A/N: Okay, so I was thinking it would be kind of fun to take some of our favorite moments, completely disregard canon, and see if we couldn't work these two crazy kids into a clinch. Yes, it's implausible, possibly a little immoral, and maybe a tad out of character, but I thought it could be a kick. After all, you didn't really come in here hoping for a heavy dose of realism, did you? Come on, it's gonna be a good time. So let's set all of those pesky worries about storyline and stuff aside, and see if we can't just have some good dirty fun. Okay? This is the first in a series of one-shots where there was a moment. I just wanted it to be a naked moment. I hope that you enjoy it for what it is. Thanks! Mags

Magic Words and the Healing Powers of a Bath

Lorelai stepped into the warmth of the diner, snagged a coffee cup from a nearby table and clutched it in both hands as she approached the counter with an anxious smile.

"Please, Luke," she started in a low voice. When he looked up at her, his piercing blue eyes boring into hers, she stepped it up a notch. "Please, please, please?"

"Please what?" he asked in a low voice, his eyes never wavering from hers. Lorelai's eyebrows shot up as the innuendo lacing his tone seeped through to her caffeine deprived brain. Luke's lips quirked at the corners as he straightened up to his full height, tipped his head back, and stared down at her challengingly. His stayed eyes locked on her face as his hand moved to the order pad tucked into the waistband of his jeans. "What do you want?" he asked as he saw her eyes follow the movement of his hand.

Lorelai forced her gaze back to his face as she licked her lips and asked, "You're really going to make me do this?"

Luke shrugged and said, "Maybe I just like to hear you ask for it."

"Do you do this with all of your customers?"

Luke raised one eyebrow as he snorted. "Hardly."

"So, I'm special?" she asked, a smile lighting her face.

"Yes, that's what it means," he deadpanned. He braced his hands on the counter, leaning into it, the muscles in his forearms flexing as he asked, "What can I do for you, Lorelai?"

Lorelai's eyes widened slightly as she caught a whiff of his scent; maple syrup mixed with soap and maybe a hint of masculine perspiration. Her breath caught, trapping the scent of him inside of her as she struggled to remember how to breathe again. "Do me," she murmured. Catching herself, she shook her head and held out the mug like a talisman protecting her from his powers. "I mean, coffee, uh, do pour me a cup of coffee," she stammered.

Luke eyed her knowingly as he asked, "How many cups have you had this morning?"

"None."

"Plus?" he prompted.

"Five, but yours is better," Lorelai confessed in a rush.

Luke snatched the coffee pot from the burner. He held up the pot and growled, "You have a problem."

As he poured the rich, dark brew into her mug, Lorelai admitted, "Yes, I do." She took a hasty sip of the hard earned coffee, and rewarded him with a gratified smile

"Junkie," he said in an exasperated tone.

Lorelai's smile turned into a grin as she pulled her hat from her head and purred, "Angel. You've got wings, baby."

"Anything else you want?" he asked, plucking the order pad from his waistband.

"Um, not at the moment," Lorelai said as she backed from the counter.

The phone rang, and Luke nodded to her brusquely as he reached for it. "Luke's!" he barked into the receiver.

Lorelai turned quickly back to the table that she had pilfered the mug from and sank down into her chair cradling it between her palms. Her cheeks burned with what she hoped would be taken as the effects of the winter chill, but she knew was residual heat from the intensity of his stare. She took another tentative sip of her coffee as a young man approached the table. As he attempted to chat her up, Lorelai couldn't help but smile. First, Luke, with the unabashed flirting that laced their every conversation, and now, this guy, Joey, was thinking that he could stop in a town like Stars Hollow and take his pick of the local offerings. She smiled even as she gave him the brush off, telling him to enjoy his time in Hartford. He didn't go down without a fight, though, she had to give him credit for that. She smiled to herself and took another sip of Luke's magic elixir as the bells jingled and Rory slipped into the chair across from her.

"Hey. It's freezing," Rory complained.

Lorelai smiled sympathetically as she asked, "Oh, what do you need? Hot tea, coffee?"

"Lip gloss."

"Aha!" Lorelai said with a nod as she opened her purse and pulled out a cosmetic bag. When Rory rejected the content listed in the first bag, Lorelai proceeded to pull out another. "It has no smell but it changes colors with your mood," she said enticingly.

"God, RuPaul doesn't need this much makeup."

"Wow, you're crabby."

Instantly contrite, Rory ducked her head and said, "I'm sorry. I lost my Macy Gray CD and I need caffeine."

Lorelai made a face and then admitted, "Ooh, I have your CD," as she pulled the CD in question from her seemingly bottomless bag.

"Thief," Rory gasped.

Lorelai winced. "Sorry, and I will get you some coffee," she added as she plucked the empty mug from the table and carried it to the counter.

Luke looked up at her and rolled his eyes in disbelief. "What? It's not for me. It's for Rory, I swear," she insisted.

"You're shameless," Luke grumbled.

Lorelai's jaw dropped at his accusation. "Look, Officer Krupke. She's right at that table, right over there," she said as she turned to point to their table. When she spotted that Joey guy leaning onto their table, chatting with her daughter, her eyes widened. Luke's eyebrows lifted as he poured coffee into the mug and then rocked back on his heels to watch the show. "Ah. He's got quite a pair, this guy," she murmured. Sparing Luke a quick glance, she picked up the mug and muttered, "Thanks" as she walked back to their table.

