Chapter 16

"I Will Love You More than That"

"The kiss between Lucas and Brooke was long and full of passion. When they finally broke free Lucas whispered, "I'm sorry."

"There's no reason for you to apologize," Brooke responded. "I wanted it just as much as you."

There was an awkward silence before Lucas spoke again. "I want to get closer to you, but I can't. I've already had my heart broken, and I don't think it can take another blow. I can't move on with you unless I know you want it too, and that you won't hurt me the way Peyton did."

Brooke grabbed a hold of his hand and looked him in the eye. "I really like you, Lucas, and I don't intend on breaking your heart. I'm hoping you'll take on me…with me."

Lucas smiled. "Will you be my girlfriend, Brooke?"

"I'd love too."

When they were all done eating Lucas had to go home and check in with Deb. Brooke decided to stay at the café with Haley. "What's going on between you and Lucas?" Haley asked when Brooke sat back down at the counter.

"We are now officially girlfriend and boyfriend," Brooke responded happily. Then she noticed the look of concern on Haley's face. "Aren't you happy for us?"

"I don't want to see Lucas hurt again. I don't think he'd be able to handle it."

"I promise that I won't hurt him. I really like him, Haley, and I really want to be with him."

Neither girl heard Peyton enter the café and didn't see her approaching. "You stay away from him, Brooke," Peyton drawled.

Brooke turned around and glared at her friend. "Excuse me, but who are you to tell me to stay away from him?"

"He's already been hurt once…just leave him alone."

Brooke couldn't but let out a small laugh. "This coming from the girl who broke his heart. You have no business telling me to stay away from him." Brooke hopped off the stool she was sitting on. "I'm going to meet my boyfriend. I'll see you later, Haley."

When Brooke found Lucas he was at the rivercourt playing basketball with Skills, Fergie, and Junk; while Mouth sat at a nearby picnic table. Brooke noticed the smile that spread across Lucas' face when he saw her approaching. "Do you mind if I watch?" she asked.

"Not at all," Lucas replied with a grin on his face.

Brooke sat down next to Mouth and extended her hand to him. "Hi…I'm Brooke," she said.

"I'm Mouth McFadden," he said as he shook hands with her.

"You're kind of cute," Brooke replied with a smile. She laughed when Mouth blushed.

When Lucas was all done playing basketball he and Brooke walked hand in hand through the park. Lucas couldn't keep the smile off of his face; he loved being with Brooke. He never pictured himself being with someone as beautiful as Brooke, but he didn't want it any other way.

After their long walk through the park Brooke and Lucas found themselves standing on her front porch. "I had a great time today," Brooke said with a smile.

"Yeah…me too," Lucas replied. "I should really get going now. Can I call you later?"

"I'll be looking forward to it."

Lucas leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek. "I'll see you later, Brooke."

"Bye Broody."

Brooke watched him walk away. She wanted to scream out how much she loved him, but she didn't think he was ready to hear it. She knew he still has some trust issues after everything that happened with Peyton. It would take some time for him to fully open up to her, and she was more than willing to give it to him.

This chapter is titled after the song "More than That" by the Backstreet Boys