are worth fighting for." Evony poured the remaining wine into her glass. "This is one of mine, you know?"

Tamsin frowned as she came out of her spinning confusion at being attracted to two very different women at the same time. "One of yours?"

_What is she talking about? How did I get myself into this mess? What am I going to do when Evony tries to kiss me again, knowing that it could lead to something else? Oh, God! I feel sick. Ciara told me that I needed to follow my heart and explore the attraction that I felt towards Evony. Why couldn't she have just told me that if I slept with Evony she would never speak to me again!_

Evony waved the empty bottle in front of Tamsin's face. "This wine is from one of my vineyards." Her words slurred a little as she continued, "actually all the wine that you have consumed during the show has been mine. I signed a deal with the producers when I came in for the live interview. Did everyone have to do live interviews because Crystal told me she just had to answer some questions over the phone.

_Just how much wine have we drunk today? Five, six bottles. No wonder my brain is fuzzy._ "I.. I'm not sure. Vex was very secretive about how he vetted all the contestants," Tamsin responded offhandedly. "The wine is really delicious. Is the alcohol content really high on the ones we have drunk today, because my head is really swimming right now."

"Mine is too. I haven't felt so free and comfortable in a while. You really are a remarkable and sexy woman and I really want you to choose me."

Before Tamsin was able to respond, Evony's mouth was upon hers, warm and inviting, tasting of sweet red wine. The small fire that had been crackling for this fiery, exotic winemaker suddenly roared to life as Tamsin responded to the embrace. The kiss matched the personality of Evony to a tee. It was sure, confident and passionate. Arousal shivered from Tamsin's mouth and cascaded down her body and she moaned as Evony pressed closer encouraging Tamsin to lay back on the couch and laying atop of her. Tamsin had craved being dominated since losing Jess. She liked relinquishing control to someone else and just taking the pleasure and release that they offered, but it never went any deeper than that.

Tamsin had pretty much checked out for the duration of those encounters without putting anything meaningful into them and while this was different, she did like Evony for more than just her beauty and body, it still didn't feel right. It didn't feel like the encounter she had shared with Ciara in the limo. That had been soul filling and intensely heart wrenching at the very same time. Tamsin had gone over that moment between her and Ciara over and over since it had happened. She had thought about Jess and whether she would consider it a betrayal if she got together with Ciara and made a new life with her. She thought about if she chose Ciara and then the possibility that it wouldn't work out and losing her best friend forever as a consequence, equally heart wrenching.

Evony's hand found Tamsin's breasts beneath her sweater and brought her fuzzy, conflicted brain straight back to reality as she felt another hand drifting down between her legs. Tamsin ripped her mouth away and stopped Evony's exploring hand, "Wait. I need to think."

"No you don't. In this instance thinking is very overrated, believe me. We have something Tamsin and I want to connect with you. Come upstairs with me, right now, away from the camera's. Just us."

_**THE CAMERAS!**_ Screamed Tamsin's brain and her heart hammered in her chest. _I forget all about the fucking cameras! "_No. Stop. I can't do this." Tamsin pushed at Evony's shoulders as she tried to wiggle free from the clutches of the temptress on top of her. She couldn't think. She needed to THINK! "Get off me please, Evony," Tamsin pleaded. So many emotions were crashing into her all at once. Guilt. Jess. Guilt. Ciara. She felt like she had just cheated on both of them and that was when clarity overcame her. "I'm in love with Ciara."

The words had slipped out before Tamsin could reel them in and Evony's face transformed from shock to fury within seconds. _Oh, shit! _The blonde winced, "Evony, I'm..."

"Oh No! Don't you fucking dare apologise!" Evony moved away from Tamsin and gave her a scathing look that could melt flesh, it seemed to burn into her. "This has been a set up from the start! I suspected it as soon as the British princess arrived and declared her intentions. I wasn't watching her when that little surprise was announced, I was watching you, and you were so damned happy to see her, there was so much love in your eyes." Tamsin opened her mouth to object, but Evony cut her off and continued her tirade. "You were shocked too, of course, by Vex's revelation and you hadn't realised that your love went deeper than just friendship, but I saw it." Eveny's voice had become softer by the time she finished that last part.

"Then why..."

"Why did I continue to pursue you even after seeing you give Ciara googily eyes and hearing Ciara's sappy ass story about how she's been in love with you since college?"

Tamsin just nodded this time, afraid that Evony would just cut her off again.

Evony sighed, "because there was something there. I felt it and I don't stop fighting for something that I want, no matter how badly the odds are stacked against me. I knew it was a long shot and for a moment there when you returned my kiss with equal desire, I, well, I thought that maybe you felt the same. That you felt something for me as well."

"I do. There is an attraction and you are a great catch Evony."

"But," Evony prompted with a sad resigned smile.

"I'm in love with Ciara and I can't keep letting my guilt over Jess stop me from living the rest of my life. I need to move forward and Ciara, I think, is the one I'm supposed to move on with."

"Are you sure?"

"How can anyone ever truly be sure of anything, especially love?"

Evony didn't respond. She stood and moved in front of Tamsin and gazed down at her as she quizzically looked up. "What?"

"You need to be sure," Evony said, her voice rough but determined. In one fluid, practiced motion she unzipped the side of her dress and allowed it to fall to the floor, giving Tamsin a spectacular view of her trim, taut and bronzed body with no tan lines.

Tamsin almost swallowed her tongue and she was pretty sure she heard the camera man let out a moan. "Evony, the camera's..."

"I don't give a damn about the camera's, Tamsin. I give a damn about you and I want you to know exactly what you are giving up to be with Ciara. We could be happy. I could make you very happy."

"Evony, please don't do this. This is already hard enough. I am very attracted to you." She stood up and tried to shield Evony's nudity from the cameraman. The cameraman, of course, just moved to get a better position. "God, I hate this. Can you just fuck off?" This last part she directed straight at the cameraman.

"Just doing my job," he muttered, but Tamsin could tell he was enjoying the spectacle that he was filming.

"And we are REAL people with REAL feelings!"

"Tamsin, forget about him. I'm not ashamed of my body or my feelings. This is me, laying everything on the line, right here, right now. Come upstairs with me and give me the chance, no, give us the chance at being something. I deserve the chance to win your heart, just like every other woman competing in this show."

Tamsin's mouth was dry and her heart ached for the woman in front of her, baring her soul and not holding anything back about the genuine feelings she felt. She didn't want to break Evony's heart, but she couldn't go upstairs with her, even though Ciara had given her the go ahead. _Well, that's the point, right there, isn't it?_ Her internal voice spoke up. _The fact that Ciara felt the need to give you permission and the fact that you think that you need her permission proves that you are more than just friends and are already in a relationship with or without the sex._ _Either way someone is going to get hurt. There can only be one, Ciara or Evony._

"I'm sorry, Evony. I can't. As tempting as it is, I just can't."

"So, you choose her?" The first signs of Evony's bravado and confidence begun to slip away and hurt filled her eyes moments before several tears slipped free and trailed down her face. "I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you."

Evony let out a hiccuping sort of snort, "Well, someone was always going to get hurt, Tamsin. It was inevitable. I was stupid for thinking that I ever had a chance in this farce of a show that was so obviously set up for one sole purpose." Anger and embarrassment overrode her disappointment and heartbreak and Evony was back to trying to melt Tamsin with her penetrating gaze. "This was set up to get your cowardly best friend to get the courage to declare her feelings for you with the help of your mutual emphatic and outrageous gay friend and producer who just wants to see his friends blissfully, realize that they belong together while making himself a name in the process. Neither of them spared a thought for the rest of us that may develop feelings for you in the process. I should fucking sue the lot of YOU! So FUCK you for breaking my heart and FUCK Ciara and Vex for putting you in the position to do so. I'm going upstairs now because I refuse to go back to the mansion tonight and give the British princess the satisfaction of knowing that she won, though I'm sure you'll tell her bright and early tomorrow on your date."

"Actually, I'm not allowed to talk about the dates I have with the other contestants," Tamsin responded softly.

"Hah! Well, I guess that means I get to pull her leg tomorrow morning and embellish a little on what went down tonight then, can't I. There is a little sugar coating on this whole entire fiasco after all! Good night, Tamsin. Enjoy the couch." Evony stepped out of her dress, her countenance back to being strong and confident, and walked away with her head held high and ascended the stairs, slamming the bedroom door behind her...

* * *

**Author's note: I know this chapter is shorter than usual. I was going to add a little Bo/Lo scene at the end, but after writing the scene you have just read I decided to give Evony her moment. This scene impacted me a lot and I cried a little as I wrote it and the raw emotion that Evony laid out to Tamsin and baring her heart only to have it crushed, but we all know that love can hurt as well as heal. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it despite **it's** length and I will be back again as soon as I can manage. Take Care and Bless Each and Every One of You.**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	18. Chapter 18

**Reality Love Bites **

**Chapter 18.**

* * *

Bo woke up to find the hotel suite dark, spare for a sprinkling of light coming from the cityscape outside her window. Her eyes fell on the small open box on the bed beside her, having obviously drifted off to sleep whilst gazing at the ring within, imagining the future that may lie right around the corner. In just a few days she would be going down on bended knee and asking Lauren if she wanted to spend the rest of her life with her. Bo looked at the clock, it was late and she wondered for a moment if she may have missed Lauren calling. Surely I would have heard the phone ring, she thought to herself.

She shivered slightly and felt goosebumps rise along her chilled skin. She had unwrapped Lauren's present and put it on, upon arriving home from her ring shopping. She loved how the silky, cool material felt against her skin and the chill she had felt moments before, shifted into arousal as she imagined Lauren seeing her in it. On her shopping trip Bo had ducked into Walmart to get a prepaid phone with a simple camera and after slipping into Lauren's gift, Bo had taken a snapshot, had sent it to her phone and smiled at the thought of Lauren seeing it when she turned on Bo's phone in order to call her.

Bo just lay staring at the ring for a long time. She had managed to talk the sales clerk at the jewellery store into giving her a huge reduction on the bauble before her.

Gosh, I hope she likes it! Please phone soon, Bo thought desperately.

The day had moved agonizingly slow the moment she had been forced to leave her new lover's side.

Thank goodness I fell asleep or I would probably be going out of my mind by now!

"Call. Call. Call," she said aloud in the hopes that it would somehow magically send a message to Lauren. Bo knew what being in that house was like and that the contestants were required to do a lot before being able to get away from the camera's and retiring to the privacy of their rooms. She had thought that perhaps, with only Lauren and Ciara in the mansion tonight, that she may have been able to escape early, but obviously that wasn't to be.

Bo jerked a gave a small squeak of surprise moments later when her temporary mobile phone burst into life with a generic and irritating tone. She scrambled up the large bed and snatched at the blaring, insistent device.

She pressed accept and breathless with excitement said 'hello' to the recipient on the other end of the phone.

"Hey, yourself, sexy. I missed you the moment we were parted."

Bo melted. "Thank God, I wasn't the only one going crazy from the moment I was forced to get into that limo."

I wanted to call you instantly, the moment I discovered that you'd left your phone in my pocket. How long had you planned to do that?"

"As we were heading downstairs to do our interviews before being made to say goodbye to you. My heart physically hurt at the prospect and that's why I made some lame excuse about forgetting something. I know that this whole fiasco will be over in a few days and we'll finally have our lives back, but after last night I couldn't bear the thought of being away from you for even a day!" Bo rolled her eyes at how pathetic and needy that must sound. "Pathetic, I know, "

Lauren's voice came back instantly, soft and understanding, "oh, No, Bo, don't say that! I felt the same. Your phone has been burning a hole in my pocket all day. I would have called earlier, but Ciara was struggling a lot with knowing that Evony would be pulling out all the stops to seduce the love of her life tonight. She was imagining all sorts of things because she told Tamsin that she should pursue her attraction for Evony freely, with no feelings of obligation whatsoever."

"Jesus!"

Lauren chuckled at Bo's response, "I know right! Especially after she informed me that her and Tamsin got it on after their date!"

"What? Where? How?" Bo exclaimed.

Lauren laughed, "in the limo and I'm pretty sure that you know how. I can still feel your touch all over my skin."

Bo blushed, "that's not what I meant by how! I meant, how did they manage to get a moment alone without a camera in their faces?"

"Ciara paid him off and he rode in the car with the other crew members."

