Fic: Neither Rhyme Nor Reason (2/9)
Chapter Two
A week later, Reid found himself on a private jet going to Podunk, USA. He had to admit, the ease of travel and the luxury of the private plane were quite nice. He enjoyed the wooing and spent what little time he had between patients putting together a proposal. Reid thought of every piece of equipment, space, lab, salary and staff he would like. He’d done some research on Oakdale Memorial Hospital, looking through the board members and staff, trying to figure out who this mysterious benefactor was. There were a few possibilities, including someone named Lucinda Walsh; she was in charge of a large corporation.
Mostly Reid thought of how quickly he could get back to Dallas. He didn’t doubt Bob Hughes’s seriousness about the offer, or even that of the benefactor. But Reid knew no one would agree to all of his criteria. Some of the items were not necessary; they could be added later, but in a way Reid wanted to show Bob and the mysterious sponsor that he couldn’t be bought. And he honestly didn’t know if he could actually live in the middle of nowhere, even if he had the perfect neurology facility. Reid wouldn’t acknowledge that all he had was his work and it wasn’t as though he would be leaving a bunch of friends or even a boyfriend. He had his career; he was the best. What else was there?
He knew the answer Bob would drop during their talks. Initially, it was all about the older man trying to convince Reid to take on Noah’s case. But once the first check came, Reid didn’t want to listen to any more of Bob’s pleads. The phone calls continued, though, and Bob would try to encourage Reid to talk about his life; the redhead usually dodged the inquiries, offering a quick insult, yet Bob was not deterred. The older doctor would make the occasional comment about how the support of a partner and family helped to make him a better doctor, and he believed the same for Reid as well. Reid had countered that he was the best and how could you improve upon perfection.
“I’m sure you’ll find a way, Dr. Oliver,” Bob replied.
Sitting on the plane, reviewing his proposal one more time, Bob’s voice echoed in his mind, and the redhead smiled to himself.
*
There was a car and driver waiting for Reid. The quiet and efficient man checked if Reid had any extra luggage. Since the redhead wasn’t planning to stay long, he said no. He intended to drop off his plans for this neurology wing, meet the benefactor and take the plane back to Dallas. He almost opted for a ticket on a commercial flight-no doubt he wouldn’t be asked to stay-but for some reason he never made the arrangement.
Reid was driven to a high-rise, and “Worldwide Enterprises” was emblazed across the top. The doctor’s suspicions about the benefactor were confirmed. “All right, Lucinda Walsh,” he muttered to himself as he walked toward the lobby. “Let’s see what you got.”
He pushed the button for the elevator, and it came quickly. Reid had just stepped in, when he heard a voice call out, “Hold the elevator, please!”
The redhead hesitated for a moment, lost in his thoughts and then trying to find the button for the door. A younger man rushed through the doors before they whooshed shut.
“Hi,” the man said breathlessly.
Reid stepped back for a moment. The elevator was a little on the small side-although, all elevators were too small for Reid-and he could feel the younger man’s breath on him. Reid’s gaze raked up the body of his elevator companion. Expensive jeans, button shirt, one hand shoved into his pocket and the other holding a folder, tapping against his thigh. The first couple of buttons were undone, revealing a tantalizing view of chest hair and then up past a pale neck to a beautiful mouth. The enticing lips were curved into a gentle smile, revealing a set of dimples. Moving further up to soft hazel eyes, there was something in his gaze that Reid couldn’t quite decipher. The doctor found himself staring into those orbs, lost for a moment, and then he finally noticed the disheveled dark blonde/almost-brown hair. It looked like the guy just got out of bed and Reid briefly imagined that it was his own bed that this stranger had just crawled out of.
Reid swallowed thickly. The desire was so instantaneous he almost forgot his mission for being there. He’d never been distracted from a goal, not even his organic chem. partner who had been his first lover, and all he wanted to do was have sex, but Reid knew they needed to study for their mid-term. Reid had aced the test and lost the guy. He didn’t regret it, because he knew that his career would be more important than any guy.
“Hi,” the man repeated. He tilted his head to the right, giving the doctor a quizzical gaze. “Thanks for holding the elevator.”
