THE WRITER
Chapter 2
“I still can’t figure out why you seem so stressed out about Dan’s arrival. It sounds like he’s really trying to make things right after screwing up so badly.” Luke continued buttoning the shirt he was planning to wear to dinner at Emma’s.
“You certainly seem to be looking forward to meeting the new gay in town.” Reid tried to bite back his words, but they spilled out before he could rein them in.
Luke chuckled. “I’m more interested in meeting the man, gay or not, who’ll be making my amazing genius of a husband famous with well deserved accolades and attention throughout the documentary process.”
Reid gently stilled Luke’s hands and finished buttoning his shirt for him. Then he wrapped his arms around Luke, lacing his fingers through his hair, drawing him in to share a passionate kiss. “While you’re quite perceptive about your husband’s skills, I’m much more interested in sharing my more personal skills with you as soon as we get home tonight.”
“Now that’s an idea I can definitely wrap my thoughts around. But let’s put that on the back burner until after Grandma’s dinner. I hate showing up trying to cover my, let’s say interest, in your after dinner plans.”
Giving Luke one more quick kiss, Reid backed away. “As long as we’re on the same page, I’ll back off... for now.” Stepping back, Reid gazed at Luke. “You most assuredly look hot in that shirt, and those pants. Are you sure you’re not trying to impress the new single, gay guy.”
“The only gay guy I’ll ever want to impress is the one who’ll probably, no nix that, who’ll hopefully rip these clothes off later.”
“I really do like the way you think, Mr. Oliver-Snyder.” Reid smiled, feeling a bit more relaxed about the evening’s events and introductions to come.
The two finished dressing and made sure the twins were dressed and ready to leave on time as well. One thing Reid hated was being late, and while he and Luke had made plenty of delayed entrances due to his unscheduled work demands, tonight he wanted to consider and react to all occurrences methodically, in the hopes of figuring out what was troubling him about this new guy... what was his name again?
When Luke pulled the car up in Emma’s lengthy driveway, Reid noticed Mark, Noah, and Sammy hadn’t arrived yet. He wasn’t sure if that would be of benefit or not, but he did want to see this guy in action without his two protectors by his side.
After taking the twins out of their car seats, Luke, Reid, Ethan, Bobby, and Miri all entered the kitchen entrance to Emma’s beautiful country home.
“My babies!” Emma came running up, as fast as an old woman could run, and took both car seats, one in each hand, from Luke and Reid. She certainly was strong for an old broad.
“Grandma, be careful. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
“These two little angels could never hurt me.”
Reid chuckled. “They’re not so little anymore and they’re certainly not angels. They’ll be walking anytime now.”
“Why did you bring them in their seats? They’re so big. They could crawl around. You know I keep this house as spotless and baby-proofed as possible.”
Luke tilted his head and smiled. “Of course you do. But if we notice the kids start getting tired we can let them fall asleep in their seats and not have to worry about waking them to put them back into the car later. Miri, in particular, is very unpleasant when woken out of her sleep.”
Emma nodded. “Well let’s get these cuties out of their jackets so they can play a little before dinner. I have their toys in the living room.”
Reid whispered to Luke, “Only Emma would have a makeshift playroom ready the moment we arrive. She cooks like a dream and is the most maternal person on the planet.”
“I’m glad the twins have so many great female influences in their lives. Between Grandma, Grandmother, Faith, Natalie, and Katie they’ll be set in every aspect of the female example department.”
Smiling, Reid thought he was pretty damn lucky to have such a great family, complete with a great extended support system.
After the twins were settled in with a myriad of toys that would make anyone dizzy, Reid heard footsteps on the stairwell.
“Hello, honey.” Emma took the guy’s hand. “Reid, I understand you’ve met Dan Barton, my new boarder.”
Dan, that’s his name. “Yes, Emma. We met at the hospital.” Reid turned to Dan. “I hope it’ll be a pleasure to see you again.” The two shook hands.
“Reid!”
“Hey, I’m just being honest.” Reid shrugged and looked on as Emma introduced Dan to Luke.
“This is my lovely grandson, Luke.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Dan.”
“The pleasure is all mine. I’ve heard a lot of great things about you and all your contributions to this community, Mr. Snyder.” Dan took Luke’s hand in both of his and shook it gently holding on a bit too long for Reid’s comfort. “I have to admit I even Googled your foundation work. You really are very generous.”
“And good looking too, as I’m sure you noticed.” Reid immediately made his way over to the two, placed his arm around Luke’s waist, and kissed him on the cheek, forcing Luke to drop his hand from Dan’s hold. “Luke Oliver-Snyder is an incredible man and I’m the lucky one to have him.”
Luke chuckled as a blush rose in his cheeks. “I’m the lucky one, but thanks for the vote of confidence.” Luke kissed Reid back and nipped at his earlobe. “You don’t have to be so possessive. You know I’m all yours.”
Nodding, Reid whispered back. “I know, but it’s nice to hear.”
“Anytime, Reid, anytime.”
Although he didn’t want to say it out loud, the more he was with Dan, the less he trusted him or his motives. Reid just couldn’t pinpoint what was gnawing at him. He hoped he was wrong, but he couldn’t shake the feeling no matter how hard he tried, that there was definitely a hidden agenda behind Dan’s charming facade.
[TBC]