CHAPTER 12

Two weeks later and Lucas and Peyton were doing well. They both had been slightly wary in the days after their 'first date', or so Lucas called it, because they still didn't want to push any boundaries. But last weekend Lucas had planned a romantic evening in for the two of them and since then they'd been practically inseparable. Peyton was surprised at how normal they were together, it wasn't weird and it didn't feel remotely wrong. Apart from when she let herself think about the consequences of their actions, which wasn't a lot because it made her stomach knot uncomfortably. She was happy living in the moment, she always had been and so was Lucas.

It was Friday and the night of Julian's premiere and Lucas was incredibly nervous. He didn't do these sorts of events. He was a mainstream reporter not a celebrity. Yet here he was putting on a tux and going to a world premiere event, no less he was attending with Peyton Sawyer. She was a rising personnel in the public demand, mainly because they never really got a chance to see her. She was private and believed in letting her musical acts have the fame, why should she be famous for their talent?

However in the view of the public this just made Miss Sawyer all the more mysterious, and frankly intriguing.

He couldn't help but struggle with his tie, his fingers were trembling slightly. After five minutes of fumbling his tie was done and he straightened himself out looking in the mirror and grimacing at his reflection, he wasn't cool enough to be on the red carpet. He saw the people who attended and they were ultra slick and he just knew he'd be the one person to trip or be asked a question by a reporter and be a bumbling idiot. A knock on his door broke his thoughts.

'Wow, don't you scruff up well.' Haley beamed at him and he allowed himself a small smile.

'Thanks Hales.'

'Why do I get the impression you don't believe me?'

'I'm nervous, that's all. This is a world premiere and I'm going to be on the red carpet. The red carpet, with Peyton, who's a rising figure in popularity, Brooke, who's a well known fashion designer and Julian, who directed and produced the whole freaking film. I'm a complete nobody Hales.'

'You forgot Nathan.'

'What?'

'Nathan's been asked to be there by his agent. He's outside parking.'

'Are you serious?'

'Yes.' Haley smiled.

'Why aren't you going?'

'Oh you know. No-one wants to know that a hot basketball player has a wife, it ruins the whole image.'

'Hales, he mentions you in every interview he does.' Lucas chuckled.

'I know.' Haley smiled. 'But someone has to take care of Jamie.'

'I'll do it!'

'Oh no you don't.' Haley laughed, 'You're going to the premiere mister and you're going to love it.'

Lucas groaned as Nathan stepped through his door, 'Ready to rock the carpet big bro?'

Nathan kissed Haley before stepping into his range rover that they were driving to Peyton's apartment in. They were silent the whole time as Nathan was driving and as soon as he stopped the car Lucas sucked in a breath.

They stepped out of the car and walked up the stairs to the right door, with Lucas' instruction, they knocked on the door and Nathan took a glance at Lucas' face. He looked practically ashen and he placed a hand on his shoulder.

'You're gonna be fine, Luke.' He murmured with a small chuckle.

The door opened and they were met with Julian.

'Hey.' He greeted them, shaking both of their hands. Relations between Lucas and Julian had become considerably less hostile since Lucas had found out about the whole past he'd had with Peyton. They seemed to be over one another and Julian was definitely smitten with Brooke, although Lucas didn't miss the looks Peyton and Julian sometimes shared, as if they were sharing a private joke or a private sort of moment. Yet he realised, they had been together for a year, however long ago it was, and he supposed they'd always share that sort of bond.

'Hey.' Nathan said and shook Julian's hand, 'Sorry about Luke, he's a little nervous.'

'I know the feeling.' Julian said and he seemed to turn a little green, 'I hope the critics don't give me much of a hard time.'

'I've got to give some interviews when I'm there, I'll drop some good comments in.' Nathan winked and Julian laughed, 'Anyway where's the girls, I bet they aren't as nervous as you two are.'

'Are you kidding? Peyton is one hell of a private person, she looks about as nervous as Lucas, and Brooke… well she does this for a living.'

'Doesn't stop me being nervous babe.'

The voice made Julian turn around and he looked at his girlfriend with a smile, Brooke's gaze however was over his shoulder at the guests.

'Reporter boy.' She nodded and Lucas smiled with a wave, 'Nathan Scott.' She gasped and then just as suddenly yelled out, 'Peyton!!'

