Wild Horses, Part Seven
After much discussion on the best approach, Reid had finally convinced Luke to accompany him to the door and let Reid do the talking. Luke stood close to Reid’s back, jarring the older man slightly every time he bounced on the balls of his feet. He grabbed Reid’s arm before he could knock on the door. “Have you thought about what you’re going to say?”
“Believe me. I’ll just be answering their questions.” Reid removed Luke’s death grip on his wrist. “A side-effect of this kind of shocked relief is verbal diarrhea. I’ll be fielding rapid fire questions before I get the chance to introduce myself. Are you ready?”
Luke gripped his hand and nodded. He watched with bated breath as Reid knocked sharply on the glass. A girl of about sixteen opened the door almost immediately. “Oh my god! Mom!”
Lily Walsh ran into the foyer from the kitchen. Her face paled and her knees wobbled. She let Faith wrap her arm around her waist to stabilize her before lunging forward. “Luke! Oh, baby. You’re home.”
Reid stepped back, his hand still tangled with Luke’s. The blond’s eyes closed as he melted into his mother’s embrace. The longer that Lily clung, however, the more tension that built in Luke’s limbs. “Reid?”
“Um, ma’am.” Reid tapped on her shoulder. “Ms. Walsh?”
Lily showed no signs of letting go. Her arms resituated around Luke’s back and she fisted her hands in his shirt. Reid lost patience and yanked Luke free from her. “Hey, lady. There are a few things you need to know. May we come inside?”
Her eyes flashed with anger. Who was this man ripping her son away so soon after she had gotten him back? She opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind, but Lily saw the look of unease on Luke’s face. Her lips formed a thin, hard line as she stepped aside and motioned them into the house.
Reid introduced himself quickly, assured Lily that, physically, Luke was fine and asked her to assemble the family. There would be lots of questions and it would be best to only subject her son to them once. Lily made phone call after phone call, spreading the good news of Luke’s return, but her voice was not joyous. Each conversation ended with the same clipped “Just get here as soon as you can.”
She kept a close eye on the men from the kitchen as they made their way around the living room, pointing at pictures and whispering to each other. Lily noticed how Luke kept a tight hold on Reid’s hand, curled himself close to the older man’s side. In an instant, it dawned on her what might be the cause for all the secrecy.
Dropping the knife she was using to cube cheese, Lily marched over to the fireplace. She turned Luke by the shoulders and put her fists on her hips. “Luke Snyder, please don’t tell me you ran off and married this man.”
Faith jumped off the last step and stopped dead. The bubble she had been blowing popped, deflating in a purple, sticky mess on her chin. “You’re married?”
“No.” Reid said emphatically, dropping Luke’s hand as though it was diseased.
But it was too late. Holden Snyder put Ethan on the floor. “Who’s married?” He shrugged his jacket off his shoulders, but it hung across his back, forgotten. “Luke, is that your big news? Is this your-?”
“Don’t even say it.” Reid held up his hand in warning. “That is not…ever…no.”
Luke dropped his jaw and stared at the redhead. “Geez, Reid. You don’t have to give me a complex. No, we’re not…I’m not married.”
Lucinda’s heels clicked on the hard word. She lifted her large sunglasses and rested them on her head. “Who’s married?”
Only Ethan and Natalie remained clueless as the others in the room spun on her and said in unison. “Nobody!”
As blunt as he had ever been, Reid announced. “Luke’s just suffered extensive memory loss. If we could all take a seat.”
Once the shocked silence ended, the room erupted in a flurry of questions. Luke scooted to Reid as close as humanly possible and searched blindly for his hand. Thankfully, Reid didn’t pull away. Luke needed to leach a bit of courage from Reid’s endless sea of calm.
Reid cleared his throat. “People, please. I understand that you have many questions, but as talented as I am, I can’t answer them all simultaneously. One at a time.”
“I may have missed this, darling,” Lucinda reached into her purse and pulled out her phone. “but who are you?”
“Dr. Reid Oliver. I’m a-”
“No, no.” Lucinda finished typing on the tiny key pad and looked up at the doctor with a smile. “That will be enough for now.”
