Over the following weeks, we fell into an easy routine, so wrapped up in each other that just now, taking a good look at my wardrobe, I realize most of my things are at his place. I have spent all my nights in his bed and can't remember the last time I had dinner on my own. Lucas hasn't really talked about it, and Nate seems just as fine about this new arrangement.

I haven't talked to Greg since the last time he called to say he still has feelings for me, but it hasn't stopped him from texting me from time to time. I know I'll have to deal with him at some point, but for now, I'm choosing to focus on Lucas only.

His sister rented a house on the beach for the weekend and invited us to go with her. I haven't met anyone from his family yet, so I'm excited to spend some time with them. Lucas said they can't wait to meet me, so I hope I can make a good impression.

Getting one of my empty duffle bags, I head to his place. Lucas has been working on a new project for a couple of weeks now, and as usual, he is frowning at his laptop.

"Hey, is everything okay?" I ask.

"Yeah, just trying to finish this stuff." He keeps typing without looking at me.

"Can I help you with anything?" I stop behind him and look at his computer screen. I only see a bunch of spreadsheets and notes, and my head hurts already.

"You can kiss me." He pulls me to his lap and kisses me softly. "Are you excited for the weekend?

"Kind of nervous, I think." I smile.

"I'm sure they will love you." He rubs his nose to mine.

"I hope so," I whisper.

"Have you already packed?" He looks at my bag.

"Not really... It looks like most of my stuff is here." I look into his eyes, hoping he understands what I'm trying to say.

We've come so far in the last lately, but the insecure girl I became after Greg still needs the reassurance we're on the same page.

"Is that a problem?" He searches my eyes.

"You tell me, it's your house," I whisper.

"I thought I was clear that I want you in my life... In our lives?" He holds my chin, so I'm looking at him.

"Isn't it too fast?" I bite my lips and he frowns.

"What do you mean?"

"I just- We've just started dating, and it feels like we're practically living together now." I search his eyes and I hate when I feel him tense under me.

"And it's a problem, why?"

"I'm not saying it's a problem. I just- I -you know what? Forget I said anything, okay?" I kiss his lips, but he doesn't really kiss me back.

"Lucas?" I hold his face with both of my hands so he can look at me.

"Fine. Just let me clear something up. I'm happy. Are you?"

"I really am." I smile and he smiles back. "I'm going to pack then cook us some dinner, okay?"

"Do you need some help?" he asks.

"You can wash the dishes afterward." I wink, and he chuckles.

"Deal."

*****

His sister drove last night, but since Lucas still had to finish his report, we opted to come today on Saturday morning.

We woke up early and had a quick breakfast before heading to his car. Nate was responsible for most of the conversation during the ride, and after two hours on the road, we are finally at their place.

"I'm glad to be here and spend some time with your family. It means a lot to me," I say as I soon as Lucas parks the car.

"I'm happy you're here too." He presses his lips to mine softly.

"Ew!" Nate shouts from the back seat, making us laugh.

"What is it, buddy? She is my girlfriend!" Lucas chuckles, opening his door.

"Gross, dad!" He shakes his head.

"You're here." I hear a woman say as she comes in our direction.

She looks like a female version of Lucas, so I'm sure she is his sister. She is shorter than him, though, and when she gets closer, I see her eyes are the only difference between them. Hers are kind of dark grey, making her even more beautiful.

"Aunt Vivi!" Nate rushes to hug her. "Where is Noah?"

"Hey, good to see you too." She laughs.

"Alexia, this is my sister, Vivian," Lucas says, pulling her to his side.

"Alexia, nice to finally meet you. Lucas has told me a lot about you." She hugs me and I'm instantly calmer. She really seems like a nice person.

"Is that so?" I look at him and he shakes his head. And I love how he blushes slightly.

"It's nice to meet you, Vivian. Thanks for inviting me." I say.

"We're thrilled you could come. Now, let's get inside. Liam has planned a day of fun and exhausting activities for the kids and really relaxing nights for us adults."

"Liam?" I ask.

"The poor guy she tortures on a daily basis, also known as her husband," Lucas answers while getting our bags.

"Hey!" Vivian elbows him, making us laugh.

*****

"They're here," Vivian shouts as soon as we step inside. Nate is already playing some video game with Noah and totally ignores us.

"Hey there!" Liam smiles. "It's nice to finally meet you, Alexia."

"You too. Thanks for having me." I smile back.

"Do you think you can stop playing for a second and come say hi to Alexia, Noah?" Vivian asks.

"Hi, Alexia!" He offers his hand, trying to be polite, but I know his focus is on the game.

"And what about your favorite uncle?" Lucas asks, pulling him into a hug.

"Hey, uncle Lucas," he says.

"All right, guys! Why don't you put your stuff in your room and freshen up a little? Third door on the left. Nate and Noah will share the room to the right, and Liam and I are upstairs."

"Yeah, I'm getting things ready for lunch in the backyard. Come find us when you are ready." Liam shakes Lucas's hand before heading out.

"That's great. We'll be there in a few," Lucas says, taking our bags to our room.