'I'm almost ready I swear.' They heard her yell back and Nathan snickered.

Peyton came rushing down the hallway but Brooke grabbed her arm to stop her, 'You didn't say Nathan Scott would be in our living room.'

'That's because I didn't know.' Peyton said glancing down the hall at them. She smiled at Lucas with a slight twinkle in her eye and Nathan felt his brother instantly relax, something which he couldn't help but smile at. Peyton shook off Brooke's arm before walking down the hall towards them. Lucas couldn't keep his eyes off her; boy did this girl always look good. Her dress was black, perfect and he just couldn't keep his eyes away from her. He thought she noticed when she gave him a wink before saying, 'Hey Nate.'

'Hey Sawyer.' He said and pulled her into a hug that slightly surprised her.

'You're on hug and nickname terms!!' Brooke shouted from the hallway and they both laughed before Julian said, 'Wanna meet Brooke Davis?'

Nathan followed him as they walked away and Peyton turned to Lucas with a smile. His sudden nervousness seemed to dull instantly as he walked closer to her and rest his hands on her hips bringing them closer together.

'You… look…' He said a word with each movement and Peyton took in a breath as their noses touched, 'beautiful.'

Peyton's breath hitched and she couldn't suppress a smile, he knew how to take her breath away completely. She didn't know whether that was a good or bad thing, but she couldn't say she didn't like the butterflies in her stomach every time they locked eyes.

She fiddled with his tie slightly before saying, in a slightly childish way, 'Really?'

'Uhuh.' Lucas smiled, his eyes twinkling, 'Very beautiful.'

'Thank you.' She whispered and his smile widened,

'I'm just telling you the truth.' He murmured before catching her lips with his for the first time.

She leaned against him and he wrapped his arms fully around her as their kiss deepened. They pulled back ever so slightly when they heard the voices of the other three coming back down the hall.

'Ready to go?' Julian asked and they nodded, Lucas releasing his hold on Peyton reluctantly. They always had to be careful outside of the comfort of Peyton's apartment, or with people other than Nathan, Haley and Brooke because they didn't know who'd be watching them. Lucas would be in so much trouble if they were ever found out, so Peyton linked arms with Nathan as they walked out, Brooke doing the same on the other side of him and Lucas stayed back with Julian.

'I think our girlfriends like your brother.' Julian smirked at him.

'Oh Peyton isn't-'

Julian rolled his eyes before looking at him, 'You're dating right?'

'How'd you know?'

'Brooke talks.'

'Well yeah…I guess.'

'Your girlfriend is my ex girlfriend.' He smirked shaking his head and Lucas smiled a little uncomfortably. 'I'm glad she's happy. Look after her.' Julian added, turning to him with a wink and then turned away again.

He walked towards Brooke and she let go of Nathan to wrap her arm around Julian as he placed his around her shoulders. Lucas couldn't help but mull over Julian's words. They were seeing each other but he'd never really called her his girlfriend. It sounded sort of high school, but he wanted Peyton to be his girlfriend. He wanted to be with her in every sense of the word, which was also slightly scary, even for him.

Peyton turned and beckoned him forward with a wink. When a limo drove around the corner Lucas' mouth dropped open,

'We're going in this?' He asked.

'Yeh!' Brooke said in a 'duh' like tone.

Peyton turned to him, 'Took me a while to get used to as well.'

They got in and Lucas felt his nerves rise again. When Lucas sat down next to her Peyton seemed to sense his nerves and threaded her fingers through his. He looked at her briefly and she smiled reassuringly. He caught Julian's eye opposite and he pointedly looked down at their joined hands before giving him an obvious raised eyebrow and nod routine. Lucas couldn't help but chuckle and when Peyton looked at him in question he just kissed her knuckles.

'Look at you, sandwiched between the Scott brothers.' Brooke said and Peyton looked between Nathan's smirk and Lucas' confusion.

'I'm so jealous!' She exclaimed quietly and Peyton let out a snort of laughter.

'Thanks babe.' Julian said.

'You know I love you.' She amended. 'But this has got to call for a picture.'

'No, Brooke.' Peyton said quickly.

'Oh come on. We need some more recent pictures of us all, to put in the apartment. Plus we need to document Julian's big night.'

