Chapter four: Home

They passed numerous buildings as they entered Metropolis. The lights were bright as ever. Almost instantly, Chloe wished she was back in Smallville. It felt strange being back in her childhood home. The young teen felt out of place amongst everything here. All the glamour and sparkling lights. Everything,

Lex kept sneaking looks at Chloe as they drove. He headed instinctively towards his penthouse. There, at least she could change into some warmer cloths and get comfortable. In the morning, he'd drive her home. She could stay in one of the guest rooms.

Finally, the silver porche came to a stop out side of a large tall building. It looked more like a hotel for royalty than anything else.

Turning to look straight at Chloe, Lex smiled a little. She was staring out of the window, looking up in awe. Like a little kid staring at something special and or cool.

"Come on Chloe. The valets will take care of my car."

Chloe blushed a little and got out, shutting the door just as the valet got the keys and drove off. She was grateful that here in the city, the rain wasn't as bad. It was back down to a little drizzle.

Lex grinned at her and led Chloe to the door. Where an elderly man stood waiting.

"Good Evening Mr. Luthor, Miss."

"Hello Robert. Good to see you."

The older man smiled at Chloe, as he let them in. Stepping into the foyer, Chloe resisted the temptation to let her jaw drop in amazement. It was beautiful. More like carved from a fairytale rather than real.

"This way Miss Sullivan."

Chloe blushed slightly again. What was it about this bald, rich, drop dead sexy- what a second. Did she just call him sexy? Huh? Now where the heck did that come from? Chloe wondered silently as she followed Lex. Conscious of her still wet cloths sticking her her body.

When they finally reached his apartment, Lex pulled out a security card and swiped it. Then pushing the door open, he revealed a beautiful room.

Entering it, Chloe almost gasped again.

"Wow, Lex. This is huge!"

Lex smirked, watching her reaction to everything. His blue eyes never leaving her slender form.

"Yes it is. A gift from my father when I turned 18."

"Wow. I think. But this place, how many rooms do you have in here?"

Lex shrugged.

"Honestly? I don't know. Never counted."

"You don't know? The great Lex Luthor doesn't know how many rooms there are in his own home? That's sad Lex, sad."

Lex chuckled, as Chloe started her own investigation of the penthouse, going from room to room. Asking questions and getting answers. They went through the downstairs. Which included a few guest rooms, the living room. The foyer. Three bathrooms.

Then Chloe's eyes widened, seeing the stairs.

"You're penthouse takes up two levels!"

She asked Lex, surprised. Her nodded, his smirk growing wider.

"Come on, I'll show you."

He lead the way up, with Chloe trailing behind. Her mind staggering on how huge this place was. And for one person. There were quite a few things that were breath taking. The view for one. As well as some of the works of art that hung in the hallways. It was a pretty place. But the downstairs had a feel to it. Cold. And imposing.

Reaching the upper levels, she noticed right away that this was different up here. It actually looked lived in. The color scheme was different. Softer and more comfortable. The carpet was extremely soft, that Chloe wished to feel it with her bare feet.

Lex showed her around, once again, answering any questions she had. Finally they came to a set of rooms that led to his haven. He was tempted not to show her, but that was quickly squished by the urge to see her reaction.

She had shared something with him, it was the least he could do. Since looking at his room would tell her quite a lot. For some reason he didn't care. His father would say that he was letting the blonde reporter get too close. She was after all, with the press.

But for now, Lex didn't care. A part of him wanted to throw caution to the wind and let her get close. He wanted a friend. If she would let him, he wanted to get to know her better. And better as in friendship wise. Not his usual way with women.

This Chloe Sullivan was different. Not only was she attractive, but extremely smart. She could keep up with him easily. Never really faltering. It was refreshing, like a breath of cold brisk mountain air.

Chloe stared around at the room when they entered. She knew immediately that this was Lex's own. It had darker color's yet was so inviting and warm.

"This is your room huh Lex."

She didn't ask, it was more of a statement. He nodded. Watching her as she made her way around. Studying everything. He had never even shown Clark as much as he was showing this young reporter. Ever.

Perhaps a part of him, didn't want Clark that close. But Chloe on the other hand. Was different. She knew what it felt like to be exiled. To go where she's never been before. To try and fit in.

"This is beautiful Lex. You have a really nice, home."

He shrugged. His shoulders going up slightly underneath his expensive silky grey shirt.

"Its ok. Not as good as Smallville."

Chloe laughed. And grinned at him.

"Yeah, I guess it kinda grows on you, like fungus. Its never the same when you leave. And its always welcoming when you return."

Lex nodded.

"Chloe, would you like to change out of those dirty cloths into something more comfortable?"

"What?"

Did she hear him correctly? Lex smirked.

"Some clean cloths?"

Oh, yeah sure. Thanks."

Chloe felt herself blushing slightly. But Lex acted as though he didn't see it.

"There's a guest room down the hall, with a closet full of cloths. Pick anything you like from it."

Chloe nodded.

"Thanks Lex, I really appreciate all your doing.

She turned to go, but paused at the door. Throwing a few last comments at him.

"But I still think you're a rich playboy."

Lex laughed as she left, heading toward the room.