Sorry that it has taken me so long to update! I was in KY for a weekend and then OH for a horse show last weekend, so not much time to write and such. Again, my apologies. I desperately tried to fit the Brucas interaction into this chapter, but I was already over 4,000 words and needed to stop. Also, one scene took up a whole lot more space and writing than I originally thought. Sorry! Brucas meeting is coming though, hopefully soon.
Thanks to my Beta, all the readers, and especially all the reviewers!! Enjoy and REVIEW!!
Lucas Scott stared in awe at the big city before him as he and Monica, his photographer, were driven to the home arena of the New York Kicks, Madison Square Garden. The skyscraper buildings were intimidating, but not as much as the thousands of people milling about. He felt so small and insignificant in the city, and he was. Lucas was just another person in New York City. He wasn't one of the boys that won the North Carolina State Championship, or coached a small no-named college to the Division Two Championship Title. He wasn't Dan Scott's bastard child, or brother to the first draft pick for the Charlotte Bobcats. He was just, Lucas Scott, writer. And, he had never been prouder to be a no-name, under the radar of everyone.
"Lucas, you okay?" Monica questioned, studying the blonde man.
Luke turned his attention from his window to the woman sitting next to him. "Yeah, I'm just a little nervous," he admitted.
She laughed. "Don't be. Everyone was once where you are now. I've read a few of your stories, and they're good. You'll do fine, I'm sure. Plus, with my kick-ass photos to go along with your story, it'll be sure to be a hit!" she added, her pearly white teeth showing as she smiled.
Lucas chuckled. He loved her cocky attitude. It reminded him of someone. No, it reminded him of her. Brooke Davis. Probably somewhere out here in this big city of lights. Sighing, the brooder turned back to his window, watching building after building pass by.
Monica sat there intently studying her "partner" for the next three days. He was no doubt good looking and had a very, very nice body, but she got the feeling that he held some deep dark secrets. He always seemed to be thinking. No, not thinking, worrying. No, that didn't describe it either. What was the word? Ah, hah! Brood. He was brooding. His forehead crinkled up and his eyes squinted, as though he was looking for something just beyond his eyesight. The blonde man was off in his own world, and seemed quite alone, even when surrounded by crowds of people. I wonder if he's always been like this. It would have been interesting to see what he was like in high school. I mean, they call the teen years the time of your life for a reason, right?
No words were exchanged between the two blondes the rest of the way to the Stadium of the New York Knicks, where the game and press conferences would be held.
The day seemed to be an excellent one so far as Brooke Davis ambled into her kitchen. Kissing both kids on the head as she passed the table where they were sitting, eating breakfast, she went off in search of her own food. Just as she was about to put the orange juice back in the fridge, Jake appeared, in a pair of blue jeans, and no shirt.
Hmm, Jakey boy sure has filled out since high school. Look at those muscles. Man does he look hot! Wait, no, no. What am I thinking? He's my best friend! I can't be thinking that of my best friend! That's weird, right? It'd be like me admiring Peyton. No, not that bitch. I meant Haley, yeah, Tutor Girl. Oh, look at those triceps, and his butt. His butt is kick-ass! Ugh, stop! Just, stop! Jake's butt, although one of the best, is not for your enjoyment. No enjoyment out of Jake's butt, no enjoyment. I wonder if it is really as firm as it looks. STOP! Think friendly thoughts Brooke, friendly thoughts! Oh, no, I wasn't listening, what did he just ask me?
"Brooke, you okay?" At her mute nod, he continued, "I asked, do you know where my shirt is?"
Usually, Brooke would tease and ask which shirt, having him describe in full detail which shirt he wanted. But, today, too many other thoughts had her occupied. "Um, check my room, I think Sandra, our maid, put the clean clothes in there for me to put away," she answered distractedly.
Jake frowned, maybe she was coming down with something, she didn't seem like her usual cheery self. He nodded, not pushing further for explanation into her behavior. "Kay, I'm just gonna grab something to eat and then I'll go look in there."
