Brooke Scott looked at herself in the mirror while anxiously smoothing out her $20,000 royal blue and black dress and had to admit that she outdid herself. The bodice was intricate black vintage lace, enhancing her bust and displaying her fantastic cleavage to full advantage. The skirt was made of royal blue satin, the train of the dress continued the lace design while her entire back was left bare. She smiled; pleased with the way she looked in the dress, she had definitely made the right choice when she asked her dear friend to design something magnificent for her to wear to her brothers reception.
Her brother Nathan had finally married his fiancé Haley James after a six year engagement. The ceremony was exquisite and very emotional-she had to dab her eyes more than twenty times during the exchange of rings and vows. Just thinking about it made her eyes water.
After fixing her makeup again she checked over her appearance, her dark brown hair was pulled in an updo style of intricate twists and curls, designed to make anyone stop and take notice. Her makeup was simple—nude lips, the dark mascara made her lashes deceptively long with a bit of royal blue eyeshadow to match the theme of her dress. She turned this way and that way until she had to shake herself from the trance that she found herself in.
"Wow you look breathtaking!" Peyton Sawyer gaped as soon as Brooke walked out of her bedroom and into the foyer of her hotel suite. "Who designed such a wondrous gown?"
Brooke rolled her eyes playfully. "That would be me darling Peyton…" She said with a teasing smile.
Peyton walked to her then circled her and nodded, "You did huh?"
"Yes I did."
Peyton continued to circle her, taking in every detail of her look. "I should use you as one of my nude models—you look great! Like you're going on the red carpet or something."
Brooke blushed at the praise then hugged her, "Thank you so much Peyt for styling my hair and doing my make-up!"
Peyton shook her head then said gently, "Don't worry about it—its the least I can do. That's what best friends are for anyway. To save each others asses. I mean you saved my ass more than I'd like to admit."
"Don't make me cry—then we'll have to redo my makeup again!" She said, already getting misty eyed.
"God forbid you'll have to do that." A deep voice said as the door closes behind him.
Scowling Brooke turned towards the person that had thankfully interrupted the moment before a cry-fest broke out. "What hole did you crawl out of loser?!"
Laughing off the diss, Lucas Roe flopped onto the sofa and said, "Nice to see you too Pretty girl."
Rolling her eyes in exasperation, "Lucas how many times do I have to tell you not to call me by that name?!"
"Twenty-five million times and counting." He said sardonically, a cocky smirk on his face.
She smiled coldly, "Amazing in all that time you're still an asshole." Brooke shook her head then murmured, "It's also amazing how annoying you could be."
He chuckled, "So I've been told."
"Why are you going to the reception anyway? You hate black tie events." Brooke asked as she cocked her head to the side.
Lucas chuckled then stood to his feet, "That I do but its not everyday that your best friend of twenty some odd years gets married to his dream woman."
"I would've expected you to turn tail after the ceremony."
"So you decided to stick around and support Nathan?" Peyton asked after ignoring Brooke's snide remark and pouring herself a drink from the mini bar.
He looked at them as if they were nuts and said, "He's my best friend—of course I'm going to support him! Peyton that's like asking you why you would be there for Brooke if she ever needed you or vice versa."
Peyton eyed him then said, "You clean up pretty good."
Brooke gave her long time friend a look and scolded, "Peyt—"
Lucas smirked displaying his trademark grin then stood to his feet, his towering frame encased in a gorgeous dark black tuxedo with a pure white satin shirt and tie. His longish blonde hair brushed and slick back, making him look more refined instead of the rakish bad boy rocker look he normally sported.
"Thanks Peyton…that means a lot coming from you." Lucas said with a sexy wink.
Brooke looked at the fancy grandfather clock and gasped, "We gotta go. The party starts in less than twenty minutes."
"You riding with me?" Lucas asked, his dark brow arched in question.
"It literally took forever on this hair—so no I will not ride on your Harley Davidson—"
Lucas rolled his gorgeous blue eyes then stated, "Its a Suzuki GSXR…"
Brooke waved him off then said, "Whatever it's still a motorcycle. I can not get this gown or my hair ruined before the reception. It took too much work just to get me looking like this and you want me to ride on the back of your motorcycle? Thanks but no thanks."
"You have to live sometime Pretty girl—"
She whirled around on him so fast he had to blink twice. "Say it again and I'll hit you so hard you'll bite that stupid tongue of yours!"
Lucas put his hands up in surrender but was still laughing lightly, "Alright, alright chill!"
Brooke shook her head in exasperation then turned to her best friend and said, "Okay Peyt—are you sure you don't want to go?"
Peyt smiled then nodded. "I'm positive. But give your brother and his new wife my well wishes. Okay?"
"Okay will do. I'll call you later after the party alright?" She said as she walked everyone to the door.
Peyton shook her head, "I'll probably be out like a light, but call me in the morning."
"Alright then talk to you in the morning." Brooke said as she closed the double doors behind them and locked up. They then made their way towards the elevators. "What floor are you on again?" She asked as the doors opened for them to enter the enclosed space.
