The Moment After
Elizabeth looked up petrified and saw his blue eyes staring down at her. His arms came up to wrap around her. Then she turned and saw him, Lucas standing there looking devastated. His heart looked like it had been ripped out. She could see the pain in his eyes, and then he turned and went back inside the saloon. Elizabeth pulled back from Nathan and said "Sorry!"
She turned and walked into the saloon looking for Lucas. She had to make this right. She had been fighting her growing attraction to the dashing saloon owner for some time and then they had their dinner in the library. She had finally given into her feelings and agreed to call it a date. It was wonderful. She was certain she had fallen for him, but now seeing the hurt in his eyes she was not sure how she would explain it.
She looked around but did not see him anywhere. Finally she saw Gustav in the kitchen and asked? "Gustav have you seen Lucas?"
"Je crois qu'il est allé dans sa suite, dernière porte à gauche."
Lucas head was already spinning. How could this have happened? He thought to himself. The rug had been ripped right out from under him. He had his best scotch in his hand and poured himself a glass. He wanted the pain to stop. All he could see was his love in the arms of another man. He was choking from his tie, and vest. The room was hot and the tears were threatening to pour out. He unbuttoned his shirt and had every intention of drinking away his pain, when there was a knock on his door. He stood in silence for a moment hoping they would go away. After several seconds, there was a second knock. He put down his glass, and tried to compose himself long enough to answer the door. He walked over and opened it and Elizabeth stood there. She was the last person he wanted to see right now.
"Elizabeth! What are you doing up here?" He couldn't find the strength to look at her right now.
"Lucas, Can I come in? We need to talk!" She blushed at seeing him so casual, but could tell he was tormented.
"Elizabeth that is not a good idea. You don't need to explain anything to me. You never made me any promises. I guess I was just blind and missed all the signals. "He told her solemnly.
Elizabeth pushed her way into his suite passed him and shut the door. "We are going to talk about what you saw!"
"I don't think I can do this right now Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth had to make him listen and wasn't sure what to do to. So she walked over uncertain about how he would respond, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Lucas was completely caught off guard. After a few seconds he pulled back to look at her, "Elizabeth what are you doing?"
"Lucas what you saw out there was nothing more than a misunderstanding. I was thinking about Jack when I hugged Nathan. I was glad Nathan was okay, but I have already fallen for you and I am so sorry that I hurt you! I love you Lucas Bouchard!"
Lucas was so confused. He had gone from being distraught to being overwhelmed to extreme satisfaction. I can not believe you are here in my suite! He took her in his arms and kissed her with all the built up passion he had been saving from the last two years. Finally, his patience was paying off. Elizabeth Thornton was in love with Lucas Bouchard!