FIC: Oakdale is Not So Bad - Part 9
Title: Oakdale is Not So Bad - Part 9
Author: sleeper6
Characters: Reid/Luke, Snyders, Damian
Rating: R
Disclaimer: All belongs to As the World Turns, not me.
Summary: Sequel to Dad is Not So Bad. After Reid moves to Oakdale to be with Luke, he has trouble adjusting to his new life and relationship.
Notes: SO SORRY for the delay in posting.
Previous: Part 1/ Part 2/ Part 3/ Part 4/ Part 5/ Part 6/ Part 7/ Part 8
“Wow, that did not go over well,” Reid said as he stepped out on the porch.
Luke closed the front door, laughing as he joined Reid outside his mother’s house. “What are you talking about? My parents aren’t mad at you for seeing them naked.”
“For the last time, they were not naked, just not very dressed.” Reid lightly swatted Luke’s arm. “And it’s not funny.”
Luke continued laughing. “I swear it was more embarrassing for you than it was for them. I’ve never seen you so red. It’s good to know that there are things that can make Reid Oliver blush.”
Reid glared at Luke. He didn’t think the incident Luke was joking about was funny. And if he had to admit it, yes, it definitely had been more embarrassing for him than for the Walsh and the Snyder, as he’d been mentally referring to Lily and Holden; though after last night, after running into Holden in his boxers and Lily in her negligee n the kitchen, Reid was sure they’d be the Snyders again in no time.
“I was talking about the Damian announcement you made a few minutes ago,” Reid said.
“Oh, that.”
“Is it always like that? Every time he comes to town?”
“Pretty much,” Luke said. He’d shared the news of Damian’s impending arrival with his parents, who had immediately begun debating the reasons for his visit. “Damian’s a sore subject with my parents, as you already know.”
“He really is that bad?” Reid asked.
“Only when it comes to something he wants.”
“And do you also believe that that’s the reason for his visit? That he’s coming because he wants something?”
Luke shrugged as he stuck his hands in his pockets. “Damian only stops by when he wants something or when he thinks he needs to fix something, and that unfortunately usually involves my mom or dad in some way and that’s why they get so worked up about him.”
“The way they reacted-it’s like you’d just announced that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was coming to Oakdale.”
“Who?”
“The bad guy in Harry Potter.”
Luke grinned. “How do you know about Harry Potter?”
“You know, I wasn’t just pIaying footsie with you under the table last night. I was actually listening when your little brother talked and talked and talked about his favorite book,” Reid said.
“You really did like them, huh?” Luke asked.
“I told you I did,” Reid said. “They’re pretty cool. Your parents are too.”
“Because they’re okay with you seeing them in the buff?”
“Luke, for the last time, they were not-”
Luke laughed. “I know, I know, I’m just messing with you.”
“Speaking of your parents, I take it they are definitely back together?” Reid asked.
Luke nodded. “That’s a correct assumption to make, Doctor.”
“Are you okay with that?” Reid said as he walked closer to Luke and grasped Luke’s hands in his.
Luke sighed. “As long as it lasts this time.” He then smiled at Reid. “They belong together. I just hope they realize it for good this time.”
“Well, as cool as your parents are with me screwing their son in the next room, I don’t think I’ll be spending any more nights here.”
Luke touched Reid’s cheek. “It’s okay. I’m getting used to Katie’s looks and stares.”
“And giggles,” Reid added. “Don’t forget the giggles.”
“Ah, yes, she really sucks at being subtle, doesn’t she?”
“Katie I can deal with,” Reid said. “It’s Chris that’s the problem.”
“I already told you to ignore him,” Luke said softly. “Don’t let him get to you.”
“But you’ve heard his comments, Luke. It’s enough I have to deal with him at Memorial. I don’t like having to put up with his shit at home, too.”
Luke slipped his arms around Reid’s neck. “Well, then, maybe this is a sign that you need to get your own place now that you’re staying in Oakdale permanently.”
“Luke-”
“I’m not pushing you, I promise. I just want you to think about it.”
