Misty Reigenborn Romance Boxed Set

Chapter 1

Sierra was sitting on her front steps trying unsuccessfully to understand her math homework as tears blurred her eyes when he walked by. She caught a glimpse of him in her peripheral vision and then glanced quickly back down at her book.

He was gorgeous she thought. Tall with dark blond hair that had a slight wave to it, pretty hazel eyes and a well-built body. But the whole town said he was bad news. He had money that a man his age, which she estimated to be about twenty-one, shouldn't have. It was known that he was quite a player, favored the loose young women in town. The ones who worked at the bars and other such places that the good Christian people of the town claimed not to frequent (though it was well known that many of them did).

Her boyfriend of three and a half years had broken up with her. She had found out not from him, but from a friend of a friend that he had been cheating on her for quite some time with the head cheerleader. Ilana was a pretty girl with a mop of unruly dark curls that never seemed to tame no matter what she did to them. Worse to Sierra though, was the fact that he had gotten Ilana pregnant.

So here she sat, on a Friday afternoon, on the front steps of her well-kept, suburban; four bedroom, three and a half bath home. Sierra had never understood the need for all the extra space. She was the only child of her mother and her stepfather had never fathered a child himself. She suspected that it was something more to do with her stepfather proving his manhood or his affluence or some such thing.

She was alone as her parents were away on a vacation on which she yet again hadn't been invited. It was something that had happened quite frequently in the past few years, as she had reached the age when she had been deemed by her stepfather as old enough to look after herself for a few days. She was trying to concentrate when her mind was still flooded with the betrayal of the boy she had thought she'd loved, the one she'd given her virginity to at the tender age of fifteen.

She sensed his step falter (strange that she didn't know his name Sierra thought- though she'd heard so much about him, the rumor mill running at high speed since he'd come to town a few months before). She felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she sensed his eyes drawn towards her.

She set down her book, rummaging in her backpack for her keys, deciding that it was time to go inside. She had turned to the door when his voice stopped her.

You're Sierra aren't you?

His voice was deep, quite nice she thought, adding more to his attractiveness.

She turned, once again feeling the blush creep up her cheeks. She snuck a quick glance at his face and then looked quickly down at her sneakered feet. Yeah.

I'm Luke. I'm having a party at my place tonight. If you aren't busy you should come.

I don't really think. . .

He laughed softly. Hey, I'm not a bad guy. You can't believe everything people say around this town. ‘Cause most of them have no idea what they're talking about.

She chanced another glance at him, and saw something in his eyes that belied his whole bad boy image. He was looking at her in an almost tender way. For a moment she fought back a sort of panic. He couldn't know what Austin had done to her could he?

Then she inwardly shook her head at herself and surprised herself by saying Okay.

It's the house at the end of the next block. The one with the beat up old Mustang in the yard. People will probably start getting there about eight. He gave her a look that put her right back to thinking people in town couldn't be completely wrong about him. But you can come earlier if you want.

She nodded at him, inwardly kicking herself for accepting his invitation. What had she been thinking she wondered? She saw him light a cigarette as he walked away and sighed. She'd hated it when Austin had taken up smoking for a short time last year.

Her hand shook a little as she inserted the key into the door. She entered the house, quickly resetting the alarm.

She threw her backpack on the table, then dug a diet soda and a small container of low fat strawberry yogurt out of the fridge. She sat down at the table. She glanced at the clock, thinking that about now she'd usually be in the basement of Austin's house being pawed on the couch, trying to get a few minutes of quality make out time in before his parents returned from work and his little brother and sister arrived from their respective after school activities.

She sighed again, wondering if she'd have the guts to show up at Luke's house, or if she'd end up spending another night home by herself. The few close girlfriends she'd had throughout junior high she'd drifted apart from when her world had begun to be so wrapped up in all that was Austin. Now that she was without him, she had few prospects of people to spend time with.

What the hell maybe she would go to the party Sierra thought? It couldn't hurt to lose herself for the night. Forget about Austin and Ilana and maybe she'd have a little fun. Though she was a little leery of what might go on at a party thrown by someone like Luke.

Would she be the only one from her high school there or had he set out to seduce the whole senior class she wondered? She laughed a short, brittle laugh as she pictured a lineup of girls from her school entering and then exiting Luke's bedroom.

Hey she thought to herself, at least you're not the one that Austin got pregnant. That would have been a bigger mess. Her stepfather probably would have exiled her, sent her to some hideaway for pregnant teenagers, if those sorts of things existed anymore.

As the minutes ticked by she gave up on trying to do her homework and retired to her room, deciding that she would go to the party against her better judgment. He couldn't really be planning anything as crazy as a mass seduction of the young girls in town could he Sierra thought?

She dug through her closet, having no idea what to wear. She figured a dress would be the wrong way to go. She finally decided on an outfit that wasn't much different than what she was wearing. It consisted of a pale blue, long sleeved t shirt and a faded pair of blue jeans. She made herself a sandwich in the kitchen and turned the TV to a mindless sitcom. Her heart started to beat fast as the time ticked closer and closer to eight.

Chapter 2

Her stomach a little queasy from nervousness, she set out at a few minutes after eight.

She could see cars parked on both sides up and down the street as she neared the end of the block. She changed her mind about attending the party. She was turning around to head home when a hand touched her shoulder.

Hey Sierra, Luke said. She could hear a slight slur in his words, could smell the alcohol on him through the pleasant smell of his musky cologne. You weren't going to leave without saying hi were you?

