I thought I already uploaded this chapter yesterday but I guess I didn't! So here it is :) Currently working on chapter 12 so hopefully it will be up soon!
Thursday evening, Lorelai was working late at the Inn. She was standing behind the desk going through reservations when someone cleared their throat. She looked up and smiled when she saw that it was Mia.
"Hey!" Lorelai said with a smile, "What are you doing here?"
"Just thought I'd drop in." Mia said with a smile, "You're here late."
Lorelai nodded, "Luke suggested I work late a couple of nights this week so I don't have to work on Saturday. Rory could use a little Mother daughter time."
"Everything okay?" Mia asked softly, she was quite fond of the young girl.
Lorelai nodded slowly, "She's alright...just been a crazy few weeks. Between her getting sick...Luke and I dating...and we ran into my parents last weekend after the game."
Mia's eyes widened, "Really? How was that?"
Lorelai pouted, "Difficult...they mentioned that Christopher had been in town very recently. Rory was crushed to realize he hadn't come to see us…"
Mia sighed and leaned against the desk, "That man…"
She shrugged, "I know…she's strong though. She's been holding it together. And Luke has been such a help...she adores him."
Mia's smile widened, "So things are going well with you and Luke then?"
Lorelai blushed slightly, "Things have been amazing…"
Mia smiled and gestured towards the sitting area, "Come sit. Give me some details!"
Lorelai laughed and followed her towards one of the couches, "Mia…"
The older woman smirked at her, "Come on! I have known Lucas for years! And you are a daughter to me. I want to know how things are going."
Lorelai took a deep breath and crossed her legs, "Mia...I honestly didn't know that someone could make me that happy. And it's still just the beginning! Seeing him with Rory...it's just everything I could have ever hoped for. But do you think I'm crazy for putting so much into all this?"
Mia smiled and took her hand, "No I don't. Luke is a wonderful man...he would never start a relationship if he didn't have every intention of committing to it."
"I hope so…" Lorelai whispered, "Because...I'm really liking having him around. And I think...I think we could have something really good here."
"I think you could too." Mia said with a smile, "It makes me so happy to see two of my favorite people finally realizing how much they deserve…"
Lorelai leaned against the back of the couch, "So you've really known him his whole life?"
Mia smiled, "I was at the hospital when he was born...I was the first person other than Kat and William to hold him…"
Lorelai smiled, "I bet he was an adorable baby…"
"He was." Mia said softly, "And so well behaved! He hardly made a sound...poor Kat was spoiled. Because as soon as Liz came into the world she realized not all babies were quiet."
Lorelai chuckled, "So Liz was a bit of a wild one?"
She nodded slowly, "She was...from the day she was born she marched to the beat of her own drum. Much like you I'd imagine…"
"He hasn't told me much about her...just that she had a baby at 17. A son. He said he doesn't see her often...only when she needs something." Lorelai whispered.
Mia frowned, "Lizzie never quite got over the death of her Mother...and William…" She sighed, "As much as I loved that man...he refused to deal with Kat's death. Liz wanted and needed to talk about it...to deal with it. But William wanted to just move on...he loved Kat too much to dwell on it. After that...she turned to other forms of therapy and release. Drinking, drugs, sex…" She shrugged, "It was devastating...especially for Luke. He tried so hard to keep her on the right track...I know it killed him when she took off with Jess."
Lorelai swallowed hard, "He's been through a lot in his life…"
Mia nodded slowly, "He has. And he's always been so strong...he never once let us see him sweat. When his father died…" She sighed again, "I was so worried about him...he became closed off. And then Rachel left soon after...it broke his heart."
Lorelai glanced down at her hands, "What was she like?"
"Rachel?" Mia asked, Lorelai just nodded, "She was...a bit of a free spirit. She always wanted more than this small town...I knew she'd never stay long. But I hoped that she loved Luke enough to stay at least for awhile…"
She frowned softly, "Do you think he really loved her? Do you think she was the one?"