“I will,” Reid said. He leaned in and kissed Luke.
“Are we on for dinner with Damian tonight?”
“Sure,” Reid answered, “but did he say why he wants to meet with us?”
“Uh oh,” Luke teased, “don’t tell me you’re also scared of Lord Vold-oops, I mean Damian.”
“Not scared, just curious. I don’t think your parents get that upset over nothing.”
“Damian probably wants to see how we’re doing and how the wing plans are coming along.”
“So maybe he is coming to town just to see you. You should tell your parents that.”
“There’s no reasoning with them when it comes to Damian,” Luke said.
Reid looked at his watch. “I have to get going.”
Luke kissed him. “He’s arriving at eight and wants to meet us at nine. Unless you’re going to make up some fake emergency to get out of it?”
“The village might be afraid of the big, bad foreign villain but I’m not,” Reid said, smirking. “I’ll be there.”
And that was true. Reid wasn’t scared of Damian. How could he be after everything Damian had done for him, including introducing him to a man Reid thought he’d never meet? And even after learning so much about Damian’s past, Reid didn’t fear Damian. What Reid felt was worry. After his and Luke’s rocky start in Oakdale, things were good, and Reid wanted them to stay that way. He was finally feeling at home in Crazy Town, and he was worried that Damian might upset Luke or the Snyders or initiate another outrageous, over-the-top scheme to disrupt their lives.
Damian had given him this new life-Luke and Memorial and Oakdale-but he could also take it away. Reid intended to make sure that didn’t happen.
“Hey, Oliver!”
Reid rolled his eyes as he paused outside his office. He slowly turned around. “What do you want, Hughes?” he asked with a loud sigh.
Chris grinned. “Good to see you too.”
Reid held up his watch. “The clock’s ticking.”
“All right, then let me get to the point.” Chris cleared his throat. “Katie and I were wondering when you’ll be moving out.”
“No, you weren’t.”
“Okay, I, was wondering,” Chris said with a laugh. “So, when are you moving out?”
Reid snorted. “What, so you can move in? Please, you two aren’t there yet.”
“Well, we can be if we’d have more privacy and space.”
“Katie doesn’t want me to go,” Reid said. “Listening to me and Luke is the only action she gets. What will she do if I leave?” Reid looked Chris up and down. “Depend on you?” Reid laughed as he made notes on the chart in his hands.
“You’ll be packing by the end of the week,” Chris said before walking off.
“Threaten me all you want,” Reid said out loud as he stepped into his office, “but I’m not going anywhere.”
“No, you’re not, and we’re all glad for that.”
Reid jumped slightly and dropped his pen upon hearing the voice beside him. He turned in time to see Damian stand from the couch against the wall and shut the door.
“Good morning, Dr. Oliver,” Damian said with a smile.
“Da-Damian, what are you doing here? You’re supposed to arrive tonight.”
“What’s the matter? You don’t like surprises?”
“Not particularly,” Reid said before bending down to retrieve his pen.
“I don’t, either,” Damian said, “especially the one about you almost leaving this state-of-the-art facility and returning to Dallas.”
Reid slowly straightened. He stared at Damian. How does he know about that?
Damian smiled. “Luciano is my son. I’m his father. We talk.” Damian walked to Reid’s desk and started reviewing Reid’s notes on the neurology wing. “You left everything behind to come play top boss so I was very surprised at your sudden change of mind.”
“I moved here for Luke, not the wing, Damian,” Reid said firmly.
“So you were leaving him too.”
“I’m here,” Reid said, crossing his arms. “For good.”
Damian looked up from the plans. “Oakdale isn’t such a bad place, is it?”
“Once you get past the lies, the kidnappings, blackmail, and mysterious disappearances-which often include your involvement-no, I guess it’s not.”
“Ah, so people have been telling tales about me,” Damian said with a grin. “Who? Holden? Lily?”
“Among others.”
“There are two sides to every story, Dr. Oliver.”