Luke couldn’t be certain, but he had a strange feeling that she was doing a background check on Reid. It was oddly familiar. Maybe it was just something he thought rich women did when faced with a situation in which they had to put their trust in a stranger.
Holden was next. “When you say ‘extensive’ memory loss, does that mean he can’t remember anything?”
It felt odd to speak about Luke like he wasn’t right here next to him. Reid looked into those deep brown eyes and he was taken with how small Luke looked. Anger sparked inside of Reid. He wanted to wrap Luke up and carry him out of these hostile conditions. Back to the ranch, back to Rochester. Anywhere but where Luke seemed so lost.
Reid squeezed Luke’s hand. “I won’t tell them anything you don’t want me to. If you start to feel uncomfortable with this, let me know. I’m not afraid to give them the brush off and get you out of here.”
Luke’s eyes glistened and a dazzling smile brightened his face. His voice was barely a whisper, but Reid heard it. “Okay.”
“Prior to waking up in a hospital nearly five months ago, we’ve only been able to recover one memory. That was of the kidnapping itself.”
Lily gasped. Her hand fluttered to her mouth, her words slightly muffled by her fingers. “The only thing that you recall is the most traumatic thing that’s happened to you recently.”
“Recently?” Reid’s brow furrowed. “How many traumatic things have happened to him?”
“That’s a story for another time, doctor.” Lucinda folded her hands and placed them on her knee. “So, you say you have been working with Luke?”
“Yes.”
“There’s still hope then, that he could recover his memories fully.”
“A chance, yes.” Reid nodded. “This isn’t an exact science. They could trickle back to him throughout his life or it could be a flood, all at once. Unfortunately, that generally only occurs during another traumatic event.”
“Really?” Faith’s face was suspiciously excited at this news. She had a gleam in her eye like running Luke down with the family sedan was worth a shot.
Reid thought about changing the subject, but he glanced at Luke and saw the interest in his eyes. He had never shared the information, finding it irrelevant to the situation. It wasn’t like scaring the hiccups out of someone. “We’re talking something truly horrific here. Another blow to the head, a life or death situation. Something that you’d be insane to wish for. It would have to create so much stress on your already taxed brain that it would shut down, in essence, hitting the restart button.”
Luke did not look near worried enough. “That’s happened before, though? To other people?”
“I’m not discussing this with you.” Reid shook his head. “I don’t want to catch you running head first into a brick wall and know it was me who gave you the stupid idea.”
Luke’s nose crinkled as he laughed. The familiarity, the closeness between the men didn’t go unnoticed. Lily and Lucinda exchanged glances, Lucinda adding a small smile.
After a few questions regarding where Luke had been and if he had been well taken care of, Luke had an opportunity to ask questions of his own. Feeling all eyes on he and Reid’s joined hands, Luke stammered. “You didn't seem too weirded out by the whole marriage mistake, so I guess I have my answer. I mean…you know I’m gay?”
“Yes, son.” Holden chuckled. “For some time now.”
Luke sighed in relief. “Well, at least that’s one less reason for me to worry.”
“Worry?” Lily’s face fell. “Luke, honey, there is nothing to worry about. We are so glad to have you home and safe, everything else comes second. I’m sure Dr. Oliver will let us know what we can do to help. Beyond that, all we care about is that you’re still our son and we love you. That’s all there is to know.”
“Thanks,” Luke chewed his lip for a moment. He watched Lily’s face closely while he tried a new word on his tongue. “Mom.”
With tears in her eyes, Lily produced a sparkling grin. “It’s getting late. You must be hungry. Will you two be staying for dinner?”
Luke looked at Reid. It was clear that the final decision would be his, but Luke waited hopefully for the answer he wanted. Reid nodded. “I’m incapable of turning down free food. Dinner sounds great.”
Lily reheated leftovers and situated everyone around the table. Luke excitedly recounted his time on the ranch and was happy to learn that he had grown up around horses all his life. “Do you think it’s possible for me to visit the farm tomorrow?”
