Disclaimer: I don't own OTH or its characters. Or much at all.

A/N: Hey guys, thanks for your reviews and favourites, and to those who are still reading this story. This chapter is a little present for you all. Enjoy :)

Chapter Twenty Nine

Nervous anticipation filled Brooke as the plane landed in New York, and Noah looked out the window, the boy didn't have to be jumping in his seat for Brooke to know her son was as excited as her to be here. Brooke didn't realise how much she had grown to rely on Lucas, how much she lived for the moments they spent together, until the chance to see him was gone.

When Brooke snatched Noah's hand and held on tight it wasn't for his benefit, and together they left the plane, her heart thumping hard. Noah gave Brooke's hand a squeeze, they kept walking, and then Brooke saw him.

Her breath stopped for a moment, Brooke felt the smile that she couldn't stop steal her lips. She feared she looked like a love struck teenager, she could have stayed standing looking at Lucas for hours and it was Noah stepping forward dragging her with him that had Brooke stumble forward.

Lucas bent down to greet Noah, they shared their handshake and then Lucas stood to meet Brooke's eyes. His smile was too lazy and she thought that look should be outlawed. Still Brooke smiled, "hi"

"Hi" he greeted back and held out the flowers for her to take, "for you"

"They're beautiful, thanks Luke" she sniffed the bouquet. So lost in her thoughts Brooke missed what Lucas had been saying, she nodded and mumbled a random affirmative answer and with a smile lead the way. Lucas and Noah matched her steps quickly.

When they reached the car the driver opened the door, "welcome back, Miss Davis" and she slid in first, Lucas' hand brushing her lower back as he helped her in. A blush caused Brooke's face to grow pink, she buried her nose in the flowers again in an effort to hide her flushed state.

By the time all three of them were heading towards her New York apartment, Noah and Lucas were deep in conversation. Noah asked all the questions Brooke wanted to know, how Lucas' book promotion was going, what had he seen and done, she wanted to know everything.

Lucas smiled at Noah, "but I've missed you buddy." And then Lucas looked over Noah and straight at Brooke, "both of you".

If hearts could melt Brooke felt hers becoming a puddle, he had a way with words, it wasn't always about what he said but how Lucas said it. The slow timber to his voice, the sure confidence and the way he spoke as if he had a secret you wanted to know.

They hadn't had a chance to see each other much since Christmas, since he kissed her, or she kissed him, Brooke wasn't so sure what to call it. It was their secret, she hadn't even told Haley about it, and sometimes she could almost pretend it was a dream. If it wasn't for the way Lucas looked at her, the way his eyes darkened and Brooke realised she was the secret his smile kept.

-x-

It was only three nights, Lucas knew, yet as he followed Brooke and Noah into her New York apartment where he'd spent the last week, it was oddly satisfying for the author to know they were all under the same roof. Lucas could almost say he felt giddy, if the word didn't have his mind conjure up the image of a teenage girl with her first crush, though nothing else seemed to adequately describe his feelings.

Noah calmly left his parents to take his small bag into his New York bedroom, the apartment was stocked enough that Noah and Brooke didn't need to bring anything with them if they didn't want to. Brooke kicked off her flats and sighed heavily with relief, "I am starving" she groaned, and then sent a sweet smile Lucas' way, "so where are you taking us for lunch?"

"You're actually going to let me pick?" he looked at her with amused doubt.

"Well…" her nose crinkled, "I was going to reject whatever you suggested and then pick this place near Clothes over Bros that you're going to love" she kinked her brow and walked by Lucas, knocking his arm as she went.

Lucas shook his head and chuckled, "you drive me crazy sometimes"

"And you love it" Brooke shot back, disappearing in the apartment as she headed to the master room. Lucas licked his lips and looked down, her voice still echoing in his mind.

He whispered with a smile, "Yes, I do".

Soon Noah reappeared, he kneeled on the couch facing his father, "am I allowed to read your new book?"

"Maybe when you're older" Lucas ruffled his son's hair which earned him a frown, "it's not for young children"

"Then I wouldn't read any of the books I like" his frown deepened.

