Chapter 6

Coming home from work has always been a relief. It was Thursday; Brooke wouldn't be home for another two hours. Usually I would just watch some television or catch up with my reading. Leading up to my room, I heard footsteps; I smile to myself and whisper "She must be home early". Opening the door slowly, there I see her spread out on the bed, but it's not my Brooke, it's Peyton.

"What are you doing in here, Peyt?" I question her while undoing my tie. I run my hands through my hair, this is a sign that I really don't want to get into it today. Every chance she gets, she tracks me down convincing me our relationship can work out, which I highly doubt.

"I missed you, I knew Brooke wouldn't be back for a while so I guess I just wanted to spend some time with you" she looked hopeful. As guilty as I feel, ever since I kissed her, I have never ever touched her again. I didn't want to get her hopes up, I still love Peyton but I'm not in love with her. As much as I hate to admit it, I was falling for Brooke Davis, her sister and my soon to be wife.

" We can't, I can't," I say to her. I look her in the eyes and whip up the courage to say "I think it's best if you get out" I walk over to the door and open it gesturing for her to leave which she does. I feel relief.

I need air so I walk out of the house and into the garden and sit under a tree. I feel at peace. Again I hear footsteps, not bothering to turn around I sit here and ignore whoever it may be and also hoping it won't be that certain someone.

"Hey" hope did give me her. A smile came to my face as I looked at her. She looked tired from all the late nights she spent on her thesis that is half of her final grade. She also started an internship at a small accounting firm to accredit her qualifications.

"Hey you, you look tired, what you got there, aren't you a tad bit too old for that stuff?"

She kinks her eyebrow and sits next to me." No one is ever too old for fairy floss, especially me!" she picks up a handful and chucks it down her mouth, " You want some?" she questions, secretly hoping I don't. " Nah, getting old, have to watch the sugar in-take" I reply and look at her for a reaction, she just rests her head on my shoulder.

"Are you okay? You know you can talk to me about anything Brooke" I wrap my arm around her shoulder, her head hasn't changed position, it is still resting against my shoulder. I can't help but kiss her head. All these affectionate gestures have become normal to us, like second nature.

" I'm just so tired, I just need a good nights sleep, that's all. Peyton always finding ways to be difficult, I'm just tired. Now my fingers are sticky but I can't be bothered to get up so that sucks too"

" Lick 'em" she doesn't even reply, she scrunches up her face in disgust. " That's gross, I am a woman not a two year old kid" she retaliates.

Without hesitation, I know my actions will make her smile so I pick up her sticky fingers and lick them myself. She's practically crying in laughter.

" I can't believe you did that, it's so ticklish Lucas, you are too cute" she says.

This is it, this is the moment I should tell her how I feel. No more hiding, reveal myself.

" You are too cute too" I bring my nose to hers and rub against it. I look into her eyes and I have all the answers to my questions.

I fail miserably and don't even mention anything apart from bring my lips to hers gently. She smiles and we cuddle on the bench and watch the sunset.

Waking up and surprisingly feeling her hands wrapped tightly around my body I look at the time. 8 am was the usual time I woke up and got ready for work but being here, I didn't want to be anywhere else.

"Hey Jake, I'm not feeling to good, I'm not coming in today, can you cancel all my appointments for me, thanks, hopefully I'll see you tomorrow" I whisper. I feel her stir and flutter her eyes open. She smiles and asks, "Aren't you going to be late?" I kiss her and caress her face with my hand and whisper "I'll rather be here than anywhere else, pretty girl".

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