Luke leaned against the back counter and watched with amusement as Lorelai quickly dispatched the hapless traveler and his friend. When Lorelai slipped into her seat again, she and Rory both leaned in and shared a giggle. Her eyes dancing with amusement, Lorelai looked up and caught Luke staring. She flashed him a smile and a slight shrug, which he acknowledged with a nod. As she turned her attention back to what Rory was saying, Lorelai would swear that she had just seen Luke Danes wink and flash a smile of his own before he disappeared into the kitchen.

****

It had been a long week, fraught with worry filled sleepless nights and culminating with yet another humiliating encounter with her parents. All Lorelai wanted to do was to drown her sorrows in a giant cup of Luke's coffee.

"So, nice dinner at the grandparents' house," Rory said as they walked slowly toward the diner.

"Oh, yeah, her dishes have never been cleaner."

"You and Grandma seemed to have a nice talk," Rory said tentatively.

Lorelai stopped and turned to look at Rory as she asked, "How much did you hear?"

Rory shrugged. "Not much. You know, snippets."

"Snippets?"

"Little snippets."

Lorelai nodded and glanced at the windows of the diner as she said flatly, "So, basically everything."

"Basically, yes," Rory admitted.

Lorelai heaved a heavy sigh and trudged up the steps, reaching for the door handle as she said, "Well, the best laid plans."

"I think it was really brave of you to ask them for money," Rory said as they stepped into the diner.

"Oh, I so do not want to talk about it," Lorelai said tiredly.

"How many meals is it gonna take 'til we're off the hook?"

"I think the deli spread at my funeral will be the last one," Lorelai said dryly, glancing around to diner, hoping to spot Luke. She turned back to Rory as she realized what her daughter had just implied. "Hey, wait, does that mean…"

Rory lifted one shoulder and said, "Can't let a perfectly good plaid skirt go to waste."

Lorelai reached across the table and covered Rory's hand with hers, "Oh, honey, you won't be sorry."

Rory smiled bashfully, and then they both looked up in surprise when Luke suddenly appeared at their table. Lorelai gaped as she saw that the omnipresent hat was missing, and instead of the usual plaid flannel shirt, Luke wore a blue oxford cloth shirt; the collar neatly buttoned down, the tails tucked into a pair of well fitted dark jeans.

Lorelai sucked in hard, forcing the air around the lump that had risen in her throat and then said, "Wow, you look nice. Really nice."

Luke ducked his head shyly and said, "I had a meeting earlier at the bank. They like collars." He lifted his gaze long enough to take her in and mumbled, "You look nice, too."

Lorelai stared at him dumbly for a moment and then covered by saying nonchalantly, "I had a flagellation to go to."

Luke nodded, but asked no further questions. He focused instead on the order pad cupped in his hand. "So, what'll you have?"

"Coffee, in a vat," Lorelai said promptly.

Rory nodded. "I'll have coffee also. And chili fries," she added on impulse.

Luke sighed in exasperation. "That's quite a refined palate you got there," he grumbled as he turned and walked away.

Lorelai watched him go; noting the way the dark denim clung to what was undeniably a fantastic ass. She turned back to Rory and caught the smirk on her daughter's face. Lorelai leaned in and whispered, "Behold the healing powers of a bath." She leaned back in her seat and eyed her daughter carefully. "So, tell me about the guy."

Rory smiled and said, "You know what's really special about our relationship? The total understanding about the need for one's privacy. I mean, you really understand boundaries."

"So tell me about the guy," Lorelai repeated.

"Mom!"

"Is he dreamy?" Lorelai asked as she leaned in closer.

Rory rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, that's so Nick at Night."

"Well, I'm gonna find out anyway," Lorelai shrugged.

"Really? How?"

"I'll spy."

Rory eyed her mother shrewdly and said, "Why don't you tell me about the guy."

"Your guy?" Lorelai asked with a confused frown.

"Your guy," Rory retorted.

"What guy?" Lorelai asked as Luke approached the table, coffee mugs and plate in hand.

"Coffee, fries…" he said as he placed the cups in front of them and then slid the plate onto the table. He straightened up and then hesitated for a moment. "I can't stand it. This is so unhealthy," he blurted as Rory picked up her mug and took a sip. "Rory, please, put down that cup of coffee. You do not want to grow up to be like your mom."

Rory grinned as she glanced up at Luke and then looked directly at Lorelai as she said, "Sorry, too late."

Luke heaved a heavy sigh and then walked away, shaking his head in disgust. Lorelai giggled and then turned to watch him walk away again, admiring the way the fabric of his shirt stretched taut across his broad shoulders.

"That guy," Rory said pointedly.

"You're nuts. So tell me about the guy," Lorelai said as she focused intently on her daughter, trying to school her features and calm her pounding heart.

"Check, please," Rory said teasingly.

"No, really, are you embarrassed to bring him home?" Lorelai persisted.

"I'm not embarrassed. Are you?" Rory asked as she glanced meaningfully at the counter.

Lorelai chose to ignore her insinuations, instead asking, "Does he talk at all?" as she speared a chili drenched French fry with her fork.

"No, Mom, he's a mime," Rory said dryly. "Does yours speak only grunt?"