“Of course.” Holden wiped the corners of his mouth. “Momma will be back from her visit with your Aunt Meg. She’ll be please to have a chance to feed you. You know, we just finished the new barn and-“
The room got quiet as Damian burst through the door. “Lucinda, I stopped by your office. They told me that Luciano was-“ Damian’s eyes took in Luke’s surprised expression. “My son, I’m so very happy to see you.”
Luke flinched when Damian clapped him on the back. Lily hurriedly sat her fork on her plate and stood. “Damian, could I speak with you outside for a moment?”
They all tried their best to ignore the ever raising voices from outside. No one knew where to pick up their conversation. Lucinda turned to Reid. “Dr. Oliver, how long do you plan to join us in Oakdale?”
Reid could feel Luke’s gaze as he answered. “I haven’t decided. I’d like to get Luke settled before I return to Rochester.”
“You’ve already done so much for Luke. We have fine doctors at Memorial that I’m sure could continue his treatment.” Lucinda slowly sipped her wine. “And now that Damian has taken care of the situation, Luke is completely safe.”
“Damian?” Reid choked on his water. “The man that’s been lying to you about Luke’s whereabouts for months? That’s who you’re putting your trust in?”
Lucinda didn’t trust Damian as far as she could throw him. She found it telling that Reid felt the same way. “It’s not entirely in his hands.”
“No offense, Ms. Walsh, but I don’t trust anyone but myself. I’ll be staying until I have to return to the Mayo Clinic.”
“Then, I insist that you stay in my guest cottage. I’ll call my staff now to make sure it’s ready for your arrival.”
“Can you let them know I’ll be staying there, as well?” Lucinda and Reid turned to Luke, unaware that he had been following their conversation. “I don’t know where I was living before…all of this. I’d like to get my bearings before I decide where I’ll call home.”
“Certainly, dear.” Lucinda smiled pleasantly. “The more, the merrier.”
+++++
“Wow. I thought your mom’s head was going to spin around when you told her you weren’t sleeping in your old room.” Reid quickened his pace and opened Luke’s car door. “And worse yet, you’re staying with the evil, horny doctor.”
Luke blushed as the older man waggled his eyebrows. “Reid!”
Reid, rather enjoying the blond’s embarrassment, echoed. “Luke.”
Twisting his body so that his chin grazed his shoulder, Luke looked up at Reid through his lashes. “I like the way you say it.”
Reid pressed his stiffening cock to the cool glass that separated them. The bashful expression from Luke was enough to drive a man insane. Never had Reid wanted someone so badly that he contemplated fucking him in the driveway of his mother’s house. “Say what, Mr. Snyder?”
“My name.” Luke was drawn to Reid, resting their foreheads together. “It doesn’t sound the same when anyone else says it. From you, it sounds like…”
Their intense gazes locked. Luke swallowed hard and licked his lips. “It sounds like sex.”
Reid laced his long fingers through the sun-bleached hair at the nape of Luke’s neck. There was nothing sweet or tender about this kiss. As Reid’s tongue pressed against Luke’s lips, demanding entrance, Luke felt claimed. He surrendered to Reid completely.
Pulling away long enough to move around the door, Reid pressed Luke to him. He threaded his arms low across Luke’s back, skilled hands lightly grazing the young man’s ass. A moan of appreciation passed his lips. Before their mouths could meet again, the porch light flipped on.
With his eyebrows raised in mock horror, Reid whispered. “We’ve been discovered.”
Funny, Luke thought to himself. Only moments ago he had made a discovery of his own. The void within Luke didn't seem as cavernous when he was with Reid. In fact, it was barely noticeable. Somewhere between their argumentative beginning and waking in each other's arms that morning, this man had become Luke's everything. How quickly he had fallen so crazy in love with Reid Oliver.
Who could blame him? The doctor was dashing with a genius mind and quick, dry wit. Those were the things out there for everyone to see, but Luke had witnessed so much more. Reid had challenged Luke not to accept his situation, but work to change it. Even on the bleakest days, Reid had been with him every step providing a steady hand and unwavering support. Luke had seen first hand the tremendous heart that beat within Reid’s chest. Dazed from the beauty of it all, Luke had missed what Reid said and had to ask him to repeat it.