"I'm on the fourth floor."
"Peyt do you have a man?" Lucas asked with a flirty grin.
Peyton chuckled and said with a saucy smile, "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Rolling her eyes heavenwards Brooke pushed the button and down they went until they were on her floor. Peyton smiled at them then waved, "See you two later."
"Later Peyton…" Lucas said with the same flirty smile.
Peyton blushed then waved, "Later Luke."
The elevator doors closed before they could see if she made it into her luxury suite. Brooke turned to him then crossed her arms, "What's that about?"
He had the nerve to look at her as if clueless about what she was talking about. "What's what?"
Brooke leaned against the wall of the elevator and said, "You and Peyt flirting back and forth. You two got a thing going on?"
Lucas tossed her a smartass smirk and asked, "Why you jealous?"
She scoffed and rolled her eyes but nonetheless answered his question with silence.
Lucas laughed then sobered as he said, "Me and Peyton? No. It was just harmless flirting. I bet she doesn't even take me seriously."
"If you say so. I've known Peyt for years and the look she gave you spoke volumes." Brooke then paused and smiled, "You two would make a really cute couple you know…"
Lucas gave her a strange look then shook his head, "Nah she's not my type at all."
Brooke chuckled then quipped, "Oh… So successful, beautiful and intelligent women aren't your type—I get it."
"No, that's not what I was saying—Peyton's a beautiful and a very sweet woman but she likes guys that are well dressed, can go to black tie events without getting hives—someone not like me. And I like women who are spontaneous and can be laid back."
"Okay, maybe that's true." She said smiling a little.
The elevator stopped at the lobby and they walked out side by side.
"Have a good evening ma'am, sir." The handsome concierge said as they made their way to the door.
Once out of the hotel lobby Lucas turned toward Brooke. "Last chance… ride with me."
"How am I going—"
Lucas gave her a deadpanned look then said, "If you trust me you'll see everything will work out."
Brooke shook her head then huffed, "Fine but if I get a stain on this—"
"You won't I promise." He then told the valet what make and color of the car he drove here in and waited for the car to be brought around. "So how have you been Cheery?"
Her eyes widened in surprise at the new nickname. "I've been okay. Taking everything one step at a time since the whole Owen situation."
Ten months ago Brooke had been engaged to her high school sweetheart Owen Morello who had been the perfect man. He had treated her like a queen when they had decided to date each other—whereas he could have had other things on his mind like being captain of the football team, being king of their class… in all honesty they were completely opposite. Where he was popular she was an outcast, where he was handsome she was plain, where he was incredibly fit she was… a bit on the chubby side.
But then he took notice of her for some odd reason and asked to study with her. She agreed, thinking that she could help save his grades—which did need a lot of improvement at the time. He watched her as she explained every lesson that the teacher had had them go over for homework. Owen would always tell her how smart she was, saying she made learning easier for him. One day he had told her to come by his house for their project and it was there that he had feelings for her—feelings that went beyond student and tutor, beyond friendship…
At first Brooke hadn't known what to say but then he sweet talked her and carried her books while escorting her to her every class until two unbearable weeks later he finally got to her. From then on he became her first boyfriend, her first kiss and on prom night he became her first lover. Awkward as it was; it was just as wonderful and passionate. Owen made her feel alive and womanly, making her forget her clumsiness and even tried to ease the pain of their first joining by giving her pleasure before taking his own.
But that was then. Now however he had since gotten drafted and injured then settled for a scouting job at an agency where he quickly climbed the corporate ladder getting promotion after promotion, scouting talent every chance he got. Brooke knew while he was out on the road that he could possibly be cheating on her but never could prove it. Every time Owen came home she would greet him with a romantic dinner for two and a sexy negligée. But the last few months of their relationship he changed, he became rude and negligent until finally she had had enough and had gotten up the courage to confront him.
Owen insisted nothing had changed at first but then the more arguments they had-the more he revealed about his life on the road. The drinking, the partying, the loose women and the gambling was a hard pill to swallow. But Brooke forgave him. Owen completely changed after the last trip to Vegas. He had been drinking heavily and began saying she was so gullible to believe that he would change and that he could leave right then and she would still take him back like a spineless sap.
The pathetic thing about it was: he was right. She loved him so much that she would've crawled over broken glass to be with him. She guessed it was because she still pictured him as the sweet jock that had swept her off her feet instead of the lying callous man-whore he became.
"Hello?!" Lucas snapped, drawing her from her depressing thoughts. "Earth to Brooke!"
She blinked rapidly, "What is it?"
Lucas shook his head then asked her, "Are you coming with me or not?!"
Brooke not thinking of the present muttered, "Uh f-fine…"
Lucas smirked in triumph then opened the door to his red and black 2015 Genesis. "Thought you would ride on my Suzuki GSXR huh?"
Shaking her head she smiled, "Well it is the only thing I seen you drive."
