Lost Girl Ch. 14

"Nihta," he whispered while pulling back from her kiss swollen lips. "You make me so hot, Claudia."

"I do?"

"Yes." Maneuvering her body so that it pressed against his, Lucas allowed his center to come flush with hers, and in the process gave her the chance to find out just how hot she truly made him.

"Oh..." Her eyes went round, pulse quickening at the feel of his prominent erection.

"You know, nine months is a very long time to wait," he said while brushing his lips against her ear. "But It's been totally worth it."

Claudia didn't respond, only stared questioningly at him so that he would continue.

"You're not the kind of woman that a man just simply has sex with and then throws away. You're relationship material, the type of girl that a guy can be proud to show off to his friends."

Flattered by the compliment, Claudia beamed up at him.

"And I am very proud to have you as my girlfriend. You know that, right?"

"I do."

Good." He gave her a tender kiss on the forehead before gazing deep into her eyes.

Gazing right back, Claudia immediately found herself lost in his stare. But as the chords to the 90's love ballad "More Than Words" began drifting from the speakers, they drew even closer to one another. With her head against his shoulder and his arms around her waist, they swayed back and forth. With each breath that Lucas took, Claudia felt his chest rise and fall.

His cologne, which reminded her of a fresh ocean breeze, invaded her nostrils in the most delicious way, and for awhile it was the only thing she could focus on. But as her eyes caught sight of Tristan, who was slow dancing with Natalie just a few feet away, something deep inside of her was suddenly triggered.

As if picking up on her internal reaction, Tristan gave her a long, slow wink, followed by a little smile that seemed to confirm that her suspicions were indeed correct. Curling upward in response, her lips took on a smile of their own. But not wanting to engage herself in anything further, she quickly averted her eyes.

Had he actually been flirting with her, or just being friendly? One hand, she wanted to believe that Tristan did have a romantic interest in her, but did she not also feel guilty at even considering the prospect? She was Lucas's girl now, and had just officially accepted his request to go steady, so what difference did it make if Tristan had been flirting with her?

She was in a relationship now, an actual real and committed one, so any feelings she had towards him would need to be put on the back burner. Sure he was special, and one of the very few people in her life whom she could talk to about anything. But he was just a friend, and could never be anything more than a platonic buddy.

A voice inside her was just questioning this statement when the slow song came to an end, and along with several other couples, Lucas and Claudia broke apart. They never got the chance to return to their table, however, because Tristan and Natalie intercepted them on the way.

"Hi." Although Tristan seemed to be greeting Lucas as well, his gaze rested only on Claudia.

"Hello." She gave him a smile, then offered one to Natalie, who was standing by his side. "So are guys enjoying the dance so far?"

"Yeah, It's all right," Natalie said. "The music sorta sucks, but at least they're serving good food."

"Haven't had any of it yet myself," Claudia started, "but the cold cuts and cheese platter did look pretty darn tasty."

"If you guys like sweet stuff, you should try the oreo cookie cake," Tristan chimed in. "From what I hear, It's pretty good."

"Sounds delicious," Claudia said. "I'll have to try some later on."

"Let's get a piece now," Lucas suggested. "We haven't eaten yet, so it'd probably be a good idea to get something in our stomachs."

"Actually, I was kind of hoping to borrow Claudia for a moment." With eyes resting on Lucas, Tristan gave him a polite smile. "That is unless you'd object to me sharing a slow dance with her."

With palpable hesitation, Lucas seemed to mull over Tristan's request. A few seconds passed, then several more before he shifted on his feet, and after briefly glancing at Claudia, he finally gave his assent.

"Sure, no problem. I mean it's not like a big deal or anything. I'll just keep Natalie company while you're dancing with Claudia."

"Awesome." Tristan shifted his gaze to Natalie before asking, "You don't mind if I dance with Claudia, do you?"

"Not at all," she said with a knowing smile. "You two enjoy yourselves."

Clearly eager to do just that, Tristan grabbed Claudia's hand, and together they headed off toward an empty space on the dance floor. As he wrapped an arm around her waist, she lifted a palm to rest it against his shoulder.

Then with fluid gracefulness, they began swaying back and forth. For the first few moments they traded sheepish smiles, but as they grew more comfortable and surrendered their bodies to the beat of the music, the space between them gradually lessened.

"This is nice," Tristan said while giving her a very deep look.