The brunette woman nodded, heading out of the kitchen. With the thought of taking a quick shower, she scurried up the stairs. Maybe a shower will get my mind back on track. I can't be thinking these things about my best friend, the best friend who is going to be staying with me for 3 months. Davis, control yourself. I just need a nice hot shower to relax me. Yeah, just relax for a change. Brooke was in her bathroom in no time and jumped into the hot shower. The scolding temperature of the water was causing steam to rise like crazy, and soon enough the bathroom was like a sauna.
Meanwhile, downstairs Jake sat eating his breakfast of cereal and orange juice, talking with the children. After gulping down the last few bites of cereal, the brunette man rose and walked over to the kitchen sink. He rinsed out his bowl and cup, placing them into the dishwasher.
"Guys, will you be okay while I go find a shirt?" Jake asked the two little kids who had just finished their Cheerios.
"Yeah, Daddy," Jenny answered.
"Can you put on Like Mike first?" Brett questioned, "All the basketball moves are so cool!"
"No! Put on Bring It On!" J.J. excitedly exclaimed, "It has cheerleading!"
Jake groaned. "I knew I should have never let Brooke and you have a Girl's Night. And, you guys have to agree to a movie, all right munchkins?"
Both brunette kids nodded, turning to whisper amongst themselves, no doubt working out which movie to watch. "'Kay, we wanna watch Finding Nemo. The movie has fishies in it!" Jenny declared.
"Yeah, I like fishies!" B. Landon added.
"Me too," J.J. agreed.
Jake shook his head at the two best friends and went to load the movie into the television located in the family room of Casa de Davis. After setting up the movie and making sure the children were settled, Jake headed up the stairs, clad in only a simple pair of blue jeans. He was lost in his own thoughts as he walked down the familiar hallway. Instead of stopping at the door to his temporary room, he continued on a few feet towards the master bedroom.
What was with Brooke this morning? Maybe she's sick. Maybe I should convince her to go to the doctor. Jack scoffed. Brooke, go to the doctor? Yeah right! She always had hatred towards doctors. Though, so do most people who have been around Tree Hill long. It seems that us Tree Hillers live in the hospital. I don't blame her for avoiding any buildings containing doctors. Jake was so wrapped up with the one-sided conversation in his head, that he didn't notice the sound of water from the shower being turned off as he opened the door to Brooke's bedroom. The brunette male walked over to her bed and started going through the piles of clothes. He had been in Brooke's bedroom dozens of times before, so the situation wasn't awkward in anyway for him. That was, until she walked out.
Brooke Davis. Good looking Brooke Davis. Scratch that. Smoking Brooke Davis! And, she was, clothed in only a towel.
Jake's mouth dropped. God, she was really working that towel! If she decided to wear that out one day, without a doubt, everyone in the city would be sporting one a day later. Whoa, Brooke! God, look at those legs. Stop! No thinking about how sexy your best friend is. Man, she is sexy. Gosh. No. Stop. Please! Close your eyes Jake, she can't affect you if you don't look at her. Shutting his eyes, Jake hoped to find some relief from the effect the brunette woman's body seemed to have on him. His hopes were dashed seconds later as an image of the bubbly woman filtered into his mind. And, it was no ordinary image at that. Unless, most males happened to have pictures of Brooke Davis, wet droplets trailing down her body, which was only covered by a skimp towel, flooding their brain. Add in the image of her licking her plump lips, as her lust filled eyes seemed to roam over him, and Jake Jagielski was sure that he would never again be able to get that image out of his head. Which was fine by him!
Brooke noticing the fare off look in Jake's eyes chuckled. She had seen her fair share of those looks after various males had glanced at her. The brunette waved her hand in front of his face to get his attention after bellowing "Jake" numerous times failed to bring him out of his trance.
Jagielski realizing that Brooke was waving one of her perfectly manicured hands in front of his eyes was brought back to reality. A slow blush of pink made its way up to his cheeks after Brooke's grin confirmed she had noticed him staring at her body. "Br…Brooke….I..I" the man stammered.
"Jakey Poo, don't worry your pretty little head. Thousands of guys look at me like that. And, after all, you are a guy. It was only a matter of time before you too were swept into the Brooke Davis fan club," she cheekily stated, her hazel eyes twinkling with amusement.