“And your excuse is what? That you go bat-shit crazy once a year?”
Damian laughed.
“Some advice for the future: you definitely need to think before you act.”
“I always do, Dr. Oliver,” Damian said, his laughter ending quickly. “Everything I do, everything I’ve done, is for love.”
Reid snorted.
Damian walked closer to Reid. “You know, Dr. Oliver, I thought you’d be more grateful for what I’ve done for you, including giving you this amazing facility.”
“You didn’t give me any-”
“I’m an investor in this project.”
“So is Luke, so is Henry.”
“Still, I don’t understand the animosity towards me,” Damian said, crossing his arms. “Did I do something to offend you?”
“It’s not me you wronged. It’s Luke, whom you hurt over and over again. He gets enough of that from Noah. It’s not fair of you to pile it on,” Reid said.
“I’m not going to explain my actions regarding Luciano to you.”
“You don’t have to. I’ve already heard enough from Luke, his parents-”
“The same parents who did their best to keep you from my son?” Damian asked with a smirk.
“They’ve explained their reasons for that. They love Luke; they were just trying to protect him.”
“So you’re on their side now.”
“I’m not on anyone’s side, Damian. I just know what I learned,” Reid said.
“And it seems you’ve certainly learned a lot from Lily and Holden. How are they doing, by the way?”
Reid looked curiously at Damian. “Uh, they’re fine, I guess.”
Damian smiled slyly. “Oh, come on, you can do better than that. You spent the night in the same house as they. So again, how are they doing?”
Reid’s eyes widened. “How-how did you know about that?”
Damian put his hands on Reid’s shoulders. “I love Luciano. I always make sure he’s okay.” Damian gripped Reid’s shoulders a little tighter. “Always.” He stepped back and walked to the door. “About tonight, I have to reschedule.”
“Why?”
“I have things to take care of,” Damian said, a strange smile on his face. “Pass the message along to Luke, okay?” And before Reid could reply, Damian walked out.
Reid swallowed hard as he stared at the door. Just when I thought this town was all right . . .
“He didn’t tell you why he’s cancelling tonight’s dinner?”
Reid gently touched Luke’s cheek with his knuckle. He didn’t intend to keep anything from Luke, but he didn’t want to make something out of nothing. It was nothing, wasn’t it? Reid thought. After replaying his conversation with Damian that morning, Reid still wasn’t sure if he’d been threatened or not. But he wasn’t going to dwell on it any longer. The less drama in their lives, the better, Reid had learned. “No, he didn’t.”
Luke sat back on the couch. “So what do you want to do then? Go out to eat?”
Reid scooted closer to Luke and nuzzled his neck. “How about we stay in instead and . . . eat.” He bit Luke’s neck.
“Again?” Chris asked as he and Katie walked in. He patted Luke’s back as he passed them on the way to the kitchen. “Be careful not to wear him out, Luke. Remember that the old doc’s not young and virile like you.”
“Chris, leave them alone,” Katie said as she began taking the groceries out of the bags she and Chris carried.
“Reid, shhh,” Luke said, covering Reid’s mouth to keep him from saying anything. “Come on, let’s go to your room.”
“You’re an asshole,” Reid said to Chris as Luke dragged him toward the bedroom.
“And you know assholes better than anyone,” Chris said, laughing out loud.
Luke and Reid simultaneously rolled their eyes.
“See? I told you.”
“Forget about him, Reid. I’ll help you.”
“Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit,” Reid chanted as Luke brushed his prostate. He sat with his ass propped on a large pillow and his legs-bent at the knees-wide open to accommodate Luke, who hovered over Reid. He rested against the headboard, careful to keep his head from hitting it as Luke thrust harder and harder into him.
”Reid,” Luke whispered as he shut his eyes tightly, signaling he was getting closer to his release.
”Come on, Luke, come.”
“Hey, you two! Can you keep it down in there?” Chris’s voice came from the other side of the door. “Jacob’s crying, and he can’t go to sleep with all the huffing and puffing you’re doing in there.”