"Clever and resourceful,"

"Ciara knows Tamsin better than anyone. She has been in love with her since college and stood aside as Tamsin and her best friend fell in love and had a life together. Ciara came into this game unexpectedly in order to shock Tamsin and make her pay attention. Ciara confided that she had tried several times to broach the subject over the six months preceding the show, but Tamsin seemed clueless and Ciara hadn't been confident enough to just pounce on her. Jess was always in the back of both of their minds, I think, and Ciara needed affirmation that Tamsin was truly willing to take a chance at falling in love and living again. So Ciara went to Vex and he created this show. He did it all to get his friends to realise their feelings could be deeper and not as platonic as they thought. But she had to risk Tamsin falling in love with someone other than her, she knew that she had to make a damned strong impression and lay it all on the line, risking a decade-long friendship."

"Poor Tamsin," Bo said softly to herself.

"Why poor Tamsin?"

"I have a feeling that Evony doesn't like to lose and we both know that she will be a very hard proposition to turn down. There is an attraction between them or Tamsin would have booted her from the house way earlier. She is a very accomplished woman in her own right, successful, well traveled, smart, sassy and incredibly beautiful..."

"And a complete BITCH!" Lauren responded emphatically. "Since when did you jump on the Evony fan wagon?"

Bo knew that Lauren had become good friends with Ciara and that she had been on the receiving end of Evony's bitchiness on multiple occasions throughout this experience.

"She was a bitch because she was playing the game, Lauren. We were obstacles between her and the prize. Did you ever just watch Tamsin and Evony when they were interacting? "

"Honestly, no, I was too busy watching you and when you left, I was pining for you."

Bo melted at Lauren's words, "I spent a lot of my time just staring at you as well. But I also observed that Evony saw you as a threat to Tamsin's affections right from the start."

"Because of my likeness and similarities to Jess?"

"Yes."

"Ciara said the same to me. That she was actually really pissed at Vex for choosing someone so similar to Jess, because she thought Tamsin would choose me because it would be a way of keeping Jess' memory alive."

"But that didn't happen because she saw very early that your heart belonged to someone else?" Bo said the words softly and closed her eyes as she waited for Lauren's response.

"Completely," Lauren murmured back, so much love and affection contained within that simple one-word response.

It lifted and filled Bo's heart to capacity and the feeling of love and adoration she felt for Lauren spilled over and flooded her entire being. "I love you, Lauren Lewis... I am yours completely ..."

"Oh, I love you too, Bo. I am so glad that our paths met in this crazy fiasco! I certainly wasn't expecting it, but I am so glad that I decided to do something crazy before I started my residency. I only wish that you were right here beside me, right now."

Bo lay snuggled beneath the covers of the large bed, her free hand gliding over the silky material of her lingerie. "You did get the picture I sent with my temporary phone number, right? You have wonderful taste, by the way, it feels fantastic against my skin."

"The concierge was very helpful when I informed him that you were one of the guests that had attended the Gay and Lesbian Charity Ball that was hosted there and that the show would endorse the hotel as a LGBT-friendly establishment. He couldn't help me fast enough," Lauren responded with a chuckle. "You look divine in it, Bo. I wish I was there, right now, running my hands all over your body. Squeezing your fabulous tits through the cool, slippery material."

Bo's free hand moved to her breast and squeezed her breast in response to Lauren's words and elicited a soft moan as her nipple puckered with the attention.

"Are you touching yourself, Bo?" Lauren's voice came through husky with arousal.

"Yes, please, Lauren, tell me what else you want to do to me. I want you so much."

"My thumbs are rubbing circles over your nipples. Does the silk feel good against them?"

Bo, having placed the phone beside her head, putting her lover on speaker phone so that she could use both her hands upon her body. "It feels amazing, I ache for you. Are you able to touch yourself too?"

"Just let me guide your hands, baby. I want to make you come while wearing your special outfit. While one hand continues to play with your breasts, I want your other hand to travel down your body to untie that ribbon that is in the way of your deliciousness that I devoured last night. I just know that you are wet for me and I want you to dip your fingers into that thick, hot desire and then I want you to taste yourself and tell me how good you taste. Think you can do that for me?"

Bo moans as she pulls the ribbon string that is holding the crotch of her teddy together. She whimpers as it comes loose and the material parts exposing her hot, wet lips to the cool air. Her hips rise and she feels her core pulse and contract with anticipation. Bo dips her fingers through her folds, coating her digits and brings them to her mouth to suck them as instructed.

"You taste good, don't you?"

"You taste better," is Bo's response and Lauren senses a shift in the brunette's mood.

"What's wrong Bo?"

"I want it to be your essence, I'm tasting and I want it to be your hands running over my body. I want to be burying my face between your legs, right now. That's what I want."

"I want that too, Bo. I am aching to feel your touch again. We just have to do the best we can for the next few days," Lauren responded softly, even as a crazy idea began to form.

"I want to sneak in again. I want to scale the wall, climb the drain pipe and climb through your window," Bo said emphatically in response.

"You do know that there is a pedestrian gate hidden in the perimeter fence of the property, right? It has a number combination lock, but I saw the code on a small slip of paper on the fridge."

"You've got to be fucking kidding! I was staking the place out for an hour waiting for the opportunity to slip through the main gate. I'm such a moron! What are you waiting for? Go get the code and I'll be right there!

"We can't Bo. Even if you don't get caught and you manage to get up to my room, you know that I would end up waking up the entire neighbourhood the moment you touch me."

Bo chuckled, "true you were mighty vocal last night. I love the way your body responds to my touch. Fuck, you excite me so much, Lauren!" Bo growled in frustration. "This sucks. You should be ripping the teddy off of me right this moment."

Lauren received a text confirmation that the cab, she had just ordered would arrive in a half hour. If Bo couldn't come to her, she would go to Bo!

"Shit! I'm sorry, baby. I have to go, I can hear someone coming into the main entrance, maybe Evony struck out and decided to lick her wounds here. I can't get caught with a phone," she whispered. She hated fibbing to Bo, but she wanted to surprise her frustrated lover. "I have to go, sorry," she whispered again before hanging up.

Bo felt like throwing her crappy phone against the wall when Lauren abruptly told her she had to go. Instead, she pressed her face into her pillow and let out all of her frustration with a loud drawn-out scream. Bo grabbed the ring from the bed and placed it securely into the room's small safe for safe keeping.

She then raided the minibar and watched the flat screen TV as she drained a few tiny bottles of vodka and nibbled on some salt and vinegar chips, silently hoping that Lauren would call her back...

Bo groaned in irritation just over an hour later, when she was roused by a firm, rhythmic knock at her door. She frowned at the clock on the bedside table, "who could possibly be knocking at this time of night." Bo shuffled to the door with a mumbled, "just a minute, keep your panties on, I'm coming," as she shrugged into the fluffy robe provided by the hotel.

Bo was trying to remember if she had called room service after drinking the six baby bottles of booze, while she sulked as she opened the door without looking through the peephole. She almost fell over when she saw Lauren standing in the doorway with her arms outstretched on either side of the frame, the long trench coat she was wearing hanging open, revealing that the blonde was only wearing a lacy, hot pink bra and panties with a black garter slip holding up her sheer, mid-thigh stockings. Bo licked her lips as her eyes fell on the black, strappy stilettos that completed her lover outfit.

"To be honest I'm hoping my pantie's won't be on for much longer. May I come in?"

Nothing. There was no response from Bo as she continued to just stare at the most erotic and stunningly spectacular view she had ever witnessed. Bo was speechless with surprise and arousal. Lauren raised a playful eyebrow, a lopsided smile of satisfaction forming for the reaction she had provoked. She shivered slightly and goose bumps formed. Lauren wasn't sure if it was from the chilled air in the hallway caressing her skin or from the way Bo was making her feel by her hungry gaze. She felt as if Bo was literally fucking her with her eyes. Unable to wait for Bo to regain her faculties, Lauren reached out, cupped her lover's cheek and drew her face forward and took command of her mouth in a fierce kiss that made them both weak in the knee's. Lauren pushed Bo backwards into the room as she finally seemed to come out of her daze and begun to kiss Lauren back with equal hunger and ferocity. Bo tore her robe off before doing the same with Lauren's coat, as the blonde nudged the door closed with her foot.

They continued to kiss furiously as if they had been separated for an eternity. Lauren edged Bo back until the back of her legs hit the plush, leather chair by the large, bay window. Bo allowed the blonde to nudge her and encourage her to sit down and was ecstatic that Lauren moved with her, their mouths still moving together, tongues wrestling, so that she ended up straddling her. Bo's hands grabbed Lauren's ass, squeezed her and then pulled her lover harder against her. Lauren's hips moved and ground against Bo as they made out.

"How did you get here?" Bo asked breathlessly when oxygen became a huge issue and both she and Lauren needed a moment to catch her breath. Lauren ignored Bo's question and the brunette grumbled in protest when the blonde removed herself from her lap. "I'm sorry you don't have to tell me, I don't care. What's important is that you're here."

Lauren smiled a teasing smile, "I had to come and I am a very resourceful girl. I can do anything that I sent my mind to."

Bo's eyes sparkled at Lauren's confident demeanour, "Of that I have no doubt, baby. But why are you suddenly so far away from me, I need you."

Lauren's smile grew as her eyes moved to the space between Bo's slightly spread legs. "Oh, I can see how desperately you need me, your panties are soaked," Lauren responded as she placed her stiletto covered foot on the edge of the chair between Bo's legs, mere inches from her wet, aching need. "I'm here to take care of your desperate need." Lauren accompanied that statement with an action that caused Bo to whimper as her desire arose, becoming almost painful.

"Fuck, Lauren. I need to come so badly. Make me come," she said breathlessly as Lauren pressed the toe of her shoe harder against her clit and began to rub it in a circular motion.

"Think I could make you come just by fucking you with my sexy stilettos?" Lauren asked as she added a little more pressure.

Bo's hands took hold of Lauren's foot and her hips started to move against the pointed toe of the shoe that was sending her into a frenzy. "Oh, I'm sure you could, baby, because I am already so fucking close, but I thought you wanted to taste me."

Lauren pulled her foot away abruptly and Bo quickly looked up at her worried that she had ruined this game that Lauren was obviously enjoying playing. All Bo saw, however, was fierce intent.

"You're right, I do want to taste you. Slide further down the chair and spread your legs for me," Lauren ordered, as she kneeled onto the carpet directly in front of the chair Bo occupied.

Lauren leaned in and inhaled Bo's musky scent, her nose nudging her clit and Bo felt Lauren's tongue lick the length of her through the flap of material that covered her. Bo had tied the panties back up after Lauren had hung up on her and she now watched as Lauren pulled the ribbon that was holding the crotch of her panties together, her ardour rising exponentially as she watched her lover peel the material covering as if she was unwrapping a present. It was the same look that Lauren had worn the night before and Bo's heart sang with the love and desire she saw. "So wet. So beautiful. And all mine," Lauren whispered reverently before diving right in and caused Bo to cry out Lauren's name.

Bo's hips rose as Lauren drove her crazy with her mouth and tongue. "God, baby! You are so good at that, I don't think I'll last. Right there! Yes! Fuck!" Bo screamed as Lauren added suction and caused her to fall over the edge, into her much-needed climax. Lauren's hand's had a handful of Bo's ass as she held her steady in order to lap up the pleasure that was being released with every contraction of her orgasm. Lauren sat back onto her heels a few minutes later with a huge grin and the evidence of Bo's pleasure still evident on her face, "mm, that was delicious. Certainly worth the trip," she said cheekily, causing Bo to burst into a fit of giggles.

"I'm glad you enjoyed your meal. I can be on the menu for the rest of your life if you don't think you'd get tired of eating the same old thing, day in and day out." Lauren accepted Bo's hand when she managed to stand and offered to help her up from her position on the floor. "Time for me to take care of you. You struck me speechless with your outfit, by the way," Bo said as she led Lauren by her hand to the bed. "Will you sit on the end of the bed and let me admire you as I slowly peel it all off of you?"

"Your reaction was even better than I had hoped and you can admire me as much as you like for however long you like."

Bo leaned down and took Lauren's face in her hands and kissed her deeply, running her fingers through her lover's glossy, blonde hair. After kissing Lauren thoroughly for several minutes she stood back at admired the blonde once more. "Where did you get the outfit? Did you have the concierge pick up something for you as well? Had you planned this surprise escape?" Lauren shook her head as Bo ran her hands over her stockings, "Lay back, Baby."