"Why do you keep saying that? There's nothing going on with me and Luke," Lorelai hissed.

"Yet," Rory added as she popped another French fry into her mouth.

"Ever," Lorelai said firmly.

"So, nice dinner at the grandparents' house," Rory said with a smug smile.

"The flatware was sparkling," Lorelai answered with a grin.

They amused themselves by heaping overzealous compliments on Emily's décor, the flowers and the food served at the elder Gilmore's house. Giggling and one-upping each other until there was a minor fork fight for the last French fry on the plate. Lorelai proved triumphant, chewing happily on her prize while Rory checked her watch.

"Oh! If I hurry, Lane has about twenty minutes of phone time left," Rory said as she slipped into her coat.

Lorelai nodded and said, "Go, but don't tell her anything that you wouldn't tell me."

"See you in a little while," Rory said as she stood up, pulling her hair from the collar of her coat as she reached for the door.

The bells rang out, signaling her departure, and Luke stepped out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel as he surveyed the empty diner. He approached Lorelai's table, just as she looked around, noticing for the first time that she was the only one left in the place. She smiled up at him and nodded to her mug as she asked, "Any chance of more?"

"That all depends on you," he answered as tapped table lightly with his fingertips.

Lorelai looked down at his hand, and then let her eyes travel slowly up his arm as she tipped her head back to meet his eyes again. "What do I have to do?" she asked, the question coming out a little more breathlessly than she intended.

"You don't have to do anything," Luke pointed out as he turned toward the counter.

Lorelai cocked her head as she stood up to follow him. "But you said it all depends on me," she said as she grabbed her mug and trailed Luke to the end of the counter.

Luke lifted the pot from the burner and held it up as he had just days before. "Say please, Lorelai," he teased.

Lorelai's gaze dropped from his eyes to his curved lips, as she softly said, "Please, Luke? Please, please, please?"

Luke's smile faded slowly as he lowered the pot. His lips parted under the intensity of her stare and his brow furrowed in confusion as she set her coffee mug on the counter. He froze in place as Lorelai reached up, and brushed her fingertips through the soft wave of his hair, combing it back over his ear. "What are you doing?" he asked his voice low and husky.

"I don't think I've ever really seen your hair before. You always wear a hat," she mused. "It's soft." Her hand slipped behind his ear, twisting one of the fine curls around her finger. "Curls," she whispered, almost to herself.

Luke's arm swung out, the coffee sloshing in the bowl of the pot as he placed it clumsily on the counter. "Lorelai?" he asked hoarsely.

"Please, Luke?" Lorelai said softly as she raised her other hand and touched the very tips of her fingers to his lips. "Please, please, please?" she said, her voice growing stronger with each plea.

To her relief, Lorelai found that she need not ask again. Luke's arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him as her hand slipped to the open collar of his shirt. He looked into her eyes for a moment, his breath coming fast as he searched for confirmation that this was indeed what she was asking for. When he felt her fingers slide to the side of his neck and stroke the soft skin beneath his ear, his forearm tensed and hardened into a band of steel as he pressed her against his hard body and bent his head bringing his lips to hers.

"Oh," Lorelai sighed softly against his lips. He kissed her ardently, drawing her lips against his, the palm of his hand cupping her cheek as his fingers wound their way into her hair. One hand was tangled in his hair as the other glided slowly over his throat, feeling his adam's apple bob as he pulled back, his long, sooty lashes sweeping upward lazily, his eyes dark and clouded with repressed desire. Lorelai looked into those fathomless eyes and said in the barest whisper, "Please?"

Luke reached for her, lifting both hands to frame her face and tipping her chin up as he trailed his thumbs along her jaw. An involuntary moan escaped her parted lips. "You're killing me," he said as he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her hungrily.

Lorelai yielded to him willingly, parting her lips against his as she clung to his shoulders, curling her fingers into the crisp cotton of his shirt. Like a flame to a fuse, Luke's tongue brushed the tip of hers, and Lorelai arched into him wantonly. She wrapped one arm tightly around his neck as her other hand cradled the back of his head, holding him to her as he drank her in. Luke angled his head, taking the kiss deeper, desperately seeking more and more as his tongue danced over hers. He turned, pressing her back into the counter, pressing the hard length of his arousal against her, and grinding against her when she gasped into his mouth.

Luke lowered one hand to the counter, bracing himself against the onslaught of her kisses, holding himself steady as he tried to withstand the sensation of Lorelai Gilmore's lips against his, Lorelai Gilmore's hands on his body, Lorelai Gilmore's soft breasts molding to his chest, Lorelai Gilmore's hips circling instinctively, undulating in response to his demands. Her fingers trailed from his shoulder to his throat once more, playing over the hollow at its very base and slipping down into the vee of his collar. Lorelai kissed him back heatedly, moaning her appreciation as she felt the slight tickle of chest hair against her fingertips. She fumbled frantically with the tiny plastic button, desperate to get to his skin. Once it slipped free, she pressed her palm to his chest, her fingers curling into the fine, soft hair she had claimed as her own.

With a desperate grunt, Luke ducked his head, tearing his mouth from hers, his chest heaving with barely contained desire as he stepped back and stared at her wide eyed. "We're in the diner," he panted, looking around the room as if he had never seen it before.

Lorelai shook her head as she said, "I don't care."