Reid’s mouth opened but no sound came out. He tried taking a deep breath, and his gaze was once again drawn to the guy’s mouth. “Uh, yeah,” he finally said.
A dark chuckle vibrated around the elevator, and the man turned back to watching the numbers pass. Soon enough, they were at the top floor. The doors swooshed opened.
“Well, have a good day,” the stranger told Reid before walking purposely to the right.
Reid watched the man leave, his eyes tracking the other man’s jacket as it flapped behind him. He tried to ignore his disappointment that the coat obstructed his view of the guy’s ass. Shaking himself out of his distraction, Reid walked up to the receptionist desk. He gave his name and was directed to a conference room.
He took a few deep breaths before walking in. Reid was prepared and wasn’t about to be coerced into giving up any of his ideas or worse, moving to this town. Although, from what he’d seen so far, there was at least one attraction.
Reid briefly wondered where his elevator companion wandered off to.
Walking into the conference room, the doctor got his answer.
The blonde looked up from some notes he was taking and greeted Reid with that same smile. He stopped in his tracks and briefly wondered if he’d walked into the wrong room. He started to turn to look behind himself and then Bob Hughes appeared.
“Oh, Dr. Oliver, glad you could make it. I hope you didn’t have any problems with your flight?” Bob checked.
Reid glanced back at the young man. He looked at the redhead, as though expecting an answer to Bob’s question as well. Reid couldn’t figure out why the young man was there, but he didn’t want to say anything. He wasn’t sure if this was part of the meeting, if this guy was somehow related to Lucinda Walsh, and he wasn’t ready to make his usual insult and walk away. He needed to work fast to get anywhere with this guy, it would be a little difficult with Bob in the room, but Reid wasn’t about to be deterred, either.
“So have the two of you met yet?” Bob checked.
The blonde stood up. “Not officially.”
“Dr. Reid Oliver, this is Luke Snyder.”
Luke held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Oliver, you can call me Luke.”
The redhead stared at the outstretched hand for a moment. In his research on Lucinda Walsh, there was mention of grandchildren, including a Luke Snyder. He wondered if Ms. Walsh was so busy why the meeting wasn’t rescheduled. Why send a hapless grandson? He was already perturbed; he wanted to meet personally with the benefactor. Instead, she sent her grandson, some child that couldn’t be more than 25?
Although, what bothered Reid the most, and which he was loathe to admit, was his attraction to this guy, and if his rich grandmother was footing the bill for the wing. Reid had a feeling the last thing Luke would want was a one night stand. Reid didn’t have relationships and a town this small, with his grandmother writing the checks, the doctor knew he’d run into Luke frequently, causing an awkward situation or worse, Reid to lose his place as head of this neuro. wing.
Bob cleared his throat and Reid jumped slightly; another argument for all of this being a bad day and an even worse idea was that Reid was distracted. Nothing ever sidetracked him from his goal, and Luke Snyder was mostly definitely a distraction.
Glancing down at the outstretched hand briefly before turning to Bob, Reid returned the greeting, “Hello, Mr. Snyder.”
The blonde let out a slight groan of frustration and Reid swallowed thickly. Everything about this guy was a turn on and thus, beyond dangerous.
Bob watched the two men, trying to figure out how all of this was going to work. He took a seat and noticed Reid took a chair directly opposite Luke. Bob sent a silent prayer that Luke wouldn’t leave so angry that he would drop the project.
“So I’ve put together a proposal,” Reid noted and practically tossed the packet at Luke. It wasn’t as though he was afraid of actually touching the other man. He was bothered that Lucinda couldn’t be bothered to come. He watched Luke pick up the proposal and pull out a pen.
“What are you doing?” Reid demanded.
Luke’s eyes widened slightly. “I was going to take notes.”
“Why?” he sputtered.
“Dr. Oliver, Luke Snyder’s foundation will be underwriting the costs of the neuro. wing,” Bob informed him.
Luke leaned back in his chair and watched Dr. Oliver. He saw the dawning fear and dread on his face. The blonde frowned slightly. He had been expecting it, of course, but just once, he wanted to be viewed as an equal, someone with a valuable opinion, ideas, worthy of being listened to.
