As the game came to an end, I couldn't help but beam with pride for Lucas. I shot up out of my seat, screaming louder than I ever had before at one of their games.The Dragon's victory brought a deep sense of satisfaction to me, and I couldn't be happier for him. Not just Lucas, but James either.I grinned as I watched the boys from the team pick up James and hold him above their shoulders, chanting "MVP! MVP! MVP!"As the Dragon players were celebrating, Lucas's eyes searched through the stands.Our eyes locked for a brief moment, and I offered him a wide, joyous smile along with an enthusiastic wave.It looked like he wanted to give me a wave back, but his attention was quickly taken away from me as his players approached him, offering their own congratulations and slapping him on the back.Lucas turned away from the crowd, caught up in the celebration and hype that his team was giving him. I knew that this was his moment to shine, and I couldn't wait to join him to offer my own pra
Lucas's eyes blazed with a fiery mix of concern and anger as I revealed all of the distressing details of the phone call.A pang of guilt coursed through me at the unfortunate timing of all of this. Lucas had just won his championship game, and here I was, burdening him with all of my problems.It wasn't fair of me to do that to him."I'm so sorry, Lucas," my voice trembled, and tears welled up in my eyes. "This is the last thing you should be dealing with after winning your game. You probably want to go and celebrate with the rest of the team."Lucas shook his head vigorously, "Shana, I couldn't care less about that right now when you're upset. This is what's more important to me right now.""I don't want you to worry about my problems," I said in a quiet voice, feeling embarrassed.Lucas gently took the phone from my shaking hand. "I do want to worry about your problems. Your problems are my problems. I can't believe your father would stoop this low and put all of this on you."Luca
I couldn't help but feel a lot of guilt for potentially overshadowing Lucas's hard-earned victory with my family drama.To make it up to him, I suggested we join the team for a celebratory night out because it was what he deserved.At first, Lucas appeared reluctant to go, perhaps due to my current state, but I could see that there was an underlying desire for him to bond with his teammates and commemorate their win from today.Eventually, Lucas agreed, and we met the rest of the team at a nearby restaurant for dinner.As we gathered around one of the tables, I found myself putting on a facade, doing my best to try to lift my spirits despite the cloud of worry that loomed over my head.Laughter and chatter from the teammates filled the air, but my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about my father.Where was he now? Was he aware of what he'd done to me, or did he even care that he possibly ruined my life?Lucas, perceptive as ever, sensed my gloomy mood and offered silent reassurance by
Once we got back to Grandma Jo's house, Lucas was acting strange for the rest of the day.I wondered if it had anything to do with the knowledge that his father had a percentage of the casino where my father had gambled away money. Money, he didn't even have.But as I sat in my bedroom, trying to forget about everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours, Lucas opened my door.I looked up at him with a raised brow. "Are you okay?""You should pack up some of your things," he said gently, his eyes glancing around the room.Pack my things?"What are you talking about?" I asked, suddenly feeling very confused. Was he kicking me out?"I have something planned for us. Something to help you take your mind off of your father and the debt.""What do you have planned?" I questioned. My mind started to race with the possibilities."Just pack a small bag," Lucas ordered, ignoring my questioning. "I'll be waiting in the car."Lucas drove us for a long time, and I was starting to lose
Lucas wasn't graceful as he threw me onto the bed.My body bounced off of it as I let out a laugh."I'm soaking wet," I brushed my hair out of my face. "I'm going to ruin the bed.""I don't care." Lucas moved forward, bending down to continue kissing me.One of his hands was placed firmly around my neck as he angled my mouth up to his.My fingers wrapped around his wrist, pulling him down to join me on the bed.Lucas's lips tasted deliciously of the dessert we had just enjoyed. Strawberries and chocolate. The perfect combination.I melted into him, savoring the sensation of his lips brushing mine.His hand moved up to caress my cheek before he shifted his attention to my neck. His breath was hot as it ghosted against my skin.He planted tender kisses along the sensitive skin behind my ear and I gasped, feeling shivers rack down my spine.My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. The connection between us was growing undeniable and all-consuming.Lucas's fingers worked to pul
Lucas POVShana had fallen asleep over an hour ago as I held her in my arms. I watched as her chest rose and fell peacefully, savoring the quiet moment between us.Never in a million years did I think I would be cuddling Shana in bed like this, as boyfriend and girlfriend. Memories from our childhood came flooding back to me and knowing that I shared so many precious memories with Shana made the realization all the more meaningful.Back then, Shana had always had my back. I remember how cruel students were to me simply because of my weight.I remember feeling grateful for her friendship, and my deepest desire was to always stand by her side. I wanted to protect her the way that she had protected me.I would gladly do it, but in a way, I felt like I owed it to her. She deserved nothing but the best, and if I could shelter her from all of the bad things, then that's exactly why I would do.That's why this entire situation with her father was so tricky. The fact that he could hurt her an
Lucas POVVictoria and I decided to meet at a local diner in a dimly lit corner booth.The scent of sweet pancakes and coffee filled the air, providing a comforting contrast to the serious conversation we were about to have.To make things somewhat easier for myself, I had to lie to Shana about where I was going. After we spent the night at the hotel, the two of us spent most of the next day together.As it was nearing nighttime, I had plans to meet with Victoria and I couldn't tell Shana the truth. It was eating at me, but I had no other choice.When she asked where I was heading off to, I casually mentioned, "Oh, I'm just going to hang out with James. I'll see you later?"I planted a kiss on her lips and rode off on my motorcycle, preparing what I was going to say to Victoria.By the time I got to the diner, Victoria was already seated at the table by the time I had arrived.I had always admired Victoria for her confidence and poise. A lot of alpha females were snobbish and thought
Lucas POVMy father greeted me at the front door with a smile that seemed a bit too victorious.There was something in his smile that made it seem as though he had anticipated my arrival. An air of self-satisfaction radiated off of him and it made my nerves itch with anger.But I needed to be strong and focus on the reason why I was here. I didn't want to start any arguments with him. I needed to tell him what I'd decided to do."Well, well, well," he said with a hint of mockery in his tone. "If it isn't Lucas. My boy. To what do I owe this rare and unexpected pleasure? Have you finally managed to come to your senses and realize that the company business is where you truly belong?"There was so much that I wanted to retort with, and it took everything in me to hold back.I reminded myself that I needed to keep my emotions in check. I had to convince my father that I was really changing my mind about everything.I nodded slightly. "Can I come in?"My father stepped aside willingly, gra