Lucas thought over his latest novel, he'd returned to elements that had made his first book so successful, it wasn't something he'd like his eight year old to read yet Lucas looked at Noah and was reminded that his son was not like most eight year olds. He nodded, "I'll see what your mother thinks"

"About what?" Brooke walked back in, a new outfit showing off her figure and a pair of heels in her hands, she wore a dress which Lucas had noticed was something that she did a lot more now as an adult compared to back in high school when she was more comfortable in a pair of tight jeans.

He tore his eyes away from her, "Noah would like to read my new book"

For a moment Brooke stood thinking about it and then she gave a nod, "I don't see why not, he's read Hamlet after all"

Noah grinned, his dimples on show, clearly pleased with himself.

Brooke pointed a finger at her son, "just this one, mister".

"Okay" Noah agreed reluctantly.

"You hungry? Your father is taking us out for lunch"

"Right" Lucas grinned, "I know the perfect place" he winked at Brooke and she laughed.

Confused Noah looked between his parents; he had no idea what was so funny.

They returned two hours later, Noah didn't want to miss a documentary on the history channel, and Brooke and Lucas headed straight for the kitchen where she poured them both a glass of wine. She looked from Noah to Lucas, "he's almost as big a nerd as you" she said it with affection and Lucas smiled in return.

"I-" he began but they both stopped and looked towards the door when there was a knock. It was a private apartment building, and the security was strict so few people would be able to make it to the door without prior warning.

A second later the door unlocked and Victoria walked in, a dress bag hanging by her finger, "Mother, what a surprise" Brooke gave a tight smile.

"I thought I would deliver the gown myself. It's one of your better designs" and despite her cool voice Brooke knew that was as close to a compliment as Victoria could give. Almost instantly Victoria searched for Noah, she spied her grandson in front of the television and noticed his rapt expression. Not wanting to disturb him she simply gave a smile before facing her daughter again, she held out the dress bag, "have you organised the limo?"

"Yes" Brooke snatched the dress from her mother.

Victoria made a sound, "did you arrange one of the Nick's?"

The silence that followed was answer enough and Victoria sighed, and then her eyes turned to Lucas and her cold blue stare narrowed in thought as she eyes the toned blonde in front of her. Lucas shifted his feet feeling suddenly uncomfortable, Victoria didn't blink, "and your plans tonight, Mr Scott?"

Brooke quickly opened her mouth, "no, before you get any ideas, Lucas is watching Noah tonight"

"I don't see why my grandson cannot spend one night with me" she shot a look at Brooke and then went back to studying Lucas, "you have some sort of suit I presume?"

"Ah… yes" Lucas swallowed.

"Your book is being released in two days?"

Lucas looked to Brooke and saw her close her eyes, he nodded. Victoria clapped, "perfect. I'll spend some quality time with Noah, Mr Scott gets free publicity and you my dear don't look pathetic showing up alone"

Brooke clenched her jaw, speaking through gritted teeth "thanks, mother"

"You're welcome" Victoria brushed her hair behind her shoulder, "I will return at five" and she left as quickly as she appeared.

Wine glass clenched between her fingers Brooke took a long sip, finishing her wine in three seconds, she smiled at Lucas "ever been to a runway show before"

Lucas couldn't help but grin, "Not since your private shows our senior year" and Brooke reached over and slapped him, "ow. Hey, if you want to go alone I will tell your mom where to shove-"

"No, it's fine. I guess you can hold my purse for me" she drawled and tried to take a sip from her empty glass.

-x-

The limos door was opened for him and Lucas slid out, nerves caused his hand to shake as he straightened up and faced the line of paparazzi with a gulp. He froze and then remembered where he was and turned back to lean in to offer a hand to Brooke.

One high heeled foot appeared; the slit in her floor length gown opened showing one bare leg as Brooke took his hand and stepped out, then the dresses black skirt slipped into place taking away the tantalising view.

Lucas hadn't gotten much of a reaction though once Brooke's hand was in his and they stepped forward onto the red carpet the cameras turned their way lighting them up with flash after flash. Brooke smiled effortlessly and Brooke was reminded how he always had a fear Brooke was just destined for a bigger world than he belonged in.

