AN: It was surprising to me how many reviewers disliked Lucas' choice of never having biological children. He carries a serious genetic condition, and he decides it's not acceptable to risk giving it to his children. Sounds sensible, no? There are other paths to parenthood. Anyways, thanks to the reviewers. Onwards!

Chapter 14

Lucas enjoys the crisp morning air and the soft sound of the waves, as his feet pound the sand in his early morning run. He's a third of the way on the outwards leg when she joins him, with a nice word and a smile. She is tall, five-ten or so, with long legs, a tight body highlighted by the exercise bra and small shorts, long graceful neck and dark chestnut hair, bound in a high ponytail. Young, maybe around twenty.

She joins him often enough that Lucas knows it's not a coincidence. They talk a bit, as they usually do, about jogging and the weather. She is very attractive, and Lucas is aware that the goods are on display for his benefit. She hasn't really caught his interest, except maybe for her persistence and pleasant disposition. Nearly five months since his last time, he was very close to giving in and inviting her to his home for a post-run juice and whatever would inevitably follow. That is, until today. Today, someone just as attractive is sleeping at his house. Someone he adores. Someone that makes his heart beat faster every time he sees her. Someone that has hurt him like crazy. Someone untrustworthy. Someone that makes the beautiful woman running next to him seem utterly irrelevant.

She feels something has changed. There is a touch of defeat in her parting words. Her shoulders a little slumped when she walks away. It would be several weeks until he saw her again, and when he did, she would be wearing a ring and a much colder manner.

Lucas times his morning run so can can still catch Sam before she leaves for school. She's putting away her breakfast dishes when he walks in. She turns around when she hears him and smiles. "Good morning. Have a nice run?"

"Yes, thank you." He avoids the sweaty hug she wouldn't enjoy, and goes for a sloppy peck on the cheek instead. She tenses up a bit when he approaches, but quickly relaxes and responds with a peck of her own. Her therapist says she needs the physical signs of affection, even when they make her a little uncomfortable. The only people she allows near her are Lucas and Taylor, so it's up to them to provide it. "And good morning to you too."

An ironic little smile. "Did the skank show up again?"

"Yes." Lucas snickers. "But I think she gave up."

"You mean, you stopped sending mixed signals?"

"It's called flirting, Sam. Harmless fun between grown ups."

Sam sighs and sends a glance towards Brooke's room. "So, now that you have a better target for your fun..." Annoyingly insightful.

Lucas smiles and changes subject. "Did you sleep well?"

She shrugs. "As well as can be expected. I woke up once, with the cold sweats. Meditated for a bit and managed to get back to sleep."

"Nightmare?"

"Nothing I could remember afterwards." Things have come a long way in a year. The screaming nightmares and the panic attacks have become rare. But there is still a long way to go. She grabs her keys, her pack and heads for the door. "See you at school?"

"Sure. Come by before practice."

"I will. Bye! Love ya!" She yells from the door.

Lucas whispers after she closes the door. "Bye, sweetie. Love you too."

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Brooke wakes up from an erotic dream, featuring herself, Lucas and a hot tub. As she opened her eyes, her hand was between her legs, a finger inside herself to the second knuckle. It's not the first time she has this dream, not by a long shot. But since she's off the antidepressants, they've become a little more insistent, more fun. Her therapist did tell her her libido would come back in full force once her body cleared up the meds. What she didn't mention was the effect that his presence nearby would have.

It's been over seven months since her third and last date with Julian, which ended with the handsome producer naked in her bed. Not very satisfying, overall, but it's been toys and fingers since. Luckily, her boy appears to be just as affected by her as he used to be. He's going to be scratching this itch for her. Soon. Very soon.

She gets up, separates some clothes for immediate use and takes off her nightgown and panties. Standing naked in front of a full-body mirror, she examines herself. And grimaces. Pasty and soft. Ten pounds overweight. She pushes her shoulders back. Girls still firm and perky. She limbers up with a couple of yoga poses. Tries for a sideways split, slowly... Ouch! Nearly pulls a muscle. First order of business: proper diet and exercise. Get herself in shape. She is pretty sure her coach boy toy can help.

She puts on clean panties, yoga pants, sports bra, exercise shirt, socks and sneakers. Lucas told her of a home gym in the basement, and that's where she is headed.

Downstairs, the house seems empty. She checks outside, and the Mini is gone, but Lucas' Mustang is still there, so she assumes Lucas is around. She goes back up and noses around. The soft clicking of a keyboard signals Lucas presence in a small room, arranged as a little home office. Peeking inside, she sees Lucas stooped in front of a computer, typing furiously. She approaches and touches him softly in the shoulder. He raises one finger, signals her to wait, and continues typing. She waits patiently, enjoying his look of fierce concentration. About five minutes later he stops, saves his work and looks at her. "Good morning, Pretty Girl."

"Good morning." She frowns. "I don't want to disturb."

He smiles. "Too late."

"Sorry."

He shakes his head. "It's fine."

"I just wanted to say hi. I'm going to work out, have breakfast and a shower. Will you still be around in a couple of hours?"

He checks the time in the computer screen. "Yeah. I'm going to the school around noon."

