Hope he makes it. Glad Lorne has a much higher purpose in this whole situation.

Author's Response: Yup, Lorne does - he's very comapssionate and holds other people's best interests at heart. Thanks for the review hon - snuggles.

Burn the t-shirt? No way, she can't do that. She should buy him a new :)

Author's Response: Giggles, that would be pretty rude, huh? Glad you liked it hon, thanks.

This is getting even better!! :) Can't wait! :)

Author's Response: Thank you so much darling - glad you enjoyed. Huggles.

Nooooo! Dail quickly Lorne. Dail quickly.

Author's Response: *Giggles*, thanks hon.

well done :)

Author's Response: Thanks sweety, glad you liked it.

OMG! is it reunion time?! please say it is! pleeeaase, pretty please (oh, the chapter? loved it!)

Author's Response: LOL, well, we're getting close. Glad you liked the chapter and thanks for the great review.

For a moment there, I thought Spike was going to be so drunk that he'd accidently drive to Buffy's house instead of Harmony's.

Author's Response: LOL, that would have been pretty funny. Thanks for the review hon.

I have faith. You've had me from the very beginning. I like the turn you're taking. It makes no sense, logically, for either of them to expect the other saw things as anything other than an arrangement. If you had to have a thorn in this rose, I'm glad it was Harmony. She was never much of a threat anyway. lol. I would, still, like to see Buffy draw out some protective, possessive actions from Spike though. I'm all about that side of him. You're doing really great with this story. Congrats on your nomination! : ) Please update soon! One more thing, I was surprised Buffy called to see Spike again so soon. Not only because of the huge expense, but because of her pride. I would have thought if she really wanted to face her fears, she would have asked Lorne for somebody else. Jump back in the saddle, as it were. The fact that she wanted Spike specifically speaks volumes. She wants to face her fears all right, but it's her fear of loving him; she just doesn't know it yet. As far as I can tell, Buffy is the one taking all the chances here. She had to overcome her fear and call Lorne in the first place. She had to bear it when Spike first arrived and not give in to her fear and embarrassment and throw him out and forget the whole thing. Spike needs to put something out there now. He needs to show Buffy she didn't do all that in vain. Of course, my way would be for him to get madly, insanely jealous over something. But, that's just me, sigh. . .
Anyway, thank you for a wonderful story. : )

Author's Response: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy the turn I'm taking, and your right, its unrealistic/too early for them to think the other saw it as anything other than a business arrangement. Harmony was the perfect choice I felt - cuz she's really not that threatening. You just may get your wish - when you mentioned wanting to see protective Spike, but it won't be for a couple chapters yet... I think you'll like what I have planned. Ah yes, it does seem rather soon that Buffy is calling him, I agree. But remember that, for the purpose of the story, she is very much a control freak. So the fact that Spike has been on her mind night and day when SHE thinks she should be having a normal, regular day (as if their night never happened/supposed to be a one time deal for her), that's what’s really cooking her goose, and when she called Lorne, she was going on night #4 in a row of all the dreams – which is a bit much for a control freak. Also remember that she doesn't want or need a man in her life (she thinks this) - so Spike is throwing a double whammy at her in that sense. She's not mad at him at all, she's angry with herself for not being able to control her thoughts and dreams about him. Oh and the expense thing... for the purpose of the story, the art gallery is successful enough that she really doesn't worry about that - I realize the money is no drop in the bucket, but she makes enough that oh, let's say she could see him 4-5 times a month and not break the bank. She asked for Spike again rather than someone else because it’s him she’s haunted by, not just any random escort, he’s the one who made her have several orgasms – a feat/task within itself for any man to accomplish where she’s concerned. And she’s not necessarily doing it just for the sex (even though that’s a major perk) she wants to prove to herself that it’s just business in his eyes as well as hers. And you’re absolutely right, it’s her fear of loving Spike, but it’s far too early for her to realize that for herself. Yup, she’s taking all the chances right now, but it’s not like Spike can stalk her either (although I wouldn’t mind if he stalked me). As far as Spike putting something out there... let’s just say he was jealous enough just thinking about her w/ anyone else (to include Riley), so when he actually does see her with someone else, and given Spike’s persona that likes to come through, it’s a safe bet you’ll be seeing quite a bit of possessiveness and jealous tendencies shine through – that’s a wee bit of a spoiler. I love me a jealous Spike who acts on it whenever I read, so of course I have my plans that I hope you’ll enjoy when that time comes. The plot coupled with the fact it’s my first ever fic means I had to weave some ‘facts’ into the story to support the plot, ie. money issue, in order to make it plausible, cuz in reality – this situation would probably never happen. It’s my first fic, so I’m learning as I go... I do hope to get better after this one and maybe a couple more under my belt before writing something of a more serious nature – which is of course my goal... to write a dark, horror style fic. Thank you so much for the wonderful review hon, you’re a thinker and I like that, cuz it makes me think how to better myself through the story. *hugs*.

