I stared into Luke's eyes for a long moment, waiting for some confirmation of his feelings, good or bad. I saw nothing there but confusion. I swallowed slowly, before throwing random bills on the counter. I grabbed my coat, and said softly, "I can't do this."

I turned my back on Luke, and left the bar. I wanted him to follow me, but I knew he wouldn't. He was still in love with his precious Noah. And even if he wasn't, he would stay with him forever out of guilt, or obligation. The man was honor-bound.

It's what I loved most about him.

It's what I hated most about him.

I found my way to my car, and fumbled for my keys.

Damn it.

I couldn't find them.

I felt the jingle in the pocket, but something stopped me from pulling them out and getting into my car.

I felt the salty tang of tears sting my face.

Fuck this.

I wasn't going to cry in a parking lot where anyone could find me. I wasn't that kind of man.

I finally opened my door and found the sanctuary of the front seat.

"Luke," I murmured. "Damn you." My heart clenched in my chest, before the dam finally broke. I wasn't safe to drive like this.

I clutched at the steering wheel with trembling hands, and stared out into the rapidly dimming skyline.

Why had I ever come here?

I shut my eyes, and it was a few moments before I heard the tapping on my window.

I turned, and wasn't really surprised to see Luke standing outside. He looked pensive, and regretful. I rolled my eyes, and rolled down the window.

"What do you want, Mr. Snyder?" I said wearily.

He grinned sheepishly, and, for the first time, I wanted to smack the grin off his face.

"Can I come inside? I feel stupid standing out here."

I grimaced, but nodded my assent. I couldn't help but follow him with my eyes as he came around my car and got into the passenger seat. I drank him in thirstily.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked.

"You should know by now, Luke." I answered, exhaling. "I want you. I want you more than I've ever wanted anything in my life. But I won't play sloppy seconds. It's me or him, Luke. I can't do this anymore."

I chanced a glance in his direction.

Oh no.

His lips were parted slightly. His pink tongue worried at his bottom lip.

I looked down at my hands in my lap. Then changed my mind, and looked out the windshield.

"Reid," he said softly. "I can't change how I feel about him." I appreciated him not mentioning the name. "He was my first. But it hasn't been good in awhile. I started to feel small and used. Like I was barely treading water."

I looked resolutely out the window, but he grabbed my hand, and held it firmly. I knew all too well about treading water. Before Oakdale, my life had been nothing but work and empty one night stands. Now I could separate it easily: before Luke, and after Luke.

He was still talking. I had to listen. I could tear my eyes away, but couldn't say the same for my ears.

"But I brought you here. I wasn't looking for someone new. But you just shattered me. You reminded me that I'm more than a dutiful boyfriend. You reminded me that I'm also a man who deserves to be treated as an equal. You challenge me, Reid. You make me feel better than myself."

I finally looked at him. His eyes were glimmering, but not with tears. My hand was captive in his, but I didn't care anymore. His words had broken something in me, in their own turn. I could feel my protections begin to crumble. I didn't peg myself for the sappy, romantic type, but crap. Apparently I really was that guy.

"Luke," I whispered.

His free hand grasped my cheek, and held on tight.

"I'm gonna kiss you now." he said softly.

"Okay." I murmured.

At first he was tentative, which surprised me. After a speech like that, I expected fireworks. I grabbed his arm and pulled him closer, no easy feat in the confines of the car. The heat of his mouth pressed against my own, and I growled huskily. My elbow grazed the horn, the loud noise surprising us both.

I chuckled. "I guess we should take this show on the road. My car is not really conducive to prolonged make out sessions."

He laughed as well, and replied, "I guess so. Your place or mine?"

I started to answer, but then thought better of it. I wanted to rip his clothes off, but I needed to be cautious.

"You want to get a pizza? Then I'll drive you home. I have to get up early tomorrow. I have an appointment." With Noah.

He looked a little disappointed, but nodded anyway.

"I think I owe you a pizza." His fingers crept back into mine. His thumb made circles on my palm. His touch burned me like a firebrand.

"Now, you gotta stop that," I chided gently. "Or we'll never leave the car."

Luke smirked. "That would be a tragedy."

With a hiss of regret, I freed my hand, and started the car.

As I turned my head to back out, he asked, "Hey, do you play chess? We have a board at home, and I'd love to challenge the great Dr. Oliver."

I was glad he couldn't see the slow smile spread across my face. "I play a bit."

"You better not hustle me, Reid." he said, teasing.

As I turned in the direction of his house, I couldn't help but laugh.

"I wouldn't dream of it, Luke."

We drove to his home, my mind dancing with all the ways I wanted to, indeed, hustle Luke Snyder. I knew things still weren't settled between us, but I would take nebulous happiness over cruel uncertainty any day of the week. We pulled into his driveway, and he practically bounced out of the car.

"I had no idea you were so excitable." I said as I followed him.

"Well, what can I say, Reid. Something about you just does it for me."

He was first to go inside, and I stood back to regard his lithe body disappear into the darkness.

"You and me both, Mr. Snyder." I said softly.

I let the door close behind me, and stepped forward to claim my future.