“Are you trying to make your mother hate me?”
Luke chuckled. “She’s not going to hate you for kissing me.”
The lust in Reid’s eyes bordered on obscene. “She would if she knew I’m thinking about defiling her baby boy on the hood of a rented Honda Civic.”
In the blink of an eye, Luke was in the passenger seat and buckling his safety belt. “We need to get to that cottage. Fast.”
Reid got behind the wheel. “No complaining if I speed this time?”
“I’ll keep an eye out for cops.”
The drive to the cottage went quickly. Luke hopped out of the car and grabbed his bag from the trunk. Despite Reid’s ambivalence about staying in Oakdale when they left the ranch, Luke had been optimistic enough to pack the condoms and lube.
The smell of household chemicals lingered in the air when they entered the house. Lucinda’s staff had worked at lightning speed. Crisp sheets adorned the bed and a bouquet of roses sat on the bedside table. Reid flopped down on the mattress. Luke fidgeted as Reid visually devoured him from head to toe, then back again. The redhead’s voice was smooth and low. “Care to join me?”
Luke shed his shirt and laid down flush on Reid’s body. Their urgency had ebbed, but not the passion. They exchanged deep, wet kisses as Reid’s hands caressed Luke’s skin.
Rolling Luke to his back, Reid got up and stood by the edge of the bed as he removed his clothes. He stilled Luke’s hands when the young man moved to do the same. “Let me.”
Luke’s arms fell at his sides, the button of his jeans undone but the zipper still stubbornly closed. He shut his eyes as Reid’s lips traveled from Luke’s neck to his stomach. He jumped when Reid gently tugged at his waistband and licked the sensitive skin at his hip.
“Ticklish.” Reid purred. “Good to know.”
The rustle of denim sliding down his legs was the only sound Luke could hear. It wasn’t until the cool air touched his heated loins that he realized Reid had removed his underwear, as well. “Reid.” He pleaded as he legs moved restlessly against the duvet.
Reid sat back, admiring Luke’s strong form as he riffled through the bag Luke had tossed on the end of the bed. After finding what he needed, he lifted the young man’s arms and coaxed Luke’s fingers to grasp the headboard. Warming some lube on his digits, Reid teased at Luke’s hole. “Open your eyes.”
Luke resisted for a moment. He was sure that if he looked at Reid, he wouldn’t be able to keep his love a secret. It would be clearly written all over his face. Like a spooked horse, Reid would run. Luke feared nothing more than his time with Reid ending a second before it absolutely had to.
“Luke.” Reid nudged the blond’s chin with his nose. “Look at me.”
Eyes fluttering open, Luke took in Reid’s features. He adored each sharp angle, each gentle curve. His neck strained as he sought Reid’s kiss, sucking in a breath just before their lips touched and Reid pushed a finger inside.
Luke’s body was accepting of Reid’s intrusion, unfurling easily beneath him. When Reid had worked up to three fingers, Luke bucked his hips at an angle. Knuckle and prostate collided sending shocks of electricity up his spine. “Now, Reid. Please.”
“Roll over.”
Reid sheathed his cock while Luke situated himself on his hands and knees. He groaned at the sight, Luke so wanton and open. With a firm grip on his hips, Reid slid in with one long push.
Overwhelmed by the fullness, a sheen of sweat broke out on Luke’s back and his elbows gave way. He buried his face in the pillow and reached for his leaking member. A frustrated whine escaped when Reid batted his hand away.
Reid intertwined their fingers and pressed them flat against the mattress. He leaned forward, snagging Luke’s earlobe between his teeth. “Not yet. I want this to last.”
Time slowed as Reid raked against Luke’s inner walls, pulling out until only the head remained. He would plunge back in just as slowly. Every muscle within Luke was quivering, fighting the urge to impale himself harder and faster.
Luke panted heavily against the sheets as he felt the pressure of his orgasm build. It burned low in his belly, radiating to the tips of his fingers and toes. He tried in vain to free his hand and bring forth relief before he exploded.