She shook her head at him, at a loss for words. Why did he have to be so good looking she wondered? Why did she have to be so damn lonely? She was barely eighteen. It's not as if she was going to turn into an old maid if she didn't make herself available to the next man who was willing to take Austin's place.

What am I doing here she thought? His house was packed with people. She recognized some from school and others she'd seen around town. There were people of seemingly all ages-kids in her class and a few juniors, to a few people who looked almost old enough to be her parents.

Luke seemed to be well on his way to intoxicated. There was pounding music that was already threatening to give her a headache. She wished with all her might that she'd stayed home.

Lemme get you a drink. Luke took her hand, and dragged her along with him towards his packed kitchen. What's your pleasure beautiful? Beer, wine, some fancy girly shit that only women drink?

He grinned at her. She wanted to pull away from him until she caught a glimpse of what she'd seen in his eyes earlier. He almost looked lonely, though it seemed rather ironic for him to be lonely in a house full of people.

I don't drink much.

Let's try one of everything then. You're bound to find something you'll like.

The rest of the night was a blur. Sierra drank herself into a pleasant stupor and felt herself loosening up, having fun and forgetting about Austin.

She was dancing with Luke to a song she'd never heard before with words she couldn't quite make out when the sound of retching came to her ears. She turned to see Trevor Johnson projectile vomiting on the stunned teenage girl next to him. He had been the token bad boy before Luke came along; almost thirty and still living in his mom's basement. He’d also been busted for dealing drugs and for getting caught with a sixteen-year-old girl whose parents decided to press charges.

She felt herself bursting into uncontrollable giggles. Luke swept her into his arms, pulling her close. Everything faded after that.

Chapter 3

Sierra woke up the next morning reeling as the headache of hangover hit her. She rushed to what she thought was her bathroom. She only realized as she raised her head after she'd finished puking her guts out that she was not in her bathroom, nor was she in her home at all.

Shit.

She looked down at herself. She was clothed in a baggy t-shirt which was most certainly not hers. Her legs were bare and from the breeze creeping up she realized she wasn't wearing panties.

Oh boy.

She slumped to the bathroom floor, wrinkling her nose at the smell of vomit that still hung in the air of the cramped bathroom.

What have I done she thought? She heard footsteps and raised her head wearily to see Luke's smiling face looking down at her. She could feel herself turning red, wanting to hide her head in shame.

Thought I heard you. Worshipping the porcelain god from the sound of it.

He reached a hand down and pulled her to her feet. She wavered for a minute, feeling a little shaky, and found herself in his arms. She pulled back from him, her face still on fire.

You need anything? He gave her a concerned look. Coffee, orange juice, aspirin?

She shook her head mutely at him. She was embarrassed at not remembering how she had ended up in what was a damned good assumption was his bed, clothed in nothing more than one of his t-shirts. She wanted to ask him, but found herself too humiliated.

Your clothes are almost dry. They would have been done sooner, but I was a little too out of it last night to wash them and haven't been up for much more than an hour this morning myself.

My clothes. . .

Oh darlin'. He led her to the kitchen and sat her down at the table, almost as if she were a small child. Don't tell me that you don't remember anything from last night.

She bit her lip, looking at the mug of coffee he had sat in front of her instead of at him. I . . .

He sighed. I know you said you didn't drink, but I guess should have taken you more seriously. You thought it was hilarious that Trevor puked on that poor girl until you took it upon yourself to not only get sick all over yourself, but all over me, too.

Oh. She took a sip of the bitter brew. Sorry. She could vaguely remember now. So we didn't um. . . She felt the blush creeping back up her cheeks.

No honey. I couldn't look at myself in the mirror if I'd taken advantage of you. I helped you clean yourself up, then I put you to bed, and kicked everybody out soon after. And for the record, I slept on the couch last night.

Thanks.

What was that little pang she felt; Sierra wondered? It couldn't be disappointment could it?

He brushed a lock of hair from her eyes, and she found herself looking right into his.

Sierra wanted him at that moment, wanted him like she'd never wanted anyone, not even Austin, who hadn't been that good of a lover at his best. She almost wished that he had taken advantage of her the night before. Then all of the awkwardness of first time sex would be over with.

What was she thinking Sierra wondered to herself? She barely knew him and even if he hadn't taken advantage of her the night before she could see in his eyes that he wanted her now. Luke was as painfully aware of the fact that she was sitting across from him wearing nothing but a t-shirt as she was.

His hand brushed her cheek. Her eyes drifted closed as his lips moved softly to hers. Oh, he could kiss she thought. She felt herself getting lost in the moment, forgetting that Austin existed. That she was eighteen years old and in little more than a stranger's kitchen.

He pulled back and came around the table, pulling her to her feet gently and leading her back towards his bedroom.

He was clothed only in a pair of draw string pajama bottoms. She drank in the sight of his well-toned chest. This was a man before her she thought. Not little more than a boy like Austin, who was two inches taller than her and had what amounted to the voice of a little boy which still cracked at times. Every inch a man from his well-defined arms to the barely there hair on his chest, to the fire she saw in his eyes when he looked at her.

And she wanted him, wanted him not like the girl that she still felt like at times, but as the woman she was turning into.

He paused for a moment beside the bed, taking her chin in his hand and forcing her to look into his eyes. Sierra?

Mmm.

You’re sure you want this?

Yes. Her breath caught in her throat.