"You ride a motorcycle—you drive a car." He pointed out, a know-it-all grin on his face.
Brooke looked over at him as he pulled off from the hotel then said, "Ha-ha…"
"So where'd you go to back there?" He asked as he typed in directions on the GPS towards their destination then began driving through the streets.
Brooke sighed, not really wanting to relive those moments again. "Owen…"
"Owen—do I know a Owen?" He then gasped sarcastically, "Oh! You mean the asshole that cheated on you and broke your heart right?"
"That would be him."
Lucas scowled then sourly asked, "Why on earth would you be thinking about him?"
"He's going to be there tonight."
Lucas went back to focusing on the road ahead and asked, "Who is?"
Brooke signed then stated, "Owen."
"What do you mean he's going to be there—"
She sighed, refusing to gnaw on her lip like she wanted to. She refused to give Owen the satisfaction of seeing her anywhere near unkempt. "He's friends with Nathan's new wife, Haley. She didn't know about our history so she invited him and his new arm candy to the wedding."
Lucas whistled lowly then asked, "And you're going stag? Dressed like that?"
Brooke felt nervous as she looked down, trying to spot any imperfections. "Dressed like what? What's wrong with my dress?"
"Nothing… you look incredible but you should at least have a date…"
Brooke frowned, "Well I didn't know I would still be single—and besides its too short notice to get anyone now."
He shrugged, "I'll be your date."
Brooke chuckled and shook her head, "You? We could barely stand each other—no one would believe that we go together except as a pity date."
Lucas shook his head then said, "Screw what everyone thinks. I want you to have a good time. As best man its my job to make sure everyone is having a good time. Especially the grooms little sister."
Brooke looked at him then smiled and murmured, "Thanks Lucas…"
"No problem Pretty girl…"
"Lucas Roe—" she said in a warning tone.
Lucas shut off the car and simply stated, "We're here…"
"Already?" She asked already unbuckling her seat belt. They had gotten there pretty quickly. They still had ten minutes to spare.
"Yeah already…so its now or never—do you want me as your date for this evening or do you want to be by your lonesome in a corner somewhere?" He asked as he opened the door for her to step out.
Hazel green clashed with dark blue as she softly said, "I'll be fine Lucas…"
He nodded then straightened his tux, "Ok…once we're in there you're on your own."
Brooke forced a smile then said, "How nice of you to point that out."
Lucas held up his hands then replied, "Hey I offered you an out. Don't blame me if you didn't want to take me up on it."
"Ugh let's just get this night over with…" She said as she ascended the stairs leading to the banquet hall.
"Fine by me…" He responded, following her, taking two steps at a time.
Once inside everyone that they knew were in attendance, friends made over the years as well as family. Some they hadn't seen in a really long time. Brooke greeted everyone with a gracious smile, inwardly praying she didn't see Owen Morello. She caught up with her old neighbors, some she hadn't spoken to in years. But luck was not on her side tonight.
"Oh God…" she rasped as she spotted Owen walking down the stairs with his arm candy. All of a sudden her dress felt too tight, the music seemed too loud, there was not enough air and all she wanted to do was bolt from the room.
"Don't let him get to you." Lucas whispered into her ear as he came up from behind.
Brooke steeled herself as best as she could and hissed, "I can't help it!"
"Then dance with me…"
Her brows furrowed in confusion, "What?"
Lucas sighed in silent frustration, giving her no choice in the matter and took her into his arms and began dancing to the music, his mouth near her ear. "You're welcome."
Brooke gave him a killing look, "I was fine—"
Lucas scoffed and answered, "No you weren't—you were like a deer stuck in headlights and had I not interfered Owen would have been gunning for you. So a thank you would suffice."
Brooke eyed him then admitted defeat and said, "Thank you."
Lucas nodded his acknowledgement of her thanks then expertly led her away from the crowd, waltzing her toward the tables. Once in the dining area he released her. "I told you it would've been better had I been your date."
"Okay fine you're my date. Now what?" Brooke said as they came to a stop.
He smirked in triumph, "Now you're my arm candy. You see there's this woman here who is literally crazy about me and I can't shake her—"
Brooke's eyes widened in realization, "Oh so that's why you offered to be my date! You were only thinking about yourself and your interests—not mine." She then chuckled sardonically, "Classic Lucas."
Lucas rolled his eyes then admitted, "Okay you got me…but don't pretend you're not getting anything out of this arrangement. We're both being bodyguards so don't complain."
Brooke gave him a fake smile then said, "Fine…not another word."
"There you two are!" Nathan Johansen exclaimed as he walked toward them. "We've been looking everywhere for you!"
"Hey Nathan!" Brooke said as he hugged her.
He released her then gave a low whistle, "Wow you look fantastic sis. You're the second prettiest girl here!"
She blushed at the praise, "Of course I can't outshine the bride. But thank you… you look pretty good yourself bro."
Nathan then paused and asked in shock, "You came here together?"
"Uh yeah—" Lucas said but was interrupted by her immediate response.