Lauren complied with Bo's request and laid back onto the soft, yet firm mattress, her legs hanging over the edge of the bed. She just enjoyed the feel of Bo's hands running up and down her legs and watching as her lover slowly removed her heels and kissed her stocking clad feet as she did it. "I hadn't planned to make an unexpected breakout tonight, but talking to you wasn't enough, so I took advantage of the reduced security and snuck out. The lingerie is mine, but I borrowed the trench coat and the shoes from the wardrobe department."

Bo hands and mouth made their way up each of Lauren's legs until she reached the snaps of the garter holding up the mid-thigh stockings. Bo slowly unsnapped each one, before gliding those stockings down and off. Lauren's breathing was coming out faster and faster as Bo continued to silently worship her body as she removed the clothing. She was getting wetter and wetter, her core pulsing with eager anticipation of the first touch, first kiss, from Bo. "Move up the bed."

Lauren shimmied up the bed and watched as Bo climbed on and crawled up to join her. Bo removed her clothes while she straddled Lauren's hips, her eyes were locked onto Lauren's as she did so. Lauren palmed Bo's breasts the moment they sprang free and sat up to take command of Bo's mouth. Lauren's bra was expertly unclasped as Bo returned the kiss, thrusting her tongue deep. Bo then spent several minutes worshipping each of Lauren, modest, yet firm breasts, bringing each nipple to a firm, hard peak. Lauren was going crazy with the need to come and her hands were urging Bo to grind against her, her hips pressing forward, desperate for some increased pressure.

Bo urged Lauren back into a prone position and kissed her way down her body. She hooked her fingers into the edges of Lauren's panties and slowly pulled them free. "Please, Bo. I'm going crazy. I need you to fuck me now."

Without a word Bo sniffs Lauren's panties before tossing them aside. She then lay back down atop of her and insinuated a leg between Lauren's legs and pressed her thigh up against her lover's eager flesh and begun thrust. Lauren moaned and scraped her blunt fingernails down Bo's back as the delicious friction drove her closer and closer to the edge of oblivion. Lauren cried out in frustration when the contact abruptly ceased, just as she was about to crest and tumble into completion. Seconds later, Bo entered Lauren with two fingers, thrusting deep within her tight hugging heat. "Yes! Fuck! More!" Lauren screamed. "I'm so close."

Bo inserted a third finger and thumbed Lauren's clit, sending her into a mind blowing orgasm. She continued to thrust slowly in and out of her as Lauren's body bucked and she rode the pleasure her lover was bestowing. After several minute's Bo removed her fingers and licked them clean before collapsing onto the bed beside a recovering Lauren, who instantly moved into Bo's open, loving arms and snuggled against the brunette's chest. "I could just stay here forever, with you in my arms," Bo murmured into her lover's hair.

"I have never felt this safe and cherished before and I really do wish I could stay, but I'll have to go soon. I need to be back before the sun rises. I'm sorry. I wish I could stay."

Bo shifted so that she could look into Lauren's eyes, "Don't be sorry, I appreciate that you came. You have no idea how happy you make me. The show will be done in a couple of days and we can talk about what happens next. I won't push you, but I want you to know that I see a future with you... I can't imagine not having a future with you."

Lauren leaned in and gave Bo a soft, lingering kiss, "I see it too, Bo. The next few days are going to go by agonizingly slow, but just knowing that you will be waiting for me in the end, will keep me strong. I love you."

"I love you, too. Now how much longer do we have?"

Lauren looked over at the clock, "an hour, maybe two at the most."

"Then, let's make the most of it," Bo said with a loving smile, before pulling Lauren in for a kiss...

* * *

**Author's note: Please forgive any errors, but it's late and I know you've been waiting a very long time for this chapter. So I hope you enjoyed it and we are one step closer to the end of this little story. I would love to hear from you if you are willing to take the time to give me a little review.**

**I hope you enjoyed this installment. Take Care each and every one of you.**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	19. Chapter 19

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 19.**

* * *

Lauren slipped into the mansion with the stilettos firmly in her hand so that she wouldn't make noise on the marble flooring in the grand foyer. She'd had a close call with one of the cameramen having a cigarette outside of one of the trailers assigned to the crew, but other than that sneaking back into the mansion had been a cake walk. She silently patted herself on the back as she practically floated up the stairs towards her room. Lauren was still on cloud nine after the wonderful hours she had managed to spend with Bo. She smiled as she opened the door to her room, slipped inside and closed it softly behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief as she closed her eyes and leaned against the closed door. A hand moved up and touched her lips that still felt swollen from Bo's deep kisses of farewell, which had lasted way longer than intended.

It had been just as difficult, if not more so, to leave Bo for the second time in as many days. Lauren had never felt like this before and she smiled a huge, dopey grin as she thought about the women she had left standing half naked and sexy as hell in that hotel room. The clock showed Lauren that it would be dawn in just under an hour and the crew would start making noise downstairs setting up for the final days within the mansion.

_Only a few days and I'll be in Bo's arms again and I will never leave them again. _

Lauren knew she was being presumptuous. She was a realist and knew that love very rarely lasted a lifetime, but at this time, in this moment, none of that mattered. Bo made her feel so loved, so special, so beautiful like she was the only one.

_I would marry her tomorrow if she'd have me, she thought to herself. _

"I do," she whispered softly before giggling to herself and rolling her eyes at how silly she was being.

"You do what?" came out of the darkness scaring Lauren out of her blissful, fantastical bubble.

"Jesus!" Lauren blurted. She blinked rapidly as light illuminated the soft darkness from one of the lamps on the bedside table.

"Nope, it's just me," Ciara responded from her position on the spare bed.

"You scared the hell out of me!" Lauren left her position leaning against the door and crossed the room to sit on her own bed to face the smirking English woman.

"Well, you shocked me as well. You never struck me as the rebellious type that would sneak out in the middle of the night to see her forbidden lover."

Lauren let out a snort of laughter, knowing that her friend was teasing, "Hardly forbidden. We did get to spend last night together, remember?"

"Oh, I remember all too well, thanks to your report this afternoon over champagne. I just didn't expect you to run off for a second helping tonight, that's all."

"It wasn't exactly planned. I was perfectly content with just calling the hotel using the phone, she had slipped into my pocket. But after she sent me a picture of herself wearing the present I enlisted the concierge to purchase for me, well, I just had to have her in my arms again." Lauren placed her head in her hands and groaned, "oh God, I'm a goner, aren't I?"

"I'm afraid so," Ciara answered with a delighted laugh at how head over heels in love Lauren was. "Now if I can produce that kind of love and devotion from Tamsin tonight all will be right with the world. I only hope I'll be able to stay awake long enough to accomplish what Bo has obviously achieved with you. I don't think I have ever seen anyone so blissfully happy and in love. Is she the ONE, Lauren? I mean... I've known for a very long time that Tamsin was the one for me, even if she had no idea and I feel that that is what you are experiencing right now. That all encompassing feeling that you have found a missing part of your soul that you didn't even know was missing. Is it like that?"

Lauren flopped backwards onto the bed with a sigh as she thought about Bo and the sensations she felt within as she did so. Her heart seemed to swell and threaten to burst, while her loins heated and pulsed with the memories of Bo's scorching touch. "I do. She completes me, Ciara. The thought of being without her physically hurts. It's crazy! This isn't me. I don't do this. I don't lower my guards and open my heart so willingly. EVER! But it's like Bo possesses the key to my heart, to my soul. I don't think that anything in this world, or the next, would be able to keep me from her. I am hers completely, and it is scary as hell, but also so exhilarating and freeing. Gosh," Lauren exclaimed breathlessly as she sat up and faced her friend with a self-conscious smile as her face heated up with embarrassment from her candid, lovey dovey outburst. "Sorry..." She chuckles awkwardly. "I hardly recognise myself at the moment. I don't talk like this... So open.. About my feelings and such. I am reserved, precise and stand-offish. People think me cold usually, but here I am a complete mushy puddle of goo whenever I think of Bo Dennis. I don't feel like me, Ciara."

"It's wonderful! I want what you and Bo have found. I want it so badly. I don't want to wait anymore and I can't bear the thought of standing back and watching Tamsin choose someone else...not again. My heart couldn't withstand it. What if I have made the biggest mistake of my life, Lauren?"

Lauren frowned, "What do you mean? What mistake?"

"THIS!" Ciara says in a high pitched, panicky tone, throwing her hands into the air. "I had Vex create this insane premise, all because I was too much of a coward to just go up to the woman I have loved for almost forever and tell her how I felt. I haven't been able to sleep at all. I was waiting for the sound of the front door opening. For the sound of Evony returning after being rejected by Tamsin because she wants me...because she loves me." Tears spilled over and Ciara's voice hitched as a sob escaped her and her face crumpled in sadness and despair. "But Evony hasn't returned and the sun is about to come up! I wasn't brave enough to tell Tamsin how I felt on my own and I instead had Vex select a smorgasbord of single, beautiful women for her to choose from and it looks like she's chosen. I should just go now and hide away and lick my wounds until I can face Tamsin again and be able to stomach only being friends with her. It's over and I've lost to a complete BITCH! I would rather Tamsin have chosen YOU, over that WOMAN!"

Lauren moved beside Ciara, who was unravelling before her very eyes and put her arms around her in an attempt to calm her. "You told Tamsin to be true to herself. You told her to explore the connection she had with Evony. Just because Evony hasn't come home with her forked tail between her legs doesn't mean that she has won Tamsin's heart. I know that Tamsin loves you, Ciara. I KNOW IT!" Lauren forced her friend to look at her, to see the certainty in her eyes. "You are still in this race for Tamsin's heart and I would bet my prize money on you coming out on top. SHE LOVES YOU," Lauren repeated, wanting to push all of her belief and faith into those three words so that Ciara would believe it and stop feeling so defeated and dejected.

"Oh, to the angels and God's ears, Lauren. I cannot be without her. I just can't!" Ciara hugged Lauren tightly and cried out her desperation and fears and replacing those feeling with the strength, belief and hope that radiated from the friend holding her.

_She even hugs and comforts me like you used to, Jess. I miss you, but even if it doesn't work out with Tamsin, I'll have found a new friend in Lauren. I'll have gotten something out of this entire fiasco, _Ciara thought. She spoke silently to Jess often and probably always would. A sensation of calm filled her and it felt divine as if her long lost friend herself was telling her that this was the way it was meant to be and that whatever happened in the next few days, it would all be okay. That she would carry on and live a full life, filled with people that loved and cared for her and a dearly departed best friend that watched over her from the heavens above.

Ciara pulled back her hands moving over the material of Lauren's coat as she did so. "Gosh, Lauren, I didn't even give you the opportunity to remove your coat before I started babbling and crying about my worries! Here, let's get you settled."

Lauren stopped Ciara's hands as she went to help her out of her coat and the only barrier between exposing a hell of a lot of flesh to her new friend. Lauren felt the heat rise to her face as she blushed furiously and Ciara looked at her quizzically, "What's the matter?"

Lauren stepped back and let out a small chuckle, "I'm not wearing a lot under this coat, sweetie and I'm not sure how Bo would feel allowing you to get an eyeful of my goodies."

Her friend's eye went wide and her eyes involuntarily moved from Lauren's face to the front of the coat that she was clutching with her hands, before looking her in the eye again. She gave a chuckle of her own and motioned towards the adjoining bathroom, "You'd better get yourself into something more practical then. I'd like to stay in here if you don't mind. You have a calming presence and I really need that right now."

"Of course, I don't mind. I'll be right back and I'll hold you within my calming presence and you'll hopefully at least manage a couple of hours of sleep, okay?"

"Thanks, Lauren. I'm glad we met and have become friends."

"Me too, Ciara," she responded with a smile and a wink. "Be right back. Get settled."

A few minutes later Lauren was in her familiar and comfortable, lightweight cotton pajamas. She settled herself next to Ciara on the single bed and held her in a comforting manner until a short while later her friend's breathing evened out in an exhausted, dreamless sleep. Lauren closed her own eyes, also weary after the night's activities and fell asleep with thoughts of Bo and the life she wished to have with her.