A smile twisted Reid’s lips. He laid a tender kiss on Luke’s shoulder as his hips snapped forward powerfully. Reid whispered against damp skin. “Luke.”
“God, Reid. Please.” Luke humped frantically at the nothingness, searching for any contact against his heavy cock.
Reid plowed into the young man again and again, each time moaning his name. Tears pooled along Luke’s lashes. He was no longer lost. With each thrust, Reid claimed Luke as his own. Feeling strong arms wrap around his chest, he knew it was safe to lay his burden down.
Without ever touching his manhood, thick ropes of semen splattered on the covers. Luke collapsed in the sticky puddle, hard aftershocks wracking his body. He felt empty when Reid pulled out. Luke had no clue how broken he was until Reid had made him whole.
Disposing of the condom quickly, Reid pulled Luke to his chest. He ran his fingers through messy blond hair, kissing Luke’s forehead. “You okay?”
“I can barely keep my eyes open,” Luke yawned. “but otherwise, I’m perfect.”
They climbed between the sheets, resituating into a comfortable position. It didn’t take long for Luke’s breathing to even into a soft snore. Reid poked at Luke’s back, making sure he was out before he whispered. “I’ve been thinking the same thing.”
+++++
The longer Luke was in Oakdale, the more he felt at home. His siblings included he and Reid in all their activities. Holden was grateful for the extra pair of hands and Emma had taken a shine to Reid. She even shared a super secret Snyder family recipe for chicken and dumplings.
Every night they would return to the cottage, watch TV, hint around with new euphemisms for sex and fall asleep in each other’s arms. Luke could be happy with this existence forever, but as time passed, Reid’s anxious behavior became harder to ignore. He tagged along with Luke wherever he went without question or comment, but Luke would catch Reid staring longingly at Memorial each time they drove by.
Despite many attempts, Reid would brush off Luke’s suggestion to speak to Bob Hughes about temporary privileges at the hospital. “The kind of head cases in this town aren’t really my specialty.”
Luke awoke on the seventh day to find Reid still sleeping. He kissed. He nudged. He even fondled Reid’s balls, but the doctor just grumbled and rolled over.
Deciding that maybe Reid had seen enough of the farm, Luke borrowed one of Lucinda’s many vehicles and went alone. He had hoped that the tiring work of mucking stalls would keep him from dwelling on Reid’s impending departure, but it only provided Luke with the time and solitude to have a full blown panic attack about it. Sliding down the nearest wall, he stuck his head between his knees. Luke didn’t know how long he had been sitting like that when Reid found him.
“Are you okay?” Reid rushed to Luke’s side. His hands skimmed along Luke’s arms as he searched for blood. “Are you hurt?”
“No. No, I’m fine.” Luke waved off the concern and struggled to his feet. “Needed to catch my breath, that’s all.”
Reid cupped Luke’s cheek tenderly. “If you’re sure.”
“Yeah.” Luke forced himself to back away from the warmth of Reid’s hand. “What have you been up to today?”
Reid shrugged. “Drove around. Fought the urge to run down a kid on a bike with no helmet.”
“Reid!”
“Someone needs to teach him a lesson about bicycle safety.” A wry grin flashed on Reid’s face before disappearing.
Luke turned away from Reid and stole quick glances over his shoulder. He did his best to keep his tone nonchalant. “Is that what you do in Rochester?”
I work. I sleep. I eat. Not wanting to admit that was all his life consisted of, Reid padded the truth. “I have an apartment in the artsy part of town. Lots of museums, coffee shops and rainbow flags.” Reid kept to himself how he had never entered a gallery in his life and the only other gay man he knew was his annoying neighbor who let his three poodles lick his mouth.
“That sounds nice.” It did. Luke hated that. “What else?”
“I see friends.” Colleagues. “We have lunch.” Mandatory staff meetings. “But it’s really about the work for me.”
Luke smiled as he watched Reid speak animatedly with his hands about intricate procedures, but on the inside, he was sobbing. He felt so selfish asking Reid to stay. Just because he loved Reid didn’t mean he had the right to keep Reid from his one true love. “You must really be excited to get back.”