He pulled her into his arms and held her for a moment. She breathed in his scent. He smelled much better than he had the night before-like soap and a hint of aftershave, with a barely discernible hint of cigarette smoke mixed in.

He pulled back, kissing her deeply, his tongue hot and wet in her mouth. She could taste a hint of coffee mixed with the bitter taste of cigarettes.

He pulled his t-shirt over her head and led her to the bed. He rid himself of his pants on the way to the nightstand where he proceeded to rummage for a condom.

She watched him put it on with eyes half closed. She was a little scared, not of him, but of herself for wanting him so much. The rest of her was so excited she could hardly stop herself from jumping up to hurry him on with the condom.

She closed her eyes completely as she felt his weight hit the bed. His hands gently spread her legs apart. It was not Austin she was thinking about as he entered her slowly. It was Luke’s name she cried out as he entered her more fully.

She moved her hips to meet his thrusts. His day old stubble softly brushed her neck as he kissed her. She felt herself biting lightly into his shoulder as she felt the heady rush of her first orgasm.

She felt him stiffen as he neared his own climax, and pulled his face down to hers for a kiss so passionate that she surprised herself. Her mouth almost seemed to devour his as she rocked her hips faster and faster until she felt him shudder above her with his final release.

He rolled off of her and discarded the condom in a wastebasket beside the bed. He reached across her to the stand on the other side of the bed where he'd left his cigarettes. He lit one, blowing the smoke lazily at the ceiling.

You want one? He held the pack towards her.

She shook her head, leaning back on the pillow. It's a disgusting habit.

He laughed softly. Yeah, I know.

She had her eyes closed, running her fingers through his chest hair, feeling herself start to doze when he said softly Sierra.

She opened her eyes, feeling more comfortable next to him than she'd ever been with Austin. She'd certainly never lazed around naked next to Austin. Although how could she have, she wondered, since she’d only had sex with him on the couch in his parents’ basement or in the cramped back seat of his car? Austin’s car always seemed to smell like dirty socks which hadn't made her want to remain naked in it any longer than necessary.

Yes?

You don't regret it do you?

There was a serious note in his voice, which blew away any thoughts she might have had about other women he had been with.

No. She kissed him lightly on the end of his nose. I don't.

And I don’t she thought. It felt right being with him, her mind free from thoughts of Austin and Ilana. From thoughts of her parents, from worries about college, even free from worries about where they would go from there.

Good.

She could see that he meant it, that it mattered to him than she didn't regret jumping into bed with him when she barely knew him.

She laid her head on his chest and let herself fall asleep in his arms.

When Sierra awoke several hours later, she found that she was starving and that her earlier headache had managed to creep back up on her. She groaned as she sat up, looking around for Luke.

She could hear soft music coming from the direction of the living room. She rolled over, reaching for a cigarette out of the half crumpled pack on the table, deciding to see for herself why Luke chose to smoke.

She had lit it, inhaled and coughed out her first drag when he entered the room.

He grinned at her. Trying to take up my nasty habit?

She coughed again, handing the cigarette to him, wrinkling her nose. I don't think so.

He laughed. Probably better that you don't anyway. Then his grin faded and his face became serious. Shouldn't you call your parents? Won't they be worried about you?

She snorted. My mom wouldn't worry if she was in town. And my stepdad is always glad to have me out of the house so that he can pretend that his trophy wife isn't the middle aged mother of a teenager.

I'm sorry. My parents were glad to have me out of the house, too. I was nothing but a dead beat to my dad. He shelled out all that money for college when all I wanted to do was write songs. Boy was he glad when my uncle died and left me the house and his money. Well, not all that glad I guess. He'd been hoping that his big brother would leave the money to him. But he didn't mind too much when I dropped out of college and moved here to pursue my dream in peace.

She raised an eyebrow. So that's where the money came from?

He laughed. Does it disappoint you? Knowing that you slept with someone who is not something exciting like a jewel thief or a drug dealer, but a guy who got lucky when his rich uncle died?

Do you really write songs?

Yeah. Sierra thought that he seemed almost embarrassed. I've sold a couple, probably not anything you've heard. I've been lucky. And I've been investing some of my uncle's money so I should be pretty comfortable for quite a while. If I don't hit it big in song writing, you shouldn't see me working at your trusty neighborhood convenience store for a while yet.

Hey. I might have to get a job at that convenience store if I want to pay for college.

Your parents won't pay for school?

It's not that. My stepdad has plenty of money and would be more than willing to pay for college, if for nothing more than to get me out of the house. I don't feel right letting him pay my way. I don't want to feel like I owe him anything.

He nodded. Your clothes are dry. You can take a shower if you want. Although I don't have any smelly girly soap. She wrinkled her nose at him. I'll make something to eat, though I hope you like leftover pizza 'cause I don't have much else since the grocery store doesn't seem to be my best friend.

She laughed, then winced as her headache decided to remind her of its presence. Wouldn't mind some of that aspirin you offered earlier.

In the medicine cabinet.

She nodded at him, noticing that her now clean clothes were stacked on top of his dresser, her bra and panties folded almost primly on top.

She went into the bathroom and opened the medicine cabinet. She removed the bottle of aspirin, taking two and replacing it.

She gulped them down with a swig of water she'd run into the small plastic glass beside the sink and stepped over to turn the shower on.

She luxuriated in the spray, liking his massaging shower head.

She toweled off quickly, wishing for her blow dryer so that her long dirty blonde hair would dry quicker. She walked naked into his bedroom, feeling a little giddy. What was she doing, she thought? She hardly ever walked around naked in her own bedroom, let alone that of a virtual stranger.

