A/N: I love how you all jumped to the idea that something bad would happen to Riley. There were some great guesses, some of them really made me think and I really liked what was said. It shows me the possibilities that I could have taken. But since I only need like two more chapters to write , will I take some of your guesses into consideration? The answer is maybe.

naelacy: I wanted people to really like Katherine for various reasons. I mean the woman was abused by her husband and she only put up with him for Lucas. She had to run away from Peter and start all over. Such a good thing she already had money saved up. Although your guesses were a little over the top, it would have been a great plot. But will something happen to Riley that will hurt her physically? Yes. Will it be major? No. As for Lucas and Maya, Maya's hate will grow for Lucas. This happens when she realizes Riley and Lucas are getting close. You said something about Lucas sleeping with Missy? Good guess. But...does he?

Siennese: Riley and Lucas' relationship will definitely have it's downs. You will soon see. But Missy and Sorrell are important. Has Lucas slept with Missy when they were dating, tho? Yes. And Lucas is wise enough to know wrong from right, just like he knows temptation and regret. Those two words are important. As for Katherine and the health issues, know that her future hasn't been determined. I'm still writing that.

violet1429: Lucas is really close to his mom. But the foreshadowing wasn't meant to lead to something that could harm Riley or Katherine, at least not yet. The foreshadowing is actually a really great moment that you guys will soon read.

amymay2003: The foreshadowing lead to something great. And Riley won't get pregnant, at least not in this chapter. ;)

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"Thought you wouldn't show up," Lucas admitted. She did take a while to get there.

"You're partially right. I am still mad at you for what you did."

"And I am still very sorry you had to see that," he confessed. "You look good."

She scoffed, "Wish I could say the same."

He nodded understanding the compliment wasn't enough for her forgiveness. "You're still mad."

"Of course, I am."

"Then what do you want me to say? I'm sorry?"

"Yes," Riley spoke. "That's exactly what you need to say. I don't wanna hear your sorrow for beating up a guy-"

"Who deserved it," he continued for her, his voice so loud it shocked Riley. "He tried to hurt you."

"But he didn't."

Now it was Lucas turn to scoff. "Whether he didn't hurt you or tried to hurt you, he still came onto you. I don't see any other reason to punch him."

"I'm not mad you because you hit him. I'm mad because you wouldn't stop, even after I called your name."

He turned his back on Riley and leaned his forearms on the railings. "I'm not going to apologize if that's what you want. He wanted to hurt you."

"Fine," Riley gave up. "Then don't."

"Thank you-"

"But you have to tell me why you were carrying a knife?"

His eyes closed for a few seconds, "You saw it-"

"I did."

"Riley, I don't think that's your business-"

"You don't think it's my business? I went on a date with you. For all I know, you could've used it to hurt me."

"That's bullshit!" he scoffed. "To hurt you?" Once Riley didn't say anything, Lucas didn't know what to say either. For the first minute of tranquility Riley had hope Lucas would tell her, but when his eyes wouldn't meet hers...she gave up.

"I'll see you around, Lucas."

"Hey," he called out to her. She wouldn't stop walking so he called her again. "Hey," he reached for her hand and once he did, he pulled her towards him. "Don't get angry with me."

"I want to know. And if you plan on seeing me then I suggest you tell me why."

Lucas contemplated for a few short seconds. It wasn't late when he realized she deserved to know. "I didn't know I had it in that jacket, Riley. It's stupid and...I just, I've had it for so long. I felt like I could protect someone if it was on me. When my mother and I left Texas and came here, I wanted to protect her from my dad. I didn't mean to scare you."

She stared into his eyes and nodded. She liked that he had it for protection towards his own mother, and not for harming anyone. "You could've told me."

"I know," he nodded.

"You can trust me, Lucas. You know that, right?"

"I do."

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Riley stood in front Lucas' door. In the time it took to place her knuckles on the door, Riley contemplated her "hellos" to Ms. Wesley. She didn't know what to say to Lucas' mother since she was meeting her for the first time and to say she was nervous wasn't saying much. In fact, she was scared. Despite knowing about 25% of her, Riley had forgotten all the encouraging things Lucas told her.

Lucas actually spends quite his time on that hammock over there, reading books."

Riley stared at him and smiled, "Which ones?"

He laughed nervously, "I don't think she needs to know that-"

"Oh, you're gonna love this. He reads The Notebook, Dear John, Pride & Prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird-"

"Mom," Lucas warned.

"And his all time favorite - he reads this all the time - Sense and Sensibility."

Lucas pressed his hand on his forehead to hide the embarrassment.

"Oh, oops," Ms. Wesley placed a hand over her lips and chuckled. So did Riley.

"No, actually, that's one of my favorite ones too," the brunette informed. Their eyes locked for a second and that was the first time Riley had ever been so comfortable with staring at a guy.

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By the time Lucas closed the front door, his mom was already there smiling at him. "She has to be one of the wisest, cultivated young women I've ever met. I really like her, Lucas."