“Wh-what?” Reid continued to stumble through his words.
“My foundation, Dr. Oliver, will be deciding which, if any, of these ideas would be implemented.”
Reid’s eyes narrowed as his mouth opened. The insults flew fast and furious through his mind, and he was just about to start when he heard a pager go off. He automatically reached for his but found it was silent.
“I’m sorry,” Bob told the two men. “I have an emergency at the hospital. Can we reschedule?”
“Absolutely,” Luke told him and stood up.
Bob nodded to both men and made a hasty retreat. He knew the first meeting wasn’t going to be great, but he’d hoped to smooth over any damage Reid might have caused.
“You’re really footing the bill?” Reid checked. He hadn't moved from his seat.
Luke moved closer to Reid and sat in Bob’s vacated chair. “Yes, Dr. Oliver. It was actually my idea. You helped my friend, Noah Mayer.”
The older man was still trying to process everything. Luke was the mysterious benefactor. And of course, Reid knew Noah’s case. After meeting the young man, they developed an easy patient-doctor relationship. Reid still thought the cause of his accident was stupid, but when Noah agreed with him, the doctor actually started to like him a little. Once the payments came in, though, Reid didn’t dwell too much on anything. He never saw the checks, just being told that the payments had arrived. There was a foundation listed on them his assistant noted, but once the money cleared, he didn’t think any further on the topic.
“Dr. Oliver, I wanted something like that here. The foundation helps children who are sick, and after seeing all the struggles that Noah went through, I don’t want others to have to go experience that.” He had his speech planned, knowing once the press got a hold of this, he would need a few sound bites. Luke stopped, though, not certain if the doctor was listening to him. “What?” Luke asked exasperatedly.
“Where did you get that kind of money?” Reid blurted out. He actually didn’t mean to ask the question, but everything about Luke left him feeling off-kilter.
Luke cleared his throat. “It was an inheritance from my biological father. I also run a shipping company, which keeps me busy, but I do want to stay active in this new wing. I’ve actually become a member of the hospital board, so…” his voice trailed off, watching Reid for a moment. “I’m 22.”
“What?”
“Your next question or maybe it was your first one. It’s generally the first question. I’m 22, Dr. Oliver. And you’re how old?”
Reid bristled for a moment. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
“Neither is my age, as long as the checks clear, right? And don’t worry, while I have been relying on Bob’s recommendation, you aren’t the only neurosurgeon in the country. You will be completely vetted before an offer is made.”
“Excuse me?” Reid’s voice was ice cold.
But Luke refused to be deterred. “Yes, there’s a James Channing in Chicago, he seemed rather nice, and he-”
“That deli slicer!” the redhead countered slamming his palms against the wood conference table. He held back a wince as he said, “I thought-”
“What? You had this in the bag?” Luke questioned. For the first time, he felt like he had the upper hand and it was exhilarating. “What exactly do you have against Dr. Channing? He has manners and charm. But beside that-”
“Do you want the best or do you want someone to kiss your ass? Channing isn’t a tenth of the doctor I am; that man is the bane of my existence. He wouldn’t have an original idea if it bit him in the ass. You want to throw your money around? Or do you want a world-class neuro. wing?” Reid crossed his arms over his chest and his eyes were narrowed into two slits. He couldn’t believe what a waste of time all of this was.
“The bane of your existence?” Luke questioned, although the passionate way in which the doctor discussed his work improved the blonde’s impression him.
“He takes procedures I have developed and writes book reports on them.”
Despite himself, Luke smiled. “You make him sound like the Joker to your Batman.” The younger man winced as soon as he said the comment. He had spent time with his brother, Ethan, over breakfast. The little boy was talking about comic books and mentioned Batman and the Joker. The topic was on his mind, but it was just another opportunity for Dr. Oliver to view him as a child.
“Well, Channing is a joke.”
Luke rolled his eyes in response. This doctor was unnerving him. “No, Batman, the Joker, Mr. Freeze and Robin?” He kept throwing out names but Reid didn’t even blink. “Have you ever read a comic book?” he asked, leaning in closer, trying to get some recognition from the man.