She was stunning, he hadn't been able to speak when he saw her in the gown, her dark hair perched high exposing her slender pale neck. The dress had a plunging neck line that went down to her waist, as she moved her navel came in and out of sight. It was backless too and though the front flowed loosely the dress clenched together at her waist before clinging to Brooke's hips and things and then flowed to the ground. The black material seemed to shimmer and Lucas didn't know what to do, there hadn't been a purse, Brooke had hidden phone and the few items needed to touch up her make up within Lucas' pockets, so he stood awkwardly as photos were snapped of Brooke.

When asked who she was wearing Brooke's eyes twinkled, "me, of course" and she winked.

Brooke kept walking, she looked back at Lucas trailing behind her and quickly reached for his shaking hand, "relax" she mouthed and pulled him to her side.

More flashes hit them and Brooke whispered, "Smile" and Lucas felt her squeeze his hand. He smiled.

When they asked who she was with Brooke leant briefly against him, "a friend, Lucas Scott, he's in town for his book release this weekend" and then answered the questions about what he was wearing.

A reporter laughed at Lucas' confusion and how easily Brooke answered the question, "just a friend? You know a lot about his wardrobe"

"That's my job" Brooke smiled and tugged Lucas further along, her dimpled smile still shining brightly.

This was clearly where Brooke was in her element, Lucas soon realised, and he watched her network the room and then saw the way her eyes lit up and she leaned forward when the show began. .The final dress had Brooke gasping, her hand unconsciously grabbing Lucas' knee.

It felt like hours for Lucas, he had no interest in what he thought were the most bizarre clothes he'd ever seen, though he loved watching Brooke as she saw something he could not see.

"I hope that wasn't too boring for you" Brooke bit her lip as they returned to the limo later in the night.

Lucas shook his head, "no, it was fun"

She kinked her brow, "right, come on Luke, you probably wanted to be anywhere else. I'm surprised you didn't fall asleep"

Still looking at her, Lucas shrugged his shoulders, "there's nowhere else I would have been" and he let his eyes stay locked to her until he could see her breath hitch. Brooke looked away first, she lowered her lashes and grabbed the first thing that she could to change the subject.

"I haven't eaten since lunch, I can't wait to get back to the apartment and order something greasy" she tried to laugh.

Two blocks away, Lucas looked out the window and then asked the driver to pull over. "What are you doing?" Brooke frowned as Lucas opened the door, he held out his hand to her and she looked at him with a strange look.

"You hungry or not?"

Brooke laughed, "sure" and she took his hand.

Once they were on the sidewalk Lucas lifted his hand, "what would m'lady like, hotdogs or tacos?"

"That actually sounds amazing"

"Which one?"

"Both" Brooke smiled and then she walked to the front of the limo and told the driver to head home early. The night had cooled and as they walked down the street Lucas shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, she smiled in gratitude and their steps began to slow matching each other.

They ended up with a burrito each, which Lucas carried in a plastic bag, while they walked down the street with a hotdog in their hands. Brooke was grateful she kept flats in the limo, her feet did not ache as they made their way under the night sky.

"Do you get nervous?" Lucas asked.

Brooke gave him a side look and swallowed her last bite; she felt the sauce run down her chin and licked it with her tongue. She laughed, "do you when you speak about your books, I saw you on the late night show the other night"

"Hell yes, I'm nervous. You didn't answer my question either"

She shrugged, "not really. I guess I'm just used to it"

"You're so composed" Lucas looked ahead of them, "I don't know how you do it"

"I just do-"

"You were born for this. You don't even realise how effortlessly you handle it all, how people just gravitate towards you"

Brooke's eyes darkened, handling people had never felt effortless to Brooke, and she didn't feel like people gravitated towards her either in fact Brooke often felt the opposite. Relationships were always so complicated.

As if he could read her mind Lucas added, "For someone who is so confident you never seem to believe it. Don't you know, Brooke Davis, you were always destined for more than just Tree Hill, everyone saw it."