Mia sighed and took Lorelai's hand in hers again, "Lorelai...yes Luke cared about Rachel very much. But...truthfully if he had wanted to be with her he would have left. He had nothing left holding him back after his father died. He was free to go…"
"Maybe…" Lorelai whispered, "Or maybe he just wasn't ready yet…"
Mia stared at her for a moment, "All I know is that I haven't seen Luke smile like he has in the last recent years...and that's all because of you and Rory. It's been years since I've seen him this happy...this free. And as someone who cares very deeply for him...I am beyond grateful for that. And I know that his parents are happy too...they would have loved you."
Her face scrunched up slightly, "You think so?"
"I know so. You and Kat would have been fast friend. She loved life the way you do...and the way she loved her children reminds me of how you love Rory. And William would have thought you were a real hoot." She said with a smile, "But mostly they would have loved to see how happy you make their son…"
Lorelai took a deep breath, "He's a good man Mia...such a good man."
"Yes. He is." Mia whispered as she gave her hand another squeeze, "And you are a good woman. You two deserve each other…"
Lorelai smiled at her, "I should get back to work...Luke is with Rory now. But I don't want to get home too late…"
"Any plans for the weekend with him?" She asked as they stood up.
Lorelai nodded, "He's taking me out tomorrow night actually. Sookie is going to stay with Rory for a bit. And then I'll have a mother daughter day on Saturday."
Mia wrapped an arm around her and gave her arm a squeeze, "It sounds wonderful."
Lorelai walked around the desk again, "Hey you should come by for dinner some night next week. Rory misses seeing you all the time."
Mia smiled, "I'd love that. Let me know what night is good for you."
Lorelai smiled, "I will. You heading home?"
"Yes. I'll see you soon. And have fun tomorrow night with Luke. You deserve a night off!" She said with a wink.
Lorelai smiled and gave her a wave, "Thanks Mia. See you later!"
Later that night, Luke had carried Rory to bed after she had fallen asleep reading on the couch. He flipped off the lights, made sure she was warm enough and then closed her bedroom door softly behind him. He walked back towards the living room, he went to sit on the couch when a picture on the mantle caught his eye.
He walked over and picked up the frame. The picture was of a young Lorelai holding up a tiny little Rory. They were sitting on the porch outside of Inn and Lorelai was staring at Rory like she was the most precious thing in the world. And Luke knew that in Lorelai's world...she was.
He was interrupted by his thoughts when he heard the front door open, he smiled when he saw Lorelai walking into the house. She placed her stuff down on the couch and walked over to him with a smile, "Hey...where's my kid?"
"She fell asleep reading." Luke said pulling her close, "She wanted to stay up until you were home but she could barely hold her head up…"
Lorelai smiled and leaned up to kiss him, "I got caught up in the store room doing inventory. I'll go check on her. You need to head out quickly?"
Luke shook his head, "No. I can stay awhile."
She gave him a wink and walked towards her daughter's bedroom. She pushed the door open softly and smiled at the sight of her daughter. Even on her hardest days when Rory was first born...all she had to do was see her when she was asleep and all those difficult moments seemed to wash away. Rory was her reason for living most days, especially back then. And all she had to see her daughter to make herself feel better.
She walked over to her bed, leaned down and kissed Rory's forehead gently. She pulled the blanket up a little and then tiptoed back out of the room. Luke was sitting on the couch waiting for her which made her heart jump in her chest. She could get used to coming home to him…
She slipped off her shoes and then sat down next to him, "How was she?"
He smiled, "She was great as usual. Helped me with dinner...did all her homework. We played checkers for awhile and then she wanted to read until you came home. But she barely lasted five minutes before she fell asleep…"
Lorelai leaned her head against the back of the couch and smiled, "Thanks for staying with her...I hate having to spend any time away from her. But having you here...it's a great comfort to me. I know she's safe with you."
He leaned over and squeezed her hand, "She is. I'd never let anything happen to her…"
"I know." Lorelai said with a smile, "You proved that by rushing her to the hospital…"
He moved his hand from her hand to her leg, rubbing it gently, "You know I'd never let anything happen to you either, right?"
She smiled and leaned into him, "I do know that…"
He kissed the top of her head and enjoyed this quiet moment with her, "Still on for tomorrow night?"
"You bet." Lorelai said happily, "Where are you taking me?"