"No—"
Nathan looked between the two and asked, "Which is it?"
Brooke pinched the bridge of her nose and explained, "We came here together but we're not together."
"That's unfortunate." Came the voice she had been dreading all night. "I figured by now you would've found someone in my absence."
Brooke stiffened like an ironing board then turned to face him, "Owen Morello. Well unlike you I don't move on so easily."
He smirked at her in a way that used to drive her crazy then taunted, "Still pining over me are you?"
Brooke rolled her eyes then snapped, "Get over yourself! And besides didn't I tell you I never wanted to see your face again?"
"Aw come on doll face don't be bitter—we can still be friends—"
She notched her chin up, "No…actually we can't. And you know why we can't."
Owen tapped his chin thoughtfully then said, "If memory serves me right—you left me remember?"
Her eyes widened then narrowed menacingly, "You made me leave you."
Nathan's own eyes narrowed as he said, "Look Morello when Haley and I invited you here I specifically told you to stay away from my sister—"
Owen smirked then replied, "Nothing wrong with saying hello—"
"Nothing wrong with saying goodbye either." Lucas cleared his throat and commented, "We should be getting back to the reception…"
"Go ahead and find our table will you darlin'?" Owen said as he turned to the woman next to him.
His date; who was tall, slender, curvy of the plastic variety and blonde, answered him. "Alright… will you be alright here?" She asked, eyeing her like she wanted to do something.
Seeing this Owen chuckled and answered, "Yeah I'll be alright." He grinned while watching her walk away. He then nodded his head in his date's direction. "She's a peach ain't she?"
Brooke rolled her eyes then asked, "Where'd you find her? In a cardboard box labeled blow up doll?"
Owen laughed then nodded, "That was actually pretty funny—I missed your catty humor Brooke."
Brooke crossed her arms over her chest defensively. "Well I don't miss you—"
"Oh c'mon I know you miss me—especially real late at night…" he purred, not caring that her brother and her brother's best friend were standing next to her.
Brooke started turning red with embarrassment and anger, "Owen…you have 2.3 seconds to get away from me…"
Lucas sighed agitatedly then stated firmly, "Ok she's had enough—why don't you go find your date Owen."
Owen scoffed, looking Lucas from top to bottom as if sizing him. "And what will you do if I don't?"
Lucas smirked dangerously, stepping closer to Owen with challenge in his eyes. "You're really barking up the wrong tree pal—"
Groaning at their antics Brooke stepped between the would be dueling men and snapped, "Alright if you two are done sizing up each others dicks—we have a reception to get back to. Owen go find your blow up doll—Lucas you come with me! And Nathan I'll talk to you and Haley later."
Not waiting for an argument Brooke grabbed Lucas's hand and dragged him to a nearby corner then pushed his chest hard and demanded heatedly, "What the hell was that Lucas?!"
"He was getting on my nerves I can only imagine what he was doing to yours."
"I was handling it—"
Lucas rolled his eyes then shouted, "You weren't handling anything but his massive ego! Which you were stroking by that blow up doll comment by the way."
"I was not!"
"Yes—you were!"
Sighing exasperatedly Brooke eyed Lucas and warily asked, "What are you talking about?"
"You let him see that you were jealous! And when you do that defensive posture-thing—yeah that—" he said gesturing to her stiffened body with her arms crossed, "You let him see just how much of a hold he has on you and at the same time let him know he can get to you!"
Brooke exhaled then replied sharply, "Since when were you the expert on body language?! Or a therapist?!"
He cocked his eyebrow at her, "Since I watched you play right into his hands—"
Brooke exhaled sharply while pinching the bridge of her nose then muttered, "I need a drink. A strong one."
"You and me both…" He muttered, eyeing the bar like an oasis.
Brooke eyed the bar too only to find Owen leaning by it waving with a cocky smug look on his face. "God its going to be a long night…"
"You're just realizing that? I thought you figured that out when you found out Wart was going to be here."
She scowled then reminded him, "His name is not Douchebag—"
Lucas looked at her as if she grew another head, "Are you kidding me?! You still love him—"
"How do you figure that?!" She exclaimed, unable to comprehend how he came up with that idea.
Lucas wanted to shake her but instead said, "You're still defending him! After all he's done to you—you can't take someone picking on him—"
"I absolutely do not love Owen Morello! He's an asshole who deserves to be swallowed up by the earth! But even if I feel that way I still don't like it when someone picks on him—even if he more than deserves it!" She shouted, and at that precise moment the music and chatter grew quiet.
Her eyes widened at the realization that the entire room had heard their conversation. She blushed a deep crimson then ran from the room, grabbing a glass of champagne on the way out. Once alone she downed it in one quick gulp, the pleasant bubbles going down smoothly.
"Need something stronger?" Lucas asked, strolling up to her with a concerned look on his face.
Brooke who always remained poised and collected wanted to sob. "I cannot believe that just happened. I just embarrassed myself in a room full of our family and friends—of course I need something stronger!"
