Author's Note: 499 words. Enjoy! ~lg
Jennifer watched the emotions racing across Evan's eyes. Most didn't see them because he kept them hidden behind the blasé mask he'd used for years. But she clearly read the anger and hurt he experienced at seeing Tanya Reid. What had this woman done to him?
Suddenly, he turned to her. "Jenn, can I have a word?"
Jennifer blinked. He hadn't called her "Doc" or "Dr. Keller." He'd chosen her nickname, a term of endearment. Before she answered, he took her arm and pulled her away from Major Reid, leaving the other woman to stare as she buttoned her shirt. Finally, Jennifer found her tongue. "Evan?"
He stared at her, his eyes drilling into hers. "Who is that?"
"Major Tanya Reid, USAF." Jennifer shrugged. "She's here to lead a team, I guess."
He put one hand on his hip and used the other to pinch the bridge of his nose. "She's a major, now. Great."
Jennifer touched his arm. "Evan, what's going on?"
He let out a quick sigh. "I'm not sure. Just. . .stay away from her." He started to turn away.
She couldn't let it go that easily. She reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him from leaving her hanging. "Evan, what in the world is wrong with you? You know you can't come in here and order me to leave someone alone without a very good reason!"
He faced her again, turning his back on Reid. "I know you don't understand everything just yet, and I'm not ready to explain it. Give me some time to figure out what I'm going to do about having her here. Until then. . . ."
"Stay away from her." Jennifer nodded. "I get it." Behind him, she saw Reid giving them very curious looks. She didn't like the way the woman's eyes dropped to Evan's backside, so she decided to take a chance. Reaching up, she laid a hand on the side of his face. "Just promise me you'll tell me when you're ready."
He smiled ever so slightly and took her hand in his. "I promise."
With that, he left her in the middle of a crowded infirmary. Jennifer watched him go, seeing the angry set of his shoulders and the way he studiously avoided Reid's gaze. Already irritated at the woman, Jennifer released her to join the orientation tour. She went to her office and dropped into the chair, trying to figure out what had happened. She'd never seen Evan react so strongly to any one person, and that said a lot about how Reid had treated him.
Suddenly, Jennifer understood. She wasn't just upset that Tanya Reid had showed up to torture Evan. She was angry that Tanya Reid dared to bring her mess to Atlantis. And she was a tad jealous. Shaking her head, Jennifer completed her work for the day. She seriously needed to ask Evan out!
~TBC