Peyton let out a groan as Brooke fished out her camera from her bag, 'Smile.' She instructed and simultaneously Lucas and Nathan both wrapped their arms around her tightly, turning both of their heads and pressing their lips to her cheeks. The picture was snapped and she exclaimed, 'Ugh, gross. God, Nathan I hope you're a better kisser than that. For your wife's sake!'

Lucas laughed as Nathan looked hugely offended, 'Hey, my wife seems pretty fine with my kissing abilities. I can show you right here right now if you want!'

Lucas leaned around Peyton to consult his brother, 'I don't think that's necessary.'

'Okay hush.' Brooke commanded, 'Can we get a serious one now please.'

'Yeah Nate.' Peyton murmured as they leaned in slightly again.

The picture was taken and Lucas' lips found her ear whispering, 'Don't antagonise him. He will kiss you to prove he's right. And I don't want my girlfriend kissing my brother.'

Despite the tingle of Lucas' lips on her skin and the humour she detected in his voice she couldn't help but stiffen at the word. Girlfriend… she hated it when she got like this. But she couldn't help it; she was slightly commitment phobic… Brooke would probably say more than 'slightly'.

Lucas felt her reluctance and they locked eyes. He wasn't sure whether he'd just made a terrible mistake.

Lucas found himself not knowing what the hell he was doing; Brooke and Nathan were signing autographs while Julian and Peyton were giving interviews. Julian about the film they were about to see and Peyton, her label and her new band. He was alone on the red carpet, just what he'd been afraid of. Shoving his hands into his pockets he tried to look anything but highly embarrassed.

Nathan finished and proceeded over to Lucas, he patted him on the back, 'You okay dude?'

'Yeah. Just-' Lucas sighed, 'This really isn't my scene.'

Nathan chuckled, 'Just wait until you become a successful author.'

'We'll be waiting a long time then.' He laughed but Nathan shook his head. Lucas' eyes sought out Peyton and realised that she'd been doing the same interview for five minutes, 'Wanna rescue Peyton? She hates interviews.'

Nathan let out a laugh before nodding and the two Scott brothers walked over to her just as the reporter asked the one question that made Lucas' stomach do a backflip,

'So Miss Sawyer, your well known for your privacy but people are interested… are you seeing anyone?'

Peyton's shoulders visibly tensed and Lucas held his breath as they walked a little closer,

'No.' She said shortly and Lucas felt a strange sensation of relief and intense disappointment. Nathan looked at him briefly before stepping in just as the reporter said,

'Well our male readers will be pleased.'

Peyton fake smiled, Lucas knew that much, and Nathan said quickly,

'Could I just steal you away for a sec Peyt?'

Peyton nodded quickly and Nathan led her away by the arm, 'God thank you Nate.' She said quietly with a sigh.

Nathan looked at Lucas and the older brother quickly let his eyes fall, landing on the red carpet he so hated. Then before either could say a word Lucas cleared his voice and walked away. Nathan sighed and bent slightly, to speak in Peyton's ear,

'You care for my brother, don't you?'

'What?' Peyton said completely surprised, when she knew that Nathan was deadly serious she said, 'Yes, of course I do.'

'It wouldn't hurt you to act like it. ' He said and Peyton was surprised by the harshness in his tone.

Julian came over to them at that moment and announced they had to head into the theatre. All five made their way in and were presented with champagne straight away, Peyton took hers and tried to find Lucas. She found him on his way out of the bathroom so without really thinking she abruptly pushed him back in and locked the door.

'Peyt, what're you doing?' He asked and the situation was so absurd that he couldn't help but chuckle.

Peyton placed down her glass of champagne and asked, 'You know that I like you, right?'

He hesitated slightly before saying, 'Yes.'

She either didn't want to pick up on the hesitation or didn't actually detect it because she breezed past anyway.

'And you know that I… I'm enjoying being with you?' Peyton asked and he detected a slightly vulnerable tone to her voice.

Lucas chuckled; he actually did know the answer to that one. They were good together and he knew that she knew they were too. 'Yes.' He said again with a smile before reaching out and pulling her closer, gently by the hips.

'What's brought this on?' He asked wrapping an arm around her waist as she draped hers lazily around his shoulders.