I'm still loving this story sooo much! GAH! Spike and Harmony! Though I do get why he is doing what he is doing. Buffy....well as we all know... there is no resisting Spike! I mean really, who would want to?!!!! Can't wait for more! Gotta see what happens when Lorne calls Spike!

Author's Response: Is there an echo in here? LOL, you must really want me to get crackin on chappy 14, which I will of course, *grins*

Trust me, I have faith in RILEY where Harmony is concerned (most of the time)

But wouldn't that voice make your blood rush to your legs so you can beat a hasty retreat?

Author's Response: Heehee, yup, I'd run the other direction too. Of course that's the reason why Spike chose to go there, b/c Harmony is the epitomy of a woman using him. Thanks for the review hon.

Of course I have faith in you . I guess Spike can't give up his job like this , even if it's the thing he wants the most right now. And Harmony doesn't bother me with Spike ( what ??!! A truly fervent spuffy shipper is talking that way??! Lol) , maybe because we saw them on screen , and I know that it has nothing to do with an established relationship , it' s just a fuck.
But I also have the feeling that you stopped at the right moment .. Evil you or gentle you ? because Spike is going to receive the call from Lorne ? Unless he didn't take his cell-phone with him..

Anyway you wrote great lines about his misery , and his resolve.

Buffy .. what to say ? She's craving him , longing for his touch and his incredible presence and i'm so glad to see that she has already decided to call back Lorne.

Waiting for the next part with the same eagerness.
Beautifully done !


Author's Response: Thanks sweety, I won't let anyone down, that's a promise. Oh yes, if William/Spike could quit he would, but he's close to it. Wow, your the first to say Harmony doesn't bother you, lol, yup... just a fuck. As for Buffy, well... she's not thinking straight - too much sex in her dreams. Thanks for the awesome review.

Argh!!! Love the way you are building the tension. I'm sure Spike will be jealous as all get-out when he sees Buffy and Riley at Grisanti's. I can't wait until they get to the point where they can tell each other how much they have been thinking about the other-- that sweet moment of vulnerable communication. An absoluately great update!

Author's Response: Oh yes, I had to set the stage, a little glimpse into the future is always a good teaser. Thanks for the wonderul review sweety.

Poor William my heart went out to him when he thought it was Buffy who called for his services. As much as the Spike/Harmony scenes squicked me out, I totatally understand why William is doing what he's doing. This chapter really gives us insight into where William is at emotionally. I can't wait to find out if Lorne gets to Spike before he sleeps with Harmony... if Spike can even go through with that is. I enjoyed reading Buffy's POV too. Great chapter!

Author's Response: Harmony and Spike, ick factor x's10, but yes I had to do it. William was pretty vulnerable to Spike's suggestion b/c he was convinced Buffy would never call. He's just trying to do what he thinks will help. Thanks for the great review sweety.