She smiled gently, "it's strange because there's nowhere else I'd rather be than Tree Hill… it's my home. I smile at the cameras, I enjoy the shows and the people but my heart… my heart knows Tree Hill is home"

They stopped and Lucas couldn't resist tucking the stray strand of her hair behind her ear, he smiled at her "I'm glad".

They didn't talk for a long time after that as they walked and ate. Lucas eventually suggested waving down a taxi to take them back to the apartment but Brooke suggested they finish the walk there.

The conversation came easily once again and sooner than either expected they were outside Brooke's apartment. They chatted all the way up to her floor but once inside they turned silent again.

Neither knew what to say, good night or something else, Brooke took of her shoes and slipped off Lucas' jacket to return to him. As he dropped it on the kitchen counter she kept her eyes on him, "thanks, by the way, for coming tonight" she rolled her eyes, "and saving me from looking pathetic"

"You would never look pathetic" he smiled and shrugged a shoulder, "but you're welcome. I actually had a good time"

She straightened his tie to keep her hands busy, "well you cleaned up very nicely tonight. That colour suits you"

"Right" he chuckled.

Brooke patted his chest and looked at him with laughter in her eyes, "I have good taste"

"I won't disagree" and then he looked down at Brooke, approval in his eyes, "and you… you looked- look- amazing tonight. His hands brushed her bare arms and Brooke became acutely aware of her hand over his heart, she went to remove it and found herself spreading her fingers apart instead.

Pupils dilated Brooke looked shocked at her hand, and a shiver ran down her spine when Lucas ran his hands up her upper arms, over her shoulders and then down her naked back.

"We haven't talked about it yet" his voice had turned husky, it was barely above a whisper and Brooke looked up quickly into his eyes. His look was so intense Brooke felt burned; she dropped her hand and involuntarily felt her tongue stick out to lick her dry lips.

Lucas had effectively trapped Brooke in his arms; it was almost but not quite an embrace, "what happened at Christmas" his clarified.

"Mistletoe" Brooke almost choked as she tried to make her answer as flippant as possible yet she knew she had failed.

As if a magnet was bringing them closer together his face slowly lowered as hers lifted. Lucas whispered breathlessly, "there's no mistletoe here" and the words hung between them for a moment.

"Yes" Brooke agreed to his statement, her lashed covered her eyes for a second and she looked down before lifted her chin again "this mi-" whatever she was going to say was lost as Lucas closed the gap between them and kissed Brooke.

Brooke forgot what she was going to say, she forgot where she was and anything else that needed thought. Feelings controlled Brooke as heat took over her body. Brooke could feel Lucas' hands, he must have more than two because to her they felt like they were everywhere, on her back, tangled in her hair, holding her neck, teasing the collar of her dress, cupping her behind, running up and down her dress, and Brooke couldn't keep up.

The room was dark because Brooke's eyes were closed tightly, sounds came from afar, his lips trailed down her neck and then air was touching Brooke's front and her breasts were laid bare for Lucas to finish trailing his kisses lower.

Where she was, what surface she was sitting on, was a mystery to Brooke. It was his mouth on her nipple that Brooke's attention and she moaned, her hands messing his hair tugging on its length for more or less she was not sure.

And then she pulled him up to kiss her again, she took action this time, passionate and hungry, letting all her worries and fears melt away. It had been years since Brooke hadn't felt like she needed to stop a kiss with Lucas, she'd pushed him away, stopped the madness before it took them over, and she knew she'd crossed a line as she let him kiss her, as she not only kissed him back but took control of the kiss.

One minute turned into another, and then another, until Brooke could have been kissing Lucas for an hour, her lips were swollen, her body on fire, begging her for more.

The need was so strong Brooke was unsure if she'd spoken aloud all she knew was Lucas was trailing kisses down her throat again, his hands lost inside her dress, clutching her behind as he lifted her carrying Brooke away from wherever they were.

A sound escaped Brooke as he gently nipped on the side of one of her breasts and buttons ripped as Brooke dragged his shift from his back and they both snapped.

Something soft was under Brooke, the sofa she realised, and Lucas kissed were moving lower and lower until Brooke was gasping as he tugged down her thong and left it to dangle around one ankle and then Lucas' kisses became more intimate.