Reid’s eyes narrowed. He had fears that Luke no longer needed him, but Reid thought Luke at least enjoyed his company. Had the time come when Luke saw him as more of a hindrance than a help? “Sure. I’ve never been away from an operating room for more than twenty-four hours before this forced sabbatical.”
“If you need to get back,” Luke couldn’t finish the sentence. The cry he was swallowing wouldn’t let him.
Reid didn’t need it spelled out for him. He could take a hint. “It might be time to do that. I’ll have my stuff packed and be out of your hair in the morning.”
“Wait!” Luke began to sweat. “Out of my hair? Reid, you’re not-“
“It’s fine, Mr. Snyder.” Reid’s left hand tapped on his thigh, keeping his eyes to the floor. “We knew this was a temporary situation. You don’t have to humor me any longer.”
“Reid, stop!” Luke grabbed for Reid’s arm, but it was too late. Reid slammed the barn door shut. Luke leaned his head against the wood, listening to Reid’s car kick up gravel as he sped away. He felt his heart break, a fissure straight down the middle of his now useless organ. There was only one thing left to do. Luke leaked.
Realizing that he couldn’t hide in the barn forever, Luke ran the back of his hand over his puffy eyes. He needed water and maybe he should consider having something to eat. Luke took his sweet time as he ambled up to the house, hoping the coast was clear and he wouldn’t run into his family inside. He stepped onto the back porch and heard voices.
“I don’t think he’s even trying anymore.” Holden shook his head sadly, leaning back against the sink.
“Son, if you push him,” Emma said gently. “I’m afraid you’ll only succeed in pushing him away. Give him more time.”
“How much time, Momma? Do you know that he hasn’t even asked about the foundation? He’s well aware that it exists, but all he cares about is that doctor.”
Rage nailed Luke's feet to the floor. His hands flexed, balling into fists at his sides. They treated Luke with kid gloves, but the gloves came off when his family dared to badmouth Reid. Luke burst into the kitchen, the loose hinges on the screen door causing it to bang loudly against the frame. “Is this what you talk about when I’m not around?”
“Luke, please calm down.” Lily stood from her seat at the table. “We’re concerned. When you arrived, you seemed so excited to learn about your past. Now, it's like you don't even care. You haven’t been to my house to look at pictures in days. You still haven’t looked around your old room.”
“And you all think that’s because of Reid? Is that everyone’s opinion?” Luke had an accusatory tone in his voice as he looked them all in the face. “You have no idea how wrong you are. Having Reid here is the only thing that keeps me sane."
"Honey." Lily tsked. "Don't say that."
"It's a fact." It hit Luke like a punch in the gut just how true that was. "As long as I have him around, there's at least one person who knows me and is perfectly happy with the man that I am. Without that, I feel like nothing but a failure."
Holden leaned forward, his hands flat on the counter. "Son, we're doing the best we know how."
"Me, too, Dad. I wish you could see that." Luke had avoided this conversation long enough. He needed to lay it all out there or nothing would ever change. "Do you know why I stopped coming over, Mom? Because you only show me pictures of that Noah guy.”
Lily gasped. “That is not true!”
Luke scoffed. “Reid complains of nightmares about Tall, Dark and Squinty. Yes, Mom, you’ve shown us a hell of a lot of pictures of that man.”
Holden wore the same stern face he used whenever he scolded Lily. “Dr. Oliver said no pressure.”
“No pressure, Dad?” Luke’s eyes bulged. “How long did you try to convince me that I would remember the large animal vet if I saw him? Forty-five minutes?”
“Luke, I didn’t mean-”
“No one ever does, Dad.” He reigned in his ire. “I can’t imagine what it must be like for you, seeing me as the Luke you knew and having to cope with the fact that I’m not. Have you ever stopped to think how it feels for me?”
Emma, Lily and Holden exchanged embarrassed glances between each other. “Luke, sweetie,” Pushing Luke’s hair off his forehead, Emma patted his cheek. “What can I do to help you?”