"Lorelai," he said, his voice breaking with need.

Lorelai shook her head harder and closed her eyes as she said, "I don't. I don't care where we are. Don't stop."

"We can't," he said as he reached out and encircled her wrist with his fingers, trying to ground her in reality.

Lorelai wanted no part of his reality trip. Her pulse raced beneath the warmth of his gentle touch. She opened her eyes once more and looked at him boldly as she lifted her chin and said, "I don't care. I want you. Here. Now." In his eyes, she saw the war raging within him, and turned the hand that he held until she offered him her open palm. "Please, Luke?" she whispered. "Don't make me beg."

"No," he murmured. "No," he said in a stronger voice as he laced his fingers through hers and squeezed her hand tightly. He raised their joined hands to his lips, his eyes locked on hers as he kissed the back of her hand. "Give me a minute," he said in a throaty voice as he slipped away from her.

Lorelai wrapped her arms around her middle to ward off the sudden chill brought on by the loss of his heat, and watched as Luke moved quickly to the door. He turned the lock, flipped the sign to 'closed', and then turned out the last of the overhead lights, leaving only the glow of the tiny table lamps to light the room. He turned and walked back to her, frowning slightly at the way she hugged herself tightly; her shoulders hunched and her eyes downcast. He reached up and gently tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather just have another cup of coffee?" he asked softly, breaking the silence that stretched between them.

Lorelai looked up, her eyes bright with a mixture of fear and determination. "I'm sure," she whispered.

Luke licked his lips nervously. "You don't sound very sure." His fingers trailed lightly over her upper arm as he said, "Why don't I walk you home?"

"Please, Luke," Lorelai began.

A nervous laugh escaped him. "You have to stop saying that. Don't you know I'd give you anything you asked for?" he asked raggedly.

Lorelai looked up, lifting her hand to his cheek, and stroked it lightly, enjoying the rasp of his five o'clock shadow. "You would, wouldn't you?" she asked in a voice filled with wonder.

"Yes."

Lorelai searched his eyes, seeking even the slightest waver, an inkling of subterfuge, or a hint of calculation; but finding only warmth reflected in their depths. She leaned up and brushed her lips softly over his, her breath tickling his cheek, her perfume flooding his senses. His breath escaped him in a rush as he murmured, "Let me walk you home."

"No," she whispered, pressing her lips to his and kissing him lingeringly.

"Please, Lorelai," he whispered against her warm mouth. "Please, please, please," he said in a voice aching with need as he punctuated each plea with a tender kiss.

"Take me upstairs," she said in a quiet but firm voice.

Wordlessly, Luke took her hand in his, enveloping her fingers in his palm, and leading her to the curtain at the end of the counter. He held it aside as she stepped through, and pulled him along after her. Lorelai's fingers skimmed the wall as she crooked her arm behind her, nestling their joined hands into the small of her back as she began to climb the creaking wooden steps.

Luke's eyes stayed locked on her, trying to memorize the soft sheen of her glossy dark hair, the straight line of her back under the soft knit of her dress, and the curve of her hips as they swayed from side to side with each step. He had to force himself to blink, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Lorelai Gilmore was leading him up to his apartment where she would undoubtedly expect him to make love to her. Luke's eyes widened as the thought finally registered. His brain kicked into overdrive as he frantically tried to remember what condition he had left the apartment in that afternoon when he changed to go to the bank. He searched his mind, trying desperately to recall the last time he had changed the sheets on his bed. When they reached the upstairs landing Lorelai turned, releasing his hand and placing hers coyly behind her back as she leaned against the wall beside the frosted glass door.

Luke dug in his pocket for his keys. As he pulled the ring free, he mumbled, "It might be a mess."

"I couldn't care less," Lorelai answered with a small smile.

Luke unlocked the door and turned the knob, letting it swing open as he reached for the light switch. When the lights came on, he turned to look at her and chuckled nervously. "I might be kind of a mess," he admitted.

Lorelai's smile widened as her eyes lit with delight, making his breath catch in his chest. Lorelai pushed away from the wall with her palms, each movement fluid as she reached up and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt as she backed into the apartment. "I'll straighten you out," she promised with a twinkle in her eye.

Luke's own smile grew, flashing teeth so white that her eyes widened at the sight of it. "I bet you will," he said in a low, soft voice. He gave the apartment door a careless flick of his wrist, and a moment later, it slammed shut behind them.

"Dear God, Luke," she said as she threw her head back and laughed, the throaty sound of it arrowing straight to his gut.

"Yes?" he asked, cocking one eyebrow at her devilishly.

"Kiss me. Kiss me now," she demanded as she pulled on his arms, urging him closer as she stepped out of her pumps.

Luke pulled her roughly to him, his arms encircling her tightly, his hands splayed over her back as she melted into him. He lowered his head until his lips were millimeters from hers and then asked, "What's the magic word?"

"Coffee," she breathed.

"I'm crazy about you," he confessed, his lips grazing the corner of her mouth.

"I can't breathe," she whispered. When he immediately loosened his hold on her, she shook her head, clinging to his arms and squeezing the hard muscles that tensed beneath his shirt. "I look at you, and sometimes I can't breathe," she confessed. "Kiss me."