* * *

Evony informed the driver that she needed a moment before he opened the door for her and she had to face the camera's and the two women who would probably be waiting just inside the front door. "It's game time," she muttered to herself as she used a small hand mirror to ensure that her hair had that 'fucked all night' look and pinched her cheeks to add a little extra colour to her flawless olive skin. She had even serviced herself upon waking up this morning to hopefully exude an air of complete satisfaction. "Make the bitches squirm, Evony," she said as a final pep talk before knocking on the window to let the driver know that she was ready for her grand entrance and quite possibly her greatest performance of the entire show.

She was hurting from Tamsin's rejection and at the intense anger that the show was a complete setup and that all of the contestants had been pawns in an elaborate scheme to get Ciara the woman she loved. Evony would have admired Ciara for having the balls to use her contacts and money in this way just to get the woman she wanted if she hadn't been one of the people duped in the process. She was ruthless when it came to getting things she wanted and would not have given a crap about all of these other woman's feelings if she had done it either, but she was one of these women and it was her feelings that had been hurt.

_Which means I can't let her get away with it. Not unscathed. She needs to hurt even if it's just for the day. She needs to believe that I spent the night between the sheets having hot and sweaty sex with the woman she loves, _Evony thought as she smiled and glammed it up for the camera's and answered the few questions that the spokesman asked, before she went inside and faced her adversaries.

She may believe Tamsin when she tells her that nothing happened, but all she needed to do was add just a sliver of doubt and she would have a small victory, no matter how tiny. Evony took a deep breath and opened the front door in a sweeping motion and came face to face with a few cameras and a boom mic, but nothing else. No Ciara. No Lauren. Just cameramen and the expectant cameras.

Heat rose to her cheeks naturally now as anger consumed her. _She really isn't worried about losing, is she?_ She thought bitterly.

Evony slammed the door loudly and announced her arrival in a loud and confident voice full of triumph and satisfaction, "come and greet the victor of this farce. After the night I gave her, she couldn't possibly want another!"

Minutes passed and nothing happened. Nobody appeared. "Ah, hello? Where the fuck is my welcoming committee? Get your asses down here bitches, the show isn't over yet!"

* * *

Lauren jolted awake and raised her free arm that wasn't completely numb and trapped beneath Ciara to her head and groaned as Evony's petulant, shrill holler rang out within the house again.

"GET DOWN HERE!"

"Ciara. Ciara, wake up," Lauren whispered hoarsely. She desperately needed a glass of water.

"Five more minutes," came the mumbled response from her slumbering friend.

"Evony's back. We should have been downstairs waiting for her."

"Well, whoop-dee-do, Princess Evony is back. She can go suck an egg. Bitch."

Lauren pulled her arm out from under Ciara and got up. She shook her arm in an attempt to recover some feeling in it as she yanked the blanket off of her friend with her functional one. "Do you want to be late getting to your date with the woman of your dreams? The woman you declare to have loved for almost forever, because we have to play our parts with Evony for the cameras before you can go be with your destiny. Now get your lazy English butt up!"

More mumbles were followed by a frustrated, resigned growl. "I don't want to deal with her. Can't I skip that part?" Ciara opened one eye and looked at Lauren.

"I'm afraid not. The sooner we get down there, the sooner you will be in Tamsin's arms. Now come on!"

Lauren grabbed her dressing gown and headed towards the door as she tied it securely around her slim waist. "I'll go down first and keep her occupied, but be quick because you need to still get your hair and makeup done."

Lauren turned around to look at Ciara as she opened the door to ensure her friend wasn't planning on just going back to sleep the moment she left. To her relief Ciara was now in a sitting position and rubbing her eyes. "Tamsin has seen me at my most dishevelled, she won't care if I'm all made up or not."

"Whatever, just hurry up. I don't want to be left alone with the devil in high heels for too long," Lauren hissed before heading off.

Evony looked up at the sound of a door opening upstairs. She stood up a little straighter and put on her gloating and self-satisfied expression when she heard Lauren call out 'to keep her panties on. That she'd be down in a moment."

"I'm not wearing any panties," she replied smugly, as she watched Lauren take the stairs quickly, still in her sleeping attire. "Have a late one, did we?"

"You could say that," Lauren responded without enthusiasm. She really didn't like the look of triumph the irritating woman was wearing. "Ciara will be down in a moment."

"I'm surprised she isn't ready and excited for her date! Not that she has much hope after the night I just gave the love of her life. The words, unforgettable and epic come to mind. So much chemistry and passion. I feel like a new woman and think that Tamsin has seen that we could be really great together," Evony crooned trying to put as much optimism and confidence as she could muster.

She hadn't noticed that Ciara was coming down the stairs until she heard a small yelp and saw her stumble down the last few, but managed to keep her feet. Evony couldn't hold back the grin of satisfaction at the flustered and nervous demeanour being displayed by the rake thin and usually elegant and graceful English woman. She was dishevelled in a pair of lavender yoga pants and a loose, plum coloured pullover, no makeup and her hair in a rough braid.

"So nice of you to join us, Miss Thing! Even if you are looking a little more like a hassled soccer mum, rather than a queen," Evony sneered.

"Bite me, Evony," was Ciara's uncharacteristic response, which momentarily threw Evony and caused Lauren to suppress a laugh.

Evony recovered quickly, however, and set a challenging gaze on a scowling Ciara. "Don't be sore, CC. I am a hard act to follow, after all."

"And yet, I see her tonight. You know the saying, Evony, 'saving the best till last'! By this time tomorrow whatever you shared with Tamsin last night will be a distant, barely there memory. You may think you have won, but I have a distinct advantage over you that can't be beat."

"Oh, and what, pray tell, would that be?" Evony said with a raised eyebrow. She hadn't expected Ciara to meet her fire with some of her own. This new confidence was unexpected, especially after the obvious fumble on the stairs. Ciara had recovered quickly and her quiet and reserved air was replaced with a fierce sense of determination and confidence that she had never displayed before.

"History, Evony. History... Tamsin knows me inside and out. She has seen me at my worst and at my best which can only ever be better with her by my side. We are meant to be and I should have told her well before now. I was a coward. I was afraid of being rejected and risking our long-standing friendship, but I can no longer hide this love that I possess for her and I won't allow her to make a mistake in thinking that you are better for her than I am. You've already lost, Evony. You just don't know it yet."

"I could make her happy, Ciara. You don't have a monopoly on knowing what is good for Tamsin. I have developed very strong feelings for her and can see us having a life together. I have a lot to offer, as much as you do and from the way she kissed me last night, she knows and feels it too. Hmm tasty," Evony finished as she licked her lips for emphasis."

Lauren was entranced by the interaction between Ciara and Evony. She sensed that Evony hadn't expected Ciara to come out fighting like she had with her obvious attempts to rub in the fact that she and Tamsin had shared some intimacy the previous night. She just hoped it didn't continue to elevate and that one of them would walk away soon.

"Oh, you certainly do have your gifts, Evony. You wouldn't have been selected to take part in this circus if you didn't, but I could bring just as much passion out of Tamsin while looking like a soccer mum then you did dressed to the nines like a high-class HOOKER!"

"I'll take that bet."

Ciara faltered and tilted her head in confusion, "What? I didn't bet anything."

Evony crossed her arms and looking at Ciara with a challenging and hard stare. "I dare you to put your money where your mouth is. I am no HOOKER! Just because I take pride in my appearance and wear fabulous dresses that accentuate my assets, doesn't make me a HOOKER.."

"I, um, I didn't mean..."

Evony cut Ciara off and Lauren readied herself for the explosion that looked set to come from the fiery European. "Oh, you meant it. I have no illusion about the way you see me, Ciara. But I am a successful and beautiful woman and I will not apologise for it. I also agree that this whole show was a setup and a farce from the start and we were all at a disadvantage, right from the get go!"

Evony circled Ciara menacingly, her voice going low and shaking a little with the rage she was feeling at the injustice she felt at not being able to prove that she could have been a supportive and loving partner to Tamsin. All because of Ciara. "I dare you to walk out that door, as is, and go to your date with Tamsin. No makeup, no fancy clothes, and your hair looking like a complete mess. You don't need any of that stuff, right. So go. Just fucking go and get your girl from this rigged piece of bullshit television. It's all just a complete joke. Get out of my sight before I do something that would put me behind bars. I've had enough of all of it!"

Ciara was actually a little scared at just how close to the edge Evony was, but she hid it well and held her head high, her jaw firmly. "Very well, Evony. I will!" And with those words Ciara marched to the front door and walked out, just as she was, bare foot and dishevelled and got into the waiting limousine, slamming the door behind her.

Lauren and Evony watched the car start and make its way down the long winding drive until it was out of sight.

"SHOW'S OVER!" Evony yelled, causing Lauren to flinch in her place beside the livid, enraged woman. "Show's over," she said again, more softly and completely defeated, before silently walking away, heading to her room and slamming the door.

Lauren stood for a few minutes digesting what had just transpired and having a feeling that Evony knew that she had lost. That when she had said 'show's over,' she had been talking about herself rather than the production itself. "Well, that was interesting and is sure to make some rather interesting television," she declared to the camera that was trained exclusively on her. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some much-needed sleep."

"What am I supposed to tell Vex when he asks where the rest of today's footage is?" Lauren turned back to the cameraman from her place at the foot of the stairs. "Didn't you hear what Evony said? Show's over. Take a day off, Philip," the blonde responded softly before going to her own room...

* * *

**Author's Note: I know it took a long time, but it's finally here and I hope you **enkoyed** it. Thanks for your patience with me.**

**Doccubus21**

**xoxo**


	20. Chapter 20

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 20**

* * *

Tamsin looked up from her book and frowned in the direction of the front door, before looking towards the clock above the fireplace. "You're early and I haven't even finished my coffee. Come back in fifteen minutes," she called out as she picked up her cup and took a sip of the rich blend contained within, sighing in contentment.

Another knock, more insistent than the first, sent Tamsin towards the door grumbling to herself that she couldn't wait to be home in her own house so she could get some much needed peace and quiet.

She opened the door ready to scold whoever was on the other side disturbing her small period of solitary bliss, but her words caught in her throat when she saw who it was.

"Surprise!" Ciara said with as much gusto as she could muster. She was regretting not stopping in town on the way and visiting one of the many boutiques that knew her by sight. Any one of those stores would have been happy to outfit her in something fabulous at a moments notice. Her fears melted away, however, when she watched Tamsin's demeanour transform before her very eyes as she registered who it was that had disturbed her morning cup of coffee.

"May I come in? I know you need to finish your first cup of joe before you are functional.

"You're here..."

Tamsin reached out and softly touched Ciara's cheek as if ensuring that she wasn't a mirage, that she was truly standing before her as if she was ready to go to the gym. Tamsin's mouth quirked to the side in a half smile as she took in her best friend's dishevelled appearance. The hair, especially, reminded her of an 80's music video, with the off centre ponytail and loose frizzy bits sticking out as if teased for maximum height.

"May I come in?"

"Oh, yeah, of course," Tamsin said, still a little off guard and uncertain by Ciara's surprise appearance. "Take a seat and I'll pour you a cup."

Tamsin took her time in the kitchen needing to gather her wits. _What's she doing here? Is Ciara angry at me? She didn't seem angry. Her lips usually twitches a little when she is angry and holding back from yelling at me. Is she here to say that this whole thing is a mistake and that she thinks we should go back to being friends? What did Evony say when she got back to the mansion this morning? She left without a word, ensuring that she came down the stairs naked, giving me a long look at what I was missing, before squeezing herself back into her dress and leaving without a word. She was still pissed, that's for sure. I could feel it without her having to say anything at all. _

Tamsin felt Ciara enter the kitchen from the dining and living area. _I've never been this hyper aware of her before,_ she thought to herself.

"Did you need to brew another pot?"

Tamsin realised that she had been standing there with the cupboard open, staring at the cups for several minutes whilst lost in her thoughts. "No, ah, sorry. I got lost in my thoughts, I guess," Tamsin responded lamely.

"And what thoughts would they be?" Ciara walked further into the kitchen and placed a hand on Tamsin's shoulder. "Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Of course I am!" Tamsin turned around to make eye contact with her oldest and dearest friend. And instantly got lost in them and the uncertainty that filled them. "It's just... Why are you here? I'm supposed to pick you up in a couple of hours. Hair and Make Up are going to be here at any moment to get me perfectly coiffed and presentable for you."