Brooke gripped the sofa cushions as Lucas' head stayed between her thighs, his tongue sending her closer and closer to the edge until she tipped over exploding into a million pieces before coming back again. Breathing heavy Brooke felt Lucas' breath on her stomach now and her heart pounded inside her chest.

Inside Brooke felt herself laughing, I definitely crossed that line. On the outside Brooke could do little as her body was a puddle, and then her hand slowly found Lucas and she lifted him up to join her, their lips meeting again. This kiss was slow and tender, different to the frenzy they'd just experienced.

Tension began to leave Lucas, he melted into the kisses, not even realising as he shifted to allow Brooke free access as her hands wandered over his naked chest, and then she paused at the belt buckle and their kissed paused.

Lucas opened his eyes and stared at Brooke beneath him, and then she opened her eyes and he searched her dark gaze barely able to really see her face in the dim moonlight.

Then slowly Brooke unbuckled his belt, the only noise in the room their shallow breathing. Brooke lowered the zip and found Lucas' already throbbing erecting that quickly sprung free. His eyes closed as her hand gripped him, "oh god" he didn't know how long he'd last but Brooke took her time slowly working her hand up and down his thick length.

Brooke leant up and kissed him again and Lucas kissed her back, his hips started to move with her, thrusting to meet her movements, his pants falling further and further down.

Against her lips he panted, "god Brooke, I don't know-" he ended in another groan, kissing her passionately as their movements quickened and then Brooke lowered herself against the couch, pulling Lucas above her as she spread her legs wide to accommodate him, her hand leading him to her.

Lucas felt the head of his penis touch the waiting wetness of Brooke's opening and he shifted slightly, kissing her deeper, his tongue delving into her mouth mimicking what he wanted to do elsewhere and then her hand was gone from him and Lucas grabbed Brooke's wrist pinning them above her head as he pushed inside her in one quick thrust.

And when he groaned Brooke gave an answering moan, there was no time to pause, Lucas couldn't stop himself, he slipped out almost all the way and slammed in again, and then again, his hips bucking, Brooke lifted her hips to match each thrust.

Faster and faster they came together, until Brooke could no longer keep up and she was pinned top the couch with Lucas atop of her, her nails digging into his buttocks as he continued his pursuit to pleasure. And then he grew taut above her and exploded with a scream, tipping her over the edge all over again.

As they came back to earth their warm breaths mingled together, fast, until their breathing slowed though their hearts still beat hard inside their chests.

No words were said; they shifted slightly on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms, the shadows hiding their smiles. Eventually Lucas stood and picked Brooke up, stopping her protests with a kiss as he carried her to her room and finished undressing her.

Brooke didn't protest as he slipped into bed with her, covering their naked bodies with the sheet, and fifteen minutes later she didn't protest when he started kissing her neck from behind her, she turned into his arms and his kissed, until their kisses turned to more touching, and touching turned to returning desire until he was slipping inside her again and with breathless moans Brooke rocked against Lucas.

Afterwards, tangled together, Brooke thought over the night and smiled. Her mother had manipulated the situation for extra time with Noah, throwing Lucas and Brooke together alone for a night, this wasn't what Victoria would have wanted to happen and Brooke laughed softly against Lucas' chest.

"Are you laughing?"

Her answer was a louder chuckle and Lucas flipped her over, "I may need to work on my skills if you're laughing in bed with me"

Brooke grinned up at Lucas, "you know what they say" she kinked her brow, "practice makes perfect".

"Oh" Lucas leant down and kissed her to the side of her mouth, "I guess I will have to practice" and he kissed her lips, "and practice" he kissed her deeper, and he kept kissing her until laughing was the last thing on her mind.

-x-

When Lucas woke properly in the morning he found Brooke gone from the bed, still he couldn't help but grin, he wanted to sing or whistle but he restrained himself. Naked Lucas left the master suite and went in search for Brooke but she was no longer in the apartment, her phone was still in the jacket abandoned in the kitchen.

Lucas showered, dressed and turned on the coffee machine. It was almost an hour before Brooke returned to the apartment, her face pink, her flesh glistened with sweat, she wore sneakers and jogging gear. Her eyes avoided him but Lucas kept his trained on her, "good run?"