"I'm not telling you." Luke said with a smirk, "I want it to be a surprise."
She whimpered softly and pulled away to show him her infamous pout, "But I hate surprises!"
He chuckled, "I know you do. But I'm not telling so you're just gonna have to deal with it…"
She sighed dramatically, "Luke...you have to give me something! I need to know what to wear. Casual? Dressy? If I end up in a total disaster of an outfit my night will be ruined."
He smirked, "Ruined huh?"
She nodded enthusiastically, "Yes! Fashion is incredibly important to me Luke. I need to look at my absolute best. Especially for you."
Luke rolled his eyes, "Lorelai this may come as a total shock to you but I'd still find you to be the most beautiful woman in the world if you wore rags for the rest of your life…"
Her smile grew, "Luke…"
He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her, "But if it is that important to you...I'll say wear something semi dressy. Nothing crazy formal...but not super casual either."
"So does that mean you're wearing something other than the flannel and hat?" She said with a smile.
He nodded slowly, "Believe it or not I do own other clothes...so yes I will be wearing something else."
She giggled excitedly, "I can't wait to see you all dressed up!"
He smirked, "Just don't expect it all the time…"
She shook her head, "I'm quite fond of the flannel...don't you worry mister."
She leaned her head against the back of the couch and tried to stifle a yawn, "Did you eat?" He asked as he tugged at a lock of her hair.
Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment and she nodded slowly, "Yeah. Sookie brought me something in my office." She couldn't hide this yawn, and she pouted, "I'm exhausted but I don't want to go to bed yet...I want to stay up with you."
He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her forehead, "You've been working a lot this week Lorelai. You need your sleep. Besides I don't want you to be tired tomorrow night…"
She sighed and leaned closer to him, "I guess you're right…"
He smiled and stood up slowly, he held his hands out to her, "Come on…"
She let him pull her to her feet and she smiled softly, "What time are you going to pick me up."
"Is 6:30 okay?" He asked, "I figured you'd not want to leave to late so we wouldn't be out too late for Rory…"
She smiled and leaned in to hug him, "Always thinking about my girl…"
He held her close and kissed the side of her face, "Get some rest…"
She pulled away and leaned up to kiss him gently, "See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow." He whispered as he pressed a kiss to her lips again.
Lorelai watched him walk towards the door and felt her heart leap in her chest. She loved having him here, and every time he left her she felt a little ache in her heart. It was so early in their relationship but she wanted him as close as possible. When she heard the truck pull away she started a mental countdown until she got to see him again.
The following night, Lorelai was standing in front of her mirror twirling in her dress. She had picked out a red dress that flowed out and ended at her knees. It had a slight v-neck that showed just enough cleavage and the sleeves went slightly off her shoulders. She had a pair of black pumps and very minimal make up. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders in the perfect curls,which she knew he loved.
She took a deep breath and turned to her daughter and best friend, "What do you think?"
She held her arms out and did a little curtsey, Sookie gasped, "Oh honey he is going to die when he sees you!"
Lorelai scrunched up her nose a little, "It's not to much? He said not to dressy…"
Rory shook her head, "No not to dressy. It's perfect. Dressy but fun at the same time."
She took a deep breath, turned back to the mirror and smoothed her hands down her sides, "I feel like there are a thousand butterflies in my stomach…"
Sookie giggled, "That means you're really liking him…"
"Yes I am." She said to smile at them, "I really, really like him…"
There was a knock on the door and Sookie giggled, "I'll get it!"
Lorelai gave her a nod and turned back towards the mirror to look herself over once again. Rory walked up behind her and snuggled into her side. "I bet he's gonna take you somewhere really special."
Lorelai wrapped an arm around her daughter and sighed, "You sure you're okay with hanging with Sookie again? I feel bad that I haven't been around a lot this week…"
Rory smiled and gave her Mother a squeeze, "I'm totally okay with it Mom. Besides we have all day tomorrow together right?"
Lorelai turned and smiled down at her daughter, "Absolutely. Anything you want to do we can do okay? Anything at all."
Rory smiled and hugged her, "I love you Mom."
