Shane and Ryan slowly made their way down to breakfast. Dana, Alice, Bette, and Tina were drinking coffee and playing Keno while waiting for them.

OkIm not waiting any longer, Im ordering. Bette said as she slapped the menu down.

So freakin cute, arent they? Alice said as she pointed out Shane and Ryan slowly making their way to the table. Ryan was holding onto Shanes hips from behind as they were laughing and teasing each other.

How much do we know about this Ryan? Bette asked.

Shes hot. Dana said casually, sipping her orange juice through a straw.

Dana! Alice said as she turned and glared at her girlfriend.

What? Come on people, look at her? Dana defended.

Dana, Alice, Tina and Bette took a long look at Ryan as she made her way to them.

Yeah. Everyone sighed out and shaking their heads in agreement with Dana.

She just seems to be, so, so??? Bette said looking for the right words.

Into Shane? Dana could read exactly what Bette was going to say.

Exactly. Bette agreed with Danas hypothesis.

I know, I know. Dana said shaking her head, still trying hard to figure out what Ryan was doing with Shane of all people.

Morning. Shane said as she pulled out the chair for Ryan.

Both had the We just had some mind blowing ***** look on their faces.

Hi guys. Sorry were late! Ryan blushed, not making any eye contact with anyone, as settled in her chair. She was embarrassed because she felt she had the I just had ***** for the first time, in a REALLY long time look on her face.

Its ok, we were just about to order. Bette said as she motioned for the server.

Lets see, what looks good? Ryan hid behind her menu still embarrassed.

Shane leaned over and peeked inside the menu with Ryan and whispered, You ok?

Oh yesIm fine..just a tad mortified, thats all. Ryan flashed a smile and her cute dimples.

Dont be. Shane reassured her.

Then she said, Youre beautiful Ryan. And then proceeded to kiss her on the ear.

And I kiss the ground you walk on. Ryan said referring to the note Shane left her and making it Shanes turn to blush.

Shane chuckled then put the menu down, So, how does this keno game work, Dane?
Trying to deal with her own embarrassment.

Ryan smiled then fixed her hand into Shanes. Im so fallin for this girl. Ryan thought to herself.

The girls ate their breakfast and made their plans for the rest of the day. They would spend some time in the casino, go see the Blue Man Group, then top the night off at Krave, a nightclub in Alladin.

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

After a day in the casino and watching the remarkable Blue Man Group perform, the girls strolled into Krave. The very ***** alternative nightclub. ***** bodies covered the scene from the dance floor to the bar. As they walked in, they carefully scanned the sights.

This place is ***** awesome! Shane said excitedly, walking with her arm slung around Ryan. Ryan was already starting to feel it and getting the urge to hit the floor.

U2s Vertigo was blasting through the speakers as they made it to the bar to place their first orders.

Bono: HELLO HELLO

HOLA! Alice starting to feel it too, answered Bono.

Bono: Im at a place called Vertigo.

DONDE ESTA? Alice answered again.

So ladies, what are we having tonight? Ill buy the first round.



And the orders went as follows:

Alice: Apple Martini
Dana: Long Island Ice Tea
Bette: Cosmopolitan
Tina: Sea Breeze

Baby, lets do a body shot. Ryan urged Shane.

Give me a couple of tequila shots. Shane immediately motioned to the bartender.

Shane licked Ryans neck then shook a little salt on it. Ryan put the shot between her ***** and put the lime in her mouth. Shane smiled before she licked the salt off Ryans neck. Then she bent down and with her mouth took the Cuervo in. Next, Shane dove into Ryans mouth for the lime and a *****, steamy, kiss after. Ryan downed the second shot quickly then asked for a Coors Light.

By the time they hit the hit the floor Lords of Acid were pouring their ***** techno sound onto the dance floor.

Ryan began moving her sultry hips to the beat of the music. Then she fingered to Shane to come over to her. Shane pressed her hips to Ryan as they move together. Ryan then moved her hands slowly down the sides of Shanes legs as she danced with her. They moved in loose, steamy, sensual movements until they had worked up some hard core sexual tension.

OkFuck, were outta here! Shane said as Ryan tongued her ear.

Pure exhaustion mixed with sexual tension caused the other couples to retire early to the hotel room too. When they arrived at the hotel there was a mad dash to rooms to ease the pain.

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

The last day was planned to be spent in the hotel spa and casino. Shane and Ryan joined everyone for the spa treatments but Shane had planned something special for the evening with Ryan.

As Ryan put on her jeans she asked Shane. Where are we going?

Its a surprise, youll find out when we get there. You have no patience, do you? Shane laughed.

I waited to sleep with you, didnt I? Ryan joked back.

True. Shane scratched her chin in agreement.

AlrightOklets go, were gonna be late. Shane hurried Ryan.

The bus picked them up with a couple of other couples, families, and kids.

Looking around at the different groups of people on the bus, Where are we going Shane? Ryan asked curiously.