Luke kissed her, his lips sliding over hers; firm but soft, demanding and yielding. Lorelai's head spun as she held onto him, her knees weakening beneath the gentle assault on her senses. He deepened the kiss, parting her lips with this tongue, and letting it glide over hers, drawing her in slowly. He trailed hot wet kisses over her cheek, and Lorelai let her head fall back, gulping in huge breaths of air as she squeezed his shoulders. "Now I can breathe," she whispered to the ceiling. Luke pressed his open mouth to the silky skin on her neck, his tongue circling the pulse that throbbed in her throat as his hand slid slowly from her hip to the dip of her narrow waist, up over her ribcage and brushed the soft curve of her breast as if committing her every curve to memory with his touch. "Oh, God," she whispered in a hoarse voice. Her hands flew to the buttons on his shirt, and she began to tug at them impatiently. "Need," she panted as she worked the first one free.

Luke worked his way down her throat, bending at the knees to allow her access to his shirt without having to remove his mouth from her delectable skin. Lorelai's smile was triumphant as she worked the tail of the shirt free from his jeans, releasing the last two buttons with haste and pushing the fabric aside. "Off," she commanded as she ran her hands greedily over his chest and to his shoulders, pushing the shirt away from his smooth skin and yanking it down his arms.

Luke chuckled as he reluctantly lifted his head. He reached behind her, quickly unbuttoning the cuffs of the shirt and letting it slide from his arms. Before she could get a good look at him, his arms were around her again and he was kissing her hard and hot, crushing her to him as her hands roamed over his bare back, raking her nails over the muscles that tensed and rippled under his soft skin. His hands were everywhere, tracing the curve of her spine, molding to the shape of her hips, caressing the curve of her ass as he ground into her, the length of his denim encased erection pressing into her stomach. "Zipper?" he grunted as he pulled back, gasping for air.

"Up," Lorelai answered as she tugged on the buckle of his belt. "Pull it up."

Luke gathered the skirt of her dress in his hands, pulling it up over her hips and slipping his hands under it only when he reached the safety of her waist. "Arms," he whispered urgently.

With a mew of frustration, Lorelai released his belt and raised her arms over her head, allowing him to pull the dress up over her head. The moment he cast it aside, she grabbed the end of his belt and pulled hard, freeing it from the clasp and sliding it from the buckle before she tugged impatiently at the button on his jeans, and smiled with satisfaction as the rest of the buttons on the fly popped free.

Luke stepped back, putting what he considered a safe distance between them as he lowered his mouth to her shoulder and nipped gently before letting his tongue trace the outline of her collarbone. He dipped his tongue into the hollow of her throat and groaned as he bent his knees, lowering himself to kiss the tops of her breasts above the lace edge of her bra. "Too fast," he murmured.

"Not fast enough," she countered.

Luke's nimble fingers found the clasp of her bra and deftly unhooked it. Lorelai blinked in surprise and then laughed as she said, "You're good."

"Just keeping up with demand," he answered as he sank to his knees in front of her, dragging the straps of her bra down her arms as he went. He pressed his open mouth to her stomach, and exhaled soft and slowly as he reached up to cup her breasts. Lorelai moaned as he caressed her, his thumbs teasing the upturned tips. "Bed," he rasped against her skin, trailing hot wet kisses as he lowered his ass to his heels, licking, sucking and nipping his way over her taut curve of her stomach, his hands smoothing over her skin, tracing the gentle swell of flesh between her hips reverently.

He tugged at the top of her panties with teeth and Lorelai curled her fingers into his shoulders. "Bed," she agreed, pulling on his arms to urge him to stand up.

Luke closed his eyes and pressed his nose to the front of her panties, inhaling deeply before he opened his eyes and looked up at her, his heart in his eyes.

Lorelai licked her dry lips, her eyes locked on his as he knelt in front of her. Finally, she lifted her hands from his shoulders and offered them both to him to help him up. Luke rocked back on his heels, and placing his hands in hers, stood up, his eyes never wavering from hers. Lorelai lifted his hands to her mouth and brushed a kiss over the knuckles on each hand before wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tightly. Lorelai pressed her cheek to his shoulder as he cradled her head, gently stroking her hair. They stood wrapped up in each other for a moment, their hearts beating against one another, the sound of their breathing filling the room.

Luke moved first, tipping her face up to his and kissing her soulfully. He pulled away, bending at the waist to sweep her legs out from under her. Lorelai yelped and grasped for his shoulders, laughing as he lifted her into his arms, stepped back slightly to adjust to her weight and then walked to the bed in five long strides. Lorelai giggled as he placed her as gently as he could atop the narrow mattress. Luke took a step back, watching in wonder her eyes shone happily up at him.

"You're beautiful," he breathed.

"I bet you say that to all of the almost naked women on your bed," she shot back with a wicked grin.

Luke shook his head mutely, and swallowed hard as his eyes raked over her from head to toe. "Beautiful," he insisted.

Lorelai's smile warmed with pleasure as the sincerity rang out in his hoarse voice. "Come here," she said as she reached for him.

Luke held up a finger to delay her, and quickly bent to unlace his boots. He stepped out of them, hopping clumsily on one foot as he tried to strip off his socks. Lorelai laughed, the sound of it sending a rush of color to his cheeks as he looked up at her. "The jeans too," she said as she beamed at him.