'Just something someone said… it's nothing really.' She smiled and he nodded knowing that she'd tell him when she was ready.

They both leaned in instinctively and their lips met in the middle. He knew he'd never get tired of kissing Peyton Sawyer because he could literally spend all day doing it and not get bored, even if they didn't do anything else.

Peyton still felt slightly guilty, she wasn't intentionally trying to make Lucas feel unwanted; it was just that this feeling of bliss and hope in such an early stage in a relationship honestly scared her. She hadn't dated, in the long term, since Julian and it was completely terrifying. But as he kissed her with such gentleness and care she couldn't help but want to give herself to this man unconditionally. She had a completely good feeling about Lucas and she doubted that had ever happened to her before. His thumb tenderly brushed across her cheek and she felt such an overload of emotion at that simple touch that she pulled herself closer to him and deepened their kiss quickly.

Out of complete surprise Lucas lost his footing a little as Peyton practically flung herself at him but he regained it easily enough and returned her kiss with as much vigour as possible. Their tongues tangled and they forgot completely where they were. Peyton dragged a hand lazily down his torso and Lucas shuddered slightly. She let out a small moan that he quickly stifled with his mouth and she wondered how on earth he'd managed to get her to make out with him in the bathroom at such a prestigious event.

Then she realised that she'd been the one who'd followed him in and locked the door. Lucas Scott was making her act in strange ways.

Peyton found she didn't actually care when he took their kiss to dizzying heights and ran a hand down the length of her side, which she could feel the effects of even through her dress. He broke their kiss and she felt a strong sense of frustration so she kissed him again, after another minute however he broke away again. She was just about to complain when he dipped his head a little to focus on her neck, her eyes fluttered closed and her reprimand died on her tongue. He was really good at foreplay, and he had amazing amounts of strong will… something which she admired and also ever so slightly hated, so many times she just wanted him to give in already.

The other half of her loved that he took so much time to please her instead of just thinking about himself though, he was a true gent.

A knock on the door broke them out of their haze and Peyton quickly stifled a laugh as they realised that they were in fact in a men's bathroom. Lucas chuckled with her and kissed her forehead before whispering,

'How long until the coast is clear, do you think?'

Peyton shrugged and giggled again, 'I don't know. Go check and I'll hide.'

Lucas snorted, 'Where?'

She shrugged again and he wandered cautiously over to the door, unlocking it and pulling it back just a bit so he could squint out.

'Coast's clear.' He said and she hurried over to him as they both peered out of the door. 'I think everyone's already seated.'

'Shall we make a break for it?' She wondered aloud and he laughed quietly.

'We sound like two teenagers who're hiding from their parents.'

Peyton turned to him with a grin, 'Makes it sort of exciting, don't you think?'

He couldn't reply as she leant up and captured his lips again in a kiss that made him not want to watch Julian's film at all. 'Is the limo still here?' He murmured and Peyton broke away for a second, 'Why?'

He smirked and leaned in closer again before saying, 'We could go. No one would know.'

Peyton's laugh reverberated against his cheek as he pressed a kiss to her jaw. 'Tempting…' She agreed and he pulled away quickly,

'And to think you're willing to miss your friend's premiere to go have sex, shameful.' Lucas replied shaking his head.

Peyton blanched and opened her mouth and then closed it again, looking a little like a fish out of water before he grinned again and encircled her in his arms, 'Kidding. But it is nice to know where your heads at.'

'Eugh.' She said pushing at his chest.

He laughed and pulled her close, 'And no trying to grope me through the movie.'

He was out of the door before she could comprehend his words and she followed him out, sure enough the coast was clear and said quietly, 'That's the only action you'll be getting tonight.'

He stopped in his tracks and said quietly, 'I was joking.'

She glanced over her shoulder at him, a smile playing about her lips and he grinned at her look.

They were about as good at resisting each other as they were at looking comfortable on the red carpet.

A couple of hours later and they were all raving about Julian's movie at a sophisticated bar across the street which had been reserved specifically for the actors and producers, basically all the people involved in the movie.

'It was brilliant.' Peyton beamed hugging Julian.

'Thanks Peyt, although I'm surprised you actually saw any of it.'

She frowned at him and he elaborated with a grin, 'Your eyes were otherwise preoccupied.'