Lorelai kissed the top of her head, "I love you too pretty girl."
_
Downstairs, Sookie tried to contain her excitement as she opened the door. She gasped when she saw Luke standing on the other side of the door. He was wearing a pair of khaki slacks, and a button up white shirt shirt. He was holding a beautiful bouquet of roses and he had a sheepish grin on his face.
"Hey Sookie…" He said with a nervous smile.
She couldn't hold in her squeal, "Oh Lorelai is gonna flip when she sees you!"
Luke blushed, "Sookie…"
"And wait until you see her…" Sookie said leaning into him, "She looks amazing!"
"Doesn't she always?" He asked as he stepped into the foyer.
Sookie giggled as they walked into the living room. He stood nervously by the couch and heard voices from upstairs, he smiled when he realized it was Lorelai and Rory giggling to each other. After a few moments, he heard the sound of heels click on the hardwood floor. He took a deep breath as he watched her descend down the stairs in her beautiful dress.
He let out a puff of air as she stepped towards him, "Wow…"
She blushed and brushed her hair out of her face, "You look great!" She said to him.
Luke cleared his throat and stepped closer and held out the flowers too, "You look beautiful."
She smiled and took the flowers in her hand, she pulled them towards her nose and gave them a small sniff, "These are gorgeous Luke. Thank you!"
He smiled and swallowed hard, "You're welcome. I told you...full date treatment."
She bit her lip nervously and turned towards her daughter, "Alright you...be good for Sookie. Try not to stay up to late. And think about what you want to do tomorrow."
Rory smiled and gave her a nod, "Okay. Have fun!"
Lorelai handed Rory the flowers and gave her best friend a wink before following Luke towards the door. She smiled as he held the door open for her and then rushed down to the truck to hold the door open for her. He closed it behind her after she climbed in, and then ran around to the other side of the truck to get in.
Once in his seat, he took a deep breath and gripped the steering wheel. She frowned slightly and put a hand on his arm, "Luke?" He turned towards her and she whispered, "Are you okay?"
He nodded slowly and gave her a smile, "Just a little taken back by how stunning you look…" She blushed and looked down, "I mean you're always beautiful but you kind of took my breath away just now coming down the stairs...just needed a second to compose myself."
She lifted her head slowly and smiled at him, "I...I don't know what to say."
He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, "You don't have to say anything. Just speaking the truth." He smiled and pulled away, "You ready to get going?"
She nodded slowly and scooted closer to him so she could hold his hand as he drove, "Absolutely. Where are you taking me?"
"You'll see when we get there." He said with a smirk.
She stuck her tongue out at him playfully and they started to drive towards their destination. They shared comfortable conversation as they drove, filling each other in on their day. After about 30 minutes, they pulled up to a restaurant on a coast. The sun was beginning to set and Lorelai's face lit up as she looked out the window.
"What is this place?" She asked as Luke helped her out of the car.
"A friend of mine told me about it awhile back. So I decided to check it out. Supposed to have great food." He said as they walked hand in hand towards the front door.
Lorelai stood back as he gave them their name to fill their reservations. They walked towards the table and Luke pulled the chair out for her. She giggled and he gave her a little wink as he walked around to his spot. They took their menus and settled into their table.
They were sitting in front of the large window giving them the perfect view of the water and the sunset. Lorelai's eyes were glued to the scene outside and Luke smiled at her, "Happy?"
She turned towards him and her smile grew, "Yes! This is amazing!"
He smiled, "There are more surprises after this...just so you know."
She beamed at him, "Really?"
He nodded slowly, "Really. Order anything and everything you want. We have all night."
Her heart squeezed in her chest and she had to turn away to keep her emotion hidden. She glanced down at the menu and tried to decide what to order.
As they sat at dinner, the laughed and talked about everything and nothing at the same time. Lorelai couldn't remember the last time she felt so at ease with another person. She couldn't remember ever feeling so at ease with another person. After they finished eating, Luke paid the bill and gave her a smile.
"Are we going home already?" She asked with a pout as she stood up to meet him.
Luke shook his head, "Nope. I told you there were more surprises. Remember?"