Chris’s laughter was loud through the door. Reid groaned, and Luke stilled his movements. “Jacob is not crying.”
“I can’t take anymore of him, Luke.”
“Shh, don’t think about him, not right now,” Luke said as he resumed his thrusting. He bent down and kissed Reid, and that definitely made Reid momentarily forgot all about Chris.
After they finished, Luke, still inside Reid, smiled at Reid. “That was amazing, Oliver.”
Reid smiled back. “Sure was, Snyder.”
They kissed softly as Luke pulled out.
“Thanks for helping keep my mind off him,” Reid said, pulling Luke down on top of him.
“You’re welcome.” Luke lay with his head on Reid’s chest. “But you know, I really think it’s time to move out of here.”
Reid nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. Just have to sell my place in Dallas first.”
Luke looked confusingly at Reid. “What?” He sat up, pulling away from Reid. “You-you haven’t sold your apartment in Dallas?”
Reid reached for Luke. “Come here.”
Luke pushed Reid’s hands away. “Why haven’t you? It’s been a month since you returned saying you’d taken care of everything over there. Is it in case you do leave and go back? You still think you’re not gonna like it here or-or that we won’t work out? Is that it?”
Reid chuckled as he grabbed Luke’s hands and pulled him close. They sat facing each other. “Don’t get all dramatic on me. The only reason I haven’t sold it is because no one’s bought it. It’s been on the market for a month but homes don’t sell that quickly. That is the only reason.”
“Oh,” Luke said, blushing. “Sorry.”
Reid was used to Luke’s freak-outs as much as Luke was to Reid’s. “It’s okay.” He kissed Luke. “I do need your help, though, in finding a new place. I remember you had some listings you wanted me to look at. Will you help me?”
Luke threw his arms around Reid and embraced him tightly. “Yes, yes, of course. I’ll help you with anything.” He planted kisses all over Reid’s face.
Reid laughed uncontrollably. He hadn’t been this happy in a long time, and he wanted this feeling to last. By permanently settling in Oakdale once and for all, Reid hoped it would.
The realtor, Rachel Banks showed them six properties, a mix of houses and condominium. Reid wanted to buy, as he’d told Rachel and Luke, because paying rent was just tossing away money. None of the places appealed to Reid until the last one: a two-story, three-bedroom condo with modern furnishings and everything Reid was looking for. The close distance to Memorial was a big advantage too.
“This one,” Reid said after Rachel had given them the tour.
Rachel and Luke laughed as they glanced at one another.
“What?” Reid asked. “Am I missing something here?”
“I knew you’d like this one. This is the place we used to entice Dr. Channing to settle in Oakdale,” Luke said. “In addition to the wing, of course.”
“And it worked?”
Luke grinned and nodded. “He bought it.”
“Want to make an offer?” Rachel asked.
Reid glanced around the spacious living room. “You know what? I’ll handle this. I’ll call Channing myself.”
“Hello, Dr. Channing here.”
Reid held the phone to his ear. “So the AMA still hasn’t revoked your license, huh?”
“Reid Oliver, is that you? You’re calling me; I’m so honored,” Dr. Channing said sarcastically. “What’s the matter? You need my help with a case?”
Reid snorted. “Yeah, that’s never going to happen. I’m calling about the condo in Oakdale. How much you want for it?”
Dr. Channing laughed. “Can’t believe he succeeded.”
“Who?”
“Damian Grimaldi.”
Reid gripped the phone tighter. “What are you talking about?”
“Grimaldi, Sr. He went to Dallas to find you and bring you to Oakdale and he did. Didn’t think he could do it but that guy really can be persuasive, right?”
Reid wasn’t sure he’d heard right. “He went to Dallas to find me? He knew about me?”
“Everybody knows about you; isn’t that what you always say?” Dr. Channing said with a laugh. “And he took his son along too to close the deal. No wonder you couldn’t resist.”
Reid was too shocked to say anything.
“Oliver, are you there?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m-I’m here,” Reid finally said. “Channing, tell me everything you know.”