“I played chess,” Reid replied. He tried to move back, because he generally didn’t talk about chess, or anything personal for that matter. This boy left him unsettled and Reid hated every moment so far.
Luke liked the game as well, but he had other interests. “That’s sad.” Again, words left his mouth before he could realize what was happening. He wanted to immediately pull them back. Insulting the doctor wasn’t going to help, either.
“No, it’s made me the best. That’s what your mummy and daddy’s money is buying isn’t it?”
The blonde shook his head. As much as he wanted this project, he didn’t want to be forced to listen to this condescending ass every day. “Good-bye, Dr. Oliver.”
Luke stood up and walked out the door. As headed for the elevator, he pulled out his cellphone. He knew Dr. Hughes probably wouldn’t be available, but he didn’t want to get into a long discussion either. “Hello, Bob, it’s Luke Snyder. Listen, I don’t know what you were thinking with Dr. Oliver. He may be brilliant, but the man’s a jackass. I don’t like him and don’t want him anywhere near this project. I think we should seriously consider Dr. Channing.”
*
Luke went back to the foundation offices and tried to get some work done. But he kept hearing Reid’s smug voice in his head. Deciding to get a second opinion and remind himself of why he was doing this, Luke headed over to see Noah.
He still couldn’t get over seeing his friend and having Noah look right at him. After all the months of frustration and anger, it was a welcome change.
After exchanging greetings, Luke said, “Well, I met the famous, or should I say infamous, Dr. Reid Oliver.”
Noah chuckled. “His bedside manner leaves something to be desired.”
“He’s an ass,” Luke countered.
“But brilliant,” the brunette replied, holding up his finger to make a point.
He was about to ask if that made up for it but looking at Noah, realizing his friend had been told on numerous occasions that there was no hope and now…
“Yeah. And from what I understand he has some great ideas for the new wing.” Luke had looked over the proposal, there were many things he didn’t understand, but from his talks with other neurosurgeons, he realized the items that Reid wanted would make the wing the best, which was the plan all along.
Taking a breath, Luke realized, “Where’s Richard?”
“Art class,” Noah said quietly. “He should be home later.”
Luke looked at Noah for a moment. He understood that there had been a strain between his friend and Richard. Luke didn’t understand why Richard had been blamed for Noah’s accident, some stupid fight before Noah went to work on the special effects. Then there was all the back-and-forth, trying to be closer, but not wanting Richard to be tied down.
“Is everything okay?” Luke checked.
“I thought getting my vision back that everything would be back to normal, but…” Noah sighed. “Now, I’m the ass, right? I pushed my boyfriend away, but I didn’t want Richard to be saddled with a blind guy.”
“But if you love someone you support him. Isn’t that how relationships work?” Luke checked.
“Luke…” Noah and he had this same conversation over and over. “Yes, and we’re working on it. We’re trying to be us again, but… I’m sorry, Luke, but your last relationship was with Maddie and that ended over a year ago. You’ve never been through this. You haven’t ever had a long-term relationship, I don’t-”
“I date!” Luke cut him off. He was still on edge by the questions left from his earlier encounter with Reid, and he was tired of being grilled. “And when I find the right girl…” Luke went on a lot of first dates. When it came time to more, he generally found an excuse for why it wouldn’t work.
“You find a lot of girls, Luke,” Noah replied. He wanted his friend to be happy and yes, he didn’t want to continue talking about him and Richard. “Why don’t you ever give them a chance? I get that Maddie is an amazing girl. When I came out, you guys supported me more than anyone I’ve ever met. But she’s-”
“I shouldn’t have been with Maddie,” the blonde admitted. “We were great friends and… Casey asked me to look out for her while he was in prison and I took advantage of that.”
“You fell in love with her,” Noah pointed out.
“And she was still in love with Casey, it never would have worked,” he said quietly. “Anyway… I don’t want to talk about relationships.”
“Thank God!” Noah laughed.
The blonde found himself chuckling as well. “And this Dr. Oliver…?”
“Luke, when you first told me about this neuro. wing, Dr. Oliver was the only person I could imagine running it. He’s abrasive, but I’m living proof of his brilliance. And when you’re a patient of his…” Noah’s eyes narrowed for a moment, trying to think of the right way to describe the doctor. “He really does care about his patients. He found a place for me while I was there, and the physical therapist he provided normally has a six-month waiting list, but Dr. Oliver pulled some strings and got me in with Leslie.”