She smiled happily and took his hand as they walked out of the restaurant. He lead her towards the beach and pointed to a dock, "You might want to take your shoes off while we walk in the sand." He said.
She quickly slipped her pumps off and held them with one hand, "Where are we going?"
"I borrowed someone's boat for a few hours. I thought we could take a little ride." He said with a shrug, "Is that okay?"
"Really?" She asked in total surprise, "We're going on a boat? I didn't know you could even drive a boat!"
He smiled, "My Dad taught me. The boat is a friend of his, I called him up and he said I could have it for the night. Come on."
Lorelai took his hand and let him lead her towards the far off dock. Luke helped her into the boat and she sat down in one of the little bench seats. She watched as he took his place behind the wheel and started the engine, she squealed as they began to sail off into the deep ocean.
"This is so cool!" Lorelai said as she turned to watch the shore become smaller and smaller.
Luke turned and smiled when he saw her hair blowing in the wind and the large smile on her face. Her skin practically glowed in the light from the moon and his heart swelled watching her. She turned towards him and smiled, "So who's boat is it? We didn't steal it right? We have permission?"
He chuckled, "I promise we have full permission. It's a friend of my Dad's. Buddy. He and his wife Maize own a restaurant not far from Stars Hollow actually. They taught me everything I needed to know about owning a Diner. They really helped me set it all up. I owe them a lot."
Lorelai smiled, "That's nice. Will you take me there sometime?"
Luke nodded, "Sure. I know they'd love to meet you. They'd like to meet Rory too. She'd like it...pretty casual but fun. Great food."
Lorelai smiled and stood up on wobbly legs before she walked towards him, "I bet she'll love anywhere you want to take her…"
He smiled and turned out towards the water, "I'll keep that in mind."
She watched him navigate with ease through the water, "Did your Dad teach you how to steer a boat?"
"He taught me how to sail when I was young. We had a boat. He was actually in the process of building one before he died…" Luke whispered.
Lorelai placed a gentle hand on his back to let him know she was right beside him, "Where is it now?"
Luke shrugged, "He kept it on one of the neighbors garages. I still pay her to keep it in there…"
Lorelai was quiet for a moment, "Have you ever thought about finishing it?"
He contemplated his answer, "Sometimes...but then it brings up all these memories and it's just too hard to face it."
She moved to stand behind him so she could wrap her arms around his waist and rest her chin on his shoulder, "I understand…"
He took one hand and put it over her arms around him as he used his other to steer, "Maybe someday…"
She gave him a little squeeze, "Someday is good…"
He smiled and leaned over to flip on the radio. The chords of "Dancing in the Moonlight" came through the small speakers and Lorelai squealed. "I used to love this song!"
She pulled away from him and walked towards the front of the boat. She swayed to the music as Luke slowed the boat down and watched her in awe. She looked so graceful and at peace as she danced alone under the the light of the moon in her beautiful red dress. She had not put her heels back on so she danced barefoot and in that moment Luke thought she had never looked more beautiful to him.
He cut the engine and went to drop the anchor where they were. She was still dancing and didn't seem to notice that they had stopped. She hummed softly to the music and gasped when she felt his hand on her lower back.
She turned and smiled slyly, "You gonna dance with me?"
He nodded and pulled her close, "Couldn't resist when you look like that…"
She blushed and wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her even closer, "Luke…"
"You have no idea how incredibly beautiful you are…" He said shaking his head softly, "I can't take my eyes off of you...and I can't believe that you're here with me."
She inhaled softly and leaned forward to press her lips to kiss his gently, "This is exactly where I want to be…"
He sighed and rested his forehead against hers, "Lorelai…"
Her eyes fluttered shut and she swayed slowly to the music with him, "Yes?"
"This thing we're doing...me and you…" He paused as she opened her eyes to look at him, "I just want you to know I'm in. I'm all in."
She swallowed hard and pulled away just a little, "Luke?"
He lifted one hand to brush her curls out of her face, "I don't want to scare you away...I just want you to know that my feelings for you are…" He cleared his throat nervously, "Very strong...and I want to be with you. And Rory...whatever that entails...wherever it takes us. I'm in."
