Chapter One

"Come on boy genius, one drink that's all I'm asking."

"I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather have a quiet weekend."

Already preparing himself for the argument Morgan would put up in an attempt to convince him to go out; even he didn't need his high IQ to understand why the older agent took an interest in his social life, or lack of one if he was completely honest. He appreciated the fact that Morgan was only looking out for him, but the simple fact was he didn't have Morgan's ability for social interactions; meeting new people never seemed to go well for him. Realising the strap of his messenger bag was slipping from him shoulder Spencer rested his phone under his chin as he reached to readjust the strap. Focused on his task Spencer failed to notice the obstacle in front of him until it was too late, finding himself in a heap on the pavement.

Surrounded by a sea of books Spencer had a moment to wonder what had just happened before a sound of pain reached him. Quickly gathering himself together he began gathering books from the pavement only to halt his actions as a pale hand appeared next to his on the books covering. Looking upwards Spencer found his nerves hitting him badly as he meet light grey eyes, flecks of green and brown mingling in the centre. He'd seen a lot of eyes in his during his career, but for some reason none had ever affected him like those before him it felt like his mind had completely shut down.

"I'm sorry."

"No I'm...I'm the one who should be apologising. I wasn't looking where I was going."

Coming back to his senses Spencer could have cursed his nerves as his shutter presented its self his only saving grace with the fact that he'd managed to quickly get it in check. Able to look away from grey eyes Spencer was able to take in the person before him; although auburn hair was pulled back from her face enough strands had escaped to frame her face highlight her delicately yet, homely features. It was just his luck the one day he meets an attractive woman and he particularly pushes her to the floor.

"You've nothing to apologise for, it's my own fault. I should have known better than try and bring stock in on a weekend."

The voice alone had sent shivers down Spencer's spine, but the sound of her chime like laughter at that moment only added to the affect this woman was having on him. Seeing her put the books into a cardboard box beside her Spencer followed her example trying to avoid looking at her as he helped however, he could stop the side wards glances he gave her.

"You...you own a store?"

"You could say that. It still needs the finishing touches, but I'm hoping to have the work completed soon."

Having over the final book Spencer looked around for his own belongings his messenger bag not far however, upon locating his phone he could only groan as he picked up the bits.

"I'm sorry about your phone; I'll cover the cost of a new one."

"That's ok after all I'm as much to blame for what happened."

Watching the mystery woman give a quick check of the area Spencer knew he'd done his good deed by helping her collect the books however, he found he wasn't ready to leave her company just yet.

"Would you like a hand with that?"

"You've already been so helpful I really couldn't ask you to anymore."

"I don't mind, I'd like to help."

Smiling back at the comment Gabriella could see the honesty within the brown eyes before her, glad to see the nerves which had moments ago filled them had died down. Watching her companion push his hair behind his ear she found it adorable when it fell back into place, the slightly shaggy look suiting him to a key. Although he might not hit the radar for most girls Gabriella found him attractive, from his soft brown eyes to his lanky frame; there was something endearing about him.

Letting him get the box she'd been carrying before they collision Gabriella quickly locked up her car before leading the way to her newly acquired store a few shops down. Looking upon the two store building she'd owned Gabriella felt warmth fill her heart as she took in the finished paint job to the store front however, it was the gleaming gold lettering which made her day. With its name now officially on show she truly felt that things were coming together. Realising the one beside her was also taking in the store she could only wonder what he thought, no doubt he'd thing the name was as silly as everyone else. Seeing that the workers had at least tidied yesterday Gabriella was glad not only to not only have some breathing room, but from the looks of it they were ahead of schedule.

"Is there anywhere in particular you want these?"

"I'm sorry, my minds wandering. You can put them over here."

Setting the box down where indicated Spencer took the opportunity to fully take in his female companion as she took in the space around her. Giving an extra inch to the auburn braid which fell down her back Spencer guessed it would reach to her waist once unbound. While the light jeans drew attention to long legs they also worked alongside the shirt to enhance her slim yet, curvy 5ft 9" frame. Guessing her to be around his age Spencer was a little curious about her reasons for setting up a business; plus the unusual store name had him even more curious.