Luke quickly pushed his jeans down over his hips, the front of his boxer briefs straining to contain his arousal as he shoved them down over his legs and stepped on the hems to free his feet. When he stood up, Lorelai's eyes widened appreciatively as she sat up and reached for him once more. Kneeling on the very edge of the bed, Luke lowered himself to her, capturing her lips in a searing kiss as he pushed her back, covering her with the solid bulk of his body.

Tongues tangled, hands grappled, moans escaped and skin slid against skin as Lorelai writhed beneath his weight. She raked her nails over the solid wall of his muscular back, relishing the feel of his silky skin under her fingertips as she soothed it once more. Their kisses grew more demanding. Luke's mouth blazed a fiery trail down her neck, as he pushed back on his hands, kissing his way down her throat, across her collarbone and down to the curve of her breast. His hands caressed the soft mounds, stroking her possessively as she arched against him, desperate for the friction she craved. Luke showered each breast with soft kisses, moving from to the other, studiously avoiding the hardened tips that begged for his attention.

Finally, he knelt between her legs, his mouth poised just above her, his breath warming the rosy tip, making her ache for relief. He looked up at her and found her watching him, her breathing shallow through her parted lips. "Please," she whispered. Luke touched the tip of his tongue to her beaded nipple, looking up at her through his lashes. Lorelai fisted her hand in the back of his hair and softly cried, "Oh, please."

Luke opened his mouth, laving her with his tongue, drawing her in and suckling so gently Lorelai though she would burst. When he drew her deeper into his warm mouth, Lorelai's hips bucked and she pressed down onto his knee, undulating against him. Luke groaned loudly as her damp heat seeped through her panties, branding his skin, driving him wild. He released her and moved to the other breast, pulling her nipple into his mouth roughly and sucking hard. Lorelai's eyes flew open as he caught her between his teeth and bit gently before soothing her with his tongue. "Luke!" she gasped as she ground against his knee, pressing her head back into the pillow. "Oh!" she cried as he sucked harder, driving her up and over the edge. Lorelai clutched at his back as the waves of pleasure rushed through her. Her breath caught as she struggled to fill her lungs with precious oxygen. She blinked in wonder, gazing up at the ceiling as she tried to figure out how it was possible for him to make her want so badly.

Luke nuzzled the soft underside of her breast, a soft hum of satisfaction rumbling from his chest as he kissed his way down over her stomach. "So beautiful," he murmured against her skin.

"Oh my God," Lorelai whispered as she tried to wrap her mind around the fact that he wasn't nearly done with her yet.

Luke hooked his fingers into the sides of her panties as he moved toward the end of the bed, dragging the pesky scrap of satin in his wake. Once he had discarded them, he ran his hands over her calves to her thighs, kneading the flesh with barely contained ardor. Unable to resist, he parted her legs with his palms, sliding down to the mattress and watching in fascination as she parted and opened for him. His breath rushed over her damp folds as he stared in wonder at the glistening pink folds. "Oh God," he said in a choked voice. "Oh, Lorelai," he murmured as he pressed his nose to the soft curls at the apex of her legs.

The scent of her arousal was almost too much for him to bear. Luke pushed up, abruptly lifting his hips from the mattress and folding his legs under him. He touched his tongue to the tantalizing pink bud that peeked from her folds and drowning her soft moan of surrender with a loud groan of desire. He lapped at her greedily, drawing her into his mouth and sucking deeply, demanding her response. Lorelai hands clutched at his hair and shoulders, her hips lifting to meet each stroke of his tongue, offering herself up to him, urging him to take more and more. He pressed the tip of one finger to her entrance, and pressed it into her wet heat as she moaned his name. He stroked her steadily, his tongue mirroring each thrust of his finger as she pressed down onto him, her nails digging into the skin of his shoulders as he pushed her higher and higher. "Oh no, no, no," she whispered as she felt another climax building.

"Yes," Luke growled against her.

"Yes," she cried loudly as she broke. Spasms wracked her body, trapping him inside of her, the rush of heat almost smothering him as he pressed his lips into her, licking and sucking hungrily until he felt her muscles grow lax and liquid, her bones seemingly melting into the mattress as she pulled at his arms, urging him up to her.

Luke rose up over her, bracing his weight with a hand on either side of her head as he gazed down at her, his eyes heavy lidded and hazy with desire. Lorelai wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down, urging his weight onto her. A soft purr escaped her as Luke gave in, pressing into her as he rained soft kisses over her forehead and temple, trailing them into her soft hair and breathing in the fruity fragrance of her shampoo. "Okay?" he asked softly.

A breathy laugh escaped her as Lorelai ran her hands over him affectionately. "There's the understatement of the year," she said in a husky voice, the timbre of it sending a jolt through him. "I need to touch you."

Luke buried his face in her neck, his body hard and unyielding as he pinned her to the bed. "I don't think I can take much touching right now," he said with a rueful smile.

"I want to touch you. I want to taste you," she whispered. "Do you want me to say please?"

Luke chuckled and said, "Well, it is the polite thing to do."

Lorelai smiled and pressed her palms flat on his back, pressing them into his skin and pulling them up the length of him possessively. Her fingers fluttered over his skin, tracing the column of his spine and slipping beneath the elastic on his shorts. She stroked the firm curve of his ass teasingly as she whispered, "It's only polite that I reciprocate."