"Do you really think I care about any of that, Tamsin? I'd still love you even if you showed up at my door with your head shaved and wearing a burlap sack. That's why I'm here. Evony was acting like a complete bitch as always and telling Lauren and I how you and she rocked each others world last night."

Tamsin's eyes went wide and she shook her head emphatically, opening her mouth to protest and set things straight, but Ciara cut her off immediately by taking another step closer and placing her index finger against Tamsin's partly open mouth.

"Shush. Just listen for now, okay?"

Tamsin could barely think now anyway, with Ciara so close. The memories of the feel of Ciara's mouth as they kissed in the limousine and the warmth of her as her fingers entered her hugging heat came back to her in a rush and her knees went weak with the recollection. She wanted to feel Ciara again, but she wanted it to be slower and less hectic and rushed. Tamsin flicked her tongue out and tasted the finger pressed against her lips, before reaching up and taking hold of her friend's hand pulling it away from her mouth.

"Talk quickly and say what you want to say so that I can kiss you. It feels like an eternity since I've kissed you."

Ciara beamed at Tamsin at the heat that she suddenly saw in Tamsin's penetrating gaze. "Just let me get this off my chest first and then I will gladly fall into your arms for a kiss. I don't care if you slept with Evony..."

"I didn't!" Tamsin clamped her mouth shut with the look her friend gave her for interrupting her again.

"Whether you did or didn't sleep with her, doesn't matter," Ciara reiterated, but secretly, behind her serious facade, she was ecstatic at Tamsin's emphatic denial. "I put you in this position by being a coward. This whole show is because I have been too afraid to just sit you down and tell you how I felt. If I lost you to one of these women on the show, I would have had no one to blame but myself! Because of my cowardice, I inadvertently gave you a smorgasbord of women to choose from and for the life of me, I don't know why I ever thought that this escapade was the answer. I'm sure that Vex's career will advance because of this, but it wasn't the right way for me to confess my feelings to you and I am sorry for putting you through it. I'm here, now, in the clothes I slept in and my hair not even brushed, because I told Evony that I didn't need anything to win your heart, your love. That I didn't need a glamorous dress, perfect hair and flawless makeup, no, all I needed to do was show up at your door, as is and you'd be mine. I know I am being presumptuous and arrogant, but I just couldn't allow Evony to psych me out and make me question what we already have and what I know we can build together. I don't want to worry about losing tomorrow; I just want to spend this entire day with you as if it was just you and me. No reality television show, no cameras and most of all no competition. Just us. That's all that matters. Okay?" Ciara was breathless after her long speech, but she felt incredibly light and free for the first time in forever and as she stared into Tamsin's eyes, Ciara knew that this would be a day that she'd never, ever forget.

Tamsin placed her hands on Ciara's hips, her eyes a little glassy from her friend's, no, her girlfriend's, heartfelt declaration. Her heart pounded in her chest and she knew that this is where she belonged. Her spirit and soul was always happiest and lighter in Ciara's presence. The woman before her knew her like no one else in the world or beyond. Even Jess hadn't understood her quirks and quibbles like Ciara did. "Lovely speech," Tamsin said with a teasing smile. She pulled Ciara tight against her and moved her face within inches of hers, their lips just a whipper apart, and Tamsin's heart leapt and her stomach tightened with anticipation at the complete acceptance and surrender from the woman in her arms. "How could I have been so blind?"

Ciara was breathless and she felt a flood of warmth spread through her entire body with the tickling of Tamsin's breath against her mouth. They were so close and the intensity in Tamsin's eyes looking so deeply into her own as if truly seeing the truth for the first time was invigorating and she felt so giddy and complete. Ciara reached up a hand and cupped Tamsin's face, her thumb caressing her cheek. "I hid it well; I had to," was Ciara's breathless response.

"Well, no more hiding. I want you to always look at me this way," Tamsin said, before finally brushing their lips together, eliciting a whimper of need from Ciara that her heart skyrocketed to the moon.

Their lips crashed together with scorching intensity and need. The kisses were deep and long as their tongues explored and tangled with each other. Ciara was pressed against the kitchen counter, all thought of coffee gone as they instead drank each other in with all consuming kisses and searching, eager hands. Tamsin's hands found their way under Ciara's loose top to find her small breasts bare and eager for her touch and the way Ciara responded with a moan and a tightening of the hand that had a fistful of her hair, let Tamsin know that they were quickly losing all sense of control and she didn't give a flying fuck in that moment as she sunk deeper under her new lover's spell.

"Gosh, you feel so good!" Ciara gasped breathlessly when they parted for some much needed air and she pressed herself harder against the thigh insinuated between her legs.

Neither Tamsin or Ciara registered, the door opening and the gasp of shock and surprise that followed. "Ahem! Ladies?"

Ciara saw the petite and blushing makeup artist over Tamsin's shoulder first and she pushed the blonde's shoulders in an effort to break off the contact as Tamsin's hands started to raise her top in order to love her breasts with more than her hands. "Tamsin. Stop."

"Hmph whatever for?" was Tamsin's gruff response and despite the awkwardness of the situation she couldn't help but chuckle at how eager her friend was to touch her. Ciara yanked her top down as Tamsin continued to try to yank it up. This got the blonde's attention and she stopped kissing Ciara's long, elegant neck to look at her in frustration. "Stop that," she said with desperation as she tried again to raise Ciara's top, thinking that her friend was playing with her. "There are times to play and tease me, baby, but this isn't one of them. I need you so much right now.

"We have company, honey, and I'm not a fan of having an audience."

Ciara let out a laugh at the comical way Tamsin's eyes went wide and she disentangled her hands from her top and turned to face their visitor. "Janice!" Tamsin blurted. "Don't you knock?"

"I did, ma'am. I just presumed you were still upstairs and I was going to wait like I usually do," the embarrassed woman said softly, her face bright red. "Vex will be in momentarily and I... uh... should I go?"

Ciara couldn't stop laughing. Her usually unflappable friend was as red as the poor make up artist and Tamsin seemed to want to ask the girl to leave, but Ciara could see that she was also feeling sorry for Janice who was looking anywhere but at them. Tamsin turned to Ciara, "Are you enjoying yourself, chuckles?" she asked in exasperation.

"I'm Sorry, but I've never seen you so embarrassed... EVER! It's cute!"

Tamsin shook her head and grinned at her friend, "Unbelievable. Why aren't you as mortified as I am?"

"From all appearances, you were the one trying to ravage me," Ciara responded, laughing harder, tears now falling down her face.

Tamsin Rolled her eyes, "Pfft, whatever. You were doing plenty of ravaging on your own, it wasn't just me," Tamsin replied smartly, a lopsided smirk on her face and an eyebrow arched up in amusement. "At least I know that you will continue to tease me and give me a hard time, just like you always have, despite this new dimension in our relationship."

"Hmm, and what a wonderful, delicious new dimension, it is," Ciara responded with a wink and a playful kiss upon Tamsin's cheek.

Vex burst through the door with his usual emphatic flourish, making all the ladies in the room focus on him. "Saddle up, Tam Tam, you're on the last stretch and... Cee Cee? What in the world are you doing here?" He rushed further into the room completely ignoring Janice and stopping in front of his two favourite people in the world. "And what is with your clothes and hair! You look like a reject from a Tiffany video!" He waved his finger up and down a look of distaste on his face. I'll get Becky in here to fix you up and I'll see if Edward can find something for you to wear. You certainly can't go on your date looking like that!" Without waiting for either of them to speak, he started hollering for Becky and Edward at the top of his voice.

After several attempts to be heard over his yelling Tamsin shoved Vex to get his attention. "Hey, quit shoving, I bruise easily you know!"

"Then listen up, Bozo," Tamsin retorted. "You may think you are running this show, but without me there wouldn't have been a show, so listen up. C and I have decided to do away with all the glitz and glamour. We don't need it. We have both seen each other at our most lovely and most haphazard, so today we are just going to do something we both enjoy." Tamsin turned her attention to Ciara, "How about going on a ride in the hills? We haven't been mountain biking for ages and we can have a picnic at our favourite spot. Super casual and all fun. What do you say?"

"That sounds divine. Except..."

"Except what?" Tamsin asked with a spike of panic.

"Relax, Sin. I just want to run a hairbrush through this bird's nest atop my head."

Tamsin laughed, "Are you sure? I was finding the 80's pop princess look very sexy."

"I'm very sure," Ciara responded with a delighted laugh even as Vex rolled his eyes and said, 'Barf'. Tamsin and Ciara punching him lightly in the arm at his comment.

"So can you set it up, Vex?"

The mans chest puffed out, "Of course, I can! This is my production and I can do anything. Give me an hour," he said, pulling out his phone and telling both Becky and Edward to get out because they were no longer needed. "Janice! Get Ciara a hair brush and help her fix that mess!"

"Right away," she squeaked, rushing off after him, leaving the two lover's alone once more.

"Hmm, alone once more," Tamsin said, turning to face Ciara a look of mischief on her face, her eyebrows wiggling suggestively, "now, where were we?"

Ciara giggled and slapped Tamsin's hands away as they gripped the bottom of her top, "We are on hold for now, Sin. Go get dressed, while Janice helps me fix this mess." As if on cue Janice reemerged, hairbrush in hand.

Tamsin pouted, but released her hold on Ciara's clothing, "We are just paused, right? We can press play on this later, I hope."

"Definitely, I promise," she said, giving Tamsin a soft brush of the lips to seal the deal. "Now skedaddle," she said, slapping Tamsin's ass to get her moving...

* * *

"I win!"

"You cheated and had a distinct advantage," Tamsin called out as she came skidding to a halt beside Ciara.

"I did not cheat and what was the advantage that I had over you, gym rat?" she asked, taking off the helmet and turning it around until she was looking into the mounted camera. "This woman is a terrible loser and I may have to reconsider continuing this relationship," she said, speaking into the tiny microphone.

"Ha-ha, very funny. I'm the one carrying the backpack with our picnic lunch and it weighs a tonne!"

Ciara shook her head, "I offered to carry it, you insisted. What else have you got?"

"You were leading all the way," Tamsin whined with a huge grin, enjoying the playful banter they had been partaking in the whole day.

"And? You could have overtaken me at any time, the path was wide enough," Ciara countered.

"I couldn't," Tamsin responded, her eyes sparkling as she watched Ciara dismount her bike and set the stand before placing the helmet on the handlebars.

"Why couldn't you pass me? We have ridden this track dozens of times before and you never had a problem." Tamsin was almost salivating as Ciara removed her loose top, leaving her standing naked from the waist up as she used the small hand towel she had tied onto the bike to dab at her sweaty neck and shoulders. Ciara looked up and found Tamsin staring, "You are looking at me with very sinful thoughts behind those eyes and living up to your nickname right now, Sin."

"Well, put your shirt back on and I may be able to stop," she responded with a laugh. "Besides, I'm wearing a helmet with a camera too, you know. So it won't be just me getting an eyeful."

"Oh, please! There's hardly anything to see anyway," Ciara responded flippantly with a wave of her hand. "I may be British, but I am not a prude! Besides, I said that today, I wasn't going to pay attention to the show or the camera's. They don't exist for me today. It's just us."

Tamsin dismounted her bike and unclipped her helmet, removing it and hanging it haphazardly on the seat. She then shrugged out of the heavy backpack and placed it on the ground beside her bike. She grabbed one of the water bottles and made her way over to where Ciara had walked to look out over the crystal clear lake of their favourite spot. "It's so beautiful out here," she said, passing Ciara the water bottle and watching her take a few swallows, a single drop falling from the corner of her mouth, making its way down her chin and trailing down her neck.

Tamsin leaned over and licked the water from Ciara's neck, "can we un-pause now?"

Ciara shuddered as Tamsin took one of her nipples into her mouth and sucked on it, sending sparks straight to her groin. "Don't think for a moment that I couldn't feel your eyes glued to my ass the entire way up here," Ciara said as she gripped Tamsin's head and pressed her harder against her breast.

Tamsin released the nipple a moment later and looked up at Ciara with pure fire and desire in her eyes, "That's why I couldn't overtake you. The view," she responded with a chuckle. "Would you go for a swim with me to cool off, before we eat?"

"Depends."

"On what!" Tamsin demanded, standing up and placing her hands on her hips, their faces only a few inches apart.

