Page 9 of Saving Luke

"Well, if we are going to be out much longer, can I interest you in having lunch with me?"

I know this isn't a date, but I really wish it was. Asking her like this feels a bit like it is, but I know it's not.

"Well, I'm going to have to insist on it." She smiles, and we make another stop where she’s able to cross her brother off her list before lunch.

"Man, I know I'm a girl, but shopping really tires me out. I don't know how some people do this all the time!" Brooke remarks as we head towards the food court.

The moment we step inside, my skin starts to crawl. The space is too big, too many unknowns, and the noise seems to amplify.

It's almost like she can pick up on how uncomfortable it is. She grabs my wheelchair, and we go right back outside.

"What's wrong?" I ask her.

"It's too noisy. If you don't mind, there’s a sit down place over there," she says, pointing over her shoulder.

I smile, "Sounds perfect."

Over lunch, we talk about all the things normal people talk about. No doctor appointments or physical therapy talk. She tells me about her family, and I talk about my sister. We share stories of growing up and bad first dates, but I do not have many to share.

For the first time since the accident, I actually feel normal, and I didn't realize how much I really needed that.

"So,” Brook says. “I think I'm going to shop for my niece and nephew online. My sister-in-law did some online wish lists, and I'm just going to buy off there for them and include some candy. Then, that’s all I'll need for the kids." She says as we leave the food court.

"So, anyone else to shop for?" I ask her.

"Nope, not today. Ready to head back after our Santa photo?" She asks.

"Yes, I think so. You sure Lexi won't mind holding the gift in her room?" I ask again.

"I know she won't mind, but I can take it home with me if you want. I have two spare rooms, so putting it in a closet is no big deal."

Though I know Lexi's office would be fine, something about having it at Brooke's place feels right. Plus, then I know I have an excuse to talk to her and maybe see her like this again.

"You don't mind?" I ask.

"Nope, let's put it in the trunk with my stuff, and I will take it home with me."

The line for Santa photos isn’t very long, so we pose for a photo and even get a candy cane before heading back to the car.

Something shifted today between us. I know it did. This was such a normal activity. Something friends could do, and it was so easy and fun, but it was us, and it was perfect.

So, I don't even think twice when she gets in the car. I just lean in and kiss her. She hesitates only a moment before she kisses me back. Her hands in my hair pull me closer, and my lips tingle as they touch hers. I don't remember a kiss ever feeling like this. It's overwhelming, yet I can't stop. I don't want to stop.

Thankfully, it’s her who has the strength to pull away because I don't think I would have been able to. When I search her face, all I see is the huge smile on her face.

One, I'm sure that matches mine.

This feels right. More right than anything in my life has felt before.

Brooke

I just dropped Luke off at Oakside, and I’m now driving home and can't keep the smile off my face. It's been a long time since I've felt like this for a guy, the butterflies and giddy feeling. It's been even longer since a kiss had made my heart race and turned me on like no one’s business.

I pull up and find Lexi waiting for me.

"I just got done shopping for Noah, but he's a snoop. Can I wrap these and leave them here?" She asks.

"Of course. I got some gifts to wrap of my own," I say.

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