A small smile spread on her face and she quickly wrapped her arms around his neck tighter to hug him close, "Where the hell have you been the last 12 years?" She teased.
Luke chuckled and held her close, "I've been right here…"
She whimpered softly and nuzzled his neck, "Luke…"
He rubbed her back softly and then pulled her back just enough to see her face, "What's wrong?"
Her eyes welled up with tears and she shook her head gently, "Nothing. Absolutely nothing."
He frowned and cupped her cheek gently, "Did what I say scare you?"
She shook her head again, "No...not really. I needed to hear that...but it's also still something I need to get used to. Being able to trust someone...being able to let them in. I'm working on it…"
He smiled and nodded his head slowly, "I understand…"
She pressed against him and smiled, "Thank you for an amazing night...best date I've ever been on. You are definitely full of surprises."
He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her gently, "Hopefully I can keep surprising you…"
She giggled and let him begin to sway her to the music again, "I have no doubt that you will…"
Luke smiled and pulled her close, he dipped her gently causing her to laugh loudly over the moonlit ocean. And as they danced he reminded himself to always find a way to keep that smile on her face…
When Lorelai saw the Stars Hollow sign her heart started to pound in her chest. She knew she should head home now. Sookie couldn't stay over...and yet she didn't want the date to be over. She had had such a wonderful time with him and she didn't want to have to say goodbye.
Luke turned towards her and frowned when he saw the nervous expression on her face, "Lorelai? What's wrong?"
She smiled gently, "Can we go back to the Diner for a bit? Make me some coffee?"
Luke shrugged, "Sure. It's open late tonight so there will probably be some people there…"
She swallowed hard and looked down at her lap, "Well...could we bring it upstairs? To your apartment?"
He cleared his throat nervously, "Um...sure. If you want…"
She nodded slowly and he gave her a smile before driving off towards the Diner. He parked in his usual spot and got out of the car to let her out. They walked in the back way and Lorelai motioned towards the stairs to let him know she would meet him up there. Luke gave her a small smile and then walked towards the Diner to get her coffee.
Lorelai stepped into the apartment and took a deep breath. Her hands were shaking and she felt like hear heart might burst from her chest. She knew what she wanted...she just didn't know if she could express that clearly to him. Nothing had ever felt more right to her. She had never felt so comfortable with another person. She had never felt so wanted with another person. But it had been nearly 7 years since she had been intimate with a man…
She was afraid she wouldn't know what to do. She was afraid he would be disappointed. That he would expect more from her. She knew he would tell her that they didn't have too. He would tell her that whatever she wanted was good for him. But she wanted him to feel good too...she wanted to make him feel the way he made her feel. Wanted...needed.
She turned quickly when he walked into the apartment, she smiled as he closed the door and crossed the floor to her. He held out the coffee and she took it willingly, inhaling the sweet aroma of it. "What do you put in your coffee? It tastes so much better than any other coffee I've had…"
He smiled, "Family secret. I can't tell…besides if I tell you you'll just make it that way at home and never have a reason to come back to the Diner."
She smirked as she lowered the cup, "I can think of a few other reasons…"
He chuckled and put his hands in his pockets, "Oh yeah? And what are they?"
She smiled flirtatiously and went to sit on the couch, "Well you have the best pancakes in town. Even better than Al's Pancake world which is unfortunate for him." He chuckled and watched as she kicked off her heels, "You're cheeseburgers are superior to any others I've had too...and your fries are always crispy...not soggy like some places."
He smirked and walked towards the couch to sit beside her, "Those are the only reasons?"
She shrugged, "I guess your pie is better than Weston's too…"
He laughed and rested his head on the back of the couch, "You're mean…"
She smiled and leaned forward to place her coffee on the coffee table. She bit her lip and pulled her legs up under her as she leaned forward to brace her hands on his chest, "And...word around town is I kinda like the owner…"
He swallowed hard and tried to keep calm, "Oh yeah?"
Her tongue traced her bottom lip as she stared at him wantingly, "Yeah...just a little…"
Desire took hold of his patience and he leaned forward capturing her lips with his. She moaned into his mouth and he tasted just the faintest bit of coffee on her lips. He had never been a fan of the dark liquid...but he was pretty sure he'd become addicted to it if it was on her lips. One hand plunged into her hair and pulled her face even closer. She gripped his shirt in her hands wanting him as close as possible.
