Thank you everyone for reading and reviewing keep them coming :)

Next chapter may be updated a little later than usual, but it won't be more than a week anyway.

By the way who do you think should win the bet, is it Keith or Nathan? knowing that Keith bet that Lucas would fall first and Nathan said it's Peyton. lol. let me know.

This song is be Deepend.

Here we go...

20. Only love

Peyton fluttered her eyes open to be met with the escaped sun rays lighting up Lucas' room. She let a relaxed sigh escape her lips as the events of last night flashed in her mind. She remembers it all, and she knows she let herself go last night letting all the worry for the future, and the future is now, and now… she's confused.

She recognized her position as she was lying next to Lucas dressed in nothing but one of his shirts that she pulled over her body last night, she had her hand spread across his stomach as he lied on his back next to her wearing only his boxers as she was on her side facing him while their legs were tangled under the sheets that they had pulled seeking heat from and from each other.

There was a time that she'd have felt nauseous at the thought of sleeping with Lucas, but now, this feels like another lifetime, hating the idea of being with him seems highly unreasonable, but, she's guilty of not being able to regret last night, in fact, she might have called it one of the best nights of her life if she wasn't trying to stay mad at him.

It was hard though, she just doesn't get it, she's always had no problem finding him at fault and being angry with him, but, even though he's hurt her, it was only a couple of hours later that he was apologizing and trying to ease his way into making peace again with those blue eyes and that precious smile of his. And he made a pretty good argument; she was mean too when she was stressing over Jake, but that doesn't mean it hurt any less, after all, she now does have feelings for him.

Why does it have to be so complicated?

Why couldn't she just fall for some guy whom she didn't spend her whole life fighting with? Why was it so hard to keep away from him?

And for God's sake, what should she do about what just happened? They slept together, and she can't even pretend it was a drunken mistake, because they both know very well that they weren't that drunk, they took the decision while aware of what they're stepping into.

But, God, it was amazing!

She must be losing it!

Because despite all the odds, despite the way she woke up yesterday and how her day went and how she thought it was going to end through midday, despite this being Lucas, she doesn't regret it.

She doesn't regret it because this is Lucas.

Of course, there was still the worry that something shall go wrong, because let's face it, that's what always happens, but, she can't think of something from the top of her head that could possibly ruin this; she knew what she felt last night, what they both felt, and she'd like to believe that he felt the same things that she did, and that he wanted it to go the same way she did.

But, she can't be sure of that last sentence anymore, because, at this moment, while she was lying still in her place just watching his sleeping form in the early morning sunlight thinking about the huge step they just took their relationship through the previous night, she realized why she kept trying –and miserably failing- to make her feelings for him vanish; that's because they were much deeper than she originally thought; she was falling – no, she has fallen in love with Lucas Scott.

It was a shocking yet beautiful realization, she doesn't know what that would mean for them, or if she's ready for that kinda thing, but, it is true anyway, how can she not see it when she has her eyes glued on him at this very moment? How can she not be okay with it when she's adoring his breathing pattern like that? How can anything go wrong when she has this big smile on her lips since she woke up?

She was surprised to find out that suddenly, all the things she has been holding against him are forgotten and what was left was only the live image of him sleeping peacefully; she can swear that this man next to her can never hurt a fly, there just have to be an explanation, there should be, that's what she thought last night and that's what she's counting on now, because again, what she felt between them last night, can't just be meaningless.

She's certainly going crazy! How can she fall out of love with someone and in love with another in the matter of just three months?

It was a whole of a good ten seconds though that she allowed herself to slip into that bubble of happiness before her worries started kicking in again and her smile started to retreat; because what if she's only wishfully thinking it? What if she was the only one who felt these things? What if there's –God forbid- no justifiable explanation? What if he just really chose Lindsey, and then things didn't work out with them and so, he needed a night like this? No strings attached, because apart from having the same friends, their parents being lifelong business partners and being married, they have never had any strings attached.

That was enough to scare her for the next year, because going as far as admitting she's in love with him, was surely going to make her avoid facing him at any costs.

And avoid facing him she will. She hasn't moved an inch since she woke up until then when she decided to carefully slide her body away from him to go lock herself away for the rest of her life.

She made it as far as turning around and just one move away from leaving the bed when a strong arm wrapped around her waist, "Where are you going?" He held her back with a gruff sleepy voice.

She squeezed her eyes shut regrettably for a second; she should have left as soon as she woke up. "Um, you know, just…" she said trying to get away and escape.

"Peyton?" he picked an alarmed tone as he propped himself up a little and pulled her towards him making her fall back on her back. And that's when he saw her face and worry arose in him, "What's wrong?" He realized soon that this is a stupid question; he knows what's wrong, he just didn't get how it could still be wrong after last night.

"Nothing, Lucas, I just…" she trailed off again not knowing what to say.

He let out a sigh, "Hey, I know." He nodded, "I know I have been a total jerk lately," he started, because there's no way that he can let her go now, "I know I was way out of line yesterday, and I am really sorry, I… didn't mean to take it out on you, really, you didn't deserve that."