"Dreams surely are difficult, confusing, and not everything in them is brought to pass for mankind. For fleeting dreams have two gates: one is fashioned of horn and one of ivory. Those which pass through the one of sawn ivory are deceptive, bringing tidings which come to nought, but those which issue from the one of polished horn bring true results when a mortal sees them."

"The Odyssey, book 19."

"I see your familiar with Homer's work."

"I've read both his pieces, The Odyssey and The Iliad. Did you know when it was originally composed in the 8th Century BC it meant to be sung not read, back then it would have been performed by aoidos."

Realising he was rambling again Spencer quickly turned away from the woman before him, not wanting to see that look he usually got when he showed his intelligence. Apart from his friends at the BAU and one or two others he always got that 'what-a-freak' reaction once people realised what he was like.

"Night's swift dragons cut the full fast, and yonder shines Aurora's harbinger; at whose approach, ghosts, wandering here and there, troop home to churchyards."

Not expecting to hear another quote Spencer looked back to where his mystery woman stood, not falling to notice the playful gleam within her eyes.

"Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 3 Scene 2. It's a quote by Puck."

Taking in the genuine smile she was sending him Spencer although unsure of how to deal with this unusual response to him couldn't help but become more intrigued.

"Impressive, I've never had anyone give me the exact part before, the correct story maybe but that's it."

"To enjoy bodily warmth, some small part of you must be cold, for there is no quality in this world that is not what it is merely by contrast. Nothing exists in itself."

"Herman Melville's Moby Dick, Chapter 11. First published in a three volume edition titled 'The Whale' in London on October 18th 1851."

Seeing the surprised look upon his face Gabriella could feel her own amused smile as she rested hands upon hips. Watching him recover from his initial surprise Gabriella was unprepared for the sudden flutter her heart gave as he gave her a shy smile. It was pretty obvious the guy was smart yet, despites that there was an element of uncertainty about him, a shyness which only added to his charm. Realising she hadn't even got the name of the person before her Gabriella decided to change that.

"Gabriella Brennan."

"Dr Reid...Dr Spencer Reid, but you call me Spencer, or Spence if you want, though everyone tends to call me Reid."

Feeling her smile widen at the nerves which were coming back Gabriella could tell his babbling was a way of dealing with it, although she wasn't sure why she had a feeling Spencer didn't have much confidence when it came to social interactions. However, as she took in how young he looked and the fact that he was a doctor she had an idea that he'd had a similar child hood to her, although it would appear her support system had been a great deal better than his. Children just didn't like it when people different from them appeared in their life.

"It's nice to meet you Spencer. Though please call me Gabbie only my Grandmother calls me Gabriella."

Liking the return of the shy smile Gabriella felt a feeling she'd never felt before as she took in the one before her, sure she'd had one or two boyfriends and a couple of dates, but none of they had made her heart go pitter patter quite like this. What was it about this guy that was making her mind go crazy, she'd only just met him. Feeling a bravery she'd never had before when it came to guys Gabriella couldn't believe what she was about to do.

"If you've got no plans, would you like to get some lunch with me."

"Su...sure, lunch sounds good."

"Ok, I know I great little place we can go to."

Having being surprised at the fact that he'd been asked out Spencer was even more surprised at the delighted gleam in her eyes and the brighter smile at his agreement. Despites his experience with Lila and the bartender he'd never seen a woman light up so much at the idea of spending time with him. Already he could tell she'd be like no other woman he'd met before and part of him was hoping that just maybe this time things would work out for him.

"We can even see about replacing that phone of yours on the way, something tells me being able to reach you 24/7 is essential."

"You could say that."

"You can tell me it about over lunch."

Unable to prevent his light laughter as Gabriella's teasing tone Spencer found himself liking this woman more and more. Following her out of the store Spencer found couldn't help but think what Morgan would be saying right now if he knew about his current situation.

Later that day

"Opening a bookstore it's something I've wanted to do, even as a kid I knew books would be part of my life. Everyone I know still can't believe it, there still expecting me to pursue a higher career opinion like law."