Lucas took her in his arms and held her tight. "Hey it happens to the best of us—"
"Does it? Did something remotely close to that debacle happen to you?"
He paused, going over every event that happened in his life and came up with nothing that fit the situation. "Ok nothing comes to mind—but you're not the only one that has to put a foot in their mouth. I have to all the time."
"How can I go back in there? I sounded like—"
"A bitter ex with an ax to grind?" He shrugged carelessly, "Maybe." He then placed his finger under her chin and made her look him in the eye. "But you do have to go in there to show support to the two people who need it the most tonight. Your brother and Haley. It's their moment—don't let Douchebag ruin it for you and them."
Brooke sighed then smirked, "Since when did you become a peacemaker?"
He popped his collar and said cockily, "I'm the best man remember—comes with the job." He said as he nudged her chin a little. He then released her altogether and asked, "Ready to face that God awful music?"
"I'm going to be drinking most of the night—" she warned as she took his proffered arm.
Lucas gave her an indulgent smile. "Oh, I wouldn't expect anything less."
"By the way did you ever run into that mystery woman?" Brooke asked as they walked back to the ballroom.
"The one you're hiding from?" She clarified at his blank expression.
Realization dawned on his face as he thought of the person she was referring to. "Oh Vanessa—uh…I found out she's not even here after all."
"A no show huh…well since I thoroughly embarrassed myself and you no longer need me I will go on my drinking binge alone—"
Lucas shook his head and told her, "None doing—I'll watch over you."
Brooke glared at him then snapped, "I don't need a babysitter Lucas!"
His brow lifted as his eyes raked over, "Clearly you do—"
"So it seems you're not quite as over me like you pretend Brooke—" Owen said as he strolled towards them in the arms of his silicone date.
Brooke sent Owen a withering look then said sourly, "I am really not in the mood for this Morello—"
"Oh it's Morello now? I had no idea we were being so formal—"
She began counting down from 100 in her head as she stated as calmly as possible, "I am warning you Owen—get away from me before I do something I might regret."
Owen scoffed, "Baby you already did that with that little speech—"
"Alright you asked for it!" Brooke then up her fist and punched him right in his right eye with her full strength, knocking him into a table. Once the red haze faded away and she realized what she had done she left the couple and ran for the bar. There she ordered four shots of patron and gulped down each one fast. Then ordered four more…
"I guess he had it coming huh." Lucas said with a smirk on his face before turning away to catch up to one of the bridesmaids.
"Okay now for the last speech for the night—please welcome the best man Lucas Roe!" Said another one of Haley's bridesmaids once they made it back to the front with the rest of the wedding party.
Lucas closed his eyes, "Shit I was supposed to go last!"
"You are last…the night is almost over!" hissed one of the guests that overheard him.
He grinned forcefully at the woman and gritted out, "Thanks for that information Tanya!"
Lucas then made his way to the platform and rudely grabbed the microphone from the maid of honor with a wary smile. He clumsily adjusted the mic laughing as he did so, "Damn thing won't stick—" he murmured, making the crowd laugh. Once it was adjusted properly he smiled and warned, "I'm not very good at speeches—unlike Brooke—"
The crowd laughed again while she scowled at the shot at her. "All joking aside…I've known Nathan Scott for nearly twenty six years… since we were in pull-ups pissing on ourselves. Shut up you guys did it too…" The crowd laughed again, "Seriously in all that time we've had our ups and downs…from the time we stole Mr. Scott's truck to buy pizza's when we were eleven years old—we nearly drove off the road trying by the way—even though we could've killed ourselves that was the most fun I ever had at that time. To when we actually fought over this one girl…who is beyond the shadow of a doubt the most amazing person you could ever have the privilege to know… I think she's here tonight—Haley are you here—duh of course you're here you're the bride! But where are you—oh there you are!" He said as she laughed and waved.
"I bet you never knew we fought over you—" he said looking directly at the bride.
Haley shook her head and shouted, "I had no idea!"
"Well we did. You see I liked you first—"
"No I liked her first douche bag—" Nathan shouted good naturedly.
Lucas laughed and pointed at Nathan, "See how it started ladies and gentlemen? Even now… But anyway I'm telling the story. So this really cute girl passes us by carrying a shitload of books—so Nathan and I instantly wanted to help. We each grabbed a couple books and escorted her to her sorority house. But in that time we got to hear her soft voice and honestly it did something to me. Once we got back to our dorm however he decided after I told him about my crush on her that he liked her too. So we had a huge fight where we didn't speak to each other for weeks. If you know our friendship that's forever to us—then I get the bright/dumb idea to flip a quarter—"
Nathan covered his face with his hands and said good-naturedly, "You're right you don't give good speeches!"
