The chatter in the car holds my attention for about five seconds before I go off into my own little world. It's Saturday and I'm sitting in the car with my best friends as we head to get lunch but my mind isn't at all focused on them. It's focused on the day before. The run in with Lucas and the fact I haven't heard from him since yesterday when he dropped me off at school but it doesn't change I want to.
It's kinda annoying.
"God I'm hungry," Rachel parks the car and kills the ignition beside Nathan's car. "I hope this place is good."
"Nathan said it was," Haley comments, and I can't help but stare at my friend. Since Nathan's little freak out yesterday she has been different. I don't know what happened when she chased after him but it was something that made her be completely on edge around him; even though she was to nice to just avoid the guy even if she was feeling uncomfortable.
"Yeah and I've been here a few times with him," Peyton said climbing from the front seat of the car. "And it's pretty good."
"Yeah," Haley awkwardly climbed from the backseat; I know hating the reminder of Peyton and Nathan's past relationship. It didn't last that long. It was one of those on and off, on and off on and well now permanently off. It was bitter for awhile but has slowly become ok. However it doesn't help everyone knows Nathan has a thing for Haley and Haley and Peyton are great friends and Haley avoids him and any possible relationship which makes him annoyed. So things can get awkward sometimes.
"Nate!" I call jogging up beside the brunette as he tries to get inside café before us. "Hey…" I place my hand on his arm and he flinches turning to look at me.
"Oh," he glances over my shoulder at the girls, or Haley, not sure which one, before looking back down at me. "Sorry I didn't hear you, what's up?"
"Are you ok?" I ask him and I always being pretty close. "We didn't get to talk yesterday and you seemed…bothered…"
"I'm fine Brookie," he ruffles my hair, completely dismissing the day before.
"Well are you and a certain bestie of mine ok?"
"Who Peyton?" he plays stupid and my eyes narrow.
"What about me?" Peyton shows up beside us, her blonde mess of curls blowing in the wind.
"Nothing, but go find us a seat we will be there in just a minute," I tell her, the girls giving me a questionable look before disappearing into the small building. "Nathan…"
"What Brooke?"
"What's up with you and Hales?" I cross my arms and see his body tense just a moment before relaxing.
"Nothing Brooke," he shrugs like its nothing. "We are friends, I know you think it's more but it's not. Friends we are just friends."
"Think one said friends a little too much in the statement," I throw back and his blue eyes roll, suddenly noticing they are very much like Lucas's.
"Brooke," his hands plant on my shoulders. "Haley is my friend, we both know she really isn't my type, she's a sweet girl but not for me. Now come on," he gives my shoulders a squeeze. "I'm hungry," he yanks the door open us both knowing he just completely lied to my face.
"Whatever," I shake my head, following behind him inside and heading over to the table the girls are at, Peyton and Rachel on one side of the table and Haley sitting on the other.
"Everything ok?" Rachel asks and I nod sliding down beside Haley, looking over to see Nathan at the counter talking to some older woman with dark hair.
"I need to go to the bathroom," I lie, standing up and walking over to the hallway that has a sign showing a bathroom, pausing so I can see Nathan and hear what he is saying.
"Please Karen," his tone soft and caring, a tone I normally don't hear from him.
"Nathan I don't want it," the older woman shakes her head as she wipes off a counter. "I'm doing just fine and don't need it."
"He just wants to help," Nathan frowns, walking behind the counter. "He said it's good."
"Nothing is good he does Nathan," her tone cold, yet at the same time filled with so much pain and concern. "He just…he isn't my son anymore, I don't…I don't know who he is."
Son?
Is this Lucas's mom? They don't really resemble but I don't think Nathan has anymore sibling but hell I didn't know about Lucas. But this isn't Nathan's mom, his mom is off- somewhere- and this is definitely not her.
"Karen…" he takes her hand in his and flips it up, suddenly Nathan handing her a large familiar looking pile of cash. "He wants you safe," he closes her hand on the money. "He just likes knowing you aren't struggling. So please?"
"This is the last time," she looks up at him, her eyes filling with some tears. "Tell him I don't want this again."
"Ok," Nathan nods, kissing the side of her head before giving and apology and walking back over to the girls. I'm so confused; I'm not even going to try to process all of this. Instead I just head back over to table and again listen to the conversation that doesn't at all hold my attention.
"Do you want help?" I offer swinging my feet from the stool I'm on. However just get a look that says;
No.
"I'm good with sewing," I inform him but again get a look;
Good for you.