"Yes it is," she quietly responded.

With those few words, they were left to enjoy the following moments in silence. But what they failed to say with words, was conveyed through the power of their eye contact. Framed by lashes that were both long and thick, Tristan eyes studied Claudia's face.

To the causal observer, it may have appeared as if he were admiring her beauty, and one wouldn't have been entirely wrong in assuming that. But knowing him as well as she did, Claudia knew that he was trying to work out what she was thinking. Or as she like to call it, "mind peeking."

"Just ask," Claudia said. "I can already tell you're trying to peek into my mind, so you may as well come out with it."

A clear of the throat preceded the dry swallow Tristan gave, and after a brief glance at Lucas - who was eyeing the dance floor with a rather pinched expression - he stated his question.

"This thing between you and Lucas...is it pretty serious, or just a casual relationship?"

"Does it really matter?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because it just does."

"I guess it's pretty serious," Claudia said. "He asked me to go steady so that's a proper relationship, you know?"

"So you're his only girlfriend now?"

"Yeah."

"Oh..." Tristan's face took on a sullen look.

"What's wrong?" Claudia asked.

"Nothing."

"You sure?"

"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be sure?"

"I don't know. Just seems like you're bothered all of a sudden."

"I'm not."

"Okay."

"I mean why would I be? You're happy with Lucas and that's a good thing, so I'm glad for you."

"Seems like you're upset," Claudia countered. "If you are, you can just be truthful about it."

"Didn't I just say I was happy for you?"

"Yeah, but I don't think you really meant it."

"I did."

"Okay."

"I mean if you want to go steady with Lucas that's your business. I just think you could do better, that's all."

A smile touched the corners of her mouth.

"I mean, he's not exactly the greatest catch, is he?" Tristan asked. "He's slept with nearly every girl in the school so he's probably got all these std's."

"Lucas isn't dirty," Claudia rebutted. "Yes he has slept around, but I'm sure he's used protection with every girl he's been with."

"And how do you know that? Have you actually asked him, or are you just guessing?"

"It's an assumption."

"So you don't really know."

"Well no, I don't. But he's not stupid or anything, so why wouldn't he use protection?"

"You should definitely ask him," Tristan said. "It's important to know."

"Okay, I will. Now can we talk about something else?"

"Why?"

"Because this conversation is making me uncomfortable."

"Why is it making you uncomfortable?"

"It feels like we're talking about him behind his back."

"But we're not," Tristan stated. "I'm just asking you these questions out of concern."

"I appreciate that. But it still feels wrong to me, so can we switch the subject?"

And with that, silence fell between them. But instead of awkwardness and a tension that usually came along with such situations, there was a comfortable stillness; an easygoing vibe that kept them both feeling relaxed.

Although the dance they were sharing was supposed to be friendly and casual, Claudia couldn't help noticing that Tristan was holding her in quite a tender way. With one hand on her lower back and the other on her hip, he embraced her with gentleness, as if she were a delicate piece of china that he was afraid of breaking. She, however, had her hands placed firmly against his shoulders and was unabashedly admiring the firm broadness of them.

"So, what's the story with you and Natalie?" Claudia asked. "You two going out, or just together for the evening?"

"We're friends," Tristan responded. "She didn't have a date, so she asked me to go with her."

"So no interest on either of your parts?" The smile on Claudia's face was consistently growing wider. "Because I think you two would make a pretty cute couple."

"Like I said, we're friends. And besides, she's just coming off a bad breakup, so the last thing I want to do is get in the middle of that."

"That's understandable," Claudia replied, and as the Luther Vandross song came to an end, she slowly pulled away from Tristan.

"Thanks for the dance," he said while reluctantly removing his hands from her hips.

"No problem, it was my pleasure."

"So what's the plan after prom?" Tristan asked while walking them back to their table. "You and Lucas doing anything special, or is he just driving you home?"

"Not sure yet. What about you and Natalie?"

"We'll probably go out for pancakes."

"Where at?"

"This place called Brownie's. It's right across from the Qwik stop out on Highway 2."

"Sounds fun."

"You should come along with us."

"Really?"

"Sure, why not?

"That'd be awesome."

"So you'll tag along?"

"Yeah, I'd love to. But I'll have to ask Lucas first to see if he's down for it as well."

