Title: Enthrallment

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: Not mine.  Not making any money.

Author's Notes:  Reed/Hayes pairing.  I mean . . . the chemistry is so obvious.

: D

Warnings: This is slash.

*****

"Is this seat taken, Major?"

I glance up from my latest round of reports.  Lt. Reed.  Wonderful.

 "No, sir," I say with as much sincerity as I can handle right now.  "Please, join me."

With what I'm sure he believes to be a warm smile, Lt. Reed takes a seat.  "You don't mind?"

Actually, I mind very much.  I'd rather have lunch with fifty Vulcans. 

"Of course I don't mind, sir."

We sit quietly for a couple of minutes, and then Lt. Reed clears his throat.  "So, Major.  I understand that Hoshi is doing quite a bit better in target practice."

"Yes, sir." I say.  "She has a lot of natural ability."

He gives me a thin smile.  "Yes, she does.  I'm sorry I haven't been at the last couple of sessions.  However, we need to get those repairs made."

"Of course, sir.  The ships defenses are priority.  But both you and Commander Tucker are missed."

Actually, I've thoroughly enjoyed having the sessions to myself.  Lt. Reed usually disagrees with nearly everything I say—in front of the men, no less.  Although, he has been a bit better. 

Just then, Hawkins strolls by.  Flashing me a knowing grin, he says.  "Hello, sirs." 

Lt. Reed mumbles a greeting, and then returns to his lunch. 

When Hawkins gets far enough away to be out of Lt. Reed's line of sight, he grins even wider and mouths the words, "Good luck." 

Some of my men have decided the reason Lt. Reed and I don't get along is that we're secretly attracted to each other.   One evening, I caught Cole and Kemper laughing uncontrollably and discussing "unresolved sexual tension."  When I walked up, they went dead silent.  And Hawkins . . . well, he and I are close enough that he kids me about it.

Honestly.  I think all the inactivity has led them to take liberties with their imaginations.

I mean, Lt. Reed is the most annoyingly smug person I've ever met.  The man lunged at me—lunged at me when my back was turned.  Not that I didn't enjoy our little sparring match. 

And he's managed to question almost every decision I've made since I arrived.  Even when the Captain agrees with me, that prickly, self-satisfied hothead has to challenge my credibility. 

Granted, he seemed to like my simulations, and has incorporated them into the ship's defense plan.  And he did attempt, in his standoffish way, to reach out to me one or two times.

Actually, he's a decent man, and can be compassionate and friendly.  I've watched him with his own men.

And no one can question his loyalty to the Captain, his skill, or his dedication to the success of this mission.

I watch Lt. Reed takes a sip of coffee as he pours over his own round of reports.  His long fingers clutch the handle of the coffee cup as he places it on the table, and then snake up to absentmindedly brush a stray piece of hair.   Deep in thought, he tugs at his bottom lip . . .

Okay.  So, maybe I'm ever-so-slightly attracted to the man.  This is a small ship, and he and I work closely.  A minor physical attraction is not uncommon under those circumstances, and is not a significant issue.  I can handle it.

"Major?"

"Sir?" I say, slightly startled. 

Leaning back in his chair, Lt. Reed crosses his arms. "Is something wrong?" 

"No, sir."

"You were staring."

"I was, sir?"

"Yes, Major."  He licks his lips.

"My apologies, sir."

Lt. Reed nods, and then returns to his reports.

Over his shoulder, I can see Hawkins, who's sitting two tables away, cover his mouth firmly with one hand, to stifle the sound of his laughter.