“You’ve been great, Grandma. Really patient.”
“No, dear.” Emma held up her hand, insistent on hearing the truth. “I’m a grown woman. I can take it.”
Luke bit his lip and chose his next words carefully. “I wish you wouldn’t get so upset when I can’t remember my favorite foods. I almost cried at the look on your face when I told you I didn’t like blackberry pie.”
“You did?” Emma chuckled softly. “I didn’t even notice.”
“No, you wouldn’t because Reid took my slice and begged to take the leftovers back to the cottage.” Luke smiled at the memory of how elated Emma had been over Reid’s gushing. He was struck by all the times Reid had run interference with his family. Always there with a quip or change of subject. “Listen, we can talk about this in greater detail later. I have somewhere I have to be.”
“Baby?” Lily grabbed Luke’s shoulders, kneading the muscles. Luke couldn’t pinpoint the change, but something in her eyes made him feel like she saw him for the first time. “We'll try...I'll try harder. Just promise me you won't give up.”
“Not a chance, Mom." Luke wrapped Lily in his strong arms. "There are things I want for my life. It's about time I started fighting for them."
+++++
Luke tripped over Reid’s bag sitting by the front door of the cottage. He picked it up and carried it past Reid, who was sitting on the couch with a beer in one hand and the remote in the other. Once in the bedroom, he came to a stop at the dresser. Luke upended the suitcase and dumped its contents unceremoniously before slamming the drawer shut.
Reid stood in the bedroom doorway. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m unpacking.” Luke tossed Reid’s bag in the corner of the room. He turned to Reid, hands on his hips. “What the hell are you doing running away?”
Mouth opening and closing several times before actual words would come out, Reid glared. “I’m not running from anything.”
“Liar.” Luke stepped closer to Reid, daring him to back away. “You had one foot out the door before you found me in the barn today. I want to know why.”
“I don’t have to explain myself to you.” Reid stood his ground. He only hoped Luke didn’t get any closer. Reid couldn’t touch Luke. Stupid, mindless, heart-driven things happened when he had physical contact with the young man.
Luke could sense Reid’s hesitation. He may not know the doctor’s favorite color or a song that always puts a smile on his face, but Luke knew Reid’s body. It had a language all its own and Luke was fluent, as though it was his native tongue. He pressed forward, pushing Reid against the wall. “I can guess. I think you have this idea that I don’t need you anymore.”
Reid thought about denying the accusation, true as it was, but they were beyond hiding from each other. “You don’t. You met with Dr. Norris at Memorial. She’ll take good care of you.”
“Reid.” Luke’s fingers brushed through Reid’s hair before coming to rest along his lovely neck. Reid flinched, his eyes threatening to roll. Luke smiled as Reid fought the urge and gave himself over to the tender caress. “I never needed you as a doctor.”
“Then, why would you ever want me around?”
Luke thought hard, his lips rolling inward. It was time to be honest. Luke had nothing left to lose. If this didn’t work, Reid was as good as gone anyway. “I love you.”
Pulling away, Reid turned his head and looked at anything that wasn’t Luke Snyder. “You don’t know-“
“Try it, Reid.” Luke forced Reid’s eyes to meet his. “Try and convince me that I don’t love you. You can call it whatever you want. Misplaced gratitude, a crush. I understand it’s hard for you to accept, but I know how I feel.”
“Luke.” Reid shifted uncomfortably.
“I love you.” Luke leaned forward and pecked Reid on the lips. “I love you.” He whispered again as he unbuttoned Reid’s shirt and placed kisses on each cell of newly exposed skin. Luke dropped to his knees, looking up at Reid as he undid his belt.
“Stop.” Reid put his hand over Luke’s. “I don’t want you to give me a blow job so that I’ll stay.”
The corner of Luke’s mouth quirked up. “Fine. I’ll suck you off because I want to and you stay because you want to. What do you say?”
Reid rubbed gently at the back of Luke’s head. “I say you don’t play fair, but it looks like I have to put up with that for another week.”
http://magicbus77.livejournal.com/6667.html - Part Eight