Now a mere few feet from the table, Claudia was in full sight of Lucas, who was so engaged in conversation with Ethan that he didn't even realize she was approaching. But on reaching his seat and wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned in to give him a kiss, which he returned with equal enthusiasm.

"I missed you," he said while disengaging his lips from hers. "You left me all alone by myself."

"I was gone for less than five minutes." A smile crossed her lips as she added, "Not nearly enough time for you to actually start missing me."

"Doesn't matter if it was five minutes or twenty," he said. "I still felt lonely not having you by my side."

"You're sweet."

"I mean it, Claude." As his hand found hers and their fingers linked together, a serious expression crossed his face. Soon you'll be off at college, and living five hours away. If I'm lucky, I'll get to see you on weekends, but other than that we won't have much contact at all."

"We'll stay connected through skype," she assured him. "And when I'm not around a computer, I can always text or call you."

"I guess," he responded. "But it won't be the same as having you here physically with me."

"There's no way around this, Lucas." Lifting a palm to his face, she ran her thumb along his cheekbone. "You know how important it is for me to go off to college, so please don't make this any harder than it has to be."

"Not trying to," he said. "It just makes me sad when I think of us growing apart."

"What do you mean growing apart?" The mere thought caused a knot to form in the pit of her stomach. "We won't grow apart, we'll stay solid. Just as we are right now."

"Promise?" With big, puppy dog eyes he implored her to give him an agreeable response.

"I can promise I'll do my best," she said. "And if you do the same, I really don't see why it won't work out for the best."

Perhaps realizing that there were no guarantees, Lucas gave an agreeable nod, but his lips remained pursed and his eyes still held a sadness.

"God, you're cute when you pout." Claudia leaned in to give him a soft, sweet kiss before stroking his cheek with her palm. "Everything will be fine, there's no need to worry."

"You're right," he said while pushing out a sigh. "Sorry for being such a downer. I just need to chill and enjoy the moment."

"Exactly," she agreed. "We only get one prom so we may as well enjoy it, right?"

Lucas nodded.

"So, I was thinking we could go out for pancakes with Tristan and Natalie after prom. You up for it?"

"Not really."

"Why not?"

"Because I want to be alone with you."

"Oh."

"Don't sound so excited."

"I didn't mean it like that. I just thought it would be nice to hang out with Tristan and Natalie for awhile."

"Is it really them you want to hang out with, or him?"

"What?"

"It's a straightforward question, Claude."

"This isn't about Tristan. I just feel like socializing, is all."

"Isn't that what we're doing right now?"

"Yes."

"So why do more of it after prom?" He asked. "I'd rather spend alone time with you, than hang out with Tristan and Natalie at some dinky little coffee shop with terrible food."

"How do you know the restaurant would be dinky?" She asked. "And who says they would have terrible food?"

"We live in Browning, Claudia. Every business within a twenty mile radius of here is completely run down."

With no words to give in response, Claudia was left to sit there in silence. But as she mulled over what was said, she came to the realization that Lucas had a point.

"You're right. I can hang out with my friends anytime."

"But you can only hang out with me for three more months."

"Not true."

"Skyping doesn't count."

"I'll drive out to see you on weekends."

"You don't have a car."

"Tristan does."

"Of course."

"Of course, what?"

"Nothing.

"No, tell me."

"Just forget it, okay?"

"Why?"

"Because I said so." His fingers slipped into her hair, lightly fisting the strands so that her face moved closer to his. "You got any objections to that?"

"I might."

"You sound uncertain."

"And you sound bossy."

"I prefer the word uninhibited."

"I see."

"Would you really like to?" He asked. "Because I can give you the full experience."

"The full experience of what?"

"My uninhibitedness."

A grin stretched across her face.

"Is that a yes?"

"It's not a no."

"You're so indecisive," he said. Can't get a straight answer out of you, can I?"

"Is this straight enough for you?" Slipping her hand beneath the table, Claudia placed it on Lucas's thigh and without a moment's hesitation, coasted it straight towards his crotch.

As her hand made contact with that sensitive spot between his thighs, Lucas's eyes went wide. His Adam's apple bobbed as he gave a dry swallow, and with a shift in his seat, he let loose a faint moan.

"Claudia..." His posture went rigid, muscles tightening as she caressed his erection with the flat of her palm. "What are you doing to me, girl?"

