A/N: Thank you for the awesome reviews. And thanks to my beta: Leeese!

Disclaimer: Don't own OTH


Chapter Four

"I can't believe that Lucas almost got a speeding ticket," Peyton said with a laugh as she and Brooke sat on the sofa at Brooke's apartment. Brooke had just told her about her weekend, starting with Lucas's late night drive. Lucas and Brooke had plans to meet up with Jake and Peyton that weekend. But their plans had fallen through.

"Me either. He's lucky he only got a warning," Brooke replied with a smile as they heard a knock at the front door. She got up from the sofa and walked over to the door. She opened it and gave Haley a wide smile. "Hey, come on in." Haley smiled in return as she walked in. She and Peyton exchanged greetings as Haley took a seat in the lounge chair next to the couch. "Do you want anything to eat or drink?"

Haley nodded. "Water would be fine."

"I'll be right back," Brooke replied before she walked into the kitchen. A few minutes later, she came back with the glass of water. She handed it to Haley before taking her place back on the sofa. "I was just telling Peyton about Lucas's almost speeding ticket."

"Only Lucas would do that for a girl he really loves," Haley told Brooke with a wink.

"They are more or less just friends," Peyton reminded her in a knowing tone.

Haley rolled her eyes as she took a sip of her water. "Yeah right."

Brooke gave her a look. "I barely know him. How long did you and Nathan wait to start dating?" she asked her.

"It wasn't very long after we met that we started dating," Haley replied honestly. "In fact, we didn't wait very long to get married either."

"Jake and I waited awhile before we even talked about dating," Peyton added.

"How long have you been dating?" Brooke asked her.

Peyton had to think for a moment. "It will be three years in February. Actually, we started going out on Valentine's Day," she told her with a fond smile.

Brooke was surprised. "Really?"

Peyton nodded. "Yeah, I know it sounds cheesy. But that just happened to be the day that Jake asked me out."

"I don't think it's cheesy. I think it's cute," Brooke replied with her own smile. "I don't think many couples start out on that special day."

"No, I don't think they do either," Haley agreed. She then changed the subject. "I'm throwing a fundraiser at Tric for the Children's Hospital this weekend. Do you think you guys will be able to help out?"

"Will Lucas be there?" Brooke asked almost immediately.

"Brooke, may I remind you that you're friends? So it really shouldn't matter if Lucas is there or not," Haley teased her as she tried not to laugh. "But I'll ask him and see if he will be able to come and help."

"I'll call him if you want me to," Brooke offered.

Haley laughed at her eagerness. "That's sweet. But I think I'll call him. After all, I'm the one who is in charge." Brooke pretended to pout. Haley shook her head in amusement. "Hey, I can always not ask him."

Brooke gave her an alarmed look before she realized that Haley was teasing her. Both Peyton and Haley laughed at her expression. "Very funny."


As the weeks passed, Lucas and Brooke continued their sexual relationship, despite their growing attraction for each other. He came to visit every other weekend. Brooke had understood since he did have the restaurant to mange. But it didn't stop her from missing him. When he was in Tree Hill, he would split his time between Nathan's house and Brooke's apartment.

On Valentine's Day, both Haley and Peyton were going out with their guys. Brooke was going to be home alone since the holiday was on a weekday. She was disappointed since she wanted to see Lucas again.

That afternoon, Brooke went shopping with Peyton and Haley to help them pick out the perfect outfits for their dates. After they were done, Brooke headed back to her apartment ready to spend an evening alone. However, a phone call from Lucas made her change her mind. He had invited her to spend the evening in Charlotte at the family restaurant. He even invited her parents to come along. Both parents and daughter graciously accepted the invitation. Brooke had immediately cheered up when she heard his invitation.

A few short hours later, that seemed far too long for Brooke, Richard was pulling the car into a parking space next to the restaurant. The three then got out of the car and walked into the restaurant. Brooke looked around for Lucas. She was disappointed to see that he didn't come up and greet them.

A hostess came up to them. "How many are in your party?" she asked in a welcoming tone.

"Actually, we have a reservation," Brooke replied as the hostess started looking in her book. "It's under the name 'Davis'."

