Chapter 20

Reid parked his car and got out. Putting his hands in his pockets and watching his feet as he walked, he thought of what he was going to say. He felt confused and needed someone to talk to and knowing Morgan's way with the ladies, he was the logical one to go to.

Reid walked up the front steps and knocked on the door, looking around as he waited for it to open. He heard voices inside and laughter before the door opened. His head jerked back in surprise as he took in Montgomery standing before him, clad in only one of Morgan's t-shirts, hair damp. She looked back at Reid in surprise. Morgan came from around the corner, leafing through his wallet and asking, "What's the damage?" He looked up as he came closer to Montgomery.

"Oh hey Reid. You're in time for pizza. Should be here soon."

Reid looked between Morgan and Montgomery, not quite making eye contact. He mumbled hat he'd better go.

"What's your hurry? You just got here." Morgan said. Reid shook his head no and turned and walked swiftly away.

Morgan looked at Montgomery in confusion. "What was that about?"

"I'll be right back." she told him before hurrying after Reid. Morgan shook his head and closed the door.

"Reid, what up." Montgomery called out but he just kept walking to his car.

"Spencer!" Montgomery caught up to him and put a hand on his arm as he went to put his key in the lock. He stood still looking down.

"Spencer, please look at me." There was a pause before he turned and looked at her.

"This isn't what it looks like. Morgan and I didn't cross any lines."

Reid looked her up and down, still not saying a word.

"Honestly, we're not. I know that it looks bad but it really isn't. Long story short, Derek asked me to teach him how to cook and today was the first time we could get together. A food fight ensued when he wouldn't listen to me on how to sift and fold the flour into the wet works and I ended up covered with flour and egg mixture. I took a shower and have to wear this until my clothes are done washing and drying. He ended up ruining the dish and called out for pizza and now here we are."

Montgomery looked up at him and waited for him to speak.

"I saw you and thought..." He trailed off.

"Morgan and I are just friends. I wouldn't jeopardize work relations and the team by getting involved with him. I know from experience what it can do."

Just then the pizza delivery guy pulled up. Morgan came out, payed for the pizza and turned to them.

"So you two coming in to eat or are you going to stand out here and give my neighbors even more to talk about?"

Montgomery blushed some as she noticed some of his neighbors eying her standing on the street corner in the t-shirt.

"Come on, let's go in." She held a hand out to Reid. He looked down at it and gently took it, a step behind her as they walked in behind Morgan.

Reid knew that there would be no discussing Montgomery and his feelings now with Morgan. And she had just made it clear where she stood with inter-office dating. He also never heard of an interest on Morgan's part before on learning how to cook, so this was probably a way for him to put his moves on Montgomery. How could he stand a chance when a guy like Morgan was making his moves on her? Reid swallowed as he followed Montgomery into the kitchen. She let go of his hand and went about getting plates and serving the pizza.

"You know, I should really go."

"You just got here. Why'd you stop by anyway?" Morgan said around a bite of food.

"It's nothing. I'll see you two Monday."

"Oh come on kid. Stay. The days a bust for cooking. We'll finish this and then go catch a movie."

"That's an excellent idea