No response on her part. Instead she only squeezed his stiffness, which seemed avidly intent on freeing itself from the confines of his trousers. Unbeknowst to either of them, Kimi was watching then with a smirk on her on her lips. It wasn't until Kimi cleared her throat, however, that Claudia realized she wasn't being quite as covert as she had thought.

"Hey, Claude," Kimi called out from across the table. "Natalie and I need to go to the bathroom. Tag along with us?"

"Uh, sure." Reluctantly, she removed her hand from Lucas's lap, then rose to her feet before saying, "Back in a bit, sweetie."

"Don't take too long," he said, and with his eyes following her movement, watched as she joined Kimi and Natalie's side.

On reaching the bathroom, the three girls parked themselves in front of the mirror. But instead of touching up their makeup, they immediately fell into conversation.

"So, I guess someone's losing their virginity tonight." The grin on Kimi's lips was so wide it nearly split her face.

"What?" Lifting a brow, Claudia shot her a puzzled look.

"We know what you were doing under that table," Natalie said. "Pretty naughty, considering that Tristan and Ethan were sitting right across from you."

"Was it that obvious?" Her tone was laced with panic, eyes darting from Natalie to Kimi and then back again. "I mean, do you think that they knew what I was doing?"

"Probably not," Natalie replied. "They were pretty heavily engaged in conversation, so I doubt they even noticed."

"Thank God." Visibly relieved, Claudia let out a soft breath.

"So I'm super surprised you were so touchy feely with Lucas." Now leaning against one of the bathroom sinks, Kimi swept her bangs out of her eyes. "You know he's going to expect you to do it with him tonight, right?"

"What? Why? I didn't tell him I was ready for that, so how would he even get that idea?"

"You were touching his cock, weren't you?"

"Yeah."

"Well, there you go. You were sending the signal that you're down for sex."

"But that's not what I meant," she said. "I was just doing it to see what his reaction would be. You know, be daring and have a little fun."

"Have you ever touched him down there before tonight?" Natalie asked. "Or was this the first time you ever did it?"

"I've done it a couple of other times," she responded. "But he's never pressured me to go any further than touching."

"Yeah? Well tonight's different," Kimi said. "Most guys expect to get laid on prom night, and I can bet money that Lucas is one of them."

"Are you planning on having sex tonight?" Natalie asked. "Because if you're not, you should probably made it clear to him."

"No," she said. "I mean, at least I don't think I am. It was never in my plans to lose my virginity tonight, so I really doubt it."

"You don't sound very sure." Kimi eyed her with a steady gaze. "I mean if you aren't one hundred percent certain, that's probably a good sign that you aren't ready."

"I agree," Natalie stated. "I stupidly gave my virginity to the wrong guy, and to this day I still regret it."

"Same here," Kimi said. "If I had known that Ethan would one day be my boyfriend, I would have definitely saved it for him."

"Just don't make a mistake like we did," Natalie said. "I mean not to knock Lucas or anything, but there could be another guy out there that's completely perfect for you."

"A deserving guy." Kimi's tone was laced with purposeful firmness. "Someone who hasn't been around the block and back again."

Smirking, Natalie turned to the mirror to touch up her lipstick.

"Personally, I think you've already met him," Kimi said. "But neither of you have realized it yet, so you'll probably waste another few years dating people who are completely wrong for you."

"Lucas isn't completely wrong for me." A tightness came into her expression as she added, "And what do you mean I've already met him? Who is this him that you're talking about."

"Oh Claude, come one. It is like so obvious it's pathetic."

"She's right," Natalie said. "This guy is right in front of your face and you don't even realize it."

"Well she realizes it," Kimi corrected. "But she doesn't know that he's the one."

"You guys aren't making any sense." Now wearing a frown, Claudia toyed with her hair in the mirror.

Giving an exasperated sigh, Kimi threw Claudia an irritated look. "His name starts with a T. You want me to spell it out for you, or what?"

"Tristan?" A twinkle of amusement came into her eyes. "First off, we're only friends. And second, I don't even know if he actually likes me that way."

"He does," Natalie and Kimi answered simultaneously, and after sharing a laugh, gave Claudia a smile.

"Okay, so let's say that he does like me." Noting that her lips could use glossing, Claudia retrieved a tube of the shiny stuff from her clutch. "I'm in a committed relationship with Lucas now, and I really do like him a lot. So what exactly am I supposed to do with this information?"