Luke didn’t want to admit it, but he was starting to wonder if he could actually work with Dr. Oliver.
*
Bob finally got done with his patients and checked his messages. He sighed deeply when he heard Luke’s message. He knew leaving the two men alone was a bad idea. He wasn’t sure how to proceed and decided to consult Kim. When he called the station, he was informed that his wife was having lunch with Katie at the Lakeview. In a way, he thought it might be a blessing, because Katie was also involved with this wing. Luke had come to Bob and told him his plan to name the neuro. wing after Brad and that he had received Katie’s approval. He also noted a growing closeness between Luke and the widow, and he hoped she might be able to help Bob talk to Luke.
When he got to the Lakeview lounge, he found Katie sitting by herself. She waved Bob over when she saw him. “Kim got a call from the station, but she should be back in a moment,” Katie greeted him.
“Thanks, but actually I was hoping to speak to you.”
“What about?” she asked.
“Today Luke and I had our first meeting with Dr. Oliver.”
Katie nodded her head. The previous evening, Luke had come over for a dinner and told her about the meeting. “How did it go?”
“Well…” Bob sighed. “My understanding is that it didn’t go particularly well. I was called away. Reid is…” The doctor took a moment, searching for the right words. “Reid is a brilliant man with a strong personality.”
“So it’s true that all doctors have a God-complex?” she checked cocking an eyebrow.
“Well, for Dr. Oliver it is certainly deserved. But… Well, I don’t know the specifics, but Luke left me a message stating that he couldn’t work with Dr. Oliver.”
She gasped. “What? But…what does that mean for the project?”
“I’m not sure, I’m afraid. There are other neurosurgeons who are qualified, but Luke wants to make this the best, and to do that we will need Dr. Oliver.”
“Let me talk to Luke,” Katie offered.
Bob smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He looked around, trying to spot his wife, and instead he noticed Reid Oliver walking in. “And there he is now.”
Katie turned in the direction Bob had indicated. The man in question took one look at both of them and grimaced. She wasn’t sure how successful she would be, but Katie did have a way of getting what she wanted.
Bob quickly stood up and walked over to the other doctor. From the look in Reid’s face, he didn’t appear to have any more desire to stay. Katie quickly stood up and joined the two men.
“Thank you, Bob, for keeping me company, but I’m sure Kim is looking for you. Oh, hello, I’m Katie Snyder and you’re-”
Reid rolled his eyes heavenward. “I don’t know how, but I know this was staged in some way. So who are you? Luke’s sister? Aunt?”
Bob opened his mouth but Katie shot him a look and the older man quickly changed his tactics. “Dr. Oliver, I will be in touch. Katie, it was good to see you.”
“You too, Bob.”
The older man left them and Katie turned back to Reid. “And to answer your question, Luke and I are only related by marriage.”
Reid’s mouth fell open and he tried to ignore the burn of disappointment that worked its way through his body. “Y-you’re married?”
Katie laughed easily and wrapped an arm around Reid’s and led him back to her table. “Uh, no, not that he isn’t adorable.”
Reid couldn’t argue that point, but what was more disturbing was that this petite blonde was leading him toward a table and Reid was allowing it. She sat down and indicated for him to join her.
“Luke is the cousin of my late husband, Brad, the man the neurology wing will be named after. The Snyder Pavilion. Brad was killed last Fall,” Katie finished quietly. Each time she said it, it was as though she was reliving it again.
Reid had seen the name in his last email from Bob. When he met Luke he thought it was just a way for the young man to get his name on a building. So he wasn’t as pompous as Reid originally thought, which bothered the doctor, because it was another reason to like Mr. Snyder, and all Reid wanted from the man was his money.
“Luke told me about this idea, and I think in a way you inspired him.”
Reid looked around the room, waiting for the blonde philanthropist to suddenly appear. He felt like he was getting sucked into something, and he didn’t have any idea how to escape. Does this town have tentacles? he wondered.