Somehow, he didn't feel like a stranger anymore though. She'd shared something with him she'd only shared with Austin. Austin seemed so adolescent in comparison to Luke.

She realized she wanted to know more about him.

She went into the kitchen. He was sitting at the table, munching on a slice of pizza. She sat down, looking at the pizza on the plate in front of her and wrinkling her nose.

You don't like supreme? She shook her head. I can order you something. I've got a bunch of takeout menus. I'll get you whatever you want.

He rummaged around in a drawer and brought out a handful of menus. She looked through them, quickly deciding on the lasagna from a local Italian restaurant.

He went to the phone, and placed her order, then returned to the kitchen. He told her the food should arrive in about half an hour.

Luke. Sierra bit her lip as she looked at him. How'd you know my name?

I've seen you around town with your mom. And I used to see you with that guy all the time.

Oh, I see. How old are you?

He laughed softly. I'm twenty-two. That's not too old is it?

No, I guess not.

Her food arrived soon after and she was grateful. She found herself growing uncomfortable again.

She still didn't regret having sex with him; it was a different feeling now. The lust had started to fade. She was beginning to wonder if she'd had her first one-night stand.

He walked her home later, not touching her. Can I call you? Or would your stepdad come after me with a shot gun?

She laughed at the thought of her stepdad running after Luke in a business suit waving a shot gun. Fat chance of that. Let me give you my cell number. Then you won't have to worry about him or my mom.

He took out his phone; putting in the number she gave him.

She dug in her purse for her keys, unlocking the door slowly. She wanted to invite him in. Her mom and stepdad wouldn't be home for another two days. But what if one of the nosy neighbors mentioned something? She gave him a quick kiss instead.

I'll see you.

Luke gave her what could only be called a cocky grin. Definitely.

Chapter 4

And he did call her, the next weekend.

She told her mom that she was going out with friends; and instead walked down the street to his house.

Sierra started spending more and more time with Luke. She spent many afternoons with him as he was pretty good at math and history. She thought that it was nice to have someone help her study, though his attractiveness was a constant distraction. His habit of lounging around the house in nothing more than a pair of jeans drove her crazy.

Before long, they were having sex on a regular basis and she found herself initiating it more and sometimes sharing a cigarette with him afterwards. She felt herself almost forgetting about Austin. Spotting him in the halls at school, always seemingly with Ilana at his side; no longer held the sting that it once had. Her mom quit asking about him at home.

She'd begun telling her mom that she was spending time with a former junior high friend named Amy on the days and nights she was with Luke. She was glad that her mom trusted her enough not to question her further or simply didn't care. Sierra figured that it was some combination of both.

Time passed and she found herself closer to graduation, wondering what exactly she was going to do with her life.

She'd decided that she wanted to go into early childhood education, probably teach at a preschool. But she found herself thinking more and more of putting college off for a year. Though she didn't really think of him as her boyfriend, was too stubborn to put into words what she really felt for him besides the lust, she felt herself not wanting to leave Luke so soon.

Luke supported her decision to put college off, though she claimed it was more to save money for school than to stay by his side. If he sensed that he had anything to do with her decision to stay in town for another year he was discreet enough not to mention it.

He hadn't told her he loved her. She wasn't sure if he thought of her as his girlfriend. They simply let things go the way they were and didn't talk about it.

Chapter 5

One night a few weeks before graduation her mom stopped her when she was leaving to go to Luke's.

I know you haven't been with Amy. You've been with that boy, that man. I can't believe you broke up with Austin for someone like that.

Sierra turned towards her mother angrily. She wondered what right her mother had to lecture her about anything to do with men. She'd married Timothy when Sierra’s father was hardly cold in his grave. She had always believed that it was because he had money.

First of all Mother, Austin broke up with me because he knocked up the head cheerleader. And I don't know what you think you know about Luke, but you're wrong. He's only a few years older than me. He's not a drug dealer or a pimp or any of the other bullshit the people around town seem to think. They're too stupid to take the time to really find out about someone. Plus I'm eighteen years old which makes me an adult. So what do you have to say about anything anyway?

Her mother looked at her for a moment, seeming almost shocked. Sierra, she started and then stopped herself, the angry gleam coming back to her eyes. You may be an adult. Sarcasm dripped from her words. But you still live under my roof and therefore under my rules.

Last I knew you hadn't worked in how long? Shit Mom, did you ever work? You lived off of Dad, a man who I barely knew because he was so busy working to support your lazy ass; and you let it kill him. Then, you married Timothy simply because he had more money than Dad could have ever given you. So this is Timothy's house the way I see it. And he never cared enough about me to set any rules. I could be screwing the whole damn town for all he cares. If you don't want me under your roof anymore, I'm sure I can arrange that.

Sierra stopped, and took a breath; not daring to look at her mother. Had she gone too far she wondered?

She suspected that underneath all the frivolity, the yearning for material possessions, the plastic surgeries to hide the wrinkles, her mother did love her. She just chose to show it on very rare occasions.

Her mother stood there silently, glaring at her.

Sierra grabbed her purse and backpack from the table and headed to the door. I won't be coming home tonight.

She slammed the door behind her. Part of her wanted to go back and apologize to her mother. Part of her was satisfied that she had finally told her mother off after all those years of remaining silent.

It had hurt to be left behind when her mom and stepdad took their quarterly vacations for the past four years.