Part 10
Author: sleeper6
Characters: Reid/Luke, Snyders, Damian
Rating: R
Disclaimer: All belongs to As the World Turns, not me.
Summary: Sequel to Dad is Not So Bad. After Reid moves to Oakdale to be with Luke, he has trouble adjusting to his new life and relationship.
Notes: SO SORRY for the delay in posting.
Previous: Part 1/ Part 2/ Part 3/ Part 4/ Part 5/ Part 6/ Part 7/ Part 8
“Wow, that did not go over well,” Reid said as he stepped out on the porch.
Luke closed the front door, laughing as he joined Reid outside his mother’s house. “What are you talking about? My parents aren’t mad at you for seeing them naked.”
“For the last time, they were not naked, just not very dressed.” Reid lightly swatted Luke’s arm. “And it’s not funny.”
Luke continued laughing. “I swear it was more embarrassing for you than it was for them. I’ve never seen you so red. It’s good to know that there are things that can make Reid Oliver blush.”
Reid glared at Luke. He didn’t think the incident Luke was joking about was funny. And if he had to admit it, yes, it definitely had been more embarrassing for him than for the Walsh and the Snyder, as he’d been mentally referring to Lily and Holden; though after last night, after running into Holden in his boxers and Lily in her negligee n the kitchen, Reid was sure they’d be the Snyders again in no time.
“I was talking about the Damian announcement you made a few minutes ago,” Reid said.
“Oh, that.”
“Is it always like that? Every time he comes to town?”
“Pretty much,” Luke said. He’d shared the news of Damian’s impending arrival with his parents, who had immediately begun debating the reasons for his visit. “Damian’s a sore subject with my parents, as you already know.”
“He really is that bad?” Reid asked.
“Only when it comes to something he wants.”
“And do you also believe that that’s the reason for his visit? That he’s coming because he wants something?”
Luke shrugged as he stuck his hands in his pockets. “Damian only stops by when he wants something or when he thinks he needs to fix something, and that unfortunately usually involves my mom or dad in some way and that’s why they get so worked up about him.”
“The way they reacted-it’s like you’d just announced that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was coming to Oakdale.”
“Who?”
“The bad guy in Harry Potter.”
Luke grinned. “How do you know about Harry Potter?”
“You know, I wasn’t just pIaying footsie with you under the table last night. I was actually listening when your little brother talked and talked and talked about his favorite book,” Reid said.
“You really did like them, huh?” Luke asked.
“I told you I did,” Reid said. “They’re pretty cool. Your parents are too.”
“Because they’re okay with you seeing them in the buff?”
“Luke, for the last time, they were not-”
Luke laughed. “I know, I know, I’m just messing with you.”
“Speaking of your parents, I take it they are definitely back together?” Reid asked.
Luke nodded. “That’s a correct assumption to make, Doctor.”
“Are you okay with that?” Reid said as he walked closer to Luke and grasped Luke’s hands in his.
Luke sighed. “As long as it lasts this time.” He then smiled at Reid. “They belong together. I just hope they realize it for good this time.”
“Well, as cool as your parents are with me screwing their son in the next room, I don’t think I’ll be spending any more nights here.”
Luke touched Reid’s cheek. “It’s okay. I’m getting used to Katie’s looks and stares.”
“And giggles,” Reid added. “Don’t forget the giggles.”
“Ah, yes, she really sucks at being subtle, doesn’t she?”
“Katie I can deal with,” Reid said. “It’s Chris that’s the problem.”
“I already told you to ignore him,” Luke said softly. “Don’t let him get to you.”
“But you’ve heard his comments, Luke. It’s enough I have to deal with him at Memorial. I don’t like having to put up with his shit at home, too.”
Luke slipped his arms around Reid’s neck. “Well, then, maybe this is a sign that you need to get your own place now that you’re staying in Oakdale permanently.”
“Luke-”
“I’m not pushing you, I promise. I just want you to think about it.”