Luke kept his face buried in her hair as he softly said, "I can't. I'm too, um… I won't be able to, uh, stop."

Lorelai nodded and kissed his hair softly as she said, "Okay. Next time."

Luke tried to focus his thoughts, desperately trying to tamp down the surge of desire that rushed through his veins flooding him with warmth. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to calm the pounding of his heart. "Next time," he breathed.

They lie quietly for a moment, Lorelai gently rubbing the arch of her foot over the taut muscle of his calf as she ran her fingers along the elastic at his waist. Luke lifted his head and kissed her sweetly. When he pulled back, Lorelai smiled and asked, "How're you doin'?"

Luke's smile was instantaneous as he answered, "Much better. You?"

"I'm great."

"Yes, you are," Luke agreed as he kissed her again. He parted her lips with his tongue, plunging into her and losing himself in her kiss.

Lorelai tugged on his boxer briefs, anxious to be rid of the last remaining barrier. "Off," she panted as he kissed his way to her ear.

"Not yet," he said in a low, husky whisper.

"I want you naked," she said firmly.

"Gimme a minute," he said as he drew her earlobe into his mouth and sucked gently.

"I want you in me," she whispered in his ear.

Luke closed his eyes and chuckled as he said, "I'm trying to make it there." He kissed his way down her neck. "Been a while," he murmured against her throat.

"Me too. I want to feel you," she said urgently.

Her words were his undoing. Luke pushed back and moved down between her thighs once more. Slipping his hands beneath her, he lifted her hips from the bed and began to feast on her once more. Soft sighs of appreciation turned to tiny moans of approval he teased her with his tongue, stroking her fervently, driving her up once more. When each flick of his talented tongue became too much to bear, Lorelai reached for him. "Now, Luke," she said as her hands framed his face.

"Now," he agreed as he reached for the waistband of his briefs and pushed them down. Lorelai watched as he kicked them off of the end of the bed, and then sat up to meet him. As she wrapped her warm, soft hand around his erection, Luke released a deep guttural groan. Lorelai slid her fingers along the length of him, appreciating the heavy weight of his arousal in her palm. "Please," he said in a choked voice as he stilled her hand. He blinked rapidly as he looked into her bright blue eyes beseechingly. "Please," he said as he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it gently.

Lorelai lay back on the pillow and beckoned to him, welcoming him into her embrace as he lowered himself onto her once more. His cock twitched and jumped as he came in contact with her soft, damp curls, and he bit his lip hard. Tasting the metallic tang of blood on his tongue, he winced.

Lorelai's face softened as she reached up to caress his cheek. "What did you do?" she asked as she shook her head slowly. "Poor lip," she murmured as she pulled him down to kiss his injured lip gently. She traced the planes of his face with her fingertips, kissing him softly, teasing his lips with the tip of her tongue as his hips rocked against hers. Lorelai deepened the kiss shifting slightly to urge him into position. When Luke tried to pull back, Lorelai held him still, her fingers weaving into the soft curls at his neck.

Luke kissed her again, focusing solely on the feel of her lips against his, Luke settled himself at her entrance, and began to sink slowly into her heat. He parted his lips, drawing her tongue into his mouth as her walls closed tightly around him. When he was fully sheathed in her, Luke broke the kiss, gasping for air.

Lorelai ran her hands up his back and purred, "You feel so good."

"Oh, please," he said in a rush as she grabbed his ass and pulled him closer still.

"So polite. Yes, please," Lorelai said with a feline smile.

Luke squeezed his eyes shut tightly as he began to move cautiously. Lorelai wrapped her legs around his hips, lifting herself slightly, and snapping what little control he had. "Lorelai," he groaned as he began to thrust into her.

Lorelai moaned as he moved faster. "Yes," she said softly.

Luke was lost as she pulled him deeper and deeper, her muscles squeezing him. "I can't," he said breathlessly.

"Mmm," Lorelai hummed, as turned on by his obvious excitement as she was by his cock filling her. "Little more," she whispered encouragingly.

"No," he groaned as he felt his climax ripping through him.

"Yes," she countered as she felt him surging into her. "Yes, yes." Lorelai closed her eyes, riding the waves of his release with him, and when he did not slow, she opened them to find him staring down at her, his jaw clenched in determination. "Luke," she whispered as she fought to keep her eyes open. His lips trembled and he pressed them together as he drove into her. He felt her muscles contract around him, holding him tightly as gentle ripples of relief coursed through her body again. "Oh," she sighed softly.

Lorelai pulled on his quaking arms, gathering him to her as relaxed into her soft, welcoming body. Luke pressed tender kisses to her brow, trailing down into her hair, and whispering a soft, "Thank you," into the shell of her ear.

Lorelai smiled, her fingers stroking his hair, smoothing down his back and caressing the curve of his ass as she kissed his cheek. Luke slipped his hands under her as he drew back and then rolled onto his side, opening his eyes slowly to find her staring at him. "What?" he asked gruffly.

Lorelai laughed and said, "You know what."

"Shh," he said as he shifted onto his back, holding her close against him.

"Tiny bed," she whispered as she trailed her fingers through the fine hair that dusted his stomach.

"Sorry."

"Cozy," she said with a smile.

Luke pressed a kiss to her forehead, and Lorelai tipped her head up to look at him. He kissed her softly and whispered, "Sorry," again.

"I like it," she said with a smile.