She shook her head not knowing what to say still, she was seriously on the verge of craziness with so much contradicting thoughts that she didn't know what exactly to think, her pride was telling her to step up already, and that she already screwed up by sleeping with him, but then again, her heart just wanted to hear him out,

"In fact, like I already said, you were too good to me, Peyton, and I should have seen that sooner." He told her and she believed him, because he was honest and she knew it just like she knew it the night before. Then, his expression turned to an uneasy one arising her concern, "Listen… I… um… I know I should have come to you sooner about this, I mean, you were waiting an answer for me after all," he said nervously, "But, I promise there's a reason… it's just… it's… God, I don't know where to-"

"Lucas," she cut him off and he brought his nervous eyes to hers, "You don't have to do this now." She could see his struggle.

"No, I think I do, you should know…" He shook his head with a lost look in his eyes. He wanted to tell her everything, he really did, but, it was hard to; he wasn't able to get over the fact he got played by over his dreams and needs like this, he hated that he almost gave up on this right there for some empty words that he was fool enough to not see were bullshit.

She nodded, "You don't have to do it now though." She told him; maybe she wanted to know, heck she needed it, but, she saw the look on his face, whatever it was, he wasn't ready for it, and as much as it frustrated her, she didn't want it to be that way, if there's ever a chance of things working out fine, then things need to take its course.

He opened his mouth and closed helplessly, "I… I promise you there's a reason,"

"I figured," she nodded; she did, judging by the look on his face and the way he was acting, she could tell that he's unsettled, something must have happened like she previously concluded, whatever it is, she could only guess it's a good reason.

"And I promise that I um… started things last night because I missed you." He reassured again, and she smiled, well, he really was doing the best he could, at least that's what she thinks.

She was there again, she was back to loving him, to believing things could be fine after all; and it was all on him seriously, he didn't hesitate to address the issue there, and yeah, she just knew he was doing the best he could right now.

"That's alright, I missed you too." She smiled.

Her smile brought warmth to his heart; why not just tell her the truth and get it over with then? To hell with his embarrassment, if anything, Peyton would only be supportive; that's what she does. Besides, she has confined in him before regarding her relationship with Jake and told him things she was ashamed of too, so, why hold back?

"Listen, it's a long story, and it's not so pretty, but-" he was cut off by her lips covering his for a brief but hypnotizing kiss.

"I was about to tell you…" he said after pulling away.

"I know. I told you, you don't have to do it now." She repeated, "Don't feel obliged to tell me because I came wailing to you before."

He gave her an amazed look, "That's not-" he stopped at her pointed look, "How do you even…?" he shook his head.

She smirked, "It's part of my charm."

God wasn't she perfect!

"Yes, it is." He said and then leaned forward to kiss her again. "Good morning." He said –a little too late- against her lips after a while and pulled back as she giggled while he broke into a smile resting his head on the bed board.

"It's weird, isn't it?" she bit her bottom lip.

"What is?"

"This." she shrugged watching his reaction, "Right here… you and me…"

He shrugged, "No, not really." he shook his head locking eyes with her.

"It isn't?" she raised her eyebrows.

"I mean it brings our arguments to a whole new level," he said and she laughed; it was true.

"You know what the best part is?" he said with a smirk propping himself up a bit and she shook her head questioningly, "That we have all day to put last night on repeat." He said re-positioning himself to be on top of her as he pushed her legs slightly apart with his knee and placed his hand underneath her left thigh sliding it down to her knee lifting her leg up a bit in the process.

"Oh," she giggled, "You think you can go all day?"

"Wanna bet?"

"On what?"

"A goodnight kiss."

"Again?"

"I won last time, didn't I?" he smirked and she rolled her eyes at him as he chuckled and leaned down to kiss her passionately letting his hand slide under his shirt that she was wearing lifting it as his hand travelled up and his other hand was tangled in her hair while her hands were on his back.

This was good, better than she ever expected.

She's come a long way for a girl who had a different opinion ever second about him since she woke up to being so committed to this passionate make out session now.

He slid his tongue in her mouth and she wrapped her legs around his hips while his hand cupped her breast above the fabric, it was a heating make-out session that got interrupted by the sound of his ringtone coming from somewhere around the room blaring between the soft sounds of hot breaths and moans.

"Luke… your phone." She said when he showed no response to it.

"I know. It's interrupted us enough before, don't you think?"

"It could be important." She said being the sound of reason although she didn't want him to abandon her neck.

"What could possibly be so important on a Saturday at eight in the morning?" He whined and she giggled giving up and kissing him again, it stopped ringing anyway.

Their tongues were battling and he was letting his hands travel whenever they wanted, and Peyton didn't like the vibes, so, with one swift move, she flipped them over straddling him and he gave her an impressed look, "What are you doing?"

"Taking the lead," she smirked challengingly placing her hands over his chest and he nodded knowingly with a smirk; this was just the result of what they have been doing their whole lives, fighting over who the best is.

"You know it's always been mine."

"That is not true."

"Well, I'd like to see you try." He said while she shuffled to have better access and kissed him on the lips again once before moving to place feather-like kisses on his jaw line up towards his ear and then down his neck, "Okay, you're good." He said gruffly and she let out a muffled giggle bringing her lips back to his.

She pulled away again after a while ready to take his shirt off, but then his ringtone blared again and she sighed unable to ignore it this time, she looked backward and spotted his pants from last night at the foot of the bed as she moved to fish his phone out of the pocket.

"Peyton, no, ignore it." He said trying to stop her in the fear of it turning out to be Lindsey again, after all, that would definitely be a mood-killer.