“I will,” Reid said. He leaned in and kissed Luke.
“Are we on for dinner with Damian tonight?”
“Sure,” Reid answered, “but did he say why he wants to meet with us?”
“Uh oh,” Luke teased, “don’t tell me you’re also scared of Lord Vold-oops, I mean Damian.”
“Not scared, just curious. I don’t think your parents get that upset over nothing.”
“Damian probably wants to see how we’re doing and how the wing plans are coming along.”
“So maybe he is coming to town just to see you. You should tell your parents that.”
“There’s no reasoning with them when it comes to Damian,” Luke said.
Reid looked at his watch. “I have to get going.”
Luke kissed him. “He’s arriving at eight and wants to meet us at nine. Unless you’re going to make up some fake emergency to get out of it?”
“The village might be afraid of the big, bad foreign villain but I’m not,” Reid said, smirking. “I’ll be there.”
And that was true. Reid wasn’t scared of Damian. How could he be after everything Damian had done for him, including introducing him to a man Reid thought he’d never meet? And even after learning so much about Damian’s past, Reid didn’t fear Damian. What Reid felt was worry. After his and Luke’s rocky start in Oakdale, things were good, and Reid wanted them to stay that way. He was finally feeling at home in Crazy Town, and he was worried that Damian might upset Luke or the Snyders or initiate another outrageous, over-the-top scheme to disrupt their lives.
Damian had given him this new life-Luke and Memorial and Oakdale-but he could also take it away. Reid intended to make sure that didn’t happen.
“Hey, Oliver!”
Reid rolled his eyes as he paused outside his office. He slowly turned around. “What do you want, Hughes?” he asked with a loud sigh.
Chris grinned. “Good to see you too.”
Reid held up his watch. “The clock’s ticking.”
“All right, then let me get to the point.” Chris cleared his throat. “Katie and I were wondering when you’ll be moving out.”
“No, you weren’t.”
“Okay, I, was wondering,” Chris said with a laugh. “So, when are you moving out?”
Reid snorted. “What, so you can move in? Please, you two aren’t there yet.”
“Well, we can be if we’d have more privacy and space.”
“Katie doesn’t want me to go,” Reid said. “Listening to me and Luke is the only action she gets. What will she do if I leave?” Reid looked Chris up and down. “Depend on you?” Reid laughed as he made notes on the chart in his hands.
“You’ll be packing by the end of the week,” Chris said before walking off.
“Threaten me all you want,” Reid said out loud as he stepped into his office, “but I’m not going anywhere.”
“No, you’re not, and we’re all glad for that.”
Reid jumped slightly and dropped his pen upon hearing the voice beside him. He turned in time to see Damian stand from the couch against the wall and shut the door.
“Good morning, Dr. Oliver,” Damian said with a smile.
“Da-Damian, what are you doing here? You’re supposed to arrive tonight.”
“What’s the matter? You don’t like surprises?”
“Not particularly,” Reid said before bending down to retrieve his pen.
“I don’t, either,” Damian said, “especially the one about you almost leaving this state-of-the-art facility and returning to Dallas.”
Reid slowly straightened. He stared at Damian. How does he know about that?
Damian smiled. “Luciano is my son. I’m his father. We talk.” Damian walked to Reid’s desk and started reviewing Reid’s notes on the neurology wing. “You left everything behind to come play top boss so I was very surprised at your sudden change of mind.”
“I moved here for Luke, not the wing, Damian,” Reid said firmly.
“So you were leaving him too.”
“I’m here,” Reid said, crossing his arms. “For good.”
Damian looked up from the plans. “Oakdale isn’t such a bad place, is it?”
“Once you get past the lies, the kidnappings, blackmail, and mysterious disappearances-which often include your involvement-no, I guess it’s not.”
“Ah, so people have been telling tales about me,” Damian said with a grin. “Who? Holden? Lily?”
“Among others.”
“There are two sides to every story, Dr. Oliver.”
“And your excuse is what? That you go bat-shit crazy once a year?”