The house is not that big but is so cozy I can already see myself relaxing and having a good time here. Downstairs is like a big open space, with a living room in the center and a kitchen nook to the right side. I follow Lucas to the tiny hall that leads us to our bedroom and can see a back door leading to a patio. The place is really amazing.

"This house is really nice." I plop on the bed and look at Lucas.

"Yeah, my sister is always planning this family time stuff... In the beginning of the year, we went to the mountains. The kids loved it."

"She seems nice." I smile when he lies down, pulling me to his side.

"You're nice." He trails soft kisses on my neck.

"Lucas." I moan.

"What?" He pulls me on top of him, holding my waist as he bites my earlobe.

"Come on, they're waiting." I try to tickle him, but he holds both of my hands and moves his body so he is on top of me.

"I know." He kisses me softly, then looks into my eyes.

"Alexia, I-" He starts, but the beep on my phone stops him.

I turn to the nightstand, and he releases his hold on me. Frowning, I read the text, deleting it quickly.

"Who is that?"

"It's... It's Lisa. She wants to know if we're having a good time." I force a smile. I hate that I'm lying to him, but the last thing I want is the idea of Greg ruining our weekend. I don't know what else to do so he will leave me alone, so for now, I'll choose to ignore he exists.

"Are you okay?" He searches my eyes, but I ignore him and head to the en-suite bathroom.

"I'm kind of hungry." I splash some water on my face and when I turn to leave, I'm startled to see he is leaning by the door.

"Are you sure you're okay?" He holds my face so I have no excuse but o look at him.

"I'm fine." I close my eyes and touch my lips to his.

*****

After having a delicious meal together, we all decide to relax on the beach. The kids are having such a great time together; I know it will be hard for them to leave tomorrow.

"I don't want to go back home," Vivian says as if reading my mind.

"We still have a day left, baby." Liam chuckles.

"I know, but I just love leaving all the responsibilities behind and enjoying life like this with my family." She leans into him, kissing him softly.

"Hey! Gross!" Lucas throws a towel at them.

"I'm sorry we're still in love after eight years together." Liam rolls his eyes, but a see a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Tell me, Alexia, what the hell did you see in this guy?" Vivian narrows her eyes at her brother.

"You know, sometimes I ask myself that question...." I say and Lucas immediately starts tickling me.

"Hey!" He laughs.

"I'm serious!" I shout, trying to get out of his hold.

"Ok! That's it!" He stands up, pulling me with him.

I don't have time to get out of his hold because he is soon picking me up, firefighter style. "What are you doing?" I shout.

"What do you think?" he asks, running to the water.

"Don't you dare, Lucas! The water is too cold!" I slap his butt, and it's the last thing I do before going down into the water.

"You're crazy!" I try to drown him, but he just laughs and pulls me to him.

"Crazy in love with you." He looks into my eyes and for a moment he is all I can see.

"Lucas, I-" I start, but he interrupts me, kissing the tip of my nose.

"I love you," he whispers, touching his lips to mine.

"I love you too." I pull his face to mine and soon he is all I can feel. My fingers grip his hair, pulling him closer. And the moment my legs wrap around him, my lower belly throbs and my heart warms. I have never wanted anyone like this before. Ever. I's as terrifying as it is exciting.

And suddenly, it's all too much. All the insecurities I thought I had locked deep down come rushing to mind and I stop the kiss, pressing my forehead to his.

"What is it?" He puts some space between us so he can look into my eyes.

"Just trying to keep it PG." I give him a small smile.

"A little too late for that, don't you think?" He kisses my necks and presses his body to mine so I can feel how hard he is.

"Lucas..." I moan and he groans low in his throat.

"Tonight, okay?" I kiss him softly.

"Okay." He pouts. "How good are you at swimming?"

"Swimming?"

"I need to cool down a little before getting out of the water." He wiggles his eyebrows, making me laugh.

"I'm great at swimming."

*****

"Guess we are not the only ones in love around here, baby," Liam tell his wife as soon as we get back.

"Yeah..." Lucas chuckles.

"Dad, can we make a fire tonight?" Noah asks, running toward us; Nate right behind him.

"Sure, why not?" Liam shrugs.

"And can we camp in the backyard too?" Nate asks.

"Why would you want to camp if you guys have a perfect room inside?" Vivian asks.

"'Cause it's cool, mom! Please?" Noah rushes to explain.

"How about we get inside and organize the things for the bonfire? We can think about this camping stuff later," Liam says.

"Yes!" The kids shout and run to the house.

"They're adorable together." I smile.

"They love each other like brothers. We're really blessed to see our kids growing up together," Vivian says, collecting their stuff.

"Oh, Alexia?" She looks from Lucas to me." Your phone wouldn't stop ringing and... well, I don't normally do this but I thought it could be something important so I kind of answered it..."

"Oh?" I look at Lucas and he's sure frowning at me.

"It was Greg. He asked you to call him back... said that it was an emergency. I told him I'd call you, but he just asked for you to call him when you have a chance."

Great! There goes my plan of not messing with our weekend.

_____

A/N: So... Greg again, huh? 😬

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