“Funny that Mr. Snyder didn’t mention that during our meeting. We didn’t exactly…bond. And if they sent in a perky blonde to persuade me to stay, it won’t work.”
Katie smiled. She liked Reid immediately. “And why not?” she questioned, not that she was interested. Although, Dr. Oliver was definitely attractive. He had intense eyes and a cool demeanor, it made you want to get closer just to learn more or because it would bother him so much. But Katie was still in love with Brad.
“I like my blondes on the masculine side,” he countered. He probably shouldn’t have included blondes, he realized, it made him think of Luke. Although, the younger man hadn’t been far from his thoughts since Reid first laid eyes on him.
“So you’re gay?”
“Yes.”
“And Luke’s blonde, but straight, so I assume that wouldn’t attract you to stay. Although, he can be annoyingly perky, or optimistic. He likes optimistic. When he comes by at 7:00 a.m. ready for breakfast, I find it perky and annoying.” Katie had leaned in closer, as though they were sharing something in common with Luke, a secret between friends.
Reid didn’t happen to like or necessarily agree with the straight comment. He hadn't been attracted to a straight guy since high school. Once he realized it was a pointless endeavor he vowed to never let it happen again. But the idea that Luke was over at Katie’s place early in the morning left him feeling a little uncomfortable.
“He comes by early?” Reid questioned. He hadn’t meant to ask, but as was quickly becoming the case, words came fast and furious in regards to Luke Snyder. If they were going to work together, Reid would have to be more careful…or find a muzzle.
“Luke sometimes baby-sits Jacob, my son. I think it’s part of who he is, but also it’s in the Snyder genes. There are dozens of them, when you start work on the pavilion, I’ll give you the low-down.”
“I haven’t agreed to this project, and I doubt Mr. Snyder likes me very much at that moment.”
Katie waved away his comment. “Leave Luke to me.”
He didn’t like that idea. “No, believe me, it’s true, and besides, the feeling is mutual. I found Luke Snyder to be…” his voice trailed off. Too many adjectives and generally opposing each other-annoying/attractive, trust-fund brat/philanthropist, ridiculous/hot-floated around his head.
She leaned over the table, resting her chin against the palm of her hand. “You didn’t like Luke? Everyone loves Luke Snyder.”
“I really don’t want to hear about the Golden Boy of Oakdale.”
She laughed. “He’s not exactly an angel,” she replied.
Reid didn’t want to admit it, but he was intrigued by her comment. He hoped she would elaborate but knew he couldn’t ask.
“So why don’t you tell me your ideas for this wing over lunch?” she offered. She and Kim didn’t even get a chance to order before she had to take her phone call. And by now, Katie thought Bob would have taken Kim away for Katie to work her magic. Some people called it meddling, but Katie found it helped her not to think about Brad. If only she could find a nice girl for Luke, then she thought she might be all set. “Then we can get you settled in your room.”
“My room?” Reid questioned.
“Well, I assume you’ll be staying in Oakdale, and since Luke’s mom, Lily, is part owner of the Lakeview…” her voice trailed off for a moment. “Didn’t they get you a hotel room?”
“I hate hotels,” he snapped. “They’re infested with germs,” he added with a shudder. He didn’t even think about how he was supposed to get back to Dallas and what he was going to do in the meantime. He did push back his patients for a few days, telling them that it was possible he might be moving his practice. Reid didn’t want to alarm anyone, and he wasn’t planning to get his hopes up over the wing. After meeting Luke, the doctor expected to be on the first plane out of town, but his desire for food made him ask the receptionist a good place to get lunch. Upon her recommendation, he had arrived here. Knowing that Lucinda Walsh’s daughter was one of the owners explained the suggestion
“Oh, well…” Her tongue darted out for a moment as an idea came to her mind. “I have a spare room, and since you’re gay I don’t have to worry…” She shook her head. “I have a six-month-old, Jacob, and an extra bedroom. Why don’t you stay with me tonight and we’ll figure everything out tomorrow?” she offered.
Reid had never met anyone who was such a whirlwind before. He knew that if he were to take her up on her offer, from what she said, there was a likelihood that he would run into Luke Snyder. For some reason, that wasn’t a deterrent.
“I need to eat first,” he hedged.