He groaned when he felt her flip one leg over his so she was straddling his waist. She pressed into his groin making him pull away with a gasp, "Lorelai…"
She smiled down at him and did it again before pressing her lips back to his. He kept one hand in her hair and the other slid down her back until it rested on her lower back. He rubbed circles against the smooth material of the red dress that had driven him crazy all night. He tipped her head up and started to nip along the curve of her jaw and then down her throat.
"Oh God…" She whispered into the night, "Oh Luke…"
She could feel his arousal growing and she felt the warmth spread through her body...something she hadn't felt in a long time. Her heart started racing faster and she clung to his shoulders to try and keep herself grounded. His lips traveled further south until they met the dip in her dress, he glanced up at her for approval. She nodded slowly and he leaned forward to press a kiss to the swell of her breasts peeking out of her dress.
He moaned against the sensitive skin and she whimpered gently, "Luke…"
"You're so sexy…" Luke whispered as he reached behind her to look for the zipper on her dress, "You have no idea what you do to me…"
She pressed into him again and smiled, "I think I have an idea…"
He pulled away from his kisses on her body to look her deep in the eye, "It's not just...physical for me. You know that right? I need you to know that...I need you to know that I'm not going to just...leave you after…"
The thumping in her chest sped up and all those old fears creeped back in. Memories of Christopher promising her things just to get her in bed at such a young age. Memories of Michael making her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. It had all seemed so right then too...and suddenly he had vanished.
But Luke was different right? He wasn't the type of man to back down on his word. He had told her that...and she had to believe him. She wanted to believe him more than anything else. "I-I know…" She whispered nervously.
He lifted his eyes to hers again and when she didn't protest he slowly pulled the zipper to her dress down just a little. Her breaths became short nervous puffs of air as his hands slid down the newly exposed skin of her back. She hesitated for a moment before reaching forward to begin to unbutton his white shirt. She had just got to the fourth button when she stopped, it was then that he noticed her hands were shaking and her eyes were filled with tears.
He moved his hands quickly to her face and lifted it gently, "Hey...what's wrong?"
He watched her eyes flutter shut for a moment before she let out a soft cry, "I want too Luke...God you have no idea how badly I want to be with you like that…"
He frowned and felt her shaking harder against him, "Lorelai…"
"But I…" She whimpered gently, "I don't know why I can't let myself just…" Her head dropped forward and she started to cry.
He pulled her into his arms, all other thoughts immediately left his mind. All that mattered now was making those tears stop. "Don't cry…" He whispered prepping kisses on her temple and across her forehead, "It's okay…"
She shook her head and pulled away slowly, "But it's not...you can't wait forever for me...and I just...I need to just suck it up and-"
He put a finger to her lips and shook his head, "I will wait as long as you need me too. I want you to be ready Lorelai...I don't want you to do this because you feel like you have too. I told you...I'm all in. I'm here for you…"
She pouted slightly, "But…" She looked down at their still entwined bodies. "You want-"
He nodded slowly, "Yes...of course I want you. You're incredible...but I would never force you into this. You aren't ready...it's okay. I didn't expect this to happen tonight…"
She bit her lip nervously and placed one hand against his bare chest, "You went out of your way to give me a special night...and I wanted it to be special for you too."
He smiled softly and lifted her face again, "It was Lorelai...it was perfect."
She sighed and rested her forehead against his, "Luke…"
He shook his head and held her close, "Don't. Don't say anything else...it's okay. We're okay."
She breathed him in, "I'm so-"
"Don't you dare say you're sorry." He whispered before pressing a kiss to her lips, "I'm not. I want it to be right…"
She let out a shaky breath and nodded, "Thank you Luke…"
He smiled and kissed her again, "Come on...I'll take you home. Sookie's probably exhausted."
She nodded slowly and began to detach herself from his lap. She stood up and blushed when she remembered that her dress was halfway unzipped. He smiled, turned her around and placed a kiss to the back of her neck before he pulled the zipper up. She watched as he buttoned his shirt back up and then handed her her shoes.