She frowned as she looked at his screen and he groaned, "It's Brooke." She said handing him the phone to answer.

He frowned in confusion too; what was Brooke doing calling him at this hour of a Saturday morning? He accepted the call pressing the phone to his ear, "Brooke?"

"Where the hell are you and where's Peyton?"

"Um… she's here. What's going on?"

"I've been calling you two." She said and he frowned looking at Peyton and mouthing to her asking about her phone and she frowned getting off of him and looking around; she must have left her purse downstairs last night.

"I just woke up, Brooke, what's going on?"

"Well, get down here at the company, we have an emergency."

"Why? What is it?" he asked sitting up straight in concentration.

"Fancy. We think they have our whole plan."

"What?"

She sighed, "Just get here, Lucas, and bring Peyton along."

He frowned throwing the phone on the mattress after hanging up and Peyton looked at him with concern, "What is it?"

"We need to go." He told her, "Apparently, a Saturday morning could hold important work too."

"Is it bad?"

"I don't know yet, she says they think Fancy know our plans."

"What? But, that's impossible."

"I know, we just need to get there."

She nodded, "Alright, I'll go take a shower and get dressed." She said hopping off the bed and out of his room.

"At least let me join." He yelled after her and she giggled before closing the bathroom door after her leaving him to groan.

He got up to use the downstairs bathroom instead so they get going quickly and leave.

Damn you Fancy for ruining his Saturday plans!

Well, he can't really call them plans since he just made them five minutes ago, and no, it's not just sex he wanted to have all day despite what he implied, he just wanted to spend the day with her and smooth out whatever wrinkled issues there,

Where he was right now, was beyond what he dreamed of achieving just yesterday. He was only planning on working out his life and bringing back his sense of logic and to put everything where it belongs… and he thought that it's a lost cause to get Peyton to talk to him again, but, then, for some reason, she did, and even though she was giving him hard time, he just kept talking to her and that seemed to get her to reply and then even to laugh even if she tried to hide it.

It wasn't until they got home and had his arms around her that he knew things are going to be fine between them no matter how hard she was trying to be on him, he knew it wasn't too later after all…

And then she continued on being the definition of perfection in the morning; he knew that Peyton always had the grace of understanding people and putting her own problems aside to help them, but he could swear his heart melted at how she handled his uneasiness; he didn't deserve this, he was too bad with her, and the more he thinks about it, the more ready he feels to just drop his strong attire and tell her the truth so they could move forward to happily ever after, because there was no way after last night and this morning he could allow her to slip away.

Obviously, he considers himself the happiest man on earth today.

Now, they'll just have to un-wrinkle things later after this work crisis, and he is willing to do that by being completely honest.

Happily ever after awaits them tonight then.

XxXx

The company halls were empty of course, and as their footsteps echoed through the silence, they started hearing muffled voices coming from the meeting room as they neared it, and sure enough, Brooke, Nathan, Julian and Millie, Brooke's trustworthy assistant were there talking,

"Finally." Brooke threw her hands in the air at seeing them.

"Sorry, it was a… long night." Lucas reasoned as they joined them.

"Yeah, I was there, yet, I woke up early and so did Julian."

Lucas cleared his throat making a huge effort to avoid looking at Peyton not to give anything away, however, for some reason, Brooke was already narrowing her eyes at both of them so he decided to speak before she says anything, "Yeah, well, we're here now, so, what's going on?"

"Well, apart from the fact that you obviously went out and completely froze me and Haley out, we think that Fancy knows our exact plans." Nathan said.

"Yeah, but why do you think so?"

"It was Julian who noticed." Brooke started and looked at him to elaborate,

"Well, it was done only yesterday and so secretly, but, when I was overlooking some marketing plans, and some of our designed fabrics and talking to a couple of friends over at the factory, I came across the information that someone was making a deal to buy the exact same amount of the exact same fabric we have, at first I let it go, but it kept nagging me, so, I looked more into it, and long story short, it's related to Mike Steven's wife and it can't be a coincidence. And then on looking more into it, I was eventually told about a design they're just preparing that sounds awfully close to one of ours."

"But… but how?" Peyton frowned.

"That's what we need to find out." Julian said.

"We need to know what they know exactly." Peyton said thoughtfully; because if this is true, then it's over.

"And more importantly, who told them." Nathan said.

"That's why no one else knows about this." Brooke said and they all nodded in agreement. "So, we need to go over all the work we've done lately, and who might have known about it and could leak it."

"You know what that means, right?"

"Yes, Peyton, we need to go over weeks of work in one day and break it down to points and come up with a potential list so we can eventually figure out what to do." She told her, "So, I suggest we better start now."

And with that, they all silently agreed on the plan as each one went to their office to start gathering files, gathering thoughts and try to save the company for probably the hundredth time.

After about two hours of hard work and restless –yet useless- investigation, Peyton left Nathan's office with a pile of papers and a couple of big files in her hands towards Lucas' office trying hard not to drop the papers in her hands, "Hey, Luke, I need your help with something, Nathan already said that you were the one who-" she cut her sentence short and a concerned frown appeared on her face when she looked up only to see he had a distraught face while staring at nothing, "Lucas?" she called managing to pick his attention as he looked at her with the same expression.

She dropped all the things in her hands on the couch and walked over towards his desk, "What's going on? Don't worry, we'll fix it." She knew he loved his job, but she didn't expect him to be this emotional about it.