“Of course,” Katie responded. “They have an excellent steak,” she replied companionably.
Picking up a menu, Reid used it to hide his smile.
*
A few hours later, Reid found himself sitting on the couch in Katie’s apartment. He hated to acknowledge it, but he liked Katie and her son. The more they talked, the more she would drop pieces of information about Luke into the conversation. She didn’t mention his kidney transplant nor the reason why he started the foundation, just spouting off some line that could be found in any press release. He would have to do a quick search on the annoying Mr. Snyder. Reid never expected the trust fund baby was the benefactor. Another reason for Reid to be irritated with both Luke and himself. He wasn’t as prepared as he should have been, and he was left off his game.
No one did that to him.
Katie and Reid’s conversation was interrupted by knocking on her door. She got up and found Luke standing in front of her.
“Hi, Katie,” he greeted her. “I know we didn’t have plans, but I really need to talk to you.”
“What could be so pressing, Mr. Snyder?” Reid called and stood up. He walked toward the door and stood behind Katie. He smirked when he saw the look of dawning horror on Luke’s face.
“What’s he doing here?” the blonde demanded.
Katie reached for Luke’s arm and pulled him into her home. She shot Reid a look, letting him know it was best to back off.
The redhead held up his hands in surrender. “I need to get some things-toothbrush, socks, is there a store nearby?” Reid checked.
Kate walked over to the table and grabbed her purse. “Just take my car. There’s a Target about four miles west of here.”
Luke’s lips formed a single line, watching the exchange. His jaw was clenched, and he crossed his arms over his chest.
“Thanks, Katie. I do appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
Luke’s eyes narrowed, and he had trouble keeping himself still.
Reid was laying it on thick, but seeing the vein in Luke’s forehead pulsing was worth it. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and headed for the door. “See you later, Mr. Snyder,” he called over his shoulder.
“Katie! What the hell is going on?” Luke demanded as soon as the door slammed shut.
“Luke!” Katie reached for his hands and led him toward her couch. “I met Dr. Oliver earlier. We had a great lunch, and I offered him a place to stay, while he’s waiting for your meeting to be rescheduled. You’re the one who brought him here,” she pointed out.
He sighed. “I know. The meeting was awful. Of course, he looked at me the way everyone else does: rich kid who wants to spend his money and will be bored in a week.” He rubbed his hand across his forehead.
“But we both know you’re not that guy,” she reminded him. “And Reid is…”
“Reid! It’s Reid now?” Luke jumped on that instead of Katie’s reassurances.
She chuckled softly. “He’s really not that bad. And the man is brilliant. He was telling me about some of his ideas for the Snyder Pavilion. They’re amazing, Luke.”
“I know,” he reluctantly admitted. “I’ve looked over the proposal, and his reputation…” After leaving Noah’s, he had started to do more research on the infamous Dr. Oliver. He didn’t photograph well, always having a permanent look of disdain on his face. Luke didn’t want to dwell on why he noted that particular point. The awards and publications were almost ten times as many as any of the other neurosurgeons he’d spoken to, combined. Reviewing the planned proposal, Luke couldn’t deny Reid would be the best choice.
“And he’s staying here?” he questioned.
“He hates hotels,” she offered hopefully.
“Katie! You don’t know this man. I don’t think that’s a good idea. I know you’ve been through…” He sighed. “It’s been hell, I know, and this guy could hurt you more.”
“He won’t,” she assured him. “He’s kind of funny, actually.”
Luke’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open. “Yeah, right. We’ll find him a hotel.”
“He hates hotels,” she reminded him. “And besides, if Reid’s the one you choose to run this wing, he’s going to need a permanent place to stay. Please, Luke, give him another chance.”
“If he hurts you, he’ll have to answer to me,” Luke vowed.
Katie smiled and pulled him close for a hug. “That sounds like something Henry would say.”
“It’s because we both love you. Now, how’s Jacob? I haven’t seen him in like a day!”
Pulling out of the hug, she laughed. “He’s napping and I hope he’ll stay that way a little while longer. Reid sang to him, and he went straight to sleep.”
Despite himself, Luke smiled. “Good to know.”