"Will you ease this agonizing ache that I've had since you kissed me this morning?" Ciara took Tamsin's hand and pressed it against her mound knowing that she was radiating so much heat that the blonde would feel it through the thin material of her well worn yoga pants.

"God, Ciara. It would be my pleasure to take care of your needs."

"Then get out of those clothes," Ciara said with a smile as she kicked off the sneakers she had borrowed from Janice, who was conveniently her size, before pulling down her pants and stepping out of them.

Tamsin took in the sight for several moments watching Ciara walk to the edge of the water and testing the temperature of the sparkling blue water with her toes, before slowly immersing herself until she was covered to her waist. Ciara turned and watched Tamsin as she hurriedly removed her own clothing and beckoned to her with her finger when she was done and standing gloriously naked at the water's edge. "Un-pause," she said with a spectacular smile and laughed when Tamsin rushed into the water, splashing and lifting her legs high, until she was close enough to dive into Ciara's arms, taking them both under the water and coming up, their mouths connected in a heated kiss...

* * *

**Author's Note: Hello my faithful readers, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that you'll let me know that you did. I would also like to know if you'd like me to give you a full Tamsin/Ciara sex scene or if I can just move on to the final elimination. I'm not sure whether there is much demand for that pairing so that's why I'm asked, you, the readers. Please let me know and I will try to write it sooner rather than later.**

**Thank you, take care and enjoy your weekend.**

**Doccubus21**

**xo**


	21. Chapter 21

**Reality Love Bites**

**Chapter 21**

* * *

"Bo, could you please stop pacing? It's starting to make me nervous," Tamsin said from her place in the small tent that had been erected for them to wait in between filming the final elimination sequence.

The anxious brunette pivoted and set her dark eyes on the seemingly relaxed Tamsin. She started to shake her hands as if trying to rid herself of her nervous energy. "How can you just sit there and look so calm and poised? What we are doing is huge. HUGE!" Bo emphasized the enormity of the situation by throwing her arms out. She started pacing again, "God, what if she says no? What if she says yes?"

Tamsin chuckled, but got up and approached Bo, sensing that she needed to get a dose of her calm and resolve. She took Bo's jittery hands into her steady grasp, "She is going to say one or the other, Bo. Are you sure? You told me you were sure only an hour ago."

Bo gripped Tamsins hand tightly, "It's just so, so, soon. I love her. I don't think I've ever felt so much love for someone before, but marriage. That's HUGE!"

"Take it from someone who has been there before, it's not as scary as it seems and honestly, it's not that much different from being in a regular, stable relationship. I personally can't wait to start my new life with.. Uh.. Whoever I choose."

Bo rolled her eyes, "Oh, please! You and I both know that it will be Ciara finally getting a ring on her finger. How was your day with her yesterday? Did you make up for lost time?"

Tamsin blushed and nodded her head, a big smile spreading across her face and her eyes shining brightly. "It was magical and oh so right. I am marrying my best friend, Bo. No one knows me like her and no one understands me like she does. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world to have found this kind of epic love, not once, but twice. I just wish they would hurry up and be ready to film already! What's taking so long."

"You and Ciara are perfect together. I know that she is insanely in love with you, just by the way she talked about you. To be honest, I don't know how she managed to keep the way she felt a secret for so long."

"I wasn't looking close enough to see it, and I wasn't in the best frame of mind after losing Jess. Not for a long time. If it helps, I know that Lauren is just as passionately in love with you, as well. The ferocious way that she declared her love for you at the last elimination was awesome!"

"Really?" Tamsin just grinned and nodded her head. "I know that when I am with Lauren the entire world just seems to melt away and there is only her. It's amazing. I'm just not sure if my heart could take it if she turned me down."

"I saw the connection you and Lauren had right from the start, Bo. It was undeniable and that is why I planned this whole thing. If Vex didn't love me so much, he would be royally pissed with the way I kind of took over and manipulating his pet project. But I have a feeling this is going to be the start of a very promising career for him, so I'm sure he'll forgive me."

Bo bit her lip, "He can't stand me."

"He doesn't know you," Tamsin said with a wave of her hand. "It's of no consequence right now anyway. This is about you finding your soul mate in the weirdest of circumstances and asking her to marry you and her saying a big fat I DO!"

Bo smiled, her confidence renewed by Tamsin's sure words, "Your exuberant enthusiasm is contagious, you know. You have put my fears to rest, Tamsin. Thank you. We are two very lucky ladies."

Tamsin slapped Bo on the back, "Yes, we are! That's the spirit, Bo. No fear, just belief in the love you and Lauren share, that's all you need."

"Five minutes, Tamsin," said Gloria, one of the crew. She didn't wait for a response and started talking into her headset for everyone to start getting in their positions.

"When, do I come out again?" Bo asked. Her hand was now in her tuxedo pocket, checking for the millionth time that the ring she had chosen was still there.

"Gloria will come and get you. It's going to be fine. Wish me luck?"

"Like you need it."

"It can't hurt, right?"

Bo laughed and gave Tamsin a hug, "Good luck in the beginning of your new life," she whispered before releasing the blonde and pushing her towards the entrance of the tent.

"See you soon," Tamsin said with a parting grin and a wink of her eye, before exiting the tent and heading towards her future.

* * *

Evony, Ciara and Lauren walked side by side into the elaborately decorated ground of the mansion. They walked down the red carpet towards Tamsin who was standing on a platform surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and dozens upon dozens of red roses wearing a white and pink tuxedo.

"Oh, my goodness! She looks striking in her tux," whispered Ciara, a hand going up to rest over her heart.

"I think she is loving the strapless gown that you are wearing too," whispered Lauren with a giggle. "She's practically drooling."

Even Evony couldn't ignore the romantic feel of this moment and reached down and squeezed Ciara's hand. "I hope to find this kind of love reflected back at me one day."

Ciara squeezed back gently, pleased that Evony had calmed down and was making an effort to be civil to both her and Lauren. "Never give up hope. There is the right woman out there for you."

Evony didn't respond instead giving Ciara's hand one more squeeze before letting go and pointing off to the left of them. "And look all of the other contestants are here too."

Lauren and Ciara both turned to see all the other contestants lined up side by side and a mix of boredom, smiles and resentment across their faces.

Lauren's eyes scanned over them again a frown creasing her brow, "Where's Bo?"

"Maybe she was banned because of all the trouble she caused." Evony said a tinge of satisfaction creeping into her voice.

She was about to respond, but was halted by the appearance of Vex stepping up onto the platform to join Tamsin. "Well, here we are ladies at our final elimination and one of you lucky women will be getting the final rose and a proposal by our very beautiful bachelorette, Tamsin. "It has been a wild ride filled with, drama, deception, conflict and of course love. It has been a pleasure to be along for the ride and for the lucky lady that is chosen tonight, I wish them a life filled with much happiness, prosperity and love."

Evony snorted and rolled her eyes, her patience was running out and she bit her tongue to stop herself from blurting out how much this whole show was a complete and utter farce.

"Not much longer, Evony and you can drag your ass out of here, and so can I," Lauren muttered under her breath. She was upset and disappointed that Bo wasn't with the other contestants.

"How about you tell your partner in crime up there to hurry it up, your majesty," Evony directed towards Ciara. "I want to get on the earliest flight home and Lauren wants to go find her precious lady love, Bo Bo."

Lauren didn't like the way Evony talked to Ciara, but she wasn't wrong that she wanted to go off and find Bo and not stand around here listening to Vex prattle on. She had made eye contact with Kenzi and silently tried to convey her confusion as to why Bo wasn't standing beside her, but all she got was a shrug from her lover's petite best friend.

Ciara surprised them all by saying, "Get on with it, we're dying over here!"

Vex raised his eyebrows before letting out an awkward laugh, "Okay then! Without further a due I pass over the spotlight to our stunningly beautiful bachelorette Tamsin and ask her to not keep our final three ladies waiting any longer. Tamsin, over to you. Who will be your choice; who is getting that final rose?"

Tamsin's eyes shone with un-shed tears as she looked down at Ciara looking like a true princess in her sleeveless shimmering black gown and sparkling jewellery. "While I have enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you fine ladies, in the end there was and only could be one choice. It is not easy standing up here and not being able to pick each and every one of you for different reasons, but I can only choose one and my heart only belongs to one of you. Ciara you have been a wonderful, dear friend to me for so many years that I struggled with the fear of putting that friendship in jeopardy if I deepened our relationship, but in the end, I couldn't deny that what I feel for you goes well beyond friendship and I now know that this love of ours will only grow stronger. Would you please step up here and give me the honour of accepting my final rose?"

A hiccuping sob escaped Ciara's mouth as she nodded her head vigorously, tears already streaming down her face as she moved as fast as her dress would allow her to and took her place in front of Tamsin and accepting the rose that she offered. Tamsin then got down on one knee and asked the question she never thought she would ever utter to another woman for as long as she lived. "Ciara, my best friend, my lover, my strength, will you make me the happiest woman in the world by agreeing to be my wife?"

"Yes. Yes. Yes. A million times, YES!"

Tamsin slipped the ring upon Ciara's finger before popping up from her crouched position to sweep Ciara into her arms and kissed her deeply, with the sounds of whistling, clapping and cheering from the people witnessing this very special event.

Even Evony reluctantly clapped as she watched the two of them together, unable to deny that they made a spectacular couple.

"Well, that was just beautiful, but it wouldn't be fair to our other two finalist if there wasn't something special for them as well," Vex said with a clap of his hands and bringing the spotlight back onto himself. "Evony, I know that you are disappointed about not winning Tamsin's heart, but after talking to the other executives of this show they have asked me to ask you if you would consider being our next bachelorette for the second season of this show and for a second chance at finding love. This time having a bunch of beautiful ladies vying for your love and a ring on their finger. What do you say?"

All eyes and the spotlight went to Evony, who looked momentarily stunned by the turn of events. She had been so angry and upset that the show hadn't turned out the way she had expected, that she was flabbergasted that they would have even considered to make her the next show runner. "I... uh... wow," she spluttered. She looked up at Tamsin and Ciara and her heart screamed at her, telling her that that was what she wanted. She wanted love. True love. "Yes," she said, her eyes flicking back to Vex, "I would love to find the woman of my dreams next season. So I will put myself out there one more time, but this time, I will be in control."

More cheering, clapping and whistles rang out as Vex beckoned for the spotlight once more and said, "That's fantastic news. So all of you lovely and lonely ladies out there that would love to have the chance to win Evony's heart next season, get your phones ready, because at the end of the episode a number will flash up on the screen and you will have the opportunity to register for the chance to be a contestant on the second season of Lez Get Married!"

"I hope you find it, Evony. Everyone deserves to be happy," Lauren said with a hopeful smile on her face that Evony may actually be nice to her for once.

"If I can find what they have, I will be very lucky indeed," Evony responded as she looked at Tamsin and Ciara, once more. "And you've got Bo."

Lauren smiled at hearing her lover's name, "I just wish that she was here. Everyone else is, so why isn't Bo here?" she responded a little louder than she intended.

She jumped at Vex's voice, "Your wish is granted!"

"Huh?" Lauren looked at Vex in confusion and then followed the spotlight to the small tent off to the side of the stage.

* * *

"Okay, hot stuff, you're on! Get to it," Gloria said with a wink as she pulled open the flap of the tent and motioned Bo with her hand to go to her destiny.

"Okay, Bo. You can do this. It's no big deal, just like Tamsin said," she said softly to herself. She paused for one more second, knowing that all eyes would be on the entrance of the tent and she wanted to come out of it looking calm and confident, despite the fact that her heart was going a gazillion miles a minute and was threatening to jump out of her mouth.

"Bo! Get going!"

"Give me a second." _You can do this Bo. Easy Peasy_," she thought to herself and then thought of Lauren, a smile coming instantly with the thought of her lover.

Bo stepped out of the tent and into the spotlight, her eyes instantly seeking the blonde doctor.

"Oh my goodness!" Lauren's heart stopped as Bo stepped out of the tent and fixed her intense gaze upon her. "She's radiant," she whispered breathlessly as she took in the sight of Bo standing outside of the tent just staring at her with the most dazzling dimple filled smile on her face.

"She certainly pulls off wearing that tuxedo as well. It's tailored to perfection, showing off all of her curves. She looks tasty. It's a pity she's so annoying."