The hostess looked up and gave her a wide smile. "You must be Brooke Davis. Lucas can't stop talking about you. And these must be your parents."

Brooke nodded as she saw Lucas walking over to them. She couldn't help the smile lightning her face as she saw him. "I'll escort these lovely people to their seats," he told the hostess. He took Brooke's hand and led her and her parents through the crowd into a private room. Brooke was surprised, but pleased that they were going to have some privacy.

Just then, a woman with long blonde hair entered the room. "I'm so sorry I'm late," she said as she hurried over to them.

Lucas did the introductions as Deb shook hands with the Davis family. "Mom, this is Brooke Davis and her parents Richard and Victoria. This is my mom, Deb, the owner of this lovely restaurant," he told them with pride clear in his voice.

Deb blushed with embarrassment. "That's my son. He likes to brag." The group laughed as she turned to Brooke. "It's so nice to finally meet the woman who Lucas can't stop talking about." Brooke turned red this time. She then turned to Mr. and Mrs. Davis. "Richard, Victoria, it's nice for you to join us."

"Thank you for inviting us. I hope the food is as great as your hospitality," Richard joked.

Everyone laughed. "Let me get you some menus," Deb said.

"I'll get them, Mom," Lucas offered and left the room.

The four then sat down at a table and they started to get to know each other. Deb couldn't help but notice that Richard and Victoria were just as private as Brooke was. She didn't let that bother her. She was willing to wait until they were ready to talk.

Lucas soon came back with three menus and handed them to Brooke, Richard and Victoria. He and Deb helped the Davis family in what they should have. They then talked some more until their dinners arrived. After eating their delicious dinner, everyone was ready to take a break before they decided on dessert. Lucas instantly turned to Brooke. "I'm going to go for a walk. Want to come with me?" he asked her softly. Brooke nodded as she took his hand. "We'll be back soon."

A few minutes later, Lucas and Brooke were walking down the street hand in hand. "I loved that chicken. Thanks for the suggestion," Brooke told him.

"I will be sure to give the compliments to the chef," Lucas replied with a grin.

Brooke smiled. "You're not such a bad cook yourself."

There was then an awkward silence before Lucas spoke. "Brooke, I've been thinking. We've had this casual relationship for over a month now. And it's obvious that we can't keep our romantic feelings to ourselves. So why deny it any longer?"

Brooke sighed. She should have known that this was going to come up. She just was in denial. "Let me think about it."

Lucas nodded understandingly. "I'm sorry to spring it on you like this. But I thought it was the right time since it is Valentine's Day. I hope this won't stop you from coming over to my apartment and exchanging gifts?" he asked in a soft tone.

Brooke shook her head. "Of course not."

They then talked about other things as they walked around the block. They then headed back into the restaurant and into the private room. "There you are. We were just about ready to order dessert," Deb told Lucas and Brooke.

"Actually, I'm going to head back to the apartment and relax for awhile. But I wouldn't mind having some company," he said as he gave Brooke a sneaky wink. "You could stay over and I'll drive you back to Tree Hill tomorrow."

"I'd love to," Brooke replied eagerly. She then looked at her parents. "See you tomorrow. Drive safe."

A short while later, Lucas and Brooke arrived in of his apartment building. Lucas was a gentleman and helped Brooke out of the car. They then walked up to the front door hand-in-hand. He then unlocked the front door and pushed the door open. He turned on the hallway light as he and Brooke walked in the front hall. "Make yourself at home," he told her as they walked into the foyer. "So are you ready for dessert?" he asked her as they shared a heated look.

"Are you kidding? I'm starving," Brooke replied as he led her into his bedroom. "I suppose this is your gift to me?" she asked as she started pulling off her shirt. "Because I got you the same thing."

"Great minds think alike," Lucas replied with a smile as he pulled his own shirt off.

A few hours later, Brooke was snuggled up to Lucas fast asleep. He had his arms protectively around her and her head rested on his chest. He too was fast asleep. Brooke was able to sleep soundly in his arms as his embrace kept her nightmares away. As she somehow managed to snuggle even closer, her lips were graced by the presence of a smile.