He shook his head, "You don't understand."

"Look, I know it's important to you, but it's not over yet, we got it, okay? Just… just focus and help me with this, we can work together if you want."

"I don't think we need to."

"Okay, what?"

He looked up at her, "Peyton, I screwed up, it's all my fault."

"Luke, what are you talking about?"

"I think we all know they do have our plans and our designs, that's not the real question we're looking to answer." He said giving her a pointed look full of regret.

"Okay… Lucas, but, we still need to-"

"What's the point? They already have everything, and there's no time to fix it, and it's all because of me."

"How is it because of you? Lucas, what are you talking about?" she asked and he got up from his chair feeling uneasy, her concerns rising even more. She followed him with her eyes and thought that he was having an internal debate, she moved towards the door closing it before walking up to him, putting her hands on his arms to make him face her, "Lucas, what's going on?"

He looked at her again and again his eyes were full of regret, "I think I know who leaked the information."

He has been sitting there thinking about it ever since he heard the news, and even though he tried focusing on the files, the thought kept nagging him, and the more he thought about it, the more it made sense, and so, he dropped the files and picked up his phone logging online, and what he saw on her social media only proved his suspicions to be right even more; Lindsey.

"Who?"

"I… I… it's my fault, but, I swear it's unintentional… I thought…" he stopped and took a deep breath, "I thought I was smarter than that."

Peyton didn't get it, all she knew at the moment, is that he is beating himself up over it, and she didn't like seeing him like that, "Listen to me, why don't you just sit down and take a deep breath so we can start thinking it through?"

"There's no point, Peyton, I'm telling you they know everything, I can tell you what they know word by word, it's all because of me, because I was stupid enough."

"You're not stupid!" she frowned, "Look, you can tell me about it if you want…"

He looked at her, "I… I just…" he sighed and fell back to the couch and looked up at her concerned look before she followed sitting down beside him, "I'm sorry." He told her sincerely.

"What for?"

"For trusting her." He admitted, and it was a thorough apology, he owed it to her twice, one personal and the other for the company.

"Lucas, I don't get it."

He sighed and nodded, he was planning on being honest anyway, "I think it's Lindsey." He admitted.

"What? Why would she do that?"

"For… for several reasons." He said; it was a long story to be told right now, but he will get to it. "'To get back at me mostly."

"Lucas, that's crazy." She shook her head; well, yeah, maybe she never really liked her, but, this was just too far.

"I know, but, I honestly can't think it's not true." He said and she didn't ask further, he seemed to not want to give many details anyway, "We talked about work. She always asked about things, and I shared, I thought I could trust her."

"Lucas…"

"No, Peyton, my dad has been right all along."

"What are you talking about?"

"He always thought that if he let me handle things I'd ruin them, and guess what I just did."

"That's not true, you couldn't have known."

"Well, it doesn't matter, it's all ruined because of me anyway, and that's how my dad and everyone else is going to see it. I failed this company."

She thought for a while, "How will they know that?"

"What are you talking about? They're gonna search and search and they're not going to find anything, and I will have to admit it sooner or later."

"Well, first of all, you don't know for sure that it's Lindsey, second of all, even if you did, who said it's over?"

He wiggled his eyebrows at her as if she's gone crazy and she gave him a smile,

"Look, you were right, the real question isn't if Fancy knows our plans, the real question is what are we gonna do about it."

"What are you saying, Peyton?"

"I'm saying we started off doing the wrong work," she said ruffling through the papers next to them on the couch, "And you, you don't say anything to your father or to anyone else. This should stay between us."

"You can't possibly be thinking that we can get up with a whole new plan in the next few days."

She smiled, "Why not? I hear we have some pretty talented designers, some kickass marketing manager, and one hell of a negotiator purchasing manager." She shrugged.

She managed to pull a smile on his face as he looked at her in disbelief, "I… I don't know… even if we say it's possible, how are we going to convince them that without telling them the real story?"

"Oh, I'm one hell of a negotiator too, actually, the designer is my best friend, and her boyfriend is in marketing, also, the marketing manager is my other best friend who's married to yet again another best friend." She said with a teasing smile.

"And the purchasing one?"

She leaned forward lowering her voice as if telling a secret, "I kind of got him." She said and he let out a chuckle shaking his head before inhaling deeply and looking at her,

"You'll do that for me?" he asked and she scoffed,

"For you? Damn you and your ego, Lucas Scott," she rolled her eyes playfully, "It's for the company." She said standing up, "And you." She shrugged and he smiled. "Now, come on, Scott, we have a lot of work to do." She said offering him her hand and he took it like a well-trained puppy while in awe as he stood up and she led him out of the office and called for Brooke, Nathan and Julian loudly to join them in the meeting room again,

"What? Found something?" Brooke said as they all followed them there along with Millie.

"Yes, found out that we're wasting time." Peyton spoke.

"What?"

"Yes! Julian already said they have the same fabric and almost the same design, and they will definitely come up with a better marketing plan and a better distributing one because they have better resources, and that will eventually make it look like we're the one who stole the idea right?"

"Where are you getting at?"

"I'm saying, they just stole our plan, do you know what that means? It means that it was better than theirs."

"Well, what does that matter now? They have it, we lost it."