I sure as hell am in your fan club! Instead of releasing his thoughts, the male responded with, "Brookie Bear, you better not have a fan club. I won't let any guys look at you. We better get you some clothes that cover you from head to foot!" he jokingly added, although a serious undertone was evident.
Brooke laughed. Oddly enough, she kind of liked the protective Jake. The two adults parted ways. Brooke made her way into her extremely large closet while Jake threw a shirt over his head from the piles of clothes and walked back downstairs. Half and hour later Ms. Davis strutted down the stairs, now fully clothed in dark blue jeans, and a fitted white tank top, opting to leave her feet barefoot.
She wandered around her house, looking for the kidlets and Jake. She spotted them sitting together watching the end of Finding Nemo in the family room. Jake was in between their two kids, both singing along with a song from the animated movie. Jake looked amused, watching Brett and Jenny enjoy their movie.
A while later the four brunettes headed out the front door. The kids were on a week break from school and the adults, both having their own companies, took the week off also. While in the elevator Brooke called the valet desk and arranged to have her black Explorer waiting outside. The four emerged from the elevator laughing at some joke Brett had told, with help from Jenny of course. None of them noticed the large crowd waiting outside the building, just far enough away to not grab major attention from the residents. Jake who was holding Brett and Brooke whose hand was firmly in Jenny's stopped laughing as they arrived outside. Multiple flashes broke out, blinding the four. Jenny whimpered, plastering herself against Brooke. She never had been fond of large crowds. And, who could blame her? Brooke reached down and scooped the girl into her arms, hugging her tightly. J.J. calmed down some, intertwining her hands behind the older brunette's neck.
"Ms. Davis, how come you've never spoken about having children? Or being married?"
"Jake, Jake! How is it banging Brooke Davis?"
"Little Boy! Little Boy, what's your name?"
"Sweetie, look over here! Come on honey!"
Thousands of questions were fired at the family. Jake grabbed Brooke's hand and slowly pushed his way through the crowd, pulling Brooke along with him. The daytime doorman of the building came out, along with a few valet parkers and bellboys. They all kept the paparazzi away as Jake and Brooke secured J.J. and Brett in their car seats. The brunette couple hastily got in the car and peeled away from the building.
"What the hell was that?" Brooke questioned.
"Don't say hell, Momma," Brett scolded.
"Sorry baby."
"I was really scared," Jenny stated, still a little shook up.
"I know J. Are you okay now Mini Me?" Brooke questioned, her words seeping with worry. The brunette turned around in her seat to look at her little girl.
"Yeah, Momma," Jenny responded, adding in a smile.
Brooke felt her heart melt again. Would she ever get used to that feeling that overtook her whenever Jenny called her Momma? Probably not. Turning back around, Brooke looked at Jake. He was driving, and appeared to be tense. No, not appeared, he definitely was tense. The brunette male was gripping the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles were turning white. Brooke watched him intently, trying to figure out what was going through his head. Sure, she could ask him, but she knew that he wouldn't tell her with the kids around.
"Well, since we obviously can't go to the park, how about we swing by my office. Find out what's going on, okay?" Brooke asked.
Jake mutely nodded, taking a right at the street in front of them.
Twenty minutes later, the family was securely in Clothes Over Bros Headquarters, safe from all the gawking people.
"Millie why the hell are Jake and I getting stormed by paparazzi?" Brooke demanded, setting down Brett whom she had been carrying. Charlotte, an employee of Brooke's, led the two kids, into the playroom Brett had at the office.
"Well, I-" Millie started before Rachel cut her off.
"Do the two of you know how to answer a phone? Seriously, Brooke, I must have called you at least 10 times! And, when I couldn't reach you I phoned Jake, multiple times might I add," the fiery redhead accused.
Brooke's glare faltered and she rummaged through her large purse. After a few minutes of digging, Brooke triumphantly held up her iPhone, which was flashing. Brooke, who had yet to notice grinned. Her longtime friend merely pointed to the device and the brunette's smile disappeared.
"Oh."
"What about you Jake?" Rachel questioned, her eyebrows raised and hand on her hips.