Shut up, Evony," Lauren said and the exotic brunette let out a delighted laugh and shoved the blonde forward.

"Go get her. You got your wish."

Vex's voice rang out across the garden, "Bo, get on up here! You too, Lauren."

Bo didn't walk towards the stage she walked towards Lauren, her intense gaze never leaving the blondes. Bo held out her hand to Lauren and brought it to her lips, giving it a soft kiss, before saying, "will you join me on the stage, Lauren? I have something important to ask you."

_Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God, _went through Lauren's head, her stomach doing cartwheels and her legs started to turn to jelly. She couldn't speak and she just nodded mutely, allowing Bo to lead her by the hand to the stage.

Tamsin and Ciara greeted them warmly, giving them both a hug and a kiss before moving further off to one side of the stage so that Bo and Lauren could shine at this special moment that thousands of viewers would see.

"Are you okay?" Bo asked Lauren, who was looking a lot paler than usual. "We can stop and give you a minute if you need it."

Lauren shook her head and gave Bo a grateful smile for being so concerned about her well being. But she didn't want to have to wait for them to decide where to restart filming if she halted it. She wanted this as real as it could possibly be, despite all of the camera's and the people watching the proceedings.

"I'm okay. I'm so glad you're here. I was looking for you," Lauren said lamely as her eyes filled up with tears, "You weren't there." The blonde shook her head and covered her face with the hand that wasn't clinging to Bo's. "I'm sorry. This is silly, I don't know what's wrong with me."

Bo's grabbed Lauren's other hand, pulling it away from her face, her eyes also glossing over with tears, "It's okay, honey. This is an emotional moment, this entire experience has taken us both by surprise, I think. There is no need to be embarrassed. I certainly wasn't expecting to find the woman of my dreams walking into my life, like this. But I am so glad that you did."

"You are?" Lauren hiccuped and looked up into eyes that reflected exactly the way she felt.

"I was dragged here by my best friend in an attempt to win prizes and a free holiday in a mansion. I wasn't looking for love. I was still recovering from a very messy break up, but when you walked into the room..."

Bo's voice drifted off, lost in the memory of seeing Lauren for the first time. "Go on," Lauren encouraged and she reached up and caressed the brunette's face, bringing her back to the present.

Bo leaned into Lauren's touch and closed her eyes for a moment before opening them and pinning them back to the blondes warm loving gaze. "You almost floated into the room and seemed to light it up with your mere presence. I was drawn to you from the start, we had such an instant, enthralling connection."

"We did," Lauren said softly, "it was incredible. Breathtaking. I was struck by you as well." Her hand went back to holding Bo's and she squeezed them gently to encourage her to finish what she needed to say.

A chuckle escaped from Bo and she said, "I purposely tried to avoid winning the challenges just so I could spend all my time getting to know you. And when I won the poetry reading contest it was a complete accident because I had written the poem about you and the impact you'd had on me. I'm sorry I had to leave so suddenly, but I couldn't bring myself to kiss another woman and pretend that it was her I wanted. Knowing that you were probably on the other side of that door, watching..." Bo turned and looked over at Tamsin, "no offence."

Tamsin laughed and winked at Bo, "none taken. I sensed your connection from the start as well. You almost screwed up my secret plans to get you two together when you turned and walked away. But I'm glad it's worked out."

"So am I," Bo returned Tamsin's smile before focusing on Lauren again. "I was miserable at home, not being able to see you, talk to you. Just ask Kenz."

"She was a complete mess. It wasn't pretty, let me tell you," came Kenzi's voice causing laughter to spread throughout the contestants and crew, all of whom were captivated by Bo's impassioned speech.

"Anyway, moving on. I have a point and it is this," Bo took a deep breath before continuing, "I love you, Lauren Lewis, with all my heart and the mere thought of not having you in my life, is... excruciating... So my question to you is.." Bo started to go down onto one knee, but Lauren's hands in hers stopped her and the brunette looked at the blonde questioningly.

"Are you sure?" Lauren asked softly. "You don't have to do this just because the tv executives want you to."

Bo smiled at the sincerity in Lauren's voice even though everything else, from the deep, passionate love reflected in her eyes to the tight grip that the blonde had on her hands, told her that Lauren wanted this as much as she did. Bo smiled, "you're giving me an out?"

Lauren just nodded in response, because she wasn't capable of speaking anymore. Had she really just tried to talk Bo out of giving her exactly what she wanted! _Stupid, Lauren! Stupid!_

"Lauren, I've never been so sure of anything in my entire life, so would you please allow me to get on bended knee, so that I can do this properly?"

The blonde loosened her grip and Bo crouched down on one knee, "I also need one of my hands, Sweetheart," Bo said with a playful smile and a wink.

Lauren relaxed and returned Bo's smile, "sorry."

"Okay, here goes. Are you ready?" Lauren laughed again. She loved how playful Bo was. She nodded enthusiastically and tears sprang to her eyes as Bo took hold of her left hand and pulled a ring out of her tuxedo jacket pocket with the other. "Lauren Lewis, you are the light of my life and I am hoping that you would make me the happiest woman in the world and agree to be my stunningly gorgeous and insanely smart wife." Bo grinned at Lauren as she slipped the engagement ring onto Lauren's finger, "will you marry me?"

"Oh, Bo!" Lauren tugged the brunette to her feet and held her face in both of her hands, "Bo Dennis, I couldn't live another day without you. You take my breath away with your big heart and your pure, sensitive soul, not to mention that killer body! I love you."

Bo let out a jubilant laugh, "Is that a yes?"

"Oh, Yes. I do. I do. I do," she said before pulling Bo's face towards her own and kissing those luscious, soft lips in a passionate and languid embrace, sealing the deal...

* * *

**Author's Note: Time above all else prevented me from doing a Ciara/Tamsin sex scene, though I'm pretty sure that most of you really wanted to get to this part. This could very well work as a final chapter to this story, though if I got a huge response for an** **epilogue with some Honeymoon Bo/Lo sexy times, I may be open to that. Lol**

**It has been a pleasure as always hearing from you all and I appreciate all of your support so very, very, much. It truly means the world to me so thank you from the bottom of my heart.**

**Take care and I look forward to hearing from you.**

**Doccubus21. **

**xoxo**


	22. Chapter 22-Part 1

**Reality Love Bites **

**Chapter22- Part1**

* * *

Bo tapped her fingers against the steering wheel to the beat of the song playing on the radio. She wasn't familiar with the tune, but it had a strong addictive beat that she found soothing as she waited for Lauren. To be honest, Bo missed her best friend and DJ often, when hearing a song with such energy and bass such as the one playing on the radio. When she had lived with Kenzi music had played almost constantly as the DJ worked on her craft and finally tuned her intoxicating and mesmerising dance anthems that had made her friend famous. Kenzi's star was still rising and Bo was so proud of her.

"Speak of the devil," she said to herself when her phone pulsed in its cradle upon the dashboard and displayed a text message from whom she had just been thinking about. Bo smiled and thanked Kenzi for organizing the finer details to what she hoped would be a romantic and relaxing night for both her and Lauren when they finally got to their destination that evening.

"That's if my workaholic wife ever gets released from the place that sucks up most of her time and energy," she muttered to herself as she watched the lit up side entrance of the hospital hoping to spot the love of her life. Bo knew what she would see once Lauren emerged through those glass sliding doors. She would see her wife looking drained and dead on her feet and just aching for a hot, scented bubble bath before going to bed. Bo would often have to nag at Lauren to have something decent to eat before dragging her bone weary body to bed.

Bo wasn't unhappy though, not by a long shot. She had known going into this commitment that the first few years would put a strain on how much quality time they would get together and Lauren, God bless her, did her very best to satisfy her needs. This was the first small break from work that Lauren had gotten in a very long time. Two days off wasn't much and it wasn't long enough to sweep Lauren away for a proper honeymoon, somewhere exotic like Tahiti or Australia, but it was enough to organise a little get away. A small break that would hopefully help them reconnect, not just with each other, but give them a chance to catch up with some friends that they hadn't seen for a considerable length of time as well.

Lauren didn't know anything about Bo's plans, she wanted it to be a surprise, and she hoped that the surprise would be embraced by her overworked wife. Upon arriving home after every gruelling shift Bo would hear Lauren say a familiar phrase from one of her all time favourite movies The Wizard of Oz. Lauren would hang up her coat, kick off her shoes and whisper, 'there's no place like home,' as she'd slip on a pair of slippers and flop onto their soft, luxurious couch. Bo would often sit on the coffee table in front of Lauren and would take hold of one of her wives legs and slipping of the slipper and giving her tired and burning foot a massage. By the time she was finished with both feet, her sweet angel would be fast asleep and softly snoring and Bo would let her sleep while she whipped up some dinner and wake her up by waving the food under her nose to rouse her.

Bo loved the look of gratitude and love that she would receive upon Lauren awakening to some much needed sustenance and she was always rewarded with a kiss that always left her wanting more.

"Finally," she murmured as she saw Lauren's familiar blonde hair bob into view and watched her exit through the doors waving to a short and slightly round woman who was still wearing her green scrubs. Bo had been introduced to the doctor before, but couldn't remember her name. _Doesn't matter,_ she thought to herself as she assessed her wife's momentum as she walked towards the car park. "She's had a hell of a day," Bo said softly to herself as she watched Lauren trudge towards the SUV and ran a hand wearily through her hair. Bo flicked on the overhead light illuminating the inside of the car in the dying light of day when Lauren was close enough to notice. The blonde looked up from her bag that she was trying to fish her car keys from and a smile that lit up the day again, despite the setting sun, crossed her features.

_I love it when she smiles at me like that,_ Bo thought to herself. Instead of continuing to the drivers side of the vehicle she crossed around the front and opened the passenger side. "Well, hello there."

"Hi, yourself," Bo responded with a silly grin, which made Lauren's smile grow even wider.

"I'm so glad to see you. I love it when you surprise me. It's like you have a sixth sense of when I'm going to be too tired to drive myself home. I was considering taking a quick power nap in the back before heading home, I'm that tired."

"Well, now you can nap while I drive you," Bo responded, her face concerned at how pale and tired Lauren looked. She climbed onto the seat and leaned over to thank her wife's thoughtfulness with a kiss.

"How did you get here? Cab?"

"I car pooled with an employee straight from the office. He lives on this side of the city. Very convenient. As a matter of fact, it's one of the reason's I hired him, not for his fantastic negotiation skills or charm, but because he would be a free ride so that I could surprise you."

Lauren chuckled and shook her head, "You're so silly sometimes. Such a goofball. Are we talking about Leonard?"

"One and the same," Bo responded as she helped Lauren with her seatbelt before starting the car and heading for the exit.

"How did SHE feel about you poaching one of her best agents and making him your second in command at your new agency. "

Bo flashed Lauren a grin, "she was royally pissed, but hey, he came to me and I really couldn't say no. He's the best at what he does and that's including me! Plus, he brought all his clients with him. There was no downside to bringing him on board as my number two. And then there is the free rides to surprise you. That was the biggest bonus of all. No more cab fares," Bo finished with a wink and squeezed Lauren's thigh. "You've got a few days off now, so close your eyes and sleep, baby. We can talk about work and catch up on the other stuff later. Rest now, you look completely exhausted."

Lauren's eyes were already closing, "I look that bad, huh?" she asked managing to open one eye to peer in Bo's direction as she waited for an opening in the traffic to turn.

Bo faced Lauren and smiled, "You will always be a beautiful angel to me, my love. You just look like a very tired angel, right now. Sleep, I'll get us home."

"You say the sweetest things... I love..." the blonde's voice trailed off with a sigh.

"I love you too," Bo responded softly, but she wasn't even sure that Lauren heard her say it, the blondes breathing already slow and steady...

Bo turned off the ignition and shifted sideways to face her wife. She couldn't help but smile as she gazed at Lauren. Bo gently nudged the blonde, but she didn't stir, so she tried a different tact and shifted in her seat so that she could make contact with Lauren's neck.

Lauren roused from her slumber with Bo's kisses, she turned her head towards her wife without opening her eyes. Bo smiled knowingly and connected her lips with the waiting blondes. Lauren made a pleased moan as the kiss progressed and grew in intensity. A minute later Lauren opened her eyes and broke the contact. "You really have perfected the way you wake me up, my love."