"Yeah, they have the plan… the outcome, but we have the sources, Brooke." She said looking between them as they all just stared back at her blankly so, she rolled her eyes, "Us!" she elaborated, "We're the ones who came up with everything in it, and we're the ones who perfected it."

"So, we just have to do it again." Nathan said picking up on her thinking.

"Exactly."

"Yes, but we did it in months and now we only have a few days, Peyton. When are we even going to find other fabric and cut a good deal?"

"Okay, I didn't say it was easy, and I know we can't get all of our resources right away, so, we have to work with what we have. We have fabrics that we didn't use yet; we just have to put them in good use on paper and then make our samples."

"And I can make the purchasing plan and the budget accordingly." Lucas said thoughtfully as she smiled,

"Right."

"And in the meantime, we work on the marketing plan." Nathan said referring to himself and Julian.

"That's the spirit."

"I gotta admit, it sounds doable, but it's risky." Brooke voiced her thoughts.

"Brooke, what other choices do we have?" Peyton shook her head, "We don't do this, we lose the company, what could go worse than that?"

Brooke nodded and then broke into a huge smile, "Let's do this."

"Great. One more thing though," she bit her lip looking at them all, "Let's not tell anyone about this, we need to be cautious, we should only inform Whitey because well, after all he's funding us."

"I agree." Nathan nodded, "Let's not even tell Dan or Larry, they'll just cause more tension."

"That's true."

"Alright then, I say a fifteen-minute break is required, Peyton, call Whitey, he loves you, and then we start making our plan all over." Nathan said and they nodded in agreement.

"I'm ordering lunch who wants?" Julian said.

Lucas couldn't help but stare in amazement the whole time she was speaking there; she was saving his ass and she didn't let anyone suspect anything, he actually didn't know what he would have done if it weren't for her walking into his office at this exact moment she walked at.

He couldn't believe that this was Peyton Sawyer coming to his rescue, the same Peyton Sawyer he spent his whole life being an ass too –and she wasn't any better- but it was the very same one whom he just spent last night with and was delighted to have woken up to her in his bed in the morning and was pretty sure he's fallen for.

He was just grateful to have her by his side right now.

"Hey, Peyton," he whispered behind her as she just finished telling Julian what she wants for lunch, she turned around questioningly, "Thank you."

"I don't know what you're talking about." She said with a smile and he mirrored it while she sent him a wink and he was just about to kiss her right then and there.

"I see you worked things out?" Nathan said approaching his brother after Peyton walked away, "With wifey?"

"Kinda."

"What happened? Yesterday you were down her throat… or did you really get down her throat?" He smirked.

Lucas gave him a dirty look as Nathan kept an innocent face and then Lucas just decided to not answer that and leave him and walk away.

Of course, Nathan wasn't the only one inquiring about the situation as Brooke followed Peyton out of the room asking her about last night and how they went from all glares and harsh words to singing together on the way home,

"God, Brooke, we were drinking."

"So did I, but I didn't find it too funny when he switched words while singing."

Peyton rolled her eyes, "What do you want?"

Brooke gave her a look, "Something happened, didn't it?"

"Brooke…"

"What? You have been on bad terms with him since Thanksgiving –ironically- and you said nothing is going on, and then suddenly, you're all over each other, and today you're like attached to the hip."

And as if on cue, Lucas appeared joining them in the hallway shortly followed by Nathan, "Everything okay?" he asked obliviously.

Brooke smirked at Peyton having her point proven, and Peyton rolled her eyes, "God, Brooke, drop it." She gave her a look.

"What's going on?" Nathan said as he joined them as well.

"Nothing." Peyton shrugged and took it as an opportunity to escape, "I'll go call Whitey." She said and took off and Lucas just left as well with his hands stuffed in his pockets while each disappeared in their respective offices.

"Something happened, didn't it?" Nathan said as he stood watching with Brooke.

"Oh, yeah, definitely."

"You think they kissed again?"

"Most likely. Or more…"

He paused for a second, "You think they did it too…"

"Can't think of another theory." She said walking away.

"Calling Haley?"

"You know it."

Peyton and Lucas may have escaped directly answering the questions, but, it was obvious that something was different and of course, it wouldn't have passed by Brooke… and apparently, Nathan too.

Granted, it was a long day of work, they set their basis, and they started working right away, so, the majority of her day was spent with Brooke trying to come up with other designs, matching their abilities and their client's standards.

It was around 1 in the morning when they decided to call it a night and continue the next day, there won't be much sleeping for the next few days anyway.

"You know what's funny." Peyton said once they were in his car as she threw her head back to rest against the seat.

"What?"

"That one of the most things I missed about Tree Hill was my car. Yet, I usually ride shotgun with you." She said with closed eyes and he laughed.

"How do you do that?"

"Do what?" she asked looking at him as he drove away.

He shrugged, "We are trying to save a sinking ship right now and spent over twelve hours working, and you just still have the energy to joke."

"You gotta have fun or else you'll explode." She said and then gave a frown, "You know I used to think the same about you… guess you're the uptight one now."

"I guess I'm just stressed because of… you know… being responsible for the ship to sink in the first place."

"Hey," she said placing a hand over his, "Don't blame yourself, Lucas. Even if it's true what you think, you… you were just having a relationship, that's what people do in one, they are supposed to trust each other."

He looked at her then took her hand that was placed above his lightly squeezing it in gratitude and admiration before bringing it to his lips, "Thank you, Peyton."