Youre gonna like it, I promise, now quit asking me? Shane wrapped her arm around Ryan.

Oh my gosh! Ryan said as she saw the sign reading- Spring Mountain Sunset Dinner and Trail Ride.

Oh Shane, you continue to amaze me. She smiled and hugged Shane tightly.

Shane explained, I took a chance, I thought you might like it. Looks like I was right. I told the guy about your broken wrist and made arrangements for you and I to ride on the same horse.

Oh Baby. I lo.thank you. Ryan caught herself before the love word came out of her mouth.

The tour guide helped Ryan on the horse then Shane got on after her.

Are you comfortable? Shane asked before they got going.

Yeahfeels good. Ryan said.

They got going on the trail ride and they started to talk.

Ive never ridden a horse before. Shane said.

I love horses. Taylor had horses growing up and we rode all the time. Ryan explained

Cool. So you and Taylor are really close? Huh? Shane asked.

Yeah..She is the sister I never had. She is my rock. Weve been through so much together. Ryan said, quietly thinking about some of those times.

It would be cool to have someone like that. I never really had anyone in my life like that. Shane admitted.

You havent told me much about your background. Ryan said.

Well save that for another time. Alright? Tonight is about you and me. Us. Shane said.

Ok. Ryan leaned back into Shane as they continued to ride.

They got off the horse when they reached the top of the mountain.

Oh.. Shane this is breathtaking! Ryan said as they looked down into night lights of the Valley and the Strip.

Shane moved behind Ryan and wrapped her in her arms. Not as breathtaking as you.

Ryan turned her face up to Shane and they shared a sweet, loving kiss.

The evening continued with a BBQ and steak dinner by the campfire. The bus met them to take them back to the hotel. They spent the rest of the night making love by candlelight.

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


Morning came and they were back to LA. Shane dropped Ryan off at her house to unpack and get settled back in. Shane went home to do the same and planned to call Ryan later on that evening.

Ryan checked the messages on her machine. Heyits me call me when you get home. Ill bring the dogs over and we can chat about your trip. Im anxious to hear about you and Shane. Ryan, we need to talksomething important.anyway.call me. bye.

Ryan hung up the phone. She started to call Taylor when she heard a faint knock on the door.

She opened it and completely lost her breath.

Are you happy Kirby? You dont look happy. Bailey said holding the red tulip.

But do I look good? Ryan barely could get out.

Always. Bailey said.

Lines they would always repeat from their favorite movie Less Than Zero.

Bailey called Ryan Kirby it was her middle name. Ryan called Bailey Ben because of her last name, Bennet.

Can I come in? Bailey asked.

Sure..I guess. Ryan could barely think much less breathe.

This is for you. Bailey gave Ryan the red tulip.
The red tulip was something Bailey had used when she first declared her love for Ryan. It was a symbol of their love and their belief in each other.

Thanks. Ryan she said putting it in the water.

Ben, what are you doing here? Ryan asked.

Im here for you, Kirby. I love you and I always have. I know you hate mebut Ill wait.Ill do whatever..I want you in my life. I need you Kirby, I want you back, as Bailey leaned in to try to kiss Ryan.

Disoriented,frustrated, angry, and out of breath, Stop Stopjust stop Damn it! You cant just ***** walk in here and do that. Its been six years. Six God Damn Years! Nothing from you! You left me Ben! You left me! Not one ***** word for six years. So damn it, dont tell me you love me and want me back!

With tears rolling down her cheeks, Ryan pulled Bailey in by her shirt, she stared at her lips like she was going to kiss her.

***** you Ben, ***** you! Ryan shook her and let go of her. Then she pointed to the door.

Get out. “Please.” Ryan asked.

Bailey tried to console her one more time and reached for her.

I love you Kirby. Deep down, I know you love me too. Im gonna fight for you. Bailey said.

Ryan pushed her away and didnt speak. She just cried and motioned for Bailey to get out.

Bailey too had tears strolling down her cheeks, I love you. She said softly, as she walked out the door.

As soon as the door shut. Ryan fell to her knees in pain.

Oh God! Ryan wept and wept, holding herself and rocking as she sat on the kitchen floor.

Taylor, worried, havent heard from Ryan yet, decided to go over to her house. The door was unlocked as she walked into the darkness.

She could hear Ryans sobs from the kitchen. Scared, Taylor ran into the kitchen and found Ryan wrapped up in a ball next to the fridge.

She was here, wasnt she? Taylor asked.

Ryan just shook het head “Yes” and fell into the arms of her best friend, her comfort.

Oh sweetie, Im sorry, Im so sorry. Taylor just held her and let her cry and cry, until the last tear drop was gone.


Because of you I never stray to far from the sidewalk
Because of you I learned to play on the safe side so I dont get hurt
Because of you I tried my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you I dont know how to let anyone else in
Because of you Im ashamed of my life because its empty
Because of you Im afraid

Because of you
Because of you

Lyrics Because of You by Kelly Clarkson