"I'll talk to you later, then."

Brooke comes out of the shower feeling clean and wholesome, after a nice workout, healthy breakfast and a long shower. She puts on practical cotton undies, a light blue sundress and low white wedges. She finds Lucas in the kitchen, cutting veggies for a salad.

"Hey! What's for lunch?"

He lifts his eyes and checks her out. The approval in his eyes is plain obvious. "California club and a salad. Papaya smoothie. Anything for you?"

"Just the salad and the smoothie will be nice. Wanna help?"

Lucas points to the blender with his chin. "Wanna do the smoothie?"

"Sure."

They finish assembling lunch and sit at the kitchen counter to eat in pleasant silence. "Any plans for the afternoon?"

"Deb is picking me up." Lucas raises an eyebrow. "I need a car."

"Ah, of course."

"What time are you and Sam home?"

"I'll be back around six. Sam usually gets back earlier."

"And what time do you eat dinner?"

"Around sevenish. I either pick up something driving in or cook something simple."

"Can I cook for you guys?"

"You don't need to..."

"I just want to do it, all right? Any restrictions?"

Lucas shakes his head."Sam doesn't eat red meat, and we try to stick to organic produce. A friend drops a bag of stuff from her farm once a week."

Brooke smiles and nods. "That's fine. Leave it to me."

"Thank you."

A knock from the outside. Brooke jumps from her stool and rushes to open the door. After a brief hug and some girlie noises, Brooke and Deb come back to the kitchen. Deb walks around the counter and exchanges a hug with Lucas as well. "Looking good, Lucas."

"Well, thank you." Lucas steps on the the southern drawl. You're positively radiant this morning, Miss Lee."

Deb snickers, pleased. "Don't start with the Scott charm, young man. I'm immune."

Brooke, already turned on just by Lucas presence, giggles softly. "Well, I'm not immune. So don't waste it on the old lady..."

Deb has known Brooke since she was a toddler and always had a soft spot for her. She slaps Brooke on the arm. "What lack of manners, Miss Davis. Vicky would be disappointed."

A small grimace follows the mention of her mother. Brooke answers in a dry tone. "I work hard to fulfill her expectations."

"I'm sure you do."

Lucas knows Brooke and Nathan knew each other since forever, so he is not surprised by Deb and Brooke's familiarity. He also knows Deb well enough to spot the fondness behind the older woman's manner. Not a surprise either. People who know Brooke more than just a little tend to like her. "Care for a smoothie?"

"Thanks, Lucas. I just had lunch." She turns to Brooke. "Shall we?"

Brooke kisses Lucas cheek. "Bye, Broody. See you later."

"Bye, you two. Have fun."

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Brooke walks around the showroom, looking at this and that, somewhat unsure about what she wants. A little red Mercedes convertible keeps catching her eyes, as she walks around a dark gray compact SUV.

"Want to test-drive the Mercedes?" Brooke frowns at Deb. "I follow the financial news, sweetie."

Brooke scowls, her heart and her brain fighting a little. "No. I need something... discreet."

Deb nods. "I understand." She points at the car Brooke has been examining. "That's comfortable and discreet. It's our best-seller." Deb smiles. "I wouldn't call the hair discreet, though."

Brooke gives it a head toss. "Actually, it is. My face is quite well-known. But most people don't look past the hair, though."

Deb looks at Brooke, thoughtful. "Clever." She points at Brooke's dress. "Is that the reason for the Walmart-chic also?"

"Well... yes. I'm also mad at the fashion industry. Call it a bit of youthful rebellion, if you want."

"It looks good on you, anyways."

"Well, thanks!"

"And you're probably entitled to the rebellion thing." She places a hand on the SUV. "I'll have it ready for you on Tuesday. Full optionals, I presume."

"Yes, that's fine."

Deb flags a sales rep down to go start the paperwork. "So... want to borrow the Mercedes for the weekend?"

"Aww..." Tempted.

Noticing Brooke's hesitation Deb adds. "Security is damn good at the Beach House. That's why Lucas moved there."

Brooke turns around, surprised and suddenly worried. "Wait... what? Why?"

"From what I've heard, Lucas and Taylor bothered some nasty people when they rescued that girl of theirs. With the threats and all, Nathan and Haley managed to convince Lucas to take the house off their hands."

Brooke paces around a little, trying to calm down. She finally calms herself enough to ask. "How much danger?"

"I don't really know. Not much, probably. It's been a while."

Brooke figures that's something she will have to talk to Lucas about. "I like that house."

Deb smiles. "Let's take care of paperwork?"

"Sure."

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Lucas has just dismissed the team when Sam saunters in, a broad smile in her face. "Hey, Pops!"

Lucas guffaws. "Pops? Really?"

"And why not?"

"I'm eight years older than you, how about that?"

"I don't care." She comes forward and kisses him in the cheek. "I call it as I see it."

Lucas gives a theatrical sigh. "Fine, baby girl. What's with the good mood?"

"Got an "A" in Chemistry. And your sister-in-law approved my article for the school newspaper. She said it was 'a well-argued case for the new student policy forum'."