She smiled and only squeezed his hand back in return and he made no sign of letting go for the rest of the ride while she sat there with her eyes closed and relaxed.

A while later, he left the shower with one thought clouding his mind, what now? Like, where are they now? What are they? If it's up to him, he'd be more than happy sharing his bed with her again just to sleep in her arms.

Honestly, it's amazing how he just let go of Lindsey and her betrayal(s) and found salvation with Peyton, yes, their relationship has been taking almost only a physical arc, and yes she lied to him about being pregnant just to keep him around and benefit from the upcoming money, but, he didn't expect he could get over it all like this, and to be more exact, he didn't expect to get over it with Peyton's help.

He was still having trouble believing that last night really happened, he barely had time to process it, but, its follow-up on his soul was as plain as the nose on the face, he was feeling delighted, blissed-out, energetic and lighthearted.

However, this –last night and even the day's events relating to her- was beyond his dreams, he really just wanted to be able to talk to her again, and he was already too grateful he had the guts to do so when he saw her at the club, he considers this one of the most righteous decisions he made, at least as of lately, because then, what that led to was just in his wildest dreams, the fierceness they both kissed with, the lustful yet passionate touches, and he was back to being a kid on a Christmas morning when he woke up to her next to him –even though she was confused for a while, that was totally understandable, in the end however, things turned out to be okay, dare he say even perfect.

He seriously thought he has lost his shot with her forever.

But apparently, she didn't see it the same way, or else, she wouldn't have just saved his sorry ass and spared him an unnecessary confrontation, let alone covered up for him and went ahead assigning deadly tasks to all of them to redress what he caused.

Or at least what he thinks he caused.

He didn't want to get his hopes up, but how can he not? He's hoping that she's into him just as much as he is, that it wasn't just physical, that when they talk about it, it won't be just a one-time thing or even friends with benefits.

He walked over to her room and sure enough, her door was closed. It was more of wishful thinking to think she would be inviting herself in his bed anyway.

He knocked lightly before pushing the door open, he popped his head inside and there she was on her bed, just peacefully lying there,

"Hey, Peyton," he hissed as he proceeded into the room towards her.

"Hmm?" she mumbled without moving while he sat next to her and letting his fingers comb back her hair lightly.

"You can't sleep now."

"Get out." She groaned sleepily.

He smirked, "We had a bet, remember?" he said and she paused for a second before opening one eye and looking up at him.

"Seriously, Lucas?"

He shrugged, "I don't break deals like you do."

She turned on her back to look at him, "But, that's invalid."

"Why?"

"Because… it didn't go through."

"Well… that means I lost." He shrugged and she raised an eyebrow at him.

"Did you just wake me up to tell me you lost?"

"You weren't even asleep yet. And no, Peyton, I'm here to get a good night kiss anyway."

"Hmm… does this mean you have to kiss me or I have to kiss you?"

"Whichever you consider a win." He smirked and she smiled.

"No, it should be whichever you consider a loss."

He shook his head, "It's not a loss either way as long as it happens."

She raised a teasing eyebrow, "Aren't you tired?"

"It's just a kiss, Sawyer." He said and slowly leaned forward touching her lips with his delicately, he was about to pull away when she kept him in place by wrapping an arm around his neck granting the kiss to last a couple more seconds.

"Just for the record, it was a win either way for me too." She whispered as they pulled away, "Good night, Lucas." She smiled turning away.

God, the things she does to him!

He fought the urge to just lie back next to her and wrap his arms around her and let her warmth soothe him to sleep. But, he didn't want to be too needy or clingy.

He wasn't sure if taking things slow is applicable at the moment, but, it seemed like the right thing to do, so, he got up,

"'Night, Peyt." He mumbled back before leaving her room closing the door behind him and entered his own lying on his bed that suddenly felt too big, but at least, her scent was still stuck on his pillow.

XxXx

Granted, the next few days were spent swamped in work in complete secrecy, and also, granted, Peyton had his back, she never spoke of Lindsey being the one who leaked the information again, and she didn't treat him indifferently either.

And Lucas couldn't be happier.

They were fine, actually and really just fine, maybe they never got to talk about defining what they really are now, but they were both comfortable being close, occasionally flirting in between exchanging paper works, or having a cozy ride home if they got lucky to go home at the same time or at all for what it matters, and maybe he didn't get around to kiss her again, let alone get her to share his bed again, but, he knew that it'd be fine to do so, there just wasn't time for it as she's usually fast asleep after a long working day by the time he gets ready for bed.

He has been having more work to do than her, and as she kept offering to stay behind and help him, he'd look at her and see her tired face and then decline, he'd go home later though to find out she considered him in dinner that she usually would pick up on her way home.

It was just a few days full of working on a plan that needed to be fulfilled at all costs but for him it was so much more.

On the very last day, he was staying behind at the company with Nathan finishing up their work, it was the eve of the big day and he needed to make sure everything is just right, he had practiced with Peyton what they will have to say on representing their plan to MCA, and so far, everything was looking promising.

They came up with a plan in this short time, of course, it wasn't as perfect as they would have hoped, but, it was good, and they knew how to hide its imperfections during their presentation.

It was late when he finally decided everything is ready for tomorrow, all he needed now was a good night's rest.