“Luke-”
“No, I won’t say anything,” he told her. Yet, he silently added to himself. He thought it might actually help the next time Reid insulted him, he could conjure up the image of Reid with Jacob. But it didn’t make him want to hold it over Reid’s head, it actually seemed nice, and Luke found himself smiling.
“Who are you thinking about?” Katie asked.
Luke shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. “What?”
“You had this smile…who is she?”
“What?” he repeated, his heart pounding loudly in his chest.
Katie’s head tilted slightly to the right. “You just have this smile on your face… I used to see it sometimes when you and Maddie were working together at WOAK. Did you meet someone?” She was hoping to find a girl for Luke; she’d been working on getting Henry and Vienna back together and Luke was going to be her next project.
“No one. Nothing,” Luke told insisted. “I don’t have time to date, we’ve got to get the Snyder Pavilion up and running.”
*
Reid returned almost an hour later with a couple of bags. He was surprised to see Luke still there. Katie had mentioned that the young man spent time with her and Jacob. He was briefly second-guessing his choice to stay with Katie.
“Did you get everything you need?” she asked.
Luke was holding Jacob, staring at Reid. The older man’s gaze caught Luke’s for a moment. He couldn’t read the expression on Luke’s face, but he didn’t appear to be as angry as he was earlier. The little boy snuggled closer and Luke absently ran his hand down the boy’s back. The air left Reid’s body for a moment; it shouldn’t be attractive, Reid didn’t generally like children, but Jacob was proving to be an exception. And Luke holding the child, weary but caring…
He’s straight, the doctor reminded himself.
“Reid?” Katie checked, coming closer to him. “Everything okay?”
He tore his gaze away from Luke. “You tell me.”
“Why don’t Jacob and I go for a walk?” she suggested with a tad too much pep. She walked up to Luke and took her son. There was an easy affection in the young man’s eyes, and it made Reid a little uncomfortable.
Katie quickly got Jacob in his stroller and headed for the door. “Behave,” she called out, and neither man could be certain whom she was talking to.
“I, um…” Luke shoved his hands into the pocket of his jeans. “I had a chance to review your proposal.”
“Did you understand it?” the question slipped out quickly and had the desired effect. Luke looked simultaneously hurt and angry. Good, Reid told himself. And it wasn’t that he cared about the effect he had on Mr. Snyder.
“Yes, I did. And thanks to Katie…” He started to walk toward Reid. “I’d like to give you a second chance.”
Reid snorted.
“Meet Bob and me tomorrow morning at 9:00. I’ll have a car sent for you, so you don’t have to keep using Katie’s. The plan…your ideas… You’re brilliant.”
“I know,” Reid told Luke.
“You’re also an ass. If you can keep your ego in check for one hour tomorrow, then we might actually have a deal. What do you say?” Luke offered his hand.
The redhead chuckled. Generally, when people wanted something from him, they did everything they could not to insult or annoy Reid. Luke could do both with one look. But the younger man also made Reid feel something he didn’t want to name, although it would be easy enough to do.
Reid took Luke’s hand. He felt the electricity go through his body, permeating from Luke’s hand up Reid’s arm, a shot of desire pooling in his belly. Swallowing thickly, the doctor’s gaze met Luke’s. He saw the same look in the blonde’s eyes; they went from hazel to a dark chocolate so quickly, Reid almost couldn’t believe it. “Deal,” he said his voice a little hoarse.
Swiftly letting go, Luke made his way toward the door. “Katie likes you and she’s been through hell in the last year.” He stopped, trying to catch the doctor’s gaze but not wanting to, either. “Don’t hurt her.”
Reid’s mouth fell open. How could Luke ask him that after…? He tried to respond, to let Luke know that Katie wasn’t his type, but the blonde was gone.
Leaning heavily against the door, Luke tried to catch his breath. His palm felt sweaty, and he was shaking. He thought what he felt when Katie kissed his cheek the other day had been attraction, a desire, but what he felt when Dr. Oliver touched him…
“It’s nothing,” he told himself and shakily ran his fingers through his hair a few times. “It’s nothing.”
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As you requested, Luke and Reid met. What did you think? ~Ali
Onto Chapter Three...