Bravo 🤍

Twenty-Four

Lucas steps out onto the patio to find Nikki drinking coffee as she watches the sunrise. "That's the sight I've longed for." She turns to smile at him as he approaches her on the chair. "I want to see you right here in this spot, every morning."

"Luke..." She giggles softly as he wraps his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"We need to go and get your stuff and bring it here."

"Now? I have to work. We don't need to rush. We can wait until the weekend."

"No!" He moves around to the front of her as she chuckles and kneels on the ground before her. "I won't spend another night without you. I can go get your stuff. I still have a key."

She laughs as he pulls her to her feet, grabbing her mug to rest on the side table. "Luke..." She sighs as he frowns down at her, making her groan. "Fine. But don't go by yourself."

"I won't." He grins, pulling her to him quickly as she laughs. "I love you so much, Nik."

"I love you too, Luke. But I have to go home and change and go to work."

"Wait!" He pulls away and rushes inside as she follows him into the kitchen. He opens a drawer and pulls out a key to hand to her. "For you."

She leans up on her toes to kiss him as he pulls her firmly against him, causing her to giggle against his mouth. "Let me go. I'll see you after work."

***

Sam grumbles, opening his door to find Lucas and two other men carrying stuff out of Nikki's apartment. "What's going on? You're Luke, right? We met the other night."

Lucas sighs, offering his hand to Sam as he steps into Nikki's apartment. "That's right. She's moving out."

"Oh," he says disappointed. "Because we slept together? Because we were just friends with benefits. Excellent benefits, but I knew she was in love with you."

Lucas growls softly as François laughs, pushing him back. "She's moving in with Lucas." He pats Gérard on the chest, "this is Gerry."

"Oh." Sam nods, looking around the apartment as he shakes Gérard's hand. "Well, I'm glad you guys worked it out. She was really upset about you. I just wish I got to say good-bye."

Lucas sighs, rolling his eyes. "You're still friends, just not neighbors. And you know, you just won't be alone with her anymore."

Sam laughs, nudging his shoulder. "Come on, you don't trust her?"

"I don't trust you."

He laughs again, shaking his head as he squeezes Lucas's shoulder. "Don't worry about me. Just friends, like I said. No more benefits, I promise." He winks at Lucas as he groans. "It was just nice having a native English speaker. Even if it was American English and not proper English."

This makes Lucas laugh before he sighs. "Don't worry about it. I trust her. I don't mind you still being friends. Actually, maybe you can help me with something."

Sam grins, eyes wide. "Anything!"

***

"Lucas, what are we doing here?" She steps into Tiffany's with him as he smiles.

"I told you I took back the necklace. You're here to pick your replacement. Whatever you want. The attendant has been instructed not to tell you the price." She groans as he laughs, grabbing her hand. "Choose something you like, not because of how much you think it costs."

She sighs but releases his hand as she walks around the store slowly, looking in all the glass cases. "The bracelet. It's like the necklace, but it has aquamarine which is your birthstone. So, I'll always have a bit of you with me." She points to a thin silver bracelet with three small aquamarine gemstones scattered along the chain.

Lucas grins, conversing with the attendant in French and points to the case as she nods and sets two boxes on top of the glass case. He opens the box with the bracelet, placing it around her left wrist. "It's perfect."

"What's in the other box, Luke?"

He chuckles, opening the box. "The ring that matches." He places the small aquamarine ring on her right hand as she shakes her head. "It's fine. You still didn't even reach half of what the necklace cost me."

She gasps, hitting him in the chest as he laughs. "Luke!"

"It's fine. I'll save it for the next time." He leans down to her ear quietly, "I still have an engagement ring to buy." He chuckles, kissing her cheek as she blushes before he turns back to the attendant. "Merci."

***

"What is that smell?" Nikki moans softly as they step into the apartment together and Lucas chuckles.

"Come on." He leads her out to the patio where a table is set with candles and silverware and music playing softly.

"What is this?"

"Dinner." He smirks as Sam appears with two plates with food.

"Sam!"

He laughs, kissing her cheek as he sets the plates down before grabbing the wine bottle. "Lucas asked if I would make you guys dinner."

"He was upset he didn't get to say good-bye to you when we moved your stuff out earlier," Lucas offers as he takes the wine bottle from him.

"We'll still be friends, Sam. Just not neighbors."

"Or friends with benefits," Lucas interjects as Sam and Nikki laugh.

"Of course not." She leans forward to squeeze his hand as he sighs. "Lucas is a little jealous. But it's fine. Thank you, Sam."

"Dessert is in the fridge. Remember me for your wedding." Sam winks at Nikki, kissing her cheek once more before disappearing.

"Thank you, Luke."

"Of course. Who am I to say who you can and can't be friends with. As long as he doesn't get to see you naked anymore."

She giggles as he grimaces and she stands up, pulling him up with her. "Only you. Dance with me."

"Always..." He pulls her against his chest, resting his head on hers.

"I'm sorry for being so stubborn. For keeping us apart for so long."

He looks down as she glances up with tears in her eyes. "I'll always wait for you. Everything is pointless without you."