"Same here, mom," he leaned on the railing and smiled. "Can't stop thinking about her."

Katherine squealed as she walked over to him. She went up three steps to reach his height, "I'd ask her out."

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Dangerous Woman

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"All right," Riley began as she ended their walk short. "What is it Lucas?"

Lucas furrowed his brows at the question and turned to her, their hands still intact. "What do you mean?"

"You've been stiff and you haven't said a word in the last two minutes. Something's wrong."

He chuckled, "Nothing's wrong, Riley."

She raised a brow and stared at him.

"You don't believe me, do you?"

"I'm not an idiot," she reminded. "Your hands are moist and you're breathing faster than usual. That pretty much tells me something's up."

He took his hands away from their grasp and smiled nervously.

"You can tell me, Lucas."

Lucas wiped his hands against his jeans and gulped. It's been two days since Riley has met his mom. And in those two days, he couldn't stop thinking about her. He tried everything, cold showers, football, running, but nothing seemed to work. And the thought of using another girl to distract himself from Riley nearly disturbed him.

He jerked his head signaling the continuation of their walk. Riley followed him and shortly after they were back under the same gazebo they were four nights ago.

"Is it really that bad?" Riley questioned. Lucas was worrying her.

"Nothing bad happened, Riley. I promise."

"Then why can't you tell me. C'mon, you're scaring me."

Lucas inhaled then exhaled. He scratched the back of his head before his eyes met hers. "I like you."

She smiled.

"And it feels like you like me too," his eyes couldn't leave her's. "We've been spending so much time with each other that I look forward to it. I like talking to you, Riley...and I really want you to feel the same way."

Every time they're together she forgets about the real reason she's with him and she only thinks about wanting to be with him, as something more. She crossed her hands and joined him, Lucas turned so they're both facing the same direction, the stars.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

He nodded, knowing all too well the only 'beautiful' he knows is her.

"I like you, Lucas." The smile he gave her was enough to make her chuckle. "You make it so much easier to be honest with you. There's no one I know who re-reads Sense & Sensibility more than I do, of course, that was until I met you." Her tone grew serious. "You're a good different."

His hands went down to hers, "The important talks, the one's we share, promise me we'll have more of those."

Riley's hands snaked around his neck as his hands rest on her hips. She smiled because Lucas had managed to say everything she's been wanting to hear. Everything she's wanted in a relationship has somehow been what their friendship with was all about. When they were together he provided her with attention, care, affection; the list goes on for a lifetime and that was all she ever wanted.

He cared for her, and she cares for him.

"I don't know Lucas, how would we do that?"

His forehead leaned against hers. The smell she radiated, of pear blossom and jasmine, made it impossible to think straight. He loved it. "Instead of seeing each other as...friends, maybe we can see each other as...more?"

Riley nodded. "I see."

"So what do you say? Give us a try?"

Riley grinned while Lucas touched her cheek, his slid his fingers into his hair and smiled. She leaned in to kiss him. This time, the kiss was more passionate than the previous ones. He clasped both of his hands behind her back and pulled her impossibly close.

"I'll take that as a yes."

"It's a definite yes." The spark in his eyes was brighter than usual, "You're worth it."

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Katy opened the door and found an elegant box with a bow planted on the floor. She looked both ways to see who could've done this but no one was to be seen. She picked it up and brought the box inside the apartment. She set the box on the dining table and untied the bow, a letter slipped out and it read: Riley Matthews with nicely printed writing.

"Riley can you come here for a sec?" she called out. Seconds later Riley walked into the room. "I think this is for you."

She arched a brow and sauntered towards the blonde, her eyes soon trailed down to the box. "For me?"

She nodded and patted the box. "Go on, I wanna see what's inside."

Riley decided to open the letter first and once she did, she read aloud: "Please join the Wesley Family on the ninth at seven o'clock for dancing, cocktails, and celebration," the brunette turned to Katy. "It's an invitation."

"Do you know from whom?"

A sudden smile dawned on Riley's features as she remembered Katherine's invite to a ball she had been planning for months.

"Lucas," she answered.

"Okay now open the box. I'm dying to see what's inside."

Riley smiled before she opened it, inside was a gorgeous dress and a nicely sculpted golden necklace.

"Oh my," Katy gasped. "This boy has some outstanding good taste."

Riley smiled and closed the box in a blink of an eye, "You can't tell Maya."

"My lips are sealed - as they have been. But if you plan on going, promise me you'll be careful."

"I will," Riley assured. "I promise."

Katy gave her a nod before she exited the room. "Maya will be home soon. I suggest you hide the box in your suitcase," she heard her say before the door closed.

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A/N: I apologize for making the chapter so short. The second part doesn't go well with the first part and that's because the second part was already written. But it makes sense...I hope. Lucas wants to take Riley to the ball as his girlfriend, (in case you missed it). How do you feel about Riley commencing a relationship with Lucas? Will this cause more problems? Will Riley run into some trouble? The next chapter will answer some of these questions. Reviews are highly encouraged, Guest's, you know what to do.