"I want to go into fashion," I tell him but just get a grunt. Which is better than a look; least a grunt is some form of noise. I've never been one to read people well but I can read Lucas, I'm sure many people can read him since he only talks with looks. No you can't read him in the since of knowing what he wants or really feeling but his looks are very clear most the time, well least for me they are. "Did you go to college?"
"No," he throws down the jeans he was trying to fix, I guess giving up.
"Do you want me to finish them?" I call as he starts walking out of the room, his hand flipping up at me signaling him saying;
I don't care, do whatever.
"Ok," I grin sliding off the stool and walking to grab the jeans. I wonder why he just doesn't buy a new pair. With all the money I saw him pass to Nathan, then Karen, you would think he could afford a new pair of pants. These look as if someone put them in a shredder, rolled them in mud and then maybe even set them aflame. "Luke…" I skip out of the kitchen and over to him sitting on the couch flipping through the channels. "You know what I was thinking?"
"You'll probably tell me," he grunts and I just roll my eyes plopping down next to him on the couch.
"Why don't I just take these home?" I suggest him turning to look at me. "I can get them back to you by tomorrow I promise but I have a machine that will do a lot better than just needle and thread and it will last a lot longer, I promise," I say and he just studies me a moment before shrugging a whatever. "Awesome…" I move off the couch and over to my bag, rolling up the pants and putting them in. "I'm hungry," I spin around, blushing when I realize I caught him staring at my ass, him holding his gaze on me a moment before looking back at the screen as if it doesn't faze him. "Want to go get something to eat?"
"I don't care," he flips the TV off and stands up. "I need my pants," he holds out his hand and I take a glance back at the bag.
"You don't have any more pants?" I find that stupid, why would someone have one pair of pants. What if they are dirty?
"No, but I like those pants," he steps forward; completely stepping into my personal bubble and making me fidget.
"Lucas you wear those pants one more time and I promise they will not be able to be repaired," I inform him and his brows scrunch together and he grunts, shoving his hand at me. "Ok," I slap my hand into his; gripping it and watching his eyes dart down to them. "Come on, I'm sure you have more pants you like," I tug him towards his bedroom, him growling at me.
"I don't like people in my room."
"Well I'm not people, I'm a person," I push open the door to find it surprisingly clean. Yeah his bed is unmade and there are a few shirts and gym shorts scattered across my things seem put away for the most part. The room is a dark blue, his bed large with black shirts and mismatched pillowcases, he has a desk in the corner with a lamp and a computer on top, then on top of his dresser he has a very large TV screen with a CD player that doesn't look cheap beside it and all I still think is, why can't he buy more pants?
"You're annoying," he grumbles and I shake my head kinda use to his moody self. He is without a doubt the broodiest person I've ever met in my life. Always grumbling and growling at me. The first few times I hung out with him I thought it was because I annoyed him until last week when I hadn't talked to him a few days and called grumbling something about being bored and to come over. It wasn't the sweetest invite I've ever gotten but it made me notice that even if I do annoy him with all my talking and trying to fix things for him he kinda likes it. I think he's just grown use to it over the last couple weeks.
I never did ask him about what the money thing was with Nathan and Karen that happened two weeks ago, I've always wanted to but just haven't because I've learned not to question him. He doesn't like it and if you do he turns a little cold. I just prefer the grumbling, growling Lucas over the cold one.
"Ok," I open his closet door and just ignoring his comment, realizing he really doesn't have that many pairs of jeans or really clothes in general. "What about theses?" I grab just a dark pair from the hanger and spin to face him, seeing him over my his desk with a small box, my heart racing in my chest at the silver object inside, a handful of money, along with a little baggy I don't want to know about.
"What?" he turns to face me and I spin back around to the closet before he sees me staring.
"These pants," I slowly glance over my shoulder to see him angling himself in front of the box.
"Uhh…" he tosses a glance at me before slipping the box back inside his desk and locking it. "It's whatever."
"Ok," I stay facing the closet until I feel him move around the room and I know he is done with the box. "Here," I walk back over to him and hand them over; my jaw dropping slightly when he stands up and dropping his gym shorts right in front of me and pull on the jeans. "See they look nice," I swallow the feeling in me and he just shrugs. "So come on, let's go eat," I quickly move from his room suddenly wishing I never went inside.
Taking a shot on the pool table I glance up to see Lucas sipping his drink. He normally does that I've come to notice. He doesn't really play or anything just sits and drinks, let me do what I want and we leave. He does that a lot. I've realized something else about Lucas over the time I've spent with him.