Lucas gives her a goofy smile. He's damn proud of her and she knows it. "Congratulations. And I hope the school board goes for the forum."

She looks a little surprised. "I didn't know you agreed."

"Participation trumps representation, right?"

"You got it." She hugs Lucas. "Such a progressive old man!"

Lucas grunts, narrowly avoiding a curse. "Hmpf."

"Language, Pops."

"Let's head home."

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Dinner was perfect. Pasta alfredo, with grilled chicken breast, grilled tomatoes and asparagus. Then homemade peach cobbler. Both Lucas and Sam could barely move after they were done, and Brooke was loudly and insistently appreciated on her culinary gifts. After dinner Sam stayed down to take care of the dishes, and Lucas invited Brooke for a walk on the beach.

A hundred yards down from the house, they sit on a towel, facing the sea. It's a clear, crisp night, with a breeze blowing from the south and a sliver of moon to add a little romantic ambiance. Lucas mind is thrown back to another night he sat here with Brooke. "Do you remember the night of the winter formal?"

"You mean, the night when Felix was an idiot, and Mouth behaved like one? And you sort of saved me?"

Lucas stares at the sea, letting the silence stretch. He snickers. "' Why does everybody lie? You know, the bad guys lie to get in your bed, and the good guys lie to get into your heart. And I'm the idiot who falls for it every time.'"

"That sounds familiar. Is it from your book?"

"Straight from your mouth that night." She shivers and Lucas slides his arm across her shoulders, pulling her close. "That was the moment when I figured out I was hopelessly besotted with you."

Brooke giggles. "Besotted, hm?" She turns serious. "Took you a while to own up to it."

"It looked pretty hopeless, with what had happened. I got desperate when you were leaving for the summer and I might never see you again. I just couldn't let you leave without saying something."

"I went pretty crazy that summer."

"I know."

"What happened to the letters?"

"Box in the back of my closet."

Brooke shakes her head. "Through three serious relationships? You're insane."

"I'm in love with words, Pretty Girl. Those letters..."

"Are the ramblings of a besotted, angry, frightened, stupid teen."

"Not to me." Lucas gives Brooke a soft kiss in the forehead. Brooke feels it right down to her core. "A story?"

"Oh, yes. The story. Once upon a time..."

"Brooke!"

"Aww..." She scoots across his legs, settling herself between them. Lucas wraps her with his arms and they wiggle to find the best position. Brooke sighs. "Better." She lets herself relax for a bit. "The short version, all right?"

"No problem."

"After the attack, I went to New York. My company was a shambles. Incompetence and passive sabotage from within, and a legal attack from the minority shareholders, led by Victoria. Her end game was to take away control, while keeping me chained to a design desk. She was willing to destroy everything to get it. So, I fought, with everything I had."

"I would expect no less from you."

"Right. I had to go division by division, rooting out problems. I also had to establish my competence to lead the company. I wanted to see you. Badly. But I couldn't afford it. Even the appearance of a distraction would kill me in court. That's why the letter. I couldn't trust my phone or the computer.

Later I found out Victoria had you blocked from my phone and e-mail. That's when I lost it."

"Lost what?"

"Any interest in running the stupid company. Still, there were those thousands of jobs. I couldn't just leave. Victoria would run the business into the ground."

"I thought she was competent..."

"Not for running a company at the leading edge of fashion. She's horrible with people, specially creative types. And you can't run it with your eyes glued to the bottom line."

The respect Lucas always had for Brooke just goes on increasing. "That sounds right."

Brooke clucks. "That's when I went looking for you. But you had disappeared. With Taylor."

"Sorry, I guess..."

"Hey, nothing to be sorry about. I'm sure you had a lot of fun."

Lucas mumbles to himself. "You betcha."

Brooke ignores Lucas' comment and proceeds. "So, I decided to get rid of the damn thing, while trying to protect all the jobs. It took a lot of lawyers, managers, bankers. A lot of really horrible people and excruciating meetings. A lot of time and therapy, antidepressants, and anxiety meds But I finally did it. Signed away the final pieces a week ago. Then I changed my looks, got off the meds and came after you."

The silence stretches, while Lucas tries to absorb what she told him. Finally he asks. "What do you want from me, Pretty Girl?"

"I'm twenty-five. I'm an unemployed college drop-out and a gazillionaire. I need to figure out what to do with the rest of my life. I wanted to ask your help with that."

"Fuck." He tightens his arms around her. "Why me?"

"Who else? You see something in me that nobody else does, even myself. You always did."

"I only see what's there."

She shrugs. "Well, if it wasn't for you..." She lets the sentence trail off.

"What?"

"I'd be turning tricks, or dead by OD or by wrapping my drunken ass around a light pole somewhere. You always believed in me. I want that. I need that."

"That's easy. You're still amazing. You've already changed the world, and I'm sure you'll continue to do it."

She seems to let go of all tension. "And that's what I came for."

"So we're done?"

She laughs a little. "Not by a long shot. But first, you need to fuck me senseless."

Lucas guffaws. "I do?"

"Yup." She continues in a tinny whisper. "You game?"

"Of course." He kisses her neck in a little place he knows she likes. She moans softly. "Bed?"

"Oh, yes!"