"So he chose heads while I was stuck with tails…and the rest is history. Sure I was jealous at first but when I saw him literally light up when talking about anything involving you I knew that fate had got it right and put you in each others lives. I have honestly never seen him so happy in all the time I knew him—nothing or no one had ever came close to making him excited or mixed up or driven or passionate—only you Haley did this to him. Because everyone in this room knows him as steady Nathan, practical and mediocre. But you put life into him…you made him come alive and for that I personally thank you. You two are soulmates. You make each other better, to strive harder and I want that for myself… eventually. And so…everyone lift your glasses please…"
Everyone lifted their now filled glass, "To Nathan and Haley… May your marriage last for a lifetime and may your lives ever be enriched with each other's presence."
"To Nathan and Haley!" The crowd cheered and sipped their drinks while Brooke downed hers.
Nathan stood to his feet and hugged Lucas in a bear hug and said, "Thank you."
"Anytime man." He said meaningfully as he patted his shoulder. He then stepped back and asked, "Are my duties for tonight over? Because that bar is calling my name."
Nathan rolled his eyes and then said, "Eat drink and have as much fun as legally possible are your only requirements now."
Lucas grinned then saluted him mockingly, "Yes sir…"
Lucas then searched the room for Brooke and spotted her by the bar, still cradling a glass looking less than sober. He made his way over to her and settled into the seat beside her, "How're you holding up?"
"Mmm dunno…" She said as she took another gulp of her long island iced tea.
"Well I'm cleared so now I can get as shitfaced as I want." He said after ordering himself a whiskey neat.
Brooke gave him a glassy eyed look, "Great… I'm buzzed but not exactly shitfaced yet."
Lucas looked at her with a shocked expression then shook himself out of it mentally. "Do you really want to get that drunk Cheery?"
Brooke met his eyes dead on and answered, "Hell yes."
Lucas smirked, "Let's see if the little lady can keep up…"
The next morning at 10:30 A.M
Brooke struggled to wake up from the most comforting sleep she ever had, feeling so warm and snuggly, wanting to only sink further into unconsciousness. She rolled over trying to ignore the abnormally bright sunlight in the room. Her brows furrowed, her eyes still closed thinking about exactly when she was supposed to check out. It couldn't be noon yet right? Sighing again while trying to mentally calm herself but was unable to once she heard the alarm clock signal for her to get up. She mumbled groggily as she stretched her arms forth and was shocked to feel a warm solid mass next to her.
Her eyes popped open as she continued touching said mass. She snatched her hands away once she realized what she was doing and sat up then groaned as pain hit her from all sides in her head. She stumbled her way to the bathroom and emptied the contents of her stomach in the toilet. She made her way out of the bathroom to sit down on a nearby sofa.
God she felt like death warmed over! She bent her head down in her hands trying to recover as well as try to think of what happened last night. Then she realized she was stark naked. Where the hell are my clothes?! Brooke thought frantically, biting on her lip.
She wanted to cry looking back at the solid warm mass. She sincerely hoped that she hadn't brought some stranger back to the hotel with her. Brooke never had one-night-stands or a walk of shame a day in her life and she prayed that she hadn't broken that lovely tradition last night.
The last thing she actually remembered was talking to Owen, Nathan and Lucas at the reception. What if I met a guy at the bar and he spiked my drink—she shook her head to dislodge those negative thoughts. Who's to say she actually slept with that solid warm body?
That thought was extinguished as soon as she saw the ripped panties by the bed as well as a condom wrapper. "Oh God! I really took a strange man to my bed! This can't be happening!" She whimpered pathetically, tears leaking from her eyes. "I have to remember…what the hell did I do last night?! Think Brooke think!"
Brooke began hitting her head, racking her brain trying to find some faceless man in her memory but came up with nothing. She cursed vividly, wanting to scream so loud but didn't want to wake whoever that was up, not wanting to face the music just yet. She then got up from the couch once spotting a terry cloth robe on the chaise lounge. She hurriedly put it on, tying it tight. Should I wake him? Brooke didn't know the proper protocol of the morning after a drunken one night stand. She felt a bit better now that she had an article of clothing on-granted it wasn't much but it covered everything that needed to be covered.
Then the choice was taken from her when she heard the stranger groan lowly while regaining consciousness. Her heart ceased beating while she held her breath, waiting for the stranger to remove the sheet from his face so she could see what her mistake looked like. It seemed like forever until finally he was revealed…
Her eyes damn near popped out of her head in shock. Brooke couldn't believe it—Oh my God someone has to be playing some cruel sick prank on me! She thought feverishly. "Lucas!"
Lucas squinted his eyes against the sunlight then rasped, "Pretty girl? What are you doing here in my room?"
"I was hoping you could tell me!" She exclaimed then paused, placing a hand over her mouth as she came to a sick realization. "Oh God! Tell me we didn't—"
Lucas rubbed his eyes, trying to clear his vision. "Didn't what?"
"You mean you don't remember?" she half-whispered, eyeing him warily.
Raking a hand through his longish blonde hair he rasped, "Uh…no not really…"
"Shit! Oh shit…" She gasped as she spotted his golden mostly naked body. Rippling pectorals, wash board abs, and strong muscular thighs. His groin was covered by the damn sheet—wait what? I must be really losing it, she thought feverishly. "Ok…ok can you tell me what you do remember?"