Luke stilled the hand that was coming dangerously close to tickling him, and laced his fingers through hers. "I meant, sorry about, uh, you know."

"The three orgasms?" she asked bluntly. Lorelai chuckled and said, "Yeah, try to do better."

"Lorelai," he groaned.

"Well, I don't know why you're apologizing," she said as she rolled her eyes. "I totally kicked your butt."

"You did," he answered with a smile.

Lorelai ducked her head and rubbed her cheek to his chest, breathing him in and exhaling with a contented sigh. They lay quietly for a few minutes, her foot rubbing his, his fingers sliding through hers as the rested on his stomach. Lorelai kissed his chest softly and then said in a voice tinged with regret, "I have to go home."

"I know," he said quietly.

"Um, I need the, uh, bathroom," she whispered.

"Oh, sorry. Right there," he said as he pointed to the door.

Lorelai nodded and moved to sit up, pushing her hair back from her face. She turned away from him, suddenly self-conscious, and looked around for something to slip into. When she came up empty, she turned to glance at him nervously. "I may need to use your brush," she said as she stood up quickly and hurried into the bathroom on wobbly legs.

When the door closed behind her, Luke sighed and muttered, "I think you've earned it." He sat up and scooted to the end of the bed, looking around for his underwear. He located it, and quickly pulled it on before he stood up to gather her discarded clothing. He let her bra and panties dangle from his fingers as he reached down to pick up her dress and shook it out. When he heard the water shut off in the bathroom, he tapped lightly on the door and said, "Uh, here's your stuff."

Lorelai opened the door a crack and her hand snaked out as she said, "Thanks." She closed the door once more, and Luke sighed, hanging his head a little as he went to retrieve his jeans and shirt.

He sat fully clothed on the edge of the bed, tying his boots when she stepped out of the bathroom, smoothing her hair nervously. "Oh," she said as he stood up and shook the legs of his jeans down.

"What?"

"You're, um, dressed," she said as she gestured to him.

"Well, I thought I'd, uh, walk you home," he said cautiously.

Lorelai's eyes widened. "Oh, that's nice." Luke scowled as she walked past him to where she had kicked her shoes off and worked her feet into the pumps. Once they were in place, she smoothed her palms over the skirt of her dress and asked, "Ready?"

"Sure," Luke said gruffly as he followed her to the door. As he pulled it closed, he yanked the keys that still dangled from the lock free and dropped them into his pocket before hurrying down the steps after her. Lorelai walked through the curtain and straight to the diner door, not bothering to wait for him before she flipped the lock and pulled it open, the bells breaking the thick silence.

They walked side by side across the square, dragging the silence along behind them like a dredge. Unsure of how he was supposed to act, Luke buried his hands in his pockets, casting about for something to say. "Uh, I hear that Rory got into that school in Hartford."

"Oh, yeah, Chilton," Lorelai confirmed with a nod.

"Good, that'll be good for her."

"Yeah, really good," Lorelai confirmed.

They lapsed back into silence as they turned down her street. By the time they reached her driveway, Luke couldn't take it anymore. Just short of the halo cast by her porch light, he reached out and grasped her elbow, pulling her to a stop. When Lorelai turned to face him, the moon gave away the fear in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I just, I have to know. Was that all that was?" he asked, cringing as his voice broke a little. "You said next time. Is there not going to be a next time? I mean, not a next time for that, but a next time at all? You and me?"

Lorelai eyed him warily as she asked, "Do you want there to be a next time?"

Luke rolled his eyes, incredulous as he said, "Yes! Yes, I want there to be a next time."

"A next time for that, or a next time for you and me?" she asked cautiously.

"Well, more than that," he said impatiently. "Not that that wasn't great. It was great, but that wasn't the that that I was asking about."

"You mean like a dating that?"

"Yes, dating. That's the that I was talking about."

Lorelai smiled and said, "Well, I guess it all depends on you."

"Me?"

"Well, yeah. You'll have to ask me out if you want to go on a date," she said, her smile widening and her eyes dancing with pleasure.

Luke huffed in frustration. "Do you want to go out with me?" he demanded.

"Was that an invitation?"

"Yes," he snapped.

Lorelai reached up and placed her hand on his chest as she looked at him sternly. "What's the magic word?"

"Please," he responded automatically.

"Please what?"

Luke laughed as he shook his head at her. "Please, Lorelai? Please, please, please?"

Lorelai glanced over her shoulder at the house and then turned back to him. She tipped her face up as she pulled him down with a fistful of his shirt and kissed him. "Pick me up at seven?" she whispered.

"Yes," Luke said quietly. "You'll be in for breakfast?"

"Yes, and I want refills without having to beg for them," she said as she gave him a pat on the chest.

Luke smiled and said, "Maybe I just like to hear you ask for it." He kissed her again, his lips lingering on hers for a moment. "Goodnight, Lorelai," he whispered as he pulled her close and hugged her tightly.

Lorelai flashed a brilliant smile as she backed away slowly. "Night, Luke." With a tiny little wave, she turned and dashed up the porch steps. She smiled over her shoulder as she opened the front door, and slipped quietly inside.

Luke turned away slowly, taking his time as he ambled down her driveway, his hands in his pockets and a small smile curving his lips. "And, thank you," he said under his breath as he turned down the street toward the town square.