She slipped them on and then looked at him slowly. He held his hand out to her which she gladly took. She smiled when he lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles before walking her towards the door. They walked down the back staircase and out the back door. Luke helped her back into the truck. They drove in silence back to her house, but Luke never let his hand leave hers.
He walked her to the front door and ran a hand through her hair, "I don't want you to be upset…"
She shook her head slowly, "I'm not. I had an amazing time with you…"
He nodded slowly and leaned forward to kiss her gently, "Good. I'm glad. That's all I wanted." When she raised an eyebrow to question him he smirked, "Get some sleep crazy girl...I'm sure Rory will be up early for your Mother daughter day."
She smiled and kissed him back, "I'll see if she wants to stop in for lunch tomorrow.'
He nodded. "I'll be there. If not...I understand. You guys need some time together…"
She nodded and leaned up to hug him, "Luke…"
He squeezed her close and kissed the side of her face, "Don't over think it Lorelai...okay?"
She pulled away and smiled at him sheepishly, "Okay…"
He smiled, leaned forward and kissed her again before walking down the steps. He gave her a small wave and she waved back before she turned to unlock the door. She heard the rumble of the truck and walked into the house. She placed her keys down and walked into the living room where she found Sookie sitting up alone on the couch.
Sookie turned and smiled, "Hey. Rory went to bed a while ago. We made cinnamon rolls for you to pop in the oven in the morning. Rory sounds like she's got big plans. How did it go?" She stopped when she saw Lorelai's expression, "Hey...what's wrong? Did something happen?"
Lorelai groaned and sat down next to her best friend, she rested her head in her lap, "No! And that's the problem…"
Sookie frowned and started to rub Lorelai's shoulder, "What do you mean?
"I want…" She sighed, "I want to take that next step with him but I keep freezing when we get close to it...tonight would have been the perfect opportunity. He took me to this amazing restaurant and then out on his friend's boat!"
"He took you out on a boat? Wow!" Sookie said with a smile, "How romantic!"
"I know. And we danced under the moonlight...he told me he was all in...and then afterwards we went back to his apartment…" She sighed, "And we were so close...we started to…" She put her hands over her face, "God what is wrong with me?"
Sookie sighed and gave her shoulder a squeeze, "Aw hon...you can't always plan for it to happen. It will happen when it's supposed too...when you're ready."
"That's what he said. But why am I not ready? He's amazing Sookie. Why can't I let myself be open like that with him?" She asked softly, "I mean at some point he's gonna get bored with just kissing…"
Sookie pushed her into a sitting position and smiled at her, "Hon...Luke isn't like most guys. He's not gonna force you into something. He's not Christopher or Michael...he's a respectful man. He treats women the way that all men should. You're just nervous...it's been awhile since you've been intimate with a guy. And the two you were with...weren't great. You can't force it. Something like this just has to feel natural...it has to happen when you're ready to let your guard down. And I have no doubt that it will happen...you just have to be patient."
Lorelai pouted and let her head fall to the back of the couch, "Yeah well it's hard to be patient when he's that good looking!"
Sookie chuckled and gave her knee a squeeze, "Well at least you know it's not a matter of not being attracted to him…"
Lorelai turned and smiled at her, "Yeah that's definitely not the problem…"
Sookie gave her a nod, "Well then good. Just let it be for now...only think about the great time you had with him. Don't dwell on what didn't happen okay?"
Lorelai nodded slowly, "Okay...thanks Sookie. And thank you for staying with Rory."
Sookie smiled, "I was happy to do it. Call me later if you need to talk some more." She said as she went to stand up.
"I will. Night Sook." She said giving her friend a small wave as she went to leave the house.
When Sookie was gone, she tiptoed to Rory's room and poked her head in the slightly open door to see that she was still fast asleep. Lorelai smiled and walked back out of the room and up the stairs to the bedroom. She changed into her pajamas, brushed her teeth and washed her face before crawling into bed.
Now she just had to get to sleep without dreaming of the way his hands in her bare skin felt all night…
I will update as soon as possible! Thanks :)