Damian laughed.
“Some advice for the future: you definitely need to think before you act.”
“I always do, Dr. Oliver,” Damian said, his laughter ending quickly. “Everything I do, everything I’ve done, is for love.”
Reid snorted.
Damian walked closer to Reid. “You know, Dr. Oliver, I thought you’d be more grateful for what I’ve done for you, including giving you this amazing facility.”
“You didn’t give me any-”
“I’m an investor in this project.”
“So is Luke, so is Henry.”
“Still, I don’t understand the animosity towards me,” Damian said, crossing his arms. “Did I do something to offend you?”
“It’s not me you wronged. It’s Luke, whom you hurt over and over again. He gets enough of that from Noah. It’s not fair of you to pile it on,” Reid said.
“I’m not going to explain my actions regarding Luciano to you.”
“You don’t have to. I’ve already heard enough from Luke, his parents-”
“The same parents who did their best to keep you from my son?” Damian asked with a smirk.
“They’ve explained their reasons for that. They love Luke; they were just trying to protect him.”
“So you’re on their side now.”
“I’m not on anyone’s side, Damian. I just know what I learned,” Reid said.
“And it seems you’ve certainly learned a lot from Lily and Holden. How are they doing, by the way?”
Reid looked curiously at Damian. “Uh, they’re fine, I guess.”
Damian smiled slyly. “Oh, come on, you can do better than that. You spent the night in the same house as they. So again, how are they doing?”
Reid’s eyes widened. “How-how did you know about that?”
Damian put his hands on Reid’s shoulders. “I love Luciano. I always make sure he’s okay.” Damian gripped Reid’s shoulders a little tighter. “Always.” He stepped back and walked to the door. “About tonight, I have to reschedule.”
“Why?”
“I have things to take care of,” Damian said, a strange smile on his face. “Pass the message along to Luke, okay?” And before Reid could reply, Damian walked out.
Reid swallowed hard as he stared at the door. Just when I thought this town was all right . . .
“He didn’t tell you why he’s cancelling tonight’s dinner?”
Reid gently touched Luke’s cheek with his knuckle. He didn’t intend to keep anything from Luke, but he didn’t want to make something out of nothing. It was nothing, wasn’t it? Reid thought. After replaying his conversation with Damian that morning, Reid still wasn’t sure if he’d been threatened or not. But he wasn’t going to dwell on it any longer. The less drama in their lives, the better, Reid had learned. “No, he didn’t.”
Luke sat back on the couch. “So what do you want to do then? Go out to eat?”
Reid scooted closer to Luke and nuzzled his neck. “How about we stay in instead and . . . eat.” He bit Luke’s neck.
“Again?” Chris asked as he and Katie walked in. He patted Luke’s back as he passed them on the way to the kitchen. “Be careful not to wear him out, Luke. Remember that the old doc’s not young and virile like you.”
“Chris, leave them alone,” Katie said as she began taking the groceries out of the bags she and Chris carried.
“Reid, shhh,” Luke said, covering Reid’s mouth to keep him from saying anything. “Come on, let’s go to your room.”
“You’re an asshole,” Reid said to Chris as Luke dragged him toward the bedroom.
“And you know assholes better than anyone,” Chris said, laughing out loud.
Luke and Reid simultaneously rolled their eyes.
“See? I told you.”
“Forget about him, Reid. I’ll help you.”
“Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit,” Reid chanted as Luke brushed his prostate. He sat with his ass propped on a large pillow and his legs-bent at the knees-wide open to accommodate Luke, who hovered over Reid. He rested against the headboard, careful to keep his head from hitting it as Luke thrust harder and harder into him.
”Reid,” Luke whispered as he shut his eyes tightly, signaling he was getting closer to his release.
”Come on, Luke, come.”
“Hey, you two! Can you keep it down in there?” Chris’s voice came from the other side of the door. “Jacob’s crying, and he can’t go to sleep with all the huffing and puffing you’re doing in there.”