He knew beforehand that Haley was at his home with Jamie, Peyton, and Lily and most likely Brooke; his mom and Keith had an event to attend and since Peyton was going home earlier, she offered to babysit her for the night to 'bond', he didn't have the time to give it much thought, but it warmed his heart.

However, when he arrived home with Nathan, the scene made his heart flutter, he opened the door to be greeted with the sounds of laughter and the sight of all three women sitting comfortably at his living room with the two infants, but what really caught his attention was Lily on Peyton's lap as she brushed her hair, styling it into a braid while his little sister wore a big happy grin instructing her of how she wants it to look like.

And then suddenly, he blocked everything else and his mind played out a scenario of his life with Peyton and a child, maybe two or who knows even more, and how good of a mother she would be based on the few occasions he has seen her with kids and on the way he knows her kind heart works, and then he wondered how he thought going to Lindsey after a long day at work was therapeutic, because with a small comparison now, Lindsey wouldn't stand a chance.

He remembers what he thought a family with Lindsey would be like and it's nowhere near what he's witnessing now, Lindsey never even got along with his family, sure that's unfair because Peyton has been around them her whole life, but Lindsey never cared to make the effort, of course he was too late to understand she really didn't care enough, but, oh well, what matters at the moment is that Peyton is there having a mutual attraction with him and painting a picture of a very colorful future for him to hope for.

"Daddy." Jamie exclaimed once he spotted Nathan and ran up to him and then Lucas greeting them respectively, while Haley met her husband halfway with a welcoming kiss that had Lucas eye Peyton with a smile as she looked back at him while just finishing up Lily's braid.

She knew she shouldn't have looked his way, because then she knew he was thinking what she was thinking and it brought a crimson color to her face, there she was falling in love with her accidental husband and wishing she's able to meet him with a kiss like a normal married couple.

She knows they have kissed before, a lot, that she has lost count considering the night they shared a few days back, but, for one they never did with audience –at least audience that knows they don't have to- and two, they didn't talk about it yet for her to be able to be confidently wishing he is on the same line as her.

Although his looks, his words and even his touches declare so.

However, as usual, Brooke didn't miss the shared look, but this time, she decided enough was enough,

"Okay, I think it's about time you spell." She said and everyone looked at her in confusion and she shifted her eyes between Lucas and Peyton.

Haley was the first to pick up on it, "Lily, Jamie, you can go get your dessert now." She said as they both squealed and ran to the kitchen for the awaited treat.

"So?" Brooke raised a demanding eyebrow.

"What?" Lucas asked her resisting an eye roll.

"Don't bullshit me, Lucas, you know what!" she said looking between the two of them again, "You two have been playing around the line for quite a long time…"

"What do you want?"

"I wanna know what's going on. No, I do know, I'm just sick of you not admitting it and yet not letting Haley get on with her plan."

"Brooke!" Haley complained while Nathan laughed.

"What plan?" Lucas asked.

"Oh, please, you think she didn't try to meddle? She just never got the chance because you were doing everything on your own."

Out of the three, it was Nathan with more details from both parties than Brooke or Haley, he didn't tell Haley about his conversation with Lucas when he told him about his feelings and that Lindsey is pregnant, however, it only came up a few days earlier that he and Lindsey broke up and Lucas told him he'd tell him about it later, but of course they never got to do so yet.

That –of course- apart from Brooke's personal notes on the subject.

"I… we…" Peyton stuttered.

"I'm sorry but how is this any of your business?" Lucas stepped in.

Brooke and Haley both gasped, "You're not even denying!"

"Neither am I confirming."

"Cut the crap, Lucas, I'm your best friend, I should know." Haley said, and yeah, normally, Lucas would go to Haley when just catching on a crush, and later on in his life, he would go to both her and Nathan, however though, this time there was something pretty enjoyable in keeping it just to himself, it somehow made it more exciting, hotter… even more romantic.

"Chill, Hales." Nathan said casually and both Brooke and Haley looked at him skeptically, "What?" he rolled his eyes, "You're being nosey, both of you."

"You know something that I don't." Haley concluded with narrowed eyes and then started looking between the three of them.

Peyton sighed, "Alright, you're being dramatic; I think it's time for you to go to bed."

"Are you telling us to leave?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Aha, yes, we have a big day tomorrow."

"She's right." Lucas smirked with a shrug.

"Right? Is that the only reason or are you eager to get rid of us to rip clothes?" Of course Brooke had to say it.

"Does it matter? You leave anyway." Lucas told her knowing that giving vague answers will only make her crazy, which it did,

"There it is again, not denying it!"

He laughed causing both her and Haley to frown while Nathan shook his head with a smile and Peyton was busy cursing herself for telling Brooke and Haley about her feelings in the first place; she should have known they'd not leave it alone and bring it up at the most awkward moments

Lucas thought it's about time they started noticing and asking about their behavior, of course there has been teasing from the whole family and friends ever since it all started, but, he knew that now it was obvious that their attitude towards each other is different, he was pretty sure that he looks it Peyton differently now, and he was pretty sure that it's not passable too, he didn't bother to see it coming, but, he knew it's about time they do… and honestly, he didn't care, he wasn't panicking like he was when he told Nathan or before that when he went to both him and Haley and ended up chickening out.

But, now, he didn't care if his love life was that obvious, his only obstacle of not telling them the truth then and there is that there was no solid truth yet, he needs to settle it with Peyton first and then when Brooke comes inquiring again, he can tell her about his discovery of how much he turned out to be in love with Peyton Sawyer.