"I think it's important for people to follow their own dreams, they should do something they really believe in. If this is what you want you should go for it."

Looking over the table towards his companion Spencer was glad to see Gabriella's lowered gaze disappear as she returned her eyes to meet his own. Watching the shift of light play across her eyes Spencer found it strange yet bewitched at the same time as he a greenish tint overtook the grey. He'd noticed the unusual colour shift her eyes underwent during lunch earlier, one moment they would be grey, another a mixture of green and grey or as they were now more green. However, rather than looking at it as unusual Spencer it just it to be another of her intriguing feathers.

Pulling his focus from her eyes Spencer silently watched as Gabriella rested her chin on the back of her upraising hand, a soft smile on her face as looked at him. Although he still couldn't understand what he'd done to cause such a smile it was one he'd quickly come to like because unlike most of the fake smiles people wore around him this was one was totally honest.

"Have you finished?"

"Yes thank you."

Waiting for the plates to be collected Spencer was still finding it hard to believe that not only had he had lunch with the woman across from him, but they'd spend most of the afternoon together thus resulting in Gabriella to ask him to dinner as well. Not expecting an invite to dinner as well Spencer had been surprised by his lack of nerves when he easily accepted, though Gabriella's easy attitude around him made it hard to feel nervous. Although they'd spend most of the time simply talking Spencer couldn't remember the last time he'd enjoyed himself so much, or even someone's company.

Not having to wait long for the bill Spencer couldn't help his smile as he noticed Gabriella stop herself reaching for her purse; paying for dinner was one of the conditions Spencer had given before agreeing to join her. He felt it only fair considering she'd paid for lunch.

Waiting for Spencer to pay Gabriella found his gentleman nature sweet as she thought back to their earlier debate which had arose when she'd invited him to dinner. He'd been gentle yet; insistent about buying her dinner; seeing the confidence he'd when stating the issue had just made her fall even more for him. Yes, she could honestly say to herself that she was taken with one Dr Spencer Reid, if one afternoon with him had her like this then she didn't want the feeling to end. However, realising it was getting late Gabriella knew it would be as Spencer let her go before him as they left the restaurant.

Taking in the darkening sky as she breathed in the evening air Gabriella felt like a nervous school girl as she clasped her hands in front of her, risking shy glances towards her brown haired companion. Seeing Spencer push his hair away from his face she hoped she wasn't the only nervous one as she took in his fidgety hands.

"I had a nice time today Spencer."

"I had a good time to, thanks for asking me."

"Well I've guess this is goodnight, if you're ever in the area do stop by. I'm seem to be spending most of my time at the store than anywhere else these days."

Sparing a last glance towards Spencer's silent form Gabriella hoped her cheerful tone hid the disappointment she felt, she'd hoped despites his shy nature he'd have asked her out again. Perhaps her outspoken approach to asking him out earlier hadn't been the best approach to take; it was typical the first decent guy she'd meet and she scares him off.

"Gabbie are...are you doing anything tomorrow night?"

Fighting the smile which wanted to grace her as she heard the slight stutter Gabriella voiced her negativity about plans as she turned to look back in Spencer's direction, surprised to see the faint blush she could see.

"I was wondering if you'd like to do something, maybe a movie."

"A movie sounds good."

Unable to fight her smile as she took in Spencer's surprised expression at her reply she once again found it hard to believe that the individual before could be everything he was; smart, endearing and definitively attractive yet, lack in self confidence. Finding a scrap of paper and a pen in her bag Gabriella quickly wrote her number down before holding it out; happy to hand it over as Spencer took it.

"That's my number; give me a ring tomorrow with the plans ok."

Watching Spencer glance down at the number Gabriella didn't even realise she given him a kiss on the cheek before she'd done it, feeling the heat coming to her cheeks as she did.

"I'll been seeing you tomorrow then Spencer."

Quickly recovering Gabriella gave a Spencer a wave as she hurried off, the heat rushing back to her cheeks as she thought back to the little kiss. If she'd taken the time to glace back one last time she would noticed the smile Spencer wore as he watched her leave.