At that moment Lucas subtly pressed a hand to the small of her back and whispered, 'Baileys right?' He winked when she looked at him surprised and then left them again. She turned back to Julian and the look on his face made her blush and hit his chest lightly.

He laughed, 'I'm happy for you. Lucas is a genuine guy.'

'Thanks, I guess. But seriously it was really great.'

'I'm glad.' Julian grinned, 'Anyway I have a girlfriend I need to buy champagne for.' He rolled his eyes and Peyton laughed just as Lucas came back with her drink. As she took the glass of him she looked at it thoughtfully,

'How did you know I wanted this drink?' She asked.

Lucas smiled a little bashfully, '20 questions. You said one of your favourite drinks to end the night with was Baileys… with ice.'

'You remembered that?' Peyton asked and her eyes were wide, surprise evident in her voice.

Lucas coughed, he seemed slightly embarrassed before he looked her straight in the eye and said, 'Yeah.'

Peyton let out a breath before saying, 'God I wish we were alone.'

Lucas let out a laugh before looking around to make sure no one was watching them, giving her a wink and her hand a squeeze, 'All in good time.'

Lucas watched Peyton as she talked animatedly to Nathan, his brother laughing at her gestures which made him smile. He went to take a sip of his drink only to find that it was empty, he placed it down and looked at Peyton again before sub-consciously looking at his watch.

'A limo's waiting outside.'

He turned to see Brooke's smirking face before him. He looked politely puzzled and Brooke rolled her eyes, 'You've been lusting after each other all night. Take her home.'

'Oh, we're fine.' Lucas said blushing a little.

Brooke laughed, 'I distinctly remember my best friend telling me that she couldn't wait to get you to the apartment.'

He met her eyes quickly, she nodded, affirmative. He smirked and said, 'Thanks Brooke.'

'No problem.' She smiled.

He walked away but turned around almost straight away, 'Wait, how're you all getting back?'

'We've hired the limo for the night.' Brooke shrugged. 'Just tell the driver to come back when he's dropped you off.'

The smile on Lucas' face widened and he couldn't resist giving Brooke a quick hug, 'You're the best.'

'Don't let P Sawyer hear that.' She called but he waved over his shoulder and she watched as he approached Peyton, pressing a hand to the small of her back and whispering something into her ear. Something that made her turn around, a glint in her eyes as she pressed a hand to Nathan's chest clearly apologising for her abrupt departure. They left quickly, Lucas trying to not grab her hand even though he wanted to and as they passed by Brooke Peyton gave her a grin and Brooke winked mouthing a 'use protection' at her which made Peyton laugh, turn around and give her a hug muttering a 'you too' into her ear and departing just as quickly.

They tumbled out of the doorway to the bar and sure enough a limo was waiting at the curb. Lucas opened the door and Peyton quickly slid in before he consulted the driver telling him where to take them. Then he slid in after her and shut the door quickly behind them both.

'What was with the sudden departure Scott?' She asked although Lucas could tell she didn't object at all to the idea.

'I figured we'd waited long enough.' He smirked and Peyton leaned against him pressing her lips to his with a definite smile. When she didn't waste any time to deepen their kiss he opened his eyes slightly to check that the partition was closed so that the driver couldn't see them or what they were doing. He smiled when he saw that it was and tangled a hand in her hair at the same time as closing his eyes again. He groaned as she stroked his tongue with her own and she smiled again cupping his cheek.

She'd just un-done a few buttons of his shirt when he became aware that the limo had stopped moving, a knock resounding off the partition. Peyton seemed to regain control as she quickly moved from practically being on his lap, he groaned and she smirked at him. He took a deep breath, quickly buttoned up a few buttons and lowering the partition he thanked the driver and asked him to return to the original venue.

They clambered out of the back of the limo and stumbled up the path to Peyton's door, a laugh issuing from Peyton's mouth as she looked at Lucas.

'You look a mess.' She said with a smirk, his top four buttons were still undone, his tie hung loosely, the knot at the third button, and his hair was a disaster from all the times she'd run her fingers through it.

'That's what happens when you decide to attack me in the back of a limousine.' He said defensively and she smirked fiddling with her keys. The door opened and they stepped inside, shutting it behind them. Lucas shrugged himself out of his suit jacket, draping it over the couch and taking off his tie as well.

