Chapter Thirteen

"You know I thought you read fast, but that fiancé of yours even puts you to shame."

"You should see it when he's really trying however; I'm hoping my little gift might get him to slow down."

Hearing the laughter Carla gave as she walked away towards the bookstore side of the store, making a moment to take in the dark skinned woman Gabriella hoped she'd accept the position of manager, partly as thanks for everything she'd done in the last few months, but mostly because she deserved it. With everything that had happened in the last few months, from the event in Annapolis to the recent shooting Carla had taken full responsibility for the store during the weeks she'd taken off. Never mind the increased number of lectures she'd been doing lately, thus taking more time from the store and even then students still took up her time at the store, asking her about lectures or aid with papers they had to do. Truthfully Gabriella couldn't think of anyone better suited for the job, Carla had good relationships with the other staff and definitely had the abilities to run the management side of things.

Deciding to approach the issue when she could Gabriella returned to finishing the beverage she was making, remembering the high sugar content. Adding an extra measure just in case Gabriella couldn't help but smile, whether Spencer wanted to admit it or not ever since the shooting his sweet tooth had gotten worse. Though she couldn't blame him and truthfully she wasn't helping with all the desserts she'd been getting him lately, but she couldn't say no especially when he played the 'I'm helpless card.' Transferring the cup to the awaiting tray Gabriella remembered to tuck Spencer's gift under her arm before heading towards her fiancé.

Taking in the one who had situated themselves in a quiet corner of the cafe Gabriella was surprised to see him immersed in a scientific book, even when he was suppose to be resting it found it hard to shut off. Realising Spencer was totally unaware of the world around him Gabriella had managed to set the tray down on the table without him even realising that she was there. Smirking at Spencer's behaviour Gabriella quickly took the book from his hands, displaying a look of pretended disappointment as Spencer realised she was there.

"And how exactly is this wedding planning?"

Despites the fact that they were barely three months engaged Gabriella had asked Spencer what he thought about setting a date for the wedding this year, after everything that had happened in the last few months she didn't what them to regret anything in their lives. She'd been surprised when Spencer had fully supported her decision; simply stating that the day he could say she was his wife couldn't come fast enough for him. Hence they'd booked a date and in seven months they'd be getting married, thus the last two weeks had been spend planning and despites all good intentions Spencer was out of his depths. Which was why Gabriella had enrolled Emily's, JJ's and Penelope's help in the matter, plus some long distance aid from her sister to.

Smiling at the sheepish smile Spencer was sending her Gabriella saw the relief feel him as he noticed it, understanding the disappointment wasn't real.

"Don't worry I'm letting you off the hook, I've brought in some feminine assistance, you just have to decide who your best man's going to be."

"You know I've already decided that."

"Then you should have no trouble asking him when you go back to work, and the sooner you do the sooner I can arrange a suit fitting."

Laughing softly at the air of discomfort that showed in Spencer at her comment Gabriella knew the source of it and despites what he thought she knew he had nothing to worry about. Although Spencer might have only mentioned it as possibility she knew that when it came to choices of best man Derek had gotten that role the moment they'd settled on a date for the wedding. Despites the jokes Derek made at Spencer's expense Gabriella knew the older agent considered Spencer part of his family and was always looking out for him. Both times Spencer had been in the hospital it had been Derek who had been constantly checking on Spencer's wellbeing and seeing if there was anything he could do. Gabriella knew that Spencer both valued and looked up to the older agent, so it was only natural that Spencer would chose Derek for the role.

"He wouldn't say no, so stop fretting about it. But enough about that, you're on medically leave for another two days and that means no scientific reading until then."

"But..."

"No buts, you have a whole book store available to you and I've yet to get you out of the factual section, so here you want to read then you can read this."

"You're just as bad as me you know."

"But, I have a healthy diet of fact and fiction Dr Reid unlike you."

Smiling at the look of defeat Spencer gave at her statement Gabriella's smile only grew as he noted it turn into one of interest as he accepted the book she offered him and took in the 'War and Peace' title. She'd just finished a series of lectures on the story and knew it would be something Spencer was find interesting. Pointing out the refreshments she'd brought over Gabriella found it adorable the delighted look Spencer showed at the coffee and cake she'd brought over, he'd definitely gotten a sweet tooth.

"I've got to get back to work; I'll remember to collect you when we're shutting."

Placing the refreshing on the table Gabriella about to tell Spencer to give her a shout if he needed anything else when a hand turned her face towards him, smiling at the light kiss which meant her.

"Did I tell you I love you?"

"I love you to."

Later that day

Taking in the melody of her fellow players Gabriella felt that usually peace that came when she played, it was one of the few things in her life that allowed her to forget everything and drift away. Recognising her cue point was coming up Gabriella took in the familiar feel of the violin, its weight and structure second nature to her as she settled it into position and got her fingers ready on the strings. Having practiced the song numerous times at home in preparation for tonight's performance Gabriella was confidence in the notes she played and from the sounds of her fellow players so where they. However, being confident on your own wasn't worth anything if they couldn't put it all together which was why this was their fourth run through and it would appear that they'd finally got it.