He blew out a steadying breath then answered, "Ok…the last thing I remember was talking with you and Douchebag—you punched the fuck out of him and then walked off. I would've joined you sooner but I had to make that damn speech. After I finished with that I met up with you at the bar and everything else is a blur…why you ask?"
"So no memory about how we came to be like this?" She asked, slightly panicking.
He gritted his teeth when he shook his head, "No. Not a damn clue."
"Aw shit…this is bad… really, really bad!" She shouted, instantly regretting it when pain hit her temples full force.
"Can you please keep it down?! Fuck!" Lucas rasped, also feeling the result of her outburst. Then his sluggish brain finally clicked on what she was getting at. "Wait a minute… you think we slept together?!"
Brooke licked her dried up lips and nodded, standing defensively. "Ding-ding-ding! Yes, it's a distinct possibility."
Lucas laughed outright and was shaking with it. "That's the funniest thing I ever heard you say!" He chuckled, wincing as he did so.
Brooke wanted to pull her hair out as she gritted, "Lucas this is no laughing matter. I am one hundred percent serious."
"No—who's to say that we actually had sex?" He demanded, tying the sheet around his hips, unknowingly outlining his large assets. Her eyes widened before looking hastily away from him and it. "Were you naked when you woke up this morning?" He asked, looking at her in a new light.
Brooke blushed fiercely but looked at him regardless and answered, "As the day I was born. And not to mention this morning I found my panties ripped!" She said, pointing in the direction of the ruined lace boy shorts.
"If we had sex believe me you'd remember it."
Brooke liked the timbre of his voice when he said those unintentionally erotic words. Shaking herself out of her momentary trance she snapped, "Be serious for once in your life Lucas!"
Lucas scrubbed his hands over his face then grudgingly admitted, "Okay…there is a distinct possibility that we…" He trailed off, shuddering at the implication.
She tried not to take offense at his shuddering response. "Had sex?" She supplied.
He nodded, "Yeah that…" Lucas then flopped down on the bed and groaned, "Oh man…this is bad…Nathan's going to kill me—"
Brooke hated how every guy that had taken interest in her backed off once they found out about Nathan. Sure her big brother was built like a professional athlete but so was Lucas… "Last time I checked I was an adult… Completely capable of making my own decisions."
His ocean blue eyes looked at her then stated, "You're still his baby sister Pretty girl!"
She growled then stood in his face and demanded, "Stop fucking calling me that! My name is Brooke so drop the fucking ridiculous nickname! Alright?!"
"Alright Brooke!" He sneered, wanting so desperately to go back to oblivion—where everything made sense and he never knew of this extremely awkward and complicated situation. "Better?"
Brooke nodded, "So what the fuck do we do now?" She asked, also wanting to forget their current situation.
His eyes snapped to hers. "We speak of this to no one! Alright?!"
She scoffed and replied, "Obviously."
Even though Brooke knew that last night had obviously been some kind of fluke—she still couldn't help but admire Lucas's physique; his ocean blue eyes and sexy mouth… the way that sheet wrapped around his lean hips… She shook her head rapidly, again regretting the action as soon as the throbbing increased in her head. His hair was out of place and he had hickeys on his masculine shoulders. God he was sexy…
"What are you looking at?" Lucas asked, his brows furrowed as he looked over himself.
Brooke averted her eyes and quickly said, "Nothing…"
"Am I in your suite or mine?" He asked, looking around for his clothes. Spotting the torn underwear made him blush slightly.
Brooke flushed then replied, "Mine… I made a mess in the bathroom with my makeup in the sink before we left for the reception. After I puked my guts out I noticed the mess."
"What time do you check out?" He asked after stumbling over the trash bin.
"Uh…about 3:30 but I wanted to be packed up by noon."
"Unbelievable." Lucas said while shaking his head. "You've always been like that—"
Brooke looked at him then asked sourly, "Like what Lucas? What am I?!"
"An early bird. You've never been spontaneous—you always plan things to the exact minute. Admit it—"
Brooke's cheeks reddened. "I never planned on sleeping with you ever—"
Lucas frowned and thought about his hasty comment then conceded saying, "Okay you didn't plan this but everything else you planned to the tee. Admit it!"
She closed her eyes and held up her hands, "Rewind and freeze—how the hell did we get on this? We should be talking about how to get out of this really warped situation that we find ourselves locked in!"
"Again we speak of this to no one—and we pretend that this never happened—simple!"
Brooke rolled her eyes then replied, "We can't just pretend that this—us—didn't happen Lucas! It's like the huge elephant in the room! I know that whenever I see you I'll be thinking of this moment!"
Lucas conceded the point then said, "Ok good point. So what do you suggest?"
Brooke bit her lip, she hadn't exactly thought that far. "I don't know."