The brunette male shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. He swiftly pulled his phone out of his back pocket, smiling, only to have it replaced by a frown upon realizing that the battery was dead. "Battery dead."
"So," Brooke cut in, "Are you going to tell us why we're being stalked like we're Brangelina?"
"Well according to all the gossip magazines, not to mention MTV and Entertainment Tonight, you two are 'Bake' and front page news."
Brooke screwed up her nose in disgust. "Ugh! Bake? What a horrible couple name. Why not Joke?" the brunette questioned, pausing a second before realizing what she said. "Oh. That's a horrible name too. Jake, you have to change your name."
"What?" the male questioned, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"It's-" Brooke started before Rachel interrupted.
"So, I have good news and bad news."
"What is the good news?" the bubbly woman asked, her attention diverted once again.
"Well, you, Jake, and the kids photograph really well. I mean, really well."
"Okay? And that matters why?" Brooke inquired.
The redhead handed her best friend a gossip magazine. Two very loud audible gasps escaped the brunette adults. There on the front page were their pictures, along with a small picture of the two of them with Jenny and Brett.
"Turn to page 7, it makes for an interesting read," Rachel instructed, walking back to her workspace.
Brooke and Jake walked into her own office, closing the door and sitting side by side on the couch before Ms. Davis opened the thin pages of the rag magazine. Turning to page seven, both pairs of eyes widened, soaking up the words.
--
BROOKE DAVIS AND JAKE JAGIELSKI, SECRET FAMILY?
Sunday, May 28, Brooke Davis was spotted in Apple Gate Park. But, she wasn't alone. The fashionista was accompanied by hunky architect, Jake Jagielski, and two adorable, brunette kids. Jake and Brooke were spotted hugging and laughing, looking quite intimate. The little boy and girl called Ms. Davis "Momma" and likewise, Mr. Jagielski "Daddy". Where have these two accomplished business owners been hiding their children? And, why have they not spoken about them before?
"Well, Ms. Davis and her cute daughter, I believe she was called Jenny, walked into our boutique Sunday afternoon for a shopping spree," Ms. Ariel Gregg commented. "I was their shop assistant and the two bought multiple matching outfits as well as clothes for a man and little boy. The two of them were laughing and having a great time. I complimented Ms. Davis on her daughter and she said that she was extremely proud of her." The young boutique employee added that Brooke made out with a little over 2,000 in clothes for children, men, woman, as well as numerous pairs of shoes. She picked up all of our spring lines, from the kids section to adults.
So, that leaves the big question, why have Jake Jagielski and Brooke Davis been hiding their adorable kids? The girl, who our experts have placed at around 6 years of age, looks like a tiny version of Ms. Davis herself. From her curly locks to hazel eyes, all that seems to be missing are the dimples. The brunette boy, placed at 3-4 years old, looks a lot like Jake and not just because of the matching outfits.
I for one am pleased and loving this new "IT" couple. Brangelina step aside, BRING ON MORE BAKE!
This is Luscious Lips, over and out.
--
"Luscious Lips? What the hell kind of name is that?" Jake questioned.
Brooke, clearly annoyed that the writer's name was all he cared about answered, "It's a writing name, Jake, like Dr. Seuss."
"Oh!"
"Look at these pictures! We look like a real couple," Brooke exclaimed, pointing to a picture where Brooke was wrapped in Jake's arms, both brunettes smiling widely.
"That must have been when I was warming you up," Jake replied.
"Aww, look how cute you and Brett look together in your matching outfits."
"Jenny sure does look just like you!" Jake proclaimed, look at the picture of the four of them on the park bench.
Just as Brooke was about to speak, Claudia, Brooke's publicist, and Jerry, Jake's publicist, walked into the young woman's office.
"So, when were you two going to tell us?" Claudia demanded.
"Tell you what?" Jake asked, cowering when Claudia sent him a glare that could melt even the toughest guys.
"About your kids! About you two! I'm not even sure how we can spin this in a positive note! People are already talking and questions are causing fans to wonder. Were you embarrassed about having kids so young? Did you feel your careers were more important than your children? I mean, Brooke, you have gone to many events in the past 4 years, and Jake, so have you. Are you two married?"