It had been a long time since she’d felt that her mother was glad to have her around. She'd never felt that her mom was proud of her, no matter how good her grades were, or whatever else she accomplished.

She was out of breath by the time she made it to Luke's house. He opened the door and taking one look at her face, immediately pulled her into his arms, absentmindedly shutting the door behind them.

What's wrong hon?

Gimme a cigarette. She slumped down onto the couch.

He complied, digging one out and lighting it for her.

He sat back, lighting a cigarette of his own and watching her.

So, he said, after letting her remain silent for several minutes. Are you going to tell me what's wrong?

She sighed, putting the cigarette out in an overflowing ashtray on the coffee table. I had a fight with my mom. She found out about that I’ve been seeing you and tried to give me some shit about rules and it not mattering that I was eighteen because I still lived under her roof.

He took her hand. Sierra, baby, you couldn't expect your mom to be thrilled about you spending time with me. Not a lot of mothers of eighteen-year-old girls would be celebrating them hanging out with a guy like me. He comically raised an eyebrow at her, trying to coax a laugh.

She pulled her hand away, picking a pen up off of the table and twirling it between her fingers.

She doesn't care Luke. She doesn't want her reputation sullied by her daughter screwing around with someone like you. She laughed harshly. I can't believe she let me go out with Austin for so long. It's not like his family lived up to her and Timothy's precious standards. Austin's mom works. His dad is the manager of a grocery store. They live okay, but they're not exactly in Timothy's income level.

Hey. He pulled her head against his chest. I'm sure your mom loves you honey.

But that's just it Luke. Sometimes I don't know. It's not like she ever tells me.

To her embarrassment, Sierra found herself crying. Luke held her for a long time; saying nothing.

After a while she sat up. She took the tissue that he handed her from the box underneath the table, and blew her nose.

You want to go out tonight? Go to a movie? See something stupid?

She shrugged her shoulders. They didn't usually go out together, usually watched movies or TV at his house, or listened to music, and ordered take out.

He kissed her lightly, brushing her hair out of her face. C'mon, it'll be fun. You can take your first ride in my car. I finally got it back.

He'd given up on the idea of restoring the old Mustang himself and had sent it out to be done professionally.

She brightened a little. Okay.

He went to the bedroom, coming back out in a tight black t-shirt.

Ah, she teased, feeling her mood lighten. Do you really have to put that on? I like you so much better without it.

He laughed. If I went out in public like that I'd have to beat the women off me with a stick.

She scowled at him. Like you don't anyway.

He kissed the side of her neck. I don't need any other women.

She felt a little thrill go through her at his words, but again wouldn't let herself read too much into it. Even if she was staying in town another year, all that meant was that they'd have that year together. She couldn't let herself think of anything beyond that.

He grabbed his keys off the hook in the kitchen and pulled her out the door with him.

By the way, I'm spending the night.

Mmm. I can think of all kinds of interesting things we can do with those extra hours.

She slugged him lightly in the arm as he came around the car to open the door for her.

You asked for it. He grinned.

Nice car, she said as he slid into the driver's seat.

Yep. Got myself a nice car, and a pretty girl to spend the whole night with. Life is good.

She laughed.

And you don't know the best part yet, love. I haven't told you what I'm giving you for graduation.

She raised an eyebrow. And what is that?

A weekend of hot sex with me of course.

She rolled her eyes at him as he made the turn to pull into the crowded parking lot of the mall. What makes you think I'd want that?

Nah, seriously, I'm taking you away for the weekend. How much of it we spend in bed is up to you.

She gave him a quick kiss as he opened the door for her, taking his hand.

Let's go find a movie to watch. Something that will keep your mind out of the gutter for a couple hours.

Nothin' keeps my mind out of the gutter for long darlin’.

They were on their way to check out what was playing at the theater when Sierra stopped. She felt her breath catch in her throat.

Si. Luke noticed she had stopped unexpectedly in front of the food court. You want to get something to eat before we see a movie?

She shook her head. Her eyes were locked on the sight of Austin and Ilana coming towards them, hand in hand. He noticed the direction her eyes were taking and started to pull her towards the theater, but it was too late. Austin had already spotted them.

Hey, Sierra. Long time no see.

She wanted to laugh. It's not like she didn't see him in the halls at school every day and in class. Hey Austin, hey Ilana.

Ilana was starting to look pregnant, and Sierra supposed she should be, being four or five months along now.

Don't think I know your friend. Austin looked at Luke.

She almost dropped his hand then, feeling almost embarrassed to be seen with him.

He was nothing to be ashamed of she thought. He was much better looking than Austin in all honesty.

Austin was about 5'7, with light brown hair. He was a little on the skinny side, though he liked to think of himself as wiry. Ilana was an inch or so taller than him.

Luke was six foot, muscular and had everything going for him, besides the stupid reputation that he still carried among the ignorant (which seemed to remain predominant as her mother had shown her this afternoon) in town.

This is Luke, my. . . She paused, at a loss for words.

What exactly was he, she wondered? Her fuck buddy? She felt her face start to go hot. Then Luke stepped forward, holding his hand out to Austin.

I'm Luke, her boyfriend. Her boyfriend.

She wasn't sure if she repeated it for Austin's benefit, hers or his own.

Oh, okay, Austin said. There was a note in his voice, to Sierra it almost sounded like jealousy. Nice to meet you.

You too. Luke put an arm around Sierra's shoulders. We'd better get to the theater. Wouldn't want to miss the movie. You two have a good one.