The thought sent his body to go limp; he thought about it before, hell, he even thought she could be the one when Lindsey was still in the picture, but, the thought never did come flowing so naturally to him like that, although, it was rather relaxing to have admitted the inevitable truth to himself now.

He dozed off, and only came back to reality when he heard his mom and Keith's voices and suddenly the room was more crowded, he didn't know when they even got there, but it must have not been more than seconds or else he would have been in a much worse position having been caught in a trance with a goofy smile after Brooke just voiced her doubts about him sleeping with Peyton.

"So, are you ready for tomorrow?" Keith asked looked between all of them, and once again he shared a look with Peyton as she sent him a reassuring smile,

"We are." Brooke confirmed. "Putting all differences aside, I think Lucas and Peyton's presentation is a winner."

"I'm sure you all worked hard." Karen told them, "I know you have been throwing yourselves at work. You're gonna earn it."

"I sure hope so."

"It's all gonna be fine." Karen said with her motherly look sending calmness to all of them. "You've done your work, now, it's time you relax and get some sleep to be ready tomorrow."

"Oh, yeah, we're going; we were getting kicked out anyway." Haley said with a chuckle.

Karen automatically sent a disapproving look to Lucas and Peyton as if scolding them for not being nice, "And while you're at it, try having a truce today." She told them.

Brooke almost snorted, "Truce? You clearly haven't seen them in a while, Karen."

Karen raised her eyebrows in a surprise, "What? What did I miss?"

"Nothing."

"Everything."

Lucas and Peyton replied at the same time Haley did respectively, while Karen looked between them wondering what it really is, Keith on the other hand gave Nathan a smirk,

"Is it what I think it is?" He asked referring to their on-going bet.

Nathan rolled his eyes, "We'll settle it later, Keith."

"Like hell we are, I'm not letting you off the hook."

To say Peyton's cheek were burning up at the moment would be an accurate statement, she looked between all of them wide-eyed, "You are unbelievable!" she shook her head, "Shame on you!"

Keith frowned, "It's true then! Who told her?"

"I… ugh!" Peyton grunted and stomped her way out of the room earning some calls after her and a few sets of laughter.

She couldn't bear this room anymore; to admit to herself that she has feelings for Lucas and then to accept them only for them to develop even more into falling in love with him, that was one thing, and to have everyone openly discussing it and talking about the freaking bets they made about it right in front of her, was a whole other thing.

She has yet to figure out what to do with the feelings she caught, she has been telling herself it could wait, and that they had things to worry about, but the truth is, she was still scared, like yes, she does know how strong she feels about him now, and she knows that the other morning, when she woke up next to him she eventually decided it's fine, but, the longer she kept it in, the scarier it got; she has seen the way he talks to her, looks at her and flirts with her, but she couldn't help but worry it might all be just a physical thing, after all, he's been the bolder one initiating things between them, and yes she never turned him down… but who says his initiation comes from feelings like the ones she has?

She knows she's dreading the talk, but she also knows it has to come eventually.

A soft knock sounded on her door –and she has finally came to terms of calling it her room and her door- she got up and pulled the door open already knowing she'd find him on the other side,

He gave her a tiny smile; he had to admit he didn't know why exactly he was at her door, but, he just couldn't keep away after what he just realized with his heart full of excitement to see her or be with her.

"They're gone." He told her.

She gave a nod, "Good."

He chuckled lowly, "What was that?"

"I… I just, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to leave you to handle it by yourself, I was just-"

He shook his head cutting her off softly, "You don't have to be sorry."

"It's… it's just…" she didn't know how to explain without sounding like hopeless romantic loser.

"You felt pressured?"

She nodded, and then suddenly he felt nervous; maybe that's why he was there in the first place,

"Well, uh… do you wanna talk? About… you know…?"

"Lucas…"

"No, I mean, we never did, and they're noticing things, so…"

She visibly gulped and gave a small nod, "We should talk."

He nodded, "Great, let's-"

"But, not tonight."

"Peyton…"

"It's just… I don't think we should get distracted tonight," she knew that however this conversation would go, it is going to leave an effect on her; whether he shares the same feelings as her or not, and they both needed to be fully focused for tomorrow, "I mean, we managed not to talk until today, one more day isn't too long."

He nodded, "You're right. Alright then, tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow." She confirmed.

He was hoping to leave the conversation with them kissing, cuddling in bed or even just lying there with each other, but he now realized this was him being naïve, a conversation like this isn't going to be over with two words, in fact, he has a lot to say and a lot to ask himself, so, yeah, he just has to spend one more night alone before they get to it.

"Alright then." He nodded clearing his throat, "Good night."

She hesitated for a couple of seconds before pushing forward and planting a quick kiss on his cheek, "Good night." She whispered back turning around to enter her room but then his body acted impulsively as he grabbed her wrist and spun her around placing his lips to hers in a brief yet sensual kiss,

"I just thought you deserved a more proper good night wish." He told her on pulling away instantly drawing a smile on her lips.

And with that, both of them went to their separate beds, thinking about the other but knowing that they will get to talk after saving their business tomorrow… it was already going to be a big day, but now it's even bigger, and deep down they knew that only love is capable of letting them sleep peacefully like that with such a big day ahead.