Chapter 5 Concern
Lucas picked up Elizabeth from her apartment like had been his morning routine as of late. He helped her into the car but could sense something was pressing on her mind.
"Elizabeth, excuse me for prying but you seem as if you have something pressing on your mind. What is it?" Lucas asked with concern in his voice.
"Lucas I have some concerns."
Lucas pulled over at the coffee shop and turned the car off. Turning to face her he grabbed her hands in his own. "Concerns? What do you mean? With me, us?" He said nervously as he began fidgeting.
"It's just you get so much attention Lucas. I don't know if I can deal with all the women throwing themselves at you all the time." She explained causing a brief hesitation as he chose his next words carefully.
"Elizabeth, I have waited fourteen years to have a social life. Here we are together, sitting in my car and I have enjoyed every moment we've had together. Do you really think I pay attention to all that? I only have eyes for you. If I am being completely honest, I am falling for you hard."
His declaration gave her the confidence to kiss him deeply as she pulled him into her. He responded with passion of his own. He could feel his desire taking over as he pulled back to look at her. "Elizabeth, be assured I would never want to make you uncomfortable or hurt you in any way. Please don't doubt me. I will not disappoint you. That I promise."
"We better get coffee to go this morning, or I am going to be late for school." She responded. I am falling for you too, Lucas. Is it possible to fall this fast?" She asked.
"I believe, when you know, you know. I knew as soon as you handed me your number that I was going to call you. I'm so glad I did." He said kissing her one more time and then running in to get their coffee to go.
Lucas returned to the car, handed Elizabeth her coffee and Danish and headed to the school. As he pulled up to the door the buses were already there. He opened her door to help her out. "Lucas will you help me decorate after school this afternoon for the show tomorrow?"
"Absolutely! I can donate some more decorations if you like." He said giving her a quick kiss on the forehead.
"That would be wonderful. Just another reason why I'm falling for you." Elizabeth grinned.
"I'll see you soon. Have a wonderful day, Elizabeth."
"You do the same." She smiled and let out a deep sigh as she turned to walk into the school. She stopped in the office to get her daily mail.
"Elizabeth, Is that your new boyfriend?" The ladies asked gathered around watching him as he drove away.
"Yes! We just started dating this week. He has been wonderful. He will be here this afternoon to help with more decorating if you would like to meet him. His name is Lucas Bouchard. He is the owner of Bouchard's by the Bay. The club downtown."
"Oh, I know that club. I wondered where I had seen him at. Now I remember him. He is quite handsome Elizabeth." Clara grinned.
"Yes, he is. He is a lot of things. He's funny, charming, generous, handsome, and he must be the best kisser I have ever dated." She chuckled causing the other ladies to chuckle as well as she headed to her classroom.
Lucas returned a little past 3:00 with more decorations. He was short handed at the cub tonight and knew he would not be able to stay late to help. He walked into the gym and found Elizabeth already there standing on a ladder hanging décor with her back to him. He quietly snuck up behind her and gently brushed her side causing her to fall backwards, but he was there to catch her.
"Look what you did now, Mr. Bouchard!"
"Maybe it was intentional, cause now I get to hold you in my arms." He teased while placing a kiss on her lips and then placing her back on the floor. "I hate to say this, but I am short handed at the club this evening and will not be able to stay long."
"Lucas? Are you sure you are going to be able to perform tomorrow night? Who is working at the club for you?"
"Mike my bartender will be filling in as host and David the daytime bartender will be working nights. Don't worry Elizabeth. I will be here. There is no way I will let down these kids."
There was something so reassuring every time he spoke. There was a genuine honesty about his words. She could tell he was trustworthy and meant what he said. She couldn't help but admire his love for children and as soon as it was, she found her mind wondering to him being a father to their children. She couldn't believe she was even contemplating such a thing after only a week. This man was driving her out of her mind.
"Elizabeth, will you be able to get a ride home?"
"Lucas I used to walk here. I will just walk home. "
"Absolutely not. This is not a city for a young, beautiful woman to be walking around by herself in the dark. I will be back at 8:30 to get you and take you home."
"Lucas, you don't need to worry so much about me. I will be fine. I have done it for years."
"Well, now you are with me and in no way are you ever walking home by yourself in the dark again."
Elizabeth crossed her arms as if she was fatigued with his over protectiveness of her, but deep down she found it adorable. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and headed to the club reassuring her he would be back at 8:30.
Lucas returned at 8:29 and Elizabeth was waiting outside. He opened her door and helped her inside then drove them to her apartment. "Do you have a few minutes to come inside?" She asked.
"I have about fifteen minutes." He responded as he followed her inside and sat down on the couch. He patted his lap for her to sit.
She sat down on his lap, and he wrapped his arms around her. Turning her to face him he kissed her deeply. After several moments of passionate kisses, he spoke. "I have never felt like this before."
"I know what you mean." She responded placing her forehead against his. "I don't want you to leave."
"I will see you tomorrow, Elizabeth." He took her by the hand and pulled her to the door behind him. "Sweet dreams my Elizabeth." He kissed her and released her walking to his car.
Elizabeth shut the door and let out a deep sigh. She couldn't believe how much she was affected by him. Secretly she was wishing they had been together longer, and she was married to him. She scolded herself for even thinking so irrationally.
She called Rosemary. "Hello Elizabeth! What's up?"
"I love him, Rosemary."
"Oh, Elizabeth that is wonderful. What did he say when you told him?"
"Well, I haven't told him. It's only been a week. It seems so crazy."
"Love is crazy, Elizabeth. That is how it happens. Does he feel the same?"
"I think so. He has not said it either. I will probably wait until he says it to me."
"Good luck with that!" Rosemary chuckled as she hung up the phone.
Lucas returned to the club and walked in the back door. He put on his apron to help Gustave in the kitchen. "Are we behind?"
"No. We are fine. I'm so happy for you Lucas. Miss Thatcher seems like a lovely woman."
"She is. I love her Gustave. I am certain of it."
"Tell her."
"It's too soon. I will in my own time." Lucas said as he put the rolls in the oven.
"Don't wait too long. You never know how much time you will get with the woman you love."
"I'm sorry Gustave. This must be hard for you."
"It's fine."
