FOURTEEN REID

F OURTEEN

R EID

When the knock sounded, Reid smiled and hung up her call with Melanie. She went to the door and, thinking she was funny, asked, "Who is it?"

Grayson laughed on the other side. "Your ..." He paused. Reid frowned as she waited. "It's Grayson." She suspected he was going to say something cute and possibly romantic but didn't. Why? Was it because she'd put the thoughts into his head that she didn't want to be with him? That was the furthest thing from the truth. She wanted him more than anything, but not at the expense of her heart.

Reid opened the door. She wore a rosy, thin-strapped summer dress with a pair of white sandals. In comparison to Grayson's white shirt and darker skin complexion, they'd look good together. She made a mental note to take pictures together, wanting to capture the night.

He leaned against the doorjamb, turning on the charm. His hands were in his pockets, and the sleeves of his button-down were rolled partway up his arms. Grayson smiled, his lips turning up in a half grin.

Cocky, she thought.

Mine also popped into her mind. She quickly cleared the thought away.

"Are you ready, Sully?"

"I am." She grabbed her cardigan and small clutch and then met him in the hallway. He took her hand, set it on his arm, and then put his hand back into his pocket. Cocky and self-assured. She was in for a whole new side of Grayson.

They walked a few blocks to a new eatery in town that specialized in salads. Reid knew this wasn't what Grayson had in mind for dinner, but the fact that he was sticking to his diet on their first date meant a lot. His health was important to her. Witnessing what she had—she never wanted to go through that again.

During their dinner, Grayson picked at his salad, moving the copious amount of vegetables and lean meat around.

"Are you okay?"

"I am." He looked up at her and smiled.

"Then what's wrong?"

"Just thinking about how I should've done this earlier." Grayson sat back in his seat. "This isn't a great first date place." He looked around. "I mean, I guess it is like the very first date, but we've known each other for years. Do you remember when we went to the Inn at Little Washington for your birthday last year?"

Reid nodded.

"Those are the types of places our first official date should be at. Not this place."

Reid reached for his hand and held it. "If we didn't know each other, would you bring me here?"

He looked around and shook his head. "Honestly, no. It's because of this." He pointed to his chest. "That's why we're here."

"Grayson." She said his name softly. "We can go to all those places and still eat healthy. It's all in what you order. No one's saying you can't have a nice meal; you just have to watch things more carefully. Would you like to go someplace else?"

He pushed his salad forward and nodded. "Yes, but first, we have tickets to the movies. The Heritage Palace is showing The Notebook . It's been twenty years now."

A wave of excitement coursed through Reid. She smiled brightly. "And you bought us tickets?"

Grayson blushed and nodded. "I knew it was your favorite."

She tapped her feet on the floor and let out a squeal. "After the movie, we'll go get dessert."

"Aren't you hungry?" he asked her.

"Yes, but let's get popcorn."

Finally, the smile Reid loved so much was back. Grayson cleaned away the disposable cartons and then held the door for her. Once they were outside, she put her hand back where he had placed it, and she realized then that they were almost like a scene out of her favorite movie. Only she and Grayson wouldn't let seven years pass between them. He wanted to change things now.

The Heritage was one of the oldest theaters in DC, and luckily for Reid and Grayson, it was within walking distance of their complex. They often showed foreign and indie films. They didn't have new releases or any of the box office hits. Reid and Melanie often went when she was in town, but this would be Reid's first time with Grayson.

The circular ticket booth with a brass-framed window sat under a large marquee displaying the names and times of the two movies that were playing. Red carpet, and at one time probably velvet, greeted patrons before they went through two double doors to the lobby. The concession stand smelled of freshly popped popcorn.

Reid guided Grayson to the counter, where they ordered a large popcorn with butter, a box of hard-shelled candies, and two sodas. Reid carried the popcorn and handed the usher their tickets.

"Theater one," he said as he ripped the tickets in half and gave the stubs to Reid. Because Grayson carried their drinks, Reid opened the door for them. He stuck his foot out, jamming it against the door.

"Ladies first."

Reid beamed, and it was silly to do so. Grayson wasn't the type of guy not to hold the door for her or carry things for her, but tonight was different. He wanted tonight to feel different. Reid chose the top row, in the middle. This was normal for them, anytime they went to the movies. Grayson was tall, and Reid always felt bad for anyone who got stuck behind him.

The seats were worn and uncomfortable. They weren't there for comfort but nostalgia. Grayson set their drinks down on the floor and put his arm around Reid, tickling her shoulder. The problem with older theaters was that while they had upgraded their screens, they hadn't upgraded the seats, and the pesky armrest was there. Last year, they'd gone out with Pearce and his then girlfriend to a newly remodeled theater where you could sit in a love seat or in an oversize recliner. Reid had fallen asleep after getting too comfortable.

After she'd handed Grayson the popcorn to hold, she opened the candies and dumped them in. "Give it a shake," she told him.

"I forgot you like to do this," he said as he carefully tossed the popcorn, creating a sweet-and-salty mixture.

"It's been a bit since we've gone to the movies."

"I don't even remember the last one we saw."

Reid gave it a thought for a moment and then shook her head. "Nope, me neither." She brought her legs up, tucking them under her and to the side, which forced her to lean closer to Grayson. He placed the popcorn bucket in the pocket she'd created and relaxed a bit. When the previews came on the screen, he picked up a piece of popcorn and fed it to her. A first for them. And something she wouldn't forget.