He watched as Peyton locked the door and was struck with how lucky he was. Then he remembered what she'd said to the reporters and how she'd looked alarmed when he'd called her his girlfriend. He frowned slightly but rearranged the expression on his face when she turned around. She quickly reacquainted herself with his lips and they made their way down the hall to her bedroom, Lucas pushing the door closed with his foot before lowering them both onto the bed. They kissed for a few minutes before Peyton let out a sigh in his mouth and said, 'What?'

'What do you mean what?' Lucas asked chuckling.

'What's wrong with you?'

'What do you mean?' Lucas asked slightly guiltily.

'You're kissing weird.'

'I'm- wait what?'

'What's up?' She asked again and he sighed.

'I- look it's stupid okay.' He amended and leaned down again to press his lips against hers. This time his kiss was definitely back to normal and lot more persuasive, so much so that she found it hard to actually pull away.

'No-' She murmured against his lips and he sighed again rolling off her and onto his back beside her. 'What is it?'

Lucas closed his eyes, running a hand over his face before turning on his side, his hand coming to rest on her stomach, 'Nothing.' He said again before reuniting their lips. Peyton pushed at his chest and hissed, 'Lucas!'

'Fine.' Lucas said loudly, 'It just upset me a little when you said you weren't with anyone to that reporter.'

Peyton sighed, 'I had to say that, you know I had to. What did you expect me to do? I was put on the spot.'

'I know and I get that Peyton, I know we're meant to be keeping this secret because of our careers but how do you explain the way you reacted in the limo?'

'I'm pretty sure you liked the way I acted in the limo.' Peyton smiled and Lucas couldn't help but let his mouth twitch slightly.

'On the way to the premiere, Peyton. I said something about you being my girlfriend and you reacted.'

'I didn't…' Peyton started but Lucas cut in front of her.

'Don't even try to deny it. I know you; you tensed and looked like I'd just freaking proposed or something.' Lucas sighed and sat up, his legs over the side of the bed and his feet touching the floor as he ran a hand over his tired face.

Peyton sighed again and murmured, 'I'm sorry.'

'I don't want you to be sorry. You shouldn't be, it's how you feel.' Lucas muttered, his hands bracing himself on Peyton's bed as he looked down at the floor.

'It's not how I feel. I'm scared Luke.' Peyton said quietly, 'I really do like you and I'm scared.'

Lucas turned to look at her before lying across from her again and placing a hand on her arm, 'Don't be.'

'It's sort of not as easy as that.' Peyton chuckled but her eyes sparkled with water and Lucas quickly kissed her cheek. 'I haven't dated in a while… I haven't been someone's girlfriend for a long time.'

'Well just in case you've forgotten it involves a lot of this.' Lucas smiled his hand sliding up her arm and cupping her face to give her a short kiss.

Peyton laughed softly and he grinned, 'See we'd make a great couple, the question being is that what you really want?'

'We can't go back.' Peyton said softly and Lucas misinterpreted her intention completely.

'We can.' Lucas said although his hand quickly left her side and his smile seemed somewhat forced. 'We can go back to being friends.'

Peyton looked at him, at his willingness to go along with her feelings, at his obvious disregard for his own just to keep her happy, 'We've never been friends.' She whispered and he smiled before she leant forward and pressed her lips to his, he responded eagerly and she couldn't help but smile.

'This is what I want.' She said against his lips and he let out a breathy laugh before gently pushing her back into the mattress and hovering over her, his face split into a smile that said everything she needed to know without words, she smiled back and he leant down again their lips meeting and this time staying locked amid small chuckles that quickly turned into something more.

Ten minutes later and his shirt was on the floor, her dress following a second later. Lucas looked at her and his small smile made her blush, he smoothed a thumb over her cheek and kissed along her jaw line and to the spot on her neck that he'd grown quite accustomed to, 'You're so beautiful.' He murmured against her skin and her fingers tangled in his hair tightly as she gasped a little.

Yes, he was a true gentleman and he was hers.

Sorry for the delay, but it's an extra long chapter! So i hope that makes up for it!! Hope you like, i'm a little unsure about this one to be honest, so if you have any comments (good or bad) they'd be appreciated. Thanks for reading!