Chris’s laughter was loud through the door. Reid groaned, and Luke stilled his movements. “Jacob is not crying.”
“I can’t take anymore of him, Luke.”
“Shh, don’t think about him, not right now,” Luke said as he resumed his thrusting. He bent down and kissed Reid, and that definitely made Reid momentarily forgot all about Chris.
After they finished, Luke, still inside Reid, smiled at Reid. “That was amazing, Oliver.”
Reid smiled back. “Sure was, Snyder.”
They kissed softly as Luke pulled out.
“Thanks for helping keep my mind off him,” Reid said, pulling Luke down on top of him.
“You’re welcome.” Luke lay with his head on Reid’s chest. “But you know, I really think it’s time to move out of here.”
Reid nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. Just have to sell my place in Dallas first.”
Luke looked confusingly at Reid. “What?” He sat up, pulling away from Reid. “You-you haven’t sold your apartment in Dallas?”
Reid reached for Luke. “Come here.”
Luke pushed Reid’s hands away. “Why haven’t you? It’s been a month since you returned saying you’d taken care of everything over there. Is it in case you do leave and go back? You still think you’re not gonna like it here or-or that we won’t work out? Is that it?”
Reid chuckled as he grabbed Luke’s hands and pulled him close. They sat facing each other. “Don’t get all dramatic on me. The only reason I haven’t sold it is because no one’s bought it. It’s been on the market for a month but homes don’t sell that quickly. That is the only reason.”
“Oh,” Luke said, blushing. “Sorry.”
Reid was used to Luke’s freak-outs as much as Luke was to Reid’s. “It’s okay.” He kissed Luke. “I do need your help, though, in finding a new place. I remember you had some listings you wanted me to look at. Will you help me?”
Luke threw his arms around Reid and embraced him tightly. “Yes, yes, of course. I’ll help you with anything.” He planted kisses all over Reid’s face.
Reid laughed uncontrollably. He hadn’t been this happy in a long time, and he wanted this feeling to last. By permanently settling in Oakdale once and for all, Reid hoped it would.
The realtor, Rachel Banks showed them six properties, a mix of houses and condominium. Reid wanted to buy, as he’d told Rachel and Luke, because paying rent was just tossing away money. None of the places appealed to Reid until the last one: a two-story, three-bedroom condo with modern furnishings and everything Reid was looking for. The close distance to Memorial was a big advantage too.
“This one,” Reid said after Rachel had given them the tour.
Rachel and Luke laughed as they glanced at one another.
“What?” Reid asked. “Am I missing something here?”
“I knew you’d like this one. This is the place we used to entice Dr. Channing to settle in Oakdale,” Luke said. “In addition to the wing, of course.”
“And it worked?”
Luke grinned and nodded. “He bought it.”
“Want to make an offer?” Rachel asked.
Reid glanced around the spacious living room. “You know what? I’ll handle this. I’ll call Channing myself.”
“Hello, Dr. Channing here.”
Reid held the phone to his ear. “So the AMA still hasn’t revoked your license, huh?”
“Reid Oliver, is that you? You’re calling me; I’m so honored,” Dr. Channing said sarcastically. “What’s the matter? You need my help with a case?”
Reid snorted. “Yeah, that’s never going to happen. I’m calling about the condo in Oakdale. How much you want for it?”
Dr. Channing laughed. “Can’t believe he succeeded.”
“Who?”
“Damian Grimaldi.”
Reid gripped the phone tighter. “What are you talking about?”
“Grimaldi, Sr. He went to Dallas to find you and bring you to Oakdale and he did. Didn’t think he could do it but that guy really can be persuasive, right?”
Reid wasn’t sure he’d heard right. “He went to Dallas to find me? He knew about me?”
“Everybody knows about you; isn’t that what you always say?” Dr. Channing said with a laugh. “And he took his son along too to close the deal. No wonder you couldn’t resist.”
Reid was too shocked to say anything.
“Oliver, are you there?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m-I’m here,” Reid finally said. “Channing, tell me everything you know.”
Part 10