CHAPTER SIX

Luke was happy to be home again. He'd gone to New York several times to see Nicole but this time had been different. They had been together for a while and even though he liked her a lot it just didn't seem to be going anywhere. He wasn't getting any younger and he really wanted someone to build a life with. When Lorelai had come into the diner that night and confessed all of her heart felt wishes-he had realized they were his also. He wanted the whole package too.

Luke walked in the door and there she was. It was strange seeing her after just having those thoughts. She looked like she was having a good time and when she looked up he smiled and nodded a hello. It was good to be back, even though most of the time this place drove him crazy.

"Hey, what are you doing here? I didn't expect to see you until tonight."

"I came in for breakfast and Caesar was swamped. Just lending a hand, while the boss is out playing." She chided.

"Yea, well, something came up and you're always saying I need more fun in my life."

"So it was good? Caesar said you weren't exactly dancing when you left last night."

"It was so-so. You know me-hate to dress up, hate to make small talk, love to grumble."

"How was your evening with the Gilmores? Bet it beat mine. Rory, OK?'

"Rory is great, terrific even. The Gilmores were the Gilmores-a laugh a minute."

"Let me run up and change and then I'll be down to help. Thanks for pitching in, that was nice."

"It was nice for me too. Kept me busy and out of trouble."

Luke, "Somehow I doubt that."

They were busy all day. Luke sent Caesar home after the dinner rush. He tried to get Lorelai to leave also but she wasn't having any part of that.

"Come on Lorelai. You've been here all day. Aren't you tired or at least have something better to do?"

"Luke, what could be better than the diner? There's coffee and chocolate and pie. No, I'm not tired. Some of us didn't get to go out partying in New York last night and do God knows what afterwards. No details please. Some of us went to bed early, and alone, and with no fresh batteries in the house."

"Lorelai....."

"For the remote, the TV remote, wise guy. But good to know that some times your mind does work that way. Guess there's still a chance you are a normal male of the species."

"Very funny. Well, if you're going to stay, you can clean tables while I unload some boxes in the storeroom. Then maybe we can both do the kitchen clean up. I do extra things on Saturday nights--don't say it--I know you're thinking it-"

"The meaning is implied" Lorelai laughed, "I've trained you well."

Luke shook his head and headed toward the storeroom. It is good to be back.

They met in the kitchen a few minutes later. There were piles of dishes and stacks of glasses-too many for the dishwasher. So Lorelai started doing some by hand. She was using the sprayer and accidentally sprayed herself right in the face. Luke laughed hardily and before he knew it she had turned the spray on him. A crazy fight ensued that involved soapy water and a lot of slipping and sliding. By the time they called a truce, they were both soaked and as soapy as the dishes. When Luke leaned toward her to shake her hand to accept the truce, he noticed he could see right through her white shirt. A very appealing site it was. Lorelai had noticed how Luke's wet clothes stuck to every curve of his body.......great muscles there. As she took his hand, she slipped and fell right into some of those great muscles. He grabbed here so they wouldn't fall on the slippery floor, noticing how nicely her body molded to his. They awkwardly pulled apart but not before they both had felt the attraction there. Neither knew just what to say or do, but finally Luke said they should go upstairs and get into some dry clothes. Seemed sensible enough at the time.

Lorelai walked out of the bathroom in his flannel shirt. It felt warm and dry and smelled a lot like Luke. Luke noticed how appealing she looked. Did this woman ever look bad? Even with wet hair and soap everywhere, she was just a natural beauty. Natural beauty like Rachel..........which reminded him of his earlier thoughts...........

"Good to be dry again, huh?"

"Yep, the simple pleasures of life.....speaking of which, coffee would be nice."

Luke was one step ahead. "It's already brewing. I knew that would be your first request."

"You know me too well. Guess it goes both ways."

"We've sure had our moments." Luke poured her coffee.

They both thought about all the ups and downs they had experienced in the last few years. All of those had led them here, comfortable with each other but now shy and insecure. Not knowing what would happen next, or what they wanted to happen next. Not willing to risk this friendship just yet. But each felt the attraction and knew it had to be dealt with, neither wanting to make the first move or chance the wrong one.

Luke noticed Lorelai's slight shiver and he went to the closet to find a throw. When he returned she had already fallen asleep-so Lorelai-lived life at a hundred miles an hour and fell asleep on a dime. He covered her and walked over to his bed. Sure, there would be no sleep for him that night. But watching here sleep, lulled him into his own.

He awoke with his arms around a very naked Lorelai. Her skin cool to his touch, soft and smooth. His face buried in her hair. Hair that smelled fresh and sweet and tickled his nose. He remembered what had brought them to this. He had woken up to find her looking down at him, searching his face for an invitation. He had pulled back the sheet, inviting her in. Not a word was spoken, didn't have to be. She had slowly unbuttoned his shirt, letting it drop to the floor, revealing all of her natural beauty. She fit perfectly in his arms. There had been whispered confessions of long hidden feelings, kisses and touches, exploring hands and heat and sweat............................................................