Halfway through the movie, Reid rested her head on Grayson's shoulder. He angled his body the best he could to be somewhat closer to her and tried to drape his hand more over her shoulder. Every so often he would feed her popcorn, and when she found one of the candies, she'd give it to him.

When the last three minutes of the movie aired and tears started to fall, Grayson handed her a napkin and tried to hold her as best he could to console her. She glanced at him and, with the illumination coming from the screen, saw he had tears in his eyes.

They sat there until the lights came on, needing the small reprieve to get their emotions in check.

"Every time," Reid said.

"I don't think I've watched it since the first couple of times you made me. I certainly never cried before."

No, he hadn't. He'd been a tough guy, saying movies didn't make him cry. She looked quickly at his chest and then to him, refusing to say what was on her mind. Had his new heart changed his feelings on sappy movies? Reid had read up on transplant patients, specifically with the heart. There was a strong chance Grayson would love new things and dismiss things he used to love. She was fine with that, as long as it wasn't her.

They made their way back to their complex. It was a nice night out. Reid was able to ward off the chill in the air with her cardigan, and oddly enough, she felt warmth coming from Grayson.

They walked past an Italian restaurant. The windows were open, and they could hear the jazz music playing from inside. Instead of going in, Grayson took Reid's hand and twirled her out in front of him. She giggled as he pulled her to his chest. Her hand rested over his heart, feeling it thump rapidly against her palm.

Slowly, she looked up at him and found him staring down at her. "I'm afraid."

"I know," he said as he began swaying them to the music. "You have every right to question my motives and intentions, Sully."

She looked away, feeling her heart tug in a direction she wasn't familiar with. Grayson caressed her face and then brought her chin toward him so he could look into her eyes.

"I want you to know," he softly began, his voice barely louder than the low melodies from the jazz bar filtering through the night air, "I'm not here to play games or hurt you, Sully. I'm all in. Whatever you want."

"There are things I want."

"Give me the honey-do list." Despite the seriousness of their conversation, he tried to make the situation lighthearted. She appreciated his efforts.

"Marriage," she said, skipping the dating part. They'd spent enough time together. There wasn't anything, at least not anymore, that they didn't know about each other.

Grayson smiled. "Okay."

"Kids."

"Tell me when, and I'm there," he said, smiling.

His words gave her pause. She looked into his eyes, seeking answers to questions she was afraid to ask. If she didn't, though, Reid would always wonder. "Why now, Grayson?"

A glimmer of realization washed over his face. It was as if he'd waited for her to ask those two words, needing an explanation. He looked away briefly and then back at her.

"You know, I don't remember much from the day I collapsed, but I remember some guy talking to you, and I was angry. At him. At you. When the only person I could be angry at was me. I made the decision to keep you at arm's length because I thought I was protecting you. Protecting myself, in a way. It's been the worst decision of my life. All it did was make me miserable, living each day worrying that it could be my last. Our last. Wondering when you'd come to me, telling me you've met someone, that you were finally done with my shit and leaving Wold or moving away.

"Everything you want, the house, the kids, I want that, too, and I want it with you. I hate being in the friend zone, but I did it because I didn't want you to see me as broken and I didn't want you to feel like you had to take care of me or have our relationship be about my care." Grayson looked away for a moment and shook his head. "Reid, I'm probably not the brightest guy on the planet for what I've done, and you have every right to kick my ass to the curb, but I'm asking for one chance to show you, to prove to you that I'm in."

Reid inhaled deeply and nodded. "No more back-and-forth," she told him. "I can't do the friends thing with you anymore."

His gaze was gentle, understanding, and filled with a raw honesty that made her breath hitch. She felt an undeniable pull toward him that she couldn't ignore. His fingers remained under her chin, delicately holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

"If you want me, want us, then I'm here." He delicately brushed a strand of hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. Each second she spent in his presence felt like a warm embrace, making her nerve endings tingle. She watched as his eyes traced over her features and the grin that came when their eyes met. Reid had wanted him for a long time, and now that he was here, in front of her, all she had to do was take a leap.

They continued to sway to the music, under the moonlight. This was by far the most romantic thing she'd ever done, and she was elated to experience it with Grayson.

Grayson moved closer, pressing his forehead against hers while maintaining eye contact, their height difference be damned. His thumb traced circles on her cheek soothingly as she swallowed hard, contemplating a decision that could change their lives forever. Butterflies fluttered wildly within her stomach. His lips were inches away from hers now, creating an electric tension between them that could only be broken by a kiss.

"I am here, where I belong and where I've wanted to be from the jump. You're the only one who invades my thoughts, who my heart beats for," he continued quietly with a slight smirk playing on his lips as he glanced down at her mouth for a brief moment before meeting her gaze again. "Because I'm willing to risk everything for the possibility of having something real with you. If you're willing to do the same. We can take it as slow as you want. Just knowing you want to try is enough for me right now."

Reid's heart pounded so hard against her chest that it mirrored the rhythm of the jazz music coming from the club. Fast and intense. Overwhelmed with emotion, she leaned into him, closing the gap between their bodies and hearts.

She looked up at him one more time before whispering in a tender tone, "I'm willing to take that risk with you too." A small smile played on Grayson's lips as he tilted his head slightly.

Their lips met in a sweet kiss under the moonlit sky. Their first date was the start of something beautiful and terrifying. Reid had everything to lose if Grayson changed his mind, and everything to gain if he didn't. Without a doubt in her mind, body and soul, he was the man for her.