He is always watching me.
No matter what I'm doing he watches me, my every move and it's a little unnerving. I've kinda grown accustom to it but its still weird. Every move I make his eyes just travel on me, he lets me do what I want but it happens. If I walk to the bathroom, they watch me, if I stand up playing pool watch me, I go get something to eat or drink, and again he watches me.
He also doesn't do anything with me. He will take me places, nine times out of ten pay for it but he won't participate. He lets me do my thing, talk to people, laugh, play games, joke around but he just sits there. I don't get it, I don't get him.
"Hey," someone slides behind me as I bend over table.
"Umm…" I glance up at the blonde boy behind me. "Hello," I offer a smile, standing up right and leaning on the stick.
"Cameron," he outstretches his hand and I slowly take it.
"Brooke," I tell him very aware of the eyes burning into us. Another thing I have yet to understand is what I am to Lucas. We don't touch, we don't kiss, if he flirts he keeps it to a minimum and I've found if he starts feeling uncomfortable with me around, as if I'm standing to close or my hand lingers on his arm or something to long he just walks out of the room. Normally he will grunt at me but then he leaves.
"Well Brooke would you like to play with someone?" he holds his hand out of the table where I've been playing by myself.
"Uh…" I toss a glance at Lucas whose brows are knitted together, lips in a straight line and eyes slanted into a glare watching us and I let out a small laugh shaking my head. "Sure," I tell him not really caring. Cameron is a cute guy, he is not Lucas but he isn't bad to look at. Plus the Tree Hill High boys are so annoying and the ones who aren't and are good eye candy are taken so what the hell, maybe he could be my Prince Charming.
"Ah…" I watch him go set up a new game, bending slightly over the table, giving me a moment to check out his backside. "Probably not," I mumble.
"Huh?" he glances over at me, corking up a brow.
"Oh nothing," I give an innocent smile and he nods going back to the set up. "So, ready to lose Pool Boy?" I add some chalk to the tip of my stick and he chuckles.
"Sure babe, let's see what you got," he side steps and I give a wink going to take my shot.
Halfway through my third game with Cameron I become very aware he isn't Prince Charming. First he sucks at pool which I found cute at first until I realized he would set up shots that would make me have to bend way to far over the table to take mine and all his friends would snicker and make comments behind me. Things from 'sweet ass' to 'nice rack' and then my favorite something involving how they wondered how easy it might be to slip me from my jeans and slipping in me. The more they drink the more inappropriate their comments have gotten.
Lucas has been pissed most the time I've played but he hasn't said anything. He is just sitting on the other side of the bar watching, always watching. And since I haven't sent out a help me and none of the guys look to be doing anything wrong he has let it be.
Well he had.
"Ok buddy," I take the hand that was suddenly placed on my ass and returning it back by his side. "None of that."
"What I was just trying to help you with your shot?" he offers an innocent smile and his friends again laugh.
"Yeah, and my ass thanks you but I think I've got it," I take turn back around and suddenly the hand returns to my lower back.
"Maybe it's your form," he leans down close to my face, the stench of alcohol pouring out of him.
"Ok, I think I'm done playing," I take a step back.
"But you promised Rick a game," he points over at the dark haired boy who smirks at me.
"Another time," I toss a glance over at Lucas, watching him down the rest of his drink and toss some money on the table. "I need to go," I take another step back and my back hits the leg of one of his friend's.
"You promised Rick a game," he repeats, his eyes glazing over looking into mine.
"And I'm breaking that promise, sorry but it happens," I look to see Lucas eating a few of his fries, wiping his hands on some napkin and stand up.
"Cam just leave her alone," Rick stands up and places his hand on his friend's shoulder, Cameron knocking it off, stumbling back a moment then regaining his balance.
"No, she promised to play and the slut is going to play," his teeth grind together and I swallow hard, his hand landing on my hip and gripping tight, yanking me towards him. "Unless she wants to go home and play another game," he smirks and my stomach drops.
"Lucas no!" I yell but before anyone has time to react Cameron is no longer in front of me but against the wall, Lucas's fist slamming into his face over and over again. "Lucas!" I scream when Cameron's friends go to pull him back, Cameron sliding the ground with blood trickling from his face. Justin, the bartender I've met a few times jumping between the group of guys and shoving Lucas back.