"No! We're not married. And, I love my kids!" Brooke proclaimed, not even realizing her slip.
"Whenever Brooke went to an event, I watched Jenny and Brett. Vice versa when I went out." Jake added.
"How long have you guys known each other?" Jerry asked, finally entering the conversation.
"About 8 years maybe?" Jake asked, looking at Brooke for clarification.
"Yeah, but I didn't pay attention to you until Sophomore year, remember?" the brunette teased.
"I remember. You just always passed over me! Luckily, with basketball, I was still constantly around you."
Claudia and Jerry watched their clients banter back and forth like an old married couple.
"You two are sure you're not married?" Jerry asked.
"Yes!" both brunettes answered at the same time.
"So, you two were roughly 16 when you had your first child?" Claudia questioned, not caring about how blunt she was being.
"No, I had B.L. when I was 18," Brooke replied, confused.
"How old is the girl?"
"Um, six," Jake stated.
"So, you both were 16, moving on," Claudia clarified. "Why did you guys keep the kids a secret? They are adorable kids! Although, your status as role models probably would have plummeted. Can't having kids look up to adults who got pregnant at 16, now can we?" Claudia asked herself, thinking aloud as she usually did.
"I was 18," Brooke said, again.
"Brooke, honey, I know you never were good at math, but 22 minus 6 equals 16, okay?"
"No, I mean. I'm not Jenny's biological mother. I gave birth to Brett, but Jenny was born to this whore, Nikki. No offense Jake."
"None taken," the male responded.
"Wait, what?" Jerry inquired.
"I'm not B.L.'s dad and Brooke isn't J.J.'s mom," Jake answered.
"OH!" Jake's publicist replied, finally catching on.
"I think I'm getting a migraine. This is so much worse than I first thought. Two children out of wedlock to teenage parents who aren't together. Obviously the young girl's mother knows about her. Brooke, does your child's father know about him?" Claudia pestered.
"Well, you know-"
"Brooke, I don't want one of your stories or excuses, just tell me the truth."
"No," Brooke replied quietly.
"Great!" Claudia exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air. "If the press ever find out they are going to have a field day with this. Both of your careers will be screwed. I mean, hiding a child from his father? Jake, does your daughter's mother still see her?"
"No, I was granted full custody after Nikki failed a few mandatory drug tests and was negligent when caring for J.J."
"Even worse, a druggie mom. Okay, don't worry, I'll think of something." Claudia stated, pacing Brooke's office.
After several minutes, Jerry asked, "What are you planning that we do?"
"Nothing, absolutely nothing. We'll just tell the press that Brooke and Jake kept their personal lives hidden because they are personal. They didn't want their kids constantly in the spotlight. Hopefully, this way we'll salvage your careers. Although, now you two are going to be watched like hawks. You'll need to move in together, yes, move in together. That won't be a problem will it?"
Both Brooke's and Jake's mouths were hanging wide open. They had to pretend to be a family? Well, on second thought, that wouldn't bee to hard, right? They already were in a way.
"Um, Jake's staying at my place for a few months until his apartment fixes this problem with the pipes," Brooke added, after finally regaining control of her mouth.
"Good, great! Jake, you'll just have to extend that visit for a little longer, at least until the paparazzi become less fascinated with you two and your kids."
"Should we like hire bodyguards or something? I mean, we can't stay holed up in the apartment forever. The kids have school and we have work," Jake pointed out.
"That wouldn't be a bad idea," Jerry said, pulling out his phone. "I'll arrange that right away.
"It's going to be a bumpy road the next couple of months for the two of you. It won't be easy, but you both love your careers, right?"
Brooke nodded mutely; Jake following her lead also shook his head.
"Good. Then, we do nothing to further destroy your lives. That means no late night partying; no dates, you two have to appeared committed; no scandals; and absolutely no major fights in public. Are we understood? You do nothing." Claudia finished, slipping her cardigan back over her shoulders and gathering her bag.
"Nothing," Jake confirmed, watching both of his and Brooke's publicists exit the room.
"Nothing," Brooke whispered, more to herself than anything.
Though, as everyone in Hollywood knows, keeping a secret is never easy, and hardly ever accomplished!