Lucas got back to Peyton's house around midnight. He didn't even know how long he had held Brooke while the tears ran down her face. How he was going to keep this from Peyton or anyone else was beyond him. All he knew was that he would do everything he could to help Brooke through this storm. Walking quietly up the stairs, Lucas thought of Peyton. He hoped she wasn't too pissed that he was coming in so late. And what's worse is that he couldn't even tell her the truth about why he was with Brooke so long.

Turning to lean on the door frame of Peyton's room, his breath caught in his throat. She was asleep with her back to him. The light from the street lamp outside her window highlighted her blond curls into golden locks. It appeared almost like a halo over her angelic slumber. Lucas couldn't help but watch as her breath made her chest rise and fall with the deep sleep. It was little moments like this that he seemed to fall more in love with her by the second.

Easing himself softly on the bed, so not to wake her, Lucas quickly removed his shoes and climbed under the covers. He didn't to disturb her, but he couldn't go another second without touching her soft skin. He slid next to her and wrapped his arms around her, buring his face in her neck. Lucas deeply enhaled the fresh scent that was all Peyton.

Peyton felt the air on her neck and the arms around her waist. Her eyes began to softly flutter open as she realized Lucas was beside her. She was glad he was home and snuggled into the feeling of his arms holding her against him. Then she saw the clock. It flashed 12:05 am. She frowned as she wondered what could have kept him with Brooke that long. She pushed the uncertain thoughts from her mind and rolled to face him.

Seeing her awake, Lucas smiled softly. He leaned in to capture her lips in a soft and tender kiss. He loved the taste of her lips. Pulling back, he held a smile on his lips.

"Hey you." he said softly.

"Hey yourself. What kept you so long?" she tried to keep the tone soft even though her thoughts plaqued her.

"Brooke just has a lot going on and needed someone to lean on. She came to me and I couldn't turn her away. She's in a really bad place right now and I'm just worried about her is all." Lucas said. There. It wasn't a lie, but he still felt the knot grow in his stomache as he wanted to tell her the rest.

"Is everything ok? I mean, why didn't she call me? I know she's still upset, but she's still my best friend." Peyton couldn't help but frown at that thought.

"Well, she's just still trying to take it all in. Trust me. I think she might come around soon. Besides, enough about her. I just want to lay her with the girl I love and be happy right now. I just need to hold you for a little while." Lucas told her.

Peyton didn't know what was going on. She didn't want to pry, but as she fell into the embrace with Lucas she couldn't help but think that he was hiding something from her. Question was, did she want to know the answer and how much would it hurt this time? Peyton closed her eyes and let the feeling of Lucas come over her.

"I love you Lucas Scott." was the last whisper before sleep come over her again.

A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update. I've had a lot going on with my daughter and with work .I'm working on having at least two more updates in the next few days. As always, read and review. It's what keeps me loving what I do.