Rolling his eyes exasperatedly he sat down on the bed again. "Alright here's what we do… We don't ignore what happened here but it stays between us. We'll figure out the rest as it comes. Deal?" He asked while holding out his hand for her to shake on it.
She bit her lip then nodded. "That's fair…alright you got yourself a deal…" She said, taking his hand in a firm no-nonsense hand shake.
Lucas grinned and tried to ignore the attraction brewing between them as he shook her soft hand. "Alright…ahem…I don't know about you but I could use a little bit of breakfast. So I'll go ahead and order room service and once we have our belly's full I'll get out your hair. Sounds good?"
"Sounds perfect! I'll go brush my teeth."
Lucas picked up the phone and said, "I didn't want to say anything but whew—"
"Don't make me commit a murder in this lovely hotel suite!" She said sweetly with a sardonic smile on her face.
He laughed as she disappeared into the bathroom then dialed up room service.
Brooke stripped out of the terry cloth robe and turned on the shower making sure the temperature was steaming hot. She bit her lip and stepped under the showerhead and hissed slightly at the steam on her skin but was glad for it, wanting to scrub the filth that was Lucas Roe.
She closed her eyes and saw flashes of them together… Lucas literally ripping the gown off of her body while kissing her so intensely, his mouth then traveled to her liberated breast suckling it in just the right way while tearing the fabric of her sexy lace boy shorts while his fingers thrust inside her weeping center…
Brooke cried out loudly as her orgasm came suddenly, her fingers thrusting inside her pussy, completely unaware of what she was doing. Once it was over she was overwhelmed with confusion. What the hell just happened? She thought completely baffled by what just transpired while raking a hand through her wet hair.
When she finished showering she walked into the room to find that Lucas had since eaten and left her suite. Brooke saw that he ordered a lot of her favorites for breakfast. French toast, blueberry pancakes, cheese eggs, bacon and sausage. She smiled gently and shook her head sitting down to the table.
After eating that lusciously delicious breakfast Brooke went to the phone and was about to call her best friend but remembered that she could tell no one about what had happened last night nor this morning. Putting the phone back in its cradle she went to the bedroom and began packing her belongings.
Her eyes widened at the sight of the now ruined gown. He really did rip my gown! She thought as she examined the damage, the tears running down the side of the dress. She bit her lip as arousal seeped into her body at the undeniable evidence of the drunken sex they shared. The undoubtedly hot drunken sex…
"Forget about it Brooke! Just forget about it!" She scolded herself as she folded the ruined fabric into the suitcase. "Lucas was a mistake that you thankfully don't remember."
Brooke winced at the half lie, knowing she remembered bits and pieces. God, she wished she couldn't but it is what it is. Her phone rang jarring her out of her thoughts.
She rushed across the room and answers with an out of breath, "Hello?"
"Well I assume that you had a great time at the reception. Considering that I am calling you instead of the other way around." Peyton teases with a light chuckle.
Brooke blushed at the reference to last night, still in disbelief about everything. "Oh… hey… Peyt." She said slowly, still trying to get her bearings.
"So how was it?"
Brooke's eyes widened, taking it as how was the sex— "How was what?" She snapped.
"Hello? Last nights bash?! How was it?"
"You should've been there." She teased, continuing her work.
Brooke could practically see Peyton's eyes rolling. "Sooo…"
"It was eventful. I ran into Owen the ass and made an embarrassing speech about not loving him and then I got sloppy drunk and that's it. Happy?"
"Mm-hmm… There's more to the story but I know you're hungover so I will let you off with a pass and get back to sleep."
Brooke sighed, beyond relieved that she wasn't going to push for more information. "Okay…I'll talk to you when we get back home."
"Okay…later."
"Later…" She said hesitantly, not wanting that to be it but knew she couldn't tell her about the situation with Lucas. Without another word she placed the phone in the cradle and went back to packing.
An hour later the bellhop came and assisted her with her luggage. He went ahead to the main floor while she made sure that she wasn't missing anything. Once satisfied Brooke walked into the elevator only to find Lucas Roe there.
Brooke glanced his way furtively. It was already awkward as it was but now that they had this secret between them it was a million times worse. Lucas pretended she wasn't even there which wasn't like him at all.
"You don't have to pretend you don't know me…" Brooke said, more than a little offended.
"It's the best that I could do…believe me." He said, keeping his eye on the floor indicator.
"Why? Why won't you even look at me?" She demanded heatedly.
"I heard you this morning while I was eating breakfast…" He answered, a blush staining his perfect cheeks.
Her eyes widened, he couldn't have meant…
"Considering last night I'm surprised that you had need to do that."
Oh God… she thought thoroughly embarrassed, unable to believe that he had heard her masturbating. Thank God she hadn't moaned his name. Then he would know exactly how she now felt about him…
Brooke had been so preoccupied with her thoughts that she had missed when they reached the main floor. Lucas got off the elevator without her and was already to the valet, having turned in his key to the front desk. Brooke tried to catch up with him but he was gone.