Bo smiled softly, "I've had a lot of practice lately."

Lauren winced, "are you starting to regret marrying me? Would you have thought twice about proposing to me if you knew I was a workaholic?"

"Are you kidding me? Do you really think a teeny tiny revelation like that would have deterred me from pursuing you?" Lauren shrugged and bit her lip in uncertainty. "Not a chance, my sweet angel. You are my twin flame, the only girl for me. I can't even imagine not having you in my life now."

Lauren smiled widely, "You are a charmer, Mrs Dennis. You swept me completely off my feet. I feel lucky every single day." Lauren took in her surroundings for the first and realized they weren't parked in their two car garage at home. "Where are we?" she asked.

"Look closer," Bo responded mysteriously with a mischievous smirk.

Lauren sat up and took in her surroundings with more scrutiny. Bo smiled when she saw the recollection on her wife's face.

"It's the cottage from the show. The one where we made love for the first time. The first of many fantastic nights that I have had with you."

"I know it's not Tahiti or Australia, but I thought we could spend these rare few days off here, making love, good food, watching crappy romantic comedies, making love."

Lauren laughed, "you said making love twice."

"You noticed that, huh?" Bo responded with a grin. "Wanna go in?"

The blonde nodded emphatically, "definitely!"

Bo grabbed the two bags from where she'd stashed them in the back seat and tossed Lauren the keys to the cottage. "Do the honours and open the door?"

"Of course!" Lauren giggled as she rushed to the door ahead of Bo carrying the bags. "Oh my God! What is that amazing smell?" the blonde exclaimed as she opened the door and was greeted by the most amazing aroma she'd ever had the pleasure of smelling.

Bo tossed the bags just inside the living area and closed the door behind her. She walked up behind Lauren and wrapped her arms around her waist. She peppered a few kisses along her wife's neck before speaking softly into her ear, "Kenzi and Hale cooked us dinner. It's in the oven keeping warm."

Lauren leaned back into Bo's embrace, relishing the contact and absorbing the comfort Bo always seemed to project with her touch. "That was incredibly sweet of them because it smells heavenly and I'm famished."

"Then let's eat," Bo said disentangling herself from Lauren and heading to the kitchen with purpose. She'd never thought of herself as a particularly domestic person, but Bo found that she got significant satisfaction from taking care of Lauren after she'd had a hard and long shift at work. And she knew that her wife appreciated all the things she did around the house since they'd gotten married. She was happier than she'd ever thought possible and she couldn't help the smile on her face as she took the oven mitts from the counter and collected the plates from the oven and set them on the table where Lauren sat waiting eagerly for the delicious meal their friends had prepared for them...

"Are you ready for dessert?" Bo asked as she cleared the plates and headed back into the modern, modest kitchen. "That is if you can fit it in after the three servings of chicken you just inhaled," she finished with a chuckle.

Lauren patted her stomach and stood up with a stretch of her long, slim frame. She ambled into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Bo's waist and rested her chin on her shoulder. "I definitely want dessert, but it isn't food," Lauren whispered into her wife's ear, causing the brunette to shiver and then moan when Lauren's hands slid down the front of her dress pants. Bo was glad to have come straight from work now, no longer regretting not going home and getting changed into her usual skin tight jeans which were a lot more inaccessible as Lauren's hands ran down the front of her thighs, before one hand moved to her mound and cupped her, causing a rush of heat and desire for Lauren, who knew just how to touch her. "Dishes can wait," Lauren stated with a husky voice laden with passionate, desperate intent as she entered Bo's slick folds with two fingers.

Bo whimpered and turned her head, seeking her wife's mouth, and found it moments later fusing them together in a searing kiss as her hips started to move with the blonde's thrusting fingers. Lauren's fingers stroked several more times before sliding out of Bo's warmth in order to strum and circle her very hard and engorged clitoris. "Jesus, Lauren," Bo gasped as her knee's threatened to give out with her lovers expert touch.

Lauren grinned and encouraged Bo to turn around and face her as she once again penetrated her. When the brunette turned, Lauren saw the dark fire of pleasure burning in her wife's eyes and when Bo moaned and bit her lip, Lauren knew that her lover was fighting her orgasm, trying to prolong the blissful sensations she was experiencing from those fingers that were working their way in and out of her. Lauren used her other hand to pop the main button on Bo's pants and un-snapped the other smaller stud buttons. Lauren pierced Bo's glazed gaze with a look of desperate need. "Push your pants down for me. I don't want to stop fucking you." Bo's hands were gripping the kitchen bench and made no effort to move as she fought the impending orgasm that was threatening to crest. "Bo?"

"I don't know if my knees will hold me. I'm so close, baby. Fuck!" Bo's eyes pleaded with Lauren, but she didn't let up her movements.

Lauren frowned for a moment before she used her free hand to push down one side of Bo's pants and underwear before doing the same on the other side. She then kissed Bo hard on the mouth before crouching down and yanked at the loose pants that hung half way down her thighs, by the crotch, until they were bunched around Bo's feet. Lauren looked up to find Bo gazing down at her with feverish eyes and flushed cheeks. Lauren pushed her fingers as deep as they could go and felt the inner walls tighten around her as she leaned forward and took Bo's pulsing and rigid clitoris into her mouth and sucked and stroked the protruding nub with her tongue, pushing Bo over the edge and into her orgasm with an almost anguished cry of final release. Lauren released Bo's clit and gently eased her fingers out of her hugging heat a minute later, as the brunette let go of the counter and slid down to join her lover on the cool tiled kitchen floor.

"Whoa, baby! My legs are like jelly, right now. I'm completely legless!" Bo said with a chuckle as she leaned forward and gave Lauren a slow, languid kiss. "You are the most phenomenal lover, I have ever had."

"It's a good thing you married me then and made an honest woman of me, huh," Lauren responded with a cheeky grin and wink.

"Oh, you got that right! There was no way I was going to let you get away. I do, however, need to move because my butt cheeks are freezing on the tiles and going numb."

Lauren laughed and pulled off Bo's boots and then her pants and panties, tossing them aside, before stand and reaching down a hand for Bo to take. "Let's go upstairs. The nap on the drive over here has charged my batteries and I am ready for a long night of making mad, passionate love to you over and over again."

Having found her legs again, Bo slapped Lauren on the ass and raced towards the stairs, "then let's get started, shall we."

Lauren rushed after her wife eagerly. She was energized and excited about the weekend that Bo had organized for them both. Bo brought her light, joy and happiness with her love every single day and it was exactly what Lauren needed after being surrounded by pain and despair almost every day in the ER. The amount of injuries that came from acts of violence was staggering and it was Bo that kept her spirits up. It was her love and devotion that kept Lauren from shutting down emotionally. She had seen it with other doctors, the ones that had been exposed to the chaos for years, they were cold... distant. She liked to give her patients hope and comfort during their times of need and she fought every single day for the pain and suffering that surrounded her, to not take control of her and swallow her whole. Bo comforted her and chased away the nastiness of her working hours and she was a better healer because of it. Sometimes Bo would just hold her and let her talk about it, or on other days just cry, to lighten the burden of what she did every day. Lauren hadn't realized that she'd stopped just inside the bedroom door. She was lost in her thoughts and she jumped, startled, when Bo's voice broke through the silence.

"You okay, baby?"

Lauren blinked and focused on the love of her life, who was now completely naked and lying patiently on the bed waiting for her. "Sorry," Lauren murmured with a soft smile as her eyes slid over every curve and contour of Bo's body.

"Lost in your head again... Do you need to talk?"

Lauren shook her head, "no, not right now. I want to leave all of that behind for this weekend and just enjoy my time with you," she said as she started to remove her own clothing and joined her wife on the bed. "I do have a question for you though," the blonde stated as she ran a hand along her lover's side, causing her to shiver and goosebumps to spread quickly from the soft caress.

"Okay. Shoot." Bo said with a gleam in her eye as her hands reached out and started to fondle and caress Lauren's modest breasts. "I love how they fit perfectly in my hands," Bo said softly as she shifted closer and took a nipple into her mouth a sucked and nipped on the nipple until it was a hardened peak.

Lauren held Bo's head and pressed her harder against her breast for a moment before encouraging her lover to release her and look at her. "Why did you hold back your orgasm in the kitchen? I could tell you were fighting it." Lauren asked curiously. Bo didn't do it all the time, but often enough that the blonde was curious about the reason behind it.

Bo bit her lip and blushed and Lauren always found it sexy when she did that. Bo exuded confidence to those around her, her job as an agent required it, but when she was with her, there was a vulnerability that peeked through. It was endearing to Lauren, that someone so beautiful and confident would get self conscious with her, the woman that loved her unconditionally. "I need to sometimes," Bo answered vaguely.

"Why?"

"Always the insatiably curious doctor, aren't you?" Bo said with a chuckle.

Lauren blushed and rolled her eyes, "I can't help it," she responded with a shrug.

Bo leans forward and gives her a quick kiss before resting back against the soft pillows and smiling at Lauren. "It's quite alright because I find it incredibly cute and adorable."

"You do, Huh?"

"Yep."

"And are you going to continue to try to deflect and distract me, so that you don't have to answer my question?" Lauren asked knowingly.

"Well, I guess not because it doesn't seem to be working now, does it?"

Lauren just shook her head and grinned as her hands lazily made circles on Bo's flat stomach and traced lines along her hip bones, causing the brunette to shift and squirm from the maddening, teasing caresses. Bo stopped Lauren's hands with her own, so that she could form the answer that Lauren so eagerly wanted to know. "I sometimes need to concentrate really hard on suppressing my orgasm, because there are times that all you have to do is kiss me and I'm instantly on my way to coming. I do it so that I'm not coming two seconds after you touch my clit or enter me. My body responds to you so readily and it would be pretty tiresome if our lovemaking was over that quickly all of the time, right? What if you got tired of me?"

Lauren sat there stunned. She didn't know what to say. "Bo, I love you," she finally said, her voice breaking. "I could never get tired of you, my mind boggles at the mere thought of you not being in my life. How can I not be flattered that I am able to cause this reaction. I love how your body responds to my touch and I marvel at how quickly you recover and can continue to make love to me and have you come for me over and over again. You are a remarkable, attentive and satisfying lover, Bo. I will never get tired of making love to you." The relief in Bo's face broke Lauren's heart. "You must know how much I love and cherish you, honey. I show you enough, right? I know I work long hours and the late shifts have been hard for us to spend quality time together, but I need you to know that every second with you is sacred to me. I love you with all my heart, Bo."

Lauren caught the tear as it escaped and ran down Bo's cheek and ran it over her lips, "Don't cry, my love. I'm sorry if you've been feeling neglected."

Bo shook her head, "Not sad tears. Happy tears. I love you so, so much Lauren and I know that our careers are sometimes going to make things harder, but it's so worth it. I wouldn't change a thing and I also can't imagine my life without you in it. You complete me, Lauren." Bo pulled her wife towards her and kissed her passionately. When they separated for some much needed air a minute or so later, Bo encouraged Lauren to lay down and followed with her own body, joining them together. "I'm pretty sure talk time is over now and it's time for us to make love again and again and again and again," Bo said as she kissed Lauren, before adding, "If you have the energy, that it?"

Lauren took Bo by surprise and flipped them over so that she was pressed against her eager lover, "Oh, I have the energy," she said as she ground her pelvis against Bo and found her wet and ready all over again. "That's my girl," Lauren said with a smirk, making Bo blush and get even wetter just from the carnal look in the blonde's eyes. Lauren moved down between Bo's legs and looked at the wet silken folds waiting for her, she gazes up at Bo, "yes. That's my girl," she repeated before diving right in...

* * *

**Author's Note: Hello. I had to knuckle down and write through the pain to give you something on this terrible day (USAElectionDay). The world is feeling this and although I have only managed to do the partial chapter, I felt that we all needed some Doccubus today. All mistakes are my own so please ignore them. Lol ;). I know my updates a few and far between and I hate that my shoulder bursitis is making writing very difficult for me at the moment, I want you all to know that I love this fandom and to me, Doccubus will always be forever no matter how long it takes me. Thank you for your love and support, because that is what this world needs. So please just be good to the people around you and spread the message of love and freedom for all and stop this cycle of hate. God bless you all.**

**Doccubus21 xoxo **


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Lost Girl, Drama, Romance