Yeah, you too. Bye Sierra.

She could feel Austin’s eyes on her as Luke pulled her away. She wondered what he was thinking. Then she wondered why she cared. She hadn't truly thought about Austin in a long time, in anything more than a casual way. And she had Luke so. . .

But it had been a shock to see him here with Ilana when she was venturing out with Luke for the first time in the months that they'd been what? Sleeping together she wondered again?

She looked up at him as they neared the theater, pretending to be pondering the titles that were showing on the screen outside the ticket booth. Boyfriend?

His eyes were serious when he looked at her. Would you rather I told him that I'm the guy you've been fucking for the last couple of months?

She felt herself blushing, and was glad that there was no one near enough to them to hear what he had said. No.

Would it hurt to think of me as your boyfriend?

I guess not.

He got down on one knee then, taking her hand like he was proposing.

Sierra Collins, will you accept my humble proposal of being your boyfriend?

Get up you jerk. She giggled as she helped pull him back to his feet.

So what shall we see girlfriend?

They decided on a romantic comedy; that ended up not only not keeping his mind out of the gutter but driving hers there as well. They decided to go back to his house and order a pizza.

By the time the half hour had passed that the pizza delivery promised they were both half out of their clothes on the couch. He cursed when the doorbell rang.

Shit.

She grabbed her shirt and bra off the floor and hurried in the direction of the bedroom.

Meet you in bed.

He groaned as the doorbell rang again. Just a minute.

He pulled open the door, pulling out his wallet and shoving a twenty at the startled delivery man. Keep the change.

Sierra was waiting for Luke naked in his bed when he got to the bedroom after having thrown the pizza box onto the kitchen table.

He shed his jeans and boxer briefs, fumbling towards the nightstand drawer for a condom.

She stopped him with a hand on his bare butt.

Don't bother. I'm on the pill and I want to feel you.

You don't have to tell me twice.

Chapter 6

When Sierra woke up in Luke’s arms the next morning, she felt at home.

She moved her head off his chest, feeling the undeniable urge to urinate. She used the toilet, and then took a quick shower.

When she returned to the bedroom, she found him sitting up in bed, rummaging in the pocket of his jeans for a cigarette.

Nothin’ better than a naked woman in the morning. He gave a contented sigh as he lit his cigarette.

Like you haven't seen many a naked woman in the morning. She gave him a mock glare.

I don't want to talk about other women. I don't want to talk about Austin and his pregnant girlfriend. I don't want to talk about what's going to happen when you go away to school, Si. I want to enjoy being with you here, now.

He pulled her into his arms, stubbing his half smoked cigarette out in the ashtray beside the bed.

Okay.

After a few minutes of heated kissing, he pulled back. If I don't eat I'm going to starve to death. As if on cue, his stomach growled.

She laughed. Men and food.

My favorite things in no particular order are food, sex and music.

He tugged on her hand, trying to drag her to the kitchen with him.

Let me get dressed first.

Cold pizza doesn't discriminate against pretty naked girls.

She rolled her eyes at him, reaching down to pull her panties on.

He rolled his own eyes at her, reaching for his jeans. Fine, we'll eat our cold pizza like civilized people. But I refuse to put on a shirt as I know my favorite green eyed blonde happens to prefer me that way.

She laughed as she finished pulling her shirt over her head. Why, yes I do. The view is much better that way. Although it does get a bit distracting at times.

Quit talking about distractions or you'll distract me right back to bed.

I think you're addicted to sex, she teased lightly, now letting him pull her towards the kitchen.

He raised an eyebrow at her. Look who's talking. You're the one that picked that dirty movie last night.

Dirty movie. She snorted. How was I to know that a romantic comedy would be so sexual?

He popped two slices of her side of the pizza into the microwave and then set about making a pot of coffee. Romance equals sex.

Romance does not equal sex. Sex can have absolutely nothing to do with romance and romance can have absolutely nothing to do with sex.

He placed the plate on the table in front of her and put the plate that held the slices of his side of the pizza into the microwave. Good romance leads to sex.

Such a man. You don't think that you can spend a romantic evening with someone without ending up in bed with them?

Unfortunately love. He turned away from her. I'm not too schooled in the arts of romance without sex.

She picked at her pizza, not knowing what to say to him. She was teasing him, but he seemed almost hurt by it.

Sierra admitted to herself that she was conflicted. Was he in love with her she thought? Was she in love with him? She had been with Austin for so long and now thinking back on it, she hadn't ever really loved him in anything more than a puppy love kind of way. She cared about Luke. She liked being around him. He was everything a woman could want in a man. Good looking, thoughtful, smart. He had a nice chunk of change in the bank.

But what did he want from her, and she from him?

She was scared all of a sudden, wondering what would happen when the time came for her to leave for school. She looked up at him as he sat down at the table. He put a mug of hot coffee in front of her and pushed the cream and sugar her way knowing that the only way she drank coffee was if it was loaded with both.

Luke, I . . . I'm sorry.

Don't be sorry. It's not your fault.

He took a huge bite of pizza. She had to laugh as the sauce dripped down his chin. The tension broken, he said Do you think your mom will let you go away with me?

I don't know. I suppose there's not much she can say about it. If push comes to shove, I can find someplace else to live until I go to school. And I can find somewhere else to get a loan for the extra money.

If it's going to be that big of a deal I can cancel the reservations. I wanted to do something special for you and it always nice to get away.