"Yeah" Brooke mumbled, she grabbed a bottle of water and headed for her room, Lucas followed.

She turned "do you mind, I need a shower" Brooke's words were cold, her demeanour closed off, and Lucas frowned at her but left her alone nonetheless.

It was another hour before Lucas went back to the room, he didn't knock, and Lucas found Brooke standing by the window staring out at the city.

"We can't pretend it didn't happen" he knew that's where she was going, Lucas stepped into the room, "and frankly I don't want to".

He waited, Lucas didn't move, Brooke was silent and then she turned her dark scared gaze at him, she was hugging herself and Lucas didn't take his eyes from her.

"Waking up this morning" he lifted his shoulder helplessly, "is the happiest I've been since… I can't even remember when. And I get the feeling you're about to tell me it can't happen again-"

"It shouldn't" Brooke confirmed his worry, there was a quiver of doubt in her voice when she added on "it really shouldn't" and it was that doubt that gave Lucas hope.

-x-

Brooke had listed every reason why they should stop before they go any further, and Lucas counter argued with every reason he believed they should. Then Noah returned with Victoria and the older woman looked between Lucas and Brooke for only a second before she threw her arms in the air with a sigh, her look alone speaking volumes of what she knew and what she thought of it, she kissed her grandsons head and then sent Lucas a scathing look and leaving.

With Noah between them Brooke managed to keep the rest of the day light, they didn't have to worry about what had happened between them instead their day went as planned. A lazy picnic lunch in central park, an afternoon at the museum, then a movie and take out in the comfort of the apartment. They sat on the couch, Brooke keenly aware of what had happened in the same spot the night before, with Noah on the floor with a bowl of popcorn, his presence preventing Brooke from leaving the room.

Noah fell asleep and Lucas carried him to bed, he returned to the living room to find Brooke standing by the couch, the television off. They just looked at each other, and then Brooke held out her hand, a look of defeat on her face, and Lucas took hold of her hand, wrapping his fingers around hers and followed her to her bedroom.

In the morning Brooke made sure they were awake and out of the room by the time Noah awoke, they sat across from each other at the table, Lucas acted like nothing had happened to afraid he'd push Brooke too far, he read the newspaper and drank his coffee.

Brooke eventually put her phone down, her voice hesitant "our photos are all over the internet" she gulped.

Still reading the newspaper Lucas shrugged it off, "your red carpet appearances tend to be" he knew because he'd seen the pictured enough over the years.

"Not me, us, and someone took photos of the three of us together yesterday, their calling it a family day out"

Lucas shrugged, "it was"

"They're calling you my baby daddy"

Lucas dropped the newspaper, he lifted his brows, "I am" he said slowly, "and they say you can't trust the media" and then he stood and walked up behind Brooke, kissing her cheek and wrapping his arms around her, "I don't care if the world knows I'm your baby daddy" he smiled with a slight laugh and kissed her cheek again. Brooke let herself sink into his embrace, resting her head against his chin and she reached up to run a hand down his cheek.

They stayed there until the sound of Noah's door closing cut into the moment, and Lucas pulled away and went to refill Brooke's coffee. Before Noah appeared Brooke followed Lucas across the kitchen, "I just don't know if I am ready to define… this" she motioned between them, "for the world to know"

"I understand that" he looked up at the roof, his eyes squinting and Brooke but her lip with how cute he looked, "and I don't want to scare you off but I thought maybe… just maybe… when I return to Tree Hill I could take you out"

"Like a date?" she queried taking a step back.

"Something like a date" he smiled.

Noah's footsteps grew closer and Brooke lowered her voice, "I suppose something like a date could work, almost like a date but kinda maybe not a date, just like a date"

Lucas rocked on his feet leaning a bit closer, "I would say it's a date but…" he let his sentence run off and snuck a quick kiss before Noah appeared.

Together they both greeted their son in a too cheery tone, "good morning" they grinned widely. Noah froze, his green eyes blinked and then he took a seat and grabbed Lucas' newspaper, his voice calmer than his parents, "good morning".

-x-

So….. how does that make you feel?