"Enough!" he yells all the guys freezing, Cameron's drunken ass still blinking and spitting blood from the ground, one of his friend's I didn't catch the name up, trying to help him up. "Hey!" he grabs onto Lucas's collar when he moves towards Cameron ones his is standing. "Stop it!" he orders and Lucas's eyes narrow on him. "Lucas you know I won't hesitate to kick your ass," he warns, Justin being a great deal larger then Lucas and I'm sure both being able to hold their own. "Take Brooke and leave, now," his voice calm but his tone clear, he isn't playing and he wants Lucas's ass out of there.
"Come on Lucas," I slip between the guys, placing my hands on his chest and feeling him shaking with anger. "Come on," I give him a light push towards the front door, his eyes blazing in the Cameron. Lucas watching them the whole time I push him toward out the door. Finally reaching the door and he spins around on his feet, storming towards his car. "Lucas…" I try to keep up with him, his fist tightening and releasing as he walks with his head down. "Luke…" I grab his arm, him spinning me around and slamming me into his car, letting out a yelp at the reaction i wasn't expecting.
Lucas's breath racing in and out of him as he stands close to me. So close that I feel his breath race over my face, his heart slamming into my chest and his right leg positioning between my legs making my own pulse race.
"You…" his jaw is locked as his hand grabs onto my face and lifting it to look at him. "You aren't stupid Brooke. So why the fuck would you let that just happen?"
"I…" my words get caught in my throat when I notice his eyes drop a moment to my lips the back at my eyes. He's never done that before.
"You what?" he grinds his teeth together and I swallow hard.
"He was nice to me, at first he was nice," I rush to tell him, his eyes turning a stormy gray.
"No guy is nice Brooke," his tone harsh and I just slowly nod, not at all sure what he wants me to say or do. "You need to pay attention to what is going on around you."
"I'm sorry…" I apologize, taking my hand to rest on his wrist as his hand still rests on my face. "I just…you were here," I tell him and see something flicker in those dark gray eyes. "I thought it was ok because you were here and if it turned wrong you would protect me," I tell him and he relaxes but only a bit.
"You still need to pay attention," his eyes drop and my body tingles when his fingers brushes across my stomach as he lifts my shirt a little. "Did he do this to you?" he growls, seeing where Cameron's way to long thumb nail dug into my hip leaving a mark.
"I…I guess…" I look down at the mark not even realizing it. I guess my pain tolerance has risen. "But it's ok," I say quickly and his eyes drag up to my face, shifting a little and his knee graze against my lower area sending a chill down my spine.
"That is not ok," he growls, his thumb stroking over the mark and I wonder if he knows what he is doing to my body. I really don't think he does but I find myself dropping a little and his leg adding more pressure.
"Yes it is," I breathe out heavy, keeping my eyes locked on his and find myself wondering what it would be like to kiss him. I feel like it would be rough, good but rough, along with other things he might do. "The possible nose breaking makes up for a small nail mark," I curl my toes into my flip flops, my body getting a small tingle again when he ones again shifts his weight.
"I'll break it if he touches you again," his eyes squint and I just swallow hard nodding wanting to just keep my mouth shut at this moment. "Get in the car," he takes a step back and I feel my body missing him being pushed against me. "I'll take you home," he spins around the front of the car and to the driver side.
"Ok," I seem to squeak out glancing down at my body. My hip still seeming to tingle with his touch and other areas still throbbing with wanting him back against me.
"Brooke…" he growls, the cranking of the car and it vibrating against my back making me jump.
"Ok," I open the door sliding inside. Lucas not saying anything just pulling out of the parking lot and heading towards my house.
Looking over at him I let my eyes linger over his body wondering what it would be like to have him against me, in a more on my back kind of way. Having those large hands that are gripping the steering wheel run all over me, those long fingers dancing across my bare naked skin as his mouth travels all over me. His legs getting tangled with mine as those hips rock against mine and his…
My gaze drops to his jean covered body, glancing at his hands then back down wondering if that one line is really true.
"What are you doing?" my eyes snap up to find Lucas looking at me funny.
"Is it hot?" I snap my head to face the window. "I'm hot," I hit the button on the window letting it roll down, the sudden breeze smashing into my flushed face.
"I'm fine," he shrugs and I glance back over at him to see him staring back at the road, a small smirk tugging at his lips and I blush sinking into his leather seat knowing he wasn't stupid to what I was doing. Making some noise of responds that I know didn't make much since or help my case, Lucas lets out a small chuckle he tries to hide and I just sink further in the seat kinda wishing it would swallow me whole.
Hey! Thank you so much for the reviews and alerts last chapter! Hope you like this one!
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