Coming to the end of the song Gabriella wasn't surprised to see the pleased looks on everyone's faces as they acknowledged that their work had paid off. About to discuss the remaining selection choices for the night Gabriella found her attention taken as she happened to look towards the bar area of the restaurant, surprising hitting her as she took in the form of Aaron Hotchner taking with her uncle, especially as the place wasn't due to open for another hour. Asking everyone if they could take a break Gabriella quickly excused herself as everyone agreed.

Seeing both Aaron and her uncle acknowledge her as she approached Gabriella was glad to see the small smile Aaron showed, ever since Hayley and Jack had gone into witness protection nearly a month ago it was a rare thing to see these days. Glad to see Aaron wasn't spending another night alone Gabriella knew she shouldn't be surprised he'd turn up here, in the last month in a promise she'd made to Hayley she'd been keeping an eye on the BAU unit chief. Although he'd kept to himself in the first week she managed to get Aaron to come down to the store for a few hours a week just to take his mind of things.

She'd been surprised when Aaron not only had he used the hours to help out with anything, but had opened up to her about how he was dealing with everything. However, truthfully she was glad to help she knew better than anyone that there was some things better discussed than kept inside. However, even more surprising was the friendship which she'd managed to build upon with the older man; he was the one person of the team who tended to keep a lot to himself. Yet, they'd managed to get a comfortable understanding between each other; Aaron had been surprised to learn about her educational background and her lecturing at the university while she in turn had been surprised to learn Aaron enjoyed classic literature when he could. Hence she'd been loaning him some of her copies during his medical leave.

"Hey Aaron, I didn't expect to see you here."

"I needed to get out for a while; I remembered you were mentioned you were playing tonight. I hope you don't mind me watching you practice."

"Of course she doesn't, why don't I fix you something Mr Hotchner?"

Chuckling at her uncle's usual friendly attitude neither her or Aaron could say anything before he'd disappeared to see to fixing something up.

"How's Reid doing? I thought he'd be here."

"He's doing better, he'll be on crutches for a while longer but he's been cleared to go back to week next week. As for where he is Derek and David have taken him for the night, they're introducing Spencer to some of the classic guy films and beer. I quote Derek 'it's nice he had a proper guy's night in.'"

Hearing the light chuckle Aaron gave at her comment Gabriella saw that the others were ready to get back to practice, knowing they always finished half an hour before the restaurant opened Gabriella excused herself from Aaron promising to come back and chat once they'd finished.

Later that day

Opening the door to the apartment Gabriella could already tell from the silence that Derek and David must have already left, and seeing that it had already gone midnight she'd be surprised if they'd still be here. Coming into view of the living room she had to contain her laughter as she took in Spencer trying to clear away the empty take away boxes and few bottles, failing terribly as he tried to hold the garbage bag, put the rubbish in and balance on his crutches all at the same time. Finding it adorable that he despites his limitations that he was trying Gabriella was willing to let the slight mess go, reminding herself to use the fact that they'd left an injured man to tidy up to her advantage the next time she saw Derek and Dave.

"Derek wasn't kidding when he said you'd be having a guy's night in."

Having to laugh at Spencer's startled reaction as he dropped the garbage bag he was holding Gabriella did feel a little sorry for him as he managed to turn to face her, even if he did have a guilty expression on his face.

"I swear I'll clean this up."

"In your current situation that might take a while, you hold the bag and I'll get the rubbish."

Seeing the relieved look Spencer gave her Gabriella quickly went about gathering the little rubbish the guy's had left, taking in the grateful smile Spencer send her as she placed it in the bag. Taking the bag from Spencer's hands Gabriella gave him a light kiss before gently pushing him in the direction of the bedroom. Ensuring the bag was secure Gabriella placed it in the kitchen, thus reminding her to get rid of it in the morning.

Making her way to the bedroom Gabriella had to stop for a moment as she felt her body response immediately to the man who was currently sitting half naked before her. Wrapping her arms around herself Gabriella could feel the part of the brain screaming for her to explore the muscle and skin she'd denied herself for the last month. Ever since Spencer had gotten out of hospital she'd been reluctant to do anything with him afraid to prolong his healing, although the doctor had told them his injury was healing well Gabriella could still see the pain it put him through. Plus the fact that Spencer wouldn't take any painkillers for it meant it wasn't dulled in anyway.

However, upon seeing the questioning look with in Spencer's eyes turn to lust as he took in her reaction she could tell that she wasn't the only one thinking such thoughts. Walking slowly over to where Spencer sat on the bed Gabriella tried to turn her thoughts into safer ones however, she felt Spencer's legs on either side of her own they crumbled back to her previous thoughts. Resting her hands on Spencer's shoulders it took all her control not to let them wander, the desire to do so filling her.

However, any protests she wouldn't have voiced completely disappeared as she was pulled downwards and found herself overcome by that vanilla coffee mixture that was entirely Spencer. Responding instantly to the demanding kiss Gabriella couldn't fight the groan which escaped her as she felt Spencer's hands on her skin. Pushing her willing partner backwards Gabriella couldn't help but return the knowing look Spencer gave her as crawled above him.

"You sure, I wouldn't want to hinder your recovery Dr Reid."

"I wouldn't be taking no for an answer."