'I appreciate it. I really do Luke. You’re a big teddy bear in disguise.

He snorted. Yeah right.

Okay. Maybe not a teddy bear. I sure hope that teddy bears don't have your sex drive. She laughed. But you are rather thoughtful whether you like to admit it or not.

They finished their breakfast in silence. Then she rose from the table with a sigh, coming around and placing a quick kiss on the top of his head.

I suppose I should get home before my mom decides to rent out my room.

He got to his feet; pulling her into his arms for a kiss that was so full of passion it almost knocked her off her feet.

She wouldn't do that. Besides, it's not like they need the money.

Suppose you’re right. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she bent to grab her purse and backpack from the floor beside the couch.

You want a ride home?

Nah. She shook her head. It's only a few blocks and it's probably better if you don't anyway.

He nodded to himself, walking her to the door. I'll call you.

She smiled at him as she opened the door. You'd better.

Chapter 7

She walked home slowly, almost dragging her feet, not looking forward to the confrontation with her mom.

When she opened the kitchen door, her mother was sitting at the table. Her eyes were puffy, as if she'd been crying.

Her mother never cried Sierra thought, even when she had one of her knock down drag out fights with Timothy.

Mom, is something wrong?

I was worried about you Sierra. Is it wrong for a mother to worry about her only child?

Mom, you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine.

I get scared sometimes Sierra Anne. I see you slipping away from me. You’re not my little girl anymore. I look at the woman you're turning into and I wonder where all the time went. I know I haven't been the world's best mother, but I do love you.

Surprised at her mother's words, words that so frequently were left unsaid; she stepped to the table and put her arms around her mother.

Her mom felt really small to her all of a sudden, and she realized once again that her mother was getting older.

She wasn't old really. But she wasn't a young woman anymore either. She missed her father like she hadn't let herself miss him in years.

Her mother pulled back and the moment was broken. I suppose you were with that young man then?

Back to her old mother she thought. She could see the disapproval brewing in her mom's cold blue eyes.

Yeah. Do you want to meet him? I'm sure he would come by the house if you wanted.

That's quite all right Sierra Anne. If you insist on seeing him, I'd rather you kept him away from what you so aptly put last night, as Timothy's home.

Sierra fought back a sigh. Okay Mom.

She chanced one last look at her mother as she headed to the stairs and the comfort of her bedroom.

Her mother had gone back to the fashion magazine in front of her and seemed to be dismissing her as usual.

She went back to avoiding her mom and stepdad as much as she could. Nothing more was said about her relationship with Luke.

Chapter 8

Graduation day came. Sierra was nervous as she walked up on the stage in her cap and gown to accept her diploma with the rest of her class.

She could see Austin and Ilana sitting next to each other in the H section. Austin was Harris and Ilana was Harrison. She'll barely have to change her name if they get married Sierra thought, fighting back a nervous giggle.

She looked out at the audience, seeing her mother and stepfather sitting towards the middle, Timothy's arm draped possessively over the back of her mother's chair.

She couldn't believe what her mother was wearing, dreaded to think of the price that the too fancy for a high school graduation dress had cost.

Her eyes scanned the crowd looking for Luke. He was seated alone towards the back.

She felt a bead of sweat drop down the front of the light spring dress she was wearing beneath her gown, to rest uneasily between her breasts. Luke’s eyes met hers and he gave her an easy smile. She could tell his mind was already on the weekend they would spend together. The trip that had been uneasily approved by her mother after her stepfather had thrown an absolute shit fit over the prospect.

It had surprised the hell out of Sierra when Timothy had called her his daughter, even after he had basically stepped into her father's place fourteen years ago; only months after her father had had a fatal heart attack behind the wheel of the truck that he drove for a living.

But her mother had told him that Sierra was an adult and was fit to make her own decisions whether they were wise or not.

So, the trip to the nearby bed and breakfast was on for the next weekend. She felt a little thrill at the thought of spending the whole weekend with Luke.

As she stepped up to accept her diploma from the principal, Sierra looked into the audience and saw that her mother was crying, her mascara running unchecked down her face.

Timothy was beaming. She felt a flash of love for both of them.

She looked away from them as she went back to take her seat and looked towards Luke. He was grinning and giving her the thumbs up sign.

Sierra felt good. She had the summer ahead of her to look for a job and plenty of time to spend with Luke. She was done with high school. Her whole life awaited her.

She watched the rest of her class receive their diplomas, and then joined them when they threw their caps in the air.

She walked down the steps carefully in her high heels, a little unsteady on her feet, searching for her parents in the crowd.

She spotted them. When she reached them was surprised to find Timothy chatting with Luke about investing in the stock market. Her mother had made a trip to the bathroom at some point, cleaning her face of the smeared mascara and reapplying her makeup.

Her mom gave her a quick hug, glancing at the two men arguing next to them. Men and money. She rolled her eyes.

Sierra smiled. Luke took her hand.

Sierra thought that the after party at her home was pretty nice, though she noticed that most of her stepdad's friends and family tried to ignore Luke's presence as much as possible. Sierra didn't give a shit if her boyfriend wasn't good enough for them. He was more than good enough for her.

She was thrilled with the gift that her mom and Timothy had given her, a sporty little two door car. She received several cards from various relatives with varying sums of money tucked in and was gratified when her real dad's mother was in attendance, as she hadn't seen the woman in years. Her grandmother seemed to approve of Luke wholeheartedly, calling him a nice respectful young man.

When the party winded down, she gave various relatives and family friends hugs and thank yous. She was pleased to learn that her grandmother would be in town for a few more days. Sierra would be able to spend some quality time with her; something she hadn't been able to do since she was a small child.

She lingered with Luke in the front yard after the rest of the guests had left. Her mom and Timothy had retired to the house, both of them more than a little drunk from the champagne they'd consumed.

He pulled her into his arms, his lips brushing her ear as whispered I love you, Sierra Anne Collins.

She felt her heart beat faster. He'd said it she thought, for the first time since they'd been together and now there was no going back. She put all the thoughts and worries out of her head about her age, about the future. I love you too, Luke. She knew she meant it, too.

He grinned at her, sweeping her into his arms for a moment, then he gave her a heart stopping kiss. Can't wait ‘til next weekend.

You. Always with the sex.

You don't seem to mind. He gave her a cocky grin. You haven't kicked me out of bed yet.

I didn't think it would be polite to kick you out of your own bed.

Uh huh. I'll call you in a couple days. Let you spend some time with your grandma.

She nodded, wishing that she could go home with him, but knowing she should go into the house, try to clean up some of the mess that the guests had left behind. She assumed her parents were passed out upstairs.

He kissed her again. Bye babe.

Bye Luke.

She stood in the yard, and watched him get into his car and drive away. She watched until she could no longer see his tail lights then went into the house with a sigh, not looking forward to the mess that awaited her.

It wasn't as bad as she’d thought though, since there hadn't been that many guests. It only took her a little over an hour to clean up the mess. She took the trash bags out to the outside garbage cans and then took her cards with her to her room. She could hear her stepfather snoring down the hall and giggled softly as she counted her cash. There was a little over $3,500.

It would definitely hold her over until she could find a job and should give her a little something to put away towards her part of her funds for college.

Timothy had assented to her idea of paying for a third of her education, though he had seemed almost insulted at first. She'd wanted to pay for half, but figured that he could afford it and also that she probably wouldn't be able to make that much money working for a year.

Sierra lay down to sleep that night, exhausted from her long day but content with her life.

She awoke early the next morning, went downstairs and found Timothy in the kitchen reading the financial section of the paper. Her mother was still sleeping.

There's coffee if you want it. He pointed to the half full pot.

No thanks. I hardly drink the stuff.

He nodded at her. Have fun with your grandma.

Thanks.

You'll be home for dinner right?

Yeah, should be.

He went back to his paper. She had grabbed her purse and was about to head out the door when his voice stopped her. That Luke isn't such a bad kid, but you be careful you hear? Wouldn't want you to end up like your last young man's new girl.

She rolled her eyes and then turned back to him. I promise I won't get pregnant Timothy.

He gave her an offhand nod and went back to his paper once again, dismissing her.

She spent a busy three days with her grandma. They met Luke for lunch the second day.

When it came time for her grandma to leave she waited at the hotel, standing by her new car as her grandma drove off, promising to keep in touch and promising that she would make it a point to make at least semi regular visits once she was in school.

On Friday morning, her cell rang. She flipped it open, seeing it was Luke. She felt a stab of panic. He was supposed to pick her up for their trip in less than two hours. What if he was calling to cancel? She hit the button to answer. Hello.

Hey Si. You almost ready?

She let her breath out, so relieved she almost couldn't believe it. Yeah, I'm finishing packing now.

Women and clothes. Don't bring too much. We're only going to be gone two days.

I may be my mother's daughter, but I've got some of my dad in me too, you know. I could live pretty contentedly with nothing more than jeans and t-shirts.

It'd be fine with me if you didn't bring any clothes at all.

She laughed, shoving her hairbrush into her duffel on top of her toothpaste and facial cleanser. I don't think my mom would appreciate it if I walked out of here naked.

He seemed to ponder for a moment. You can always strip in the car on the way.

Don't think so, Luke. Wouldn't want you getting in an accident.

I'll have to settle for you getting naked as soon as the door of the room is locked then.

I thought you had something planned for this trip other than sex.

That I do. But sex is always on my list of priorities and you have been neglecting me lately.

Ha.

We all have our own definitions of neglect. I'm gonna let you go now so you can finish packing. I will see you in exactly one hour and thirty-nine minutes.

She laughed. If you say so.

She spent the rest of the next hour and a half flipping through magazines she hadn't had a chance to read. She was downstairs waiting in the living room when Luke rang the bell exactly one hour and thirty-nine minutes later as he'd promised. She jumped up, grabbing her bag and her purse, giving her mom a quick kiss on the cheek.

Her mother looked up at her. Have fun dear.

Thanks mom. I love you.

I love you too. Sierra.

Yes Mom? She handed the bag out the door into Luke's waiting hands.

Use protection.

She could feel herself blushing. Luke was smirking at her. Yes Mom.

Luke was laughing by the time they made it to the car. What? She gave him a dirty look. You're not a girl so you never had to worry about your parents lecturing you about getting knocked up.

He threw her bag into the back seat, going around the car and getting behind the wheel.

You know they never lectured me about knocking a girl up?

Her eyes widened. You are so kidding me.

I wasn't the stud in high school that I am now. I had to work to get this bod.

She snorted. If you were a girl, you'd know what it was like to have to work to keep your body.

Do you think these huge guns materialized out of thin air?

She rolled her eyes, turning on the radio. "So when am I gonna hear one of your songs on the radio? When are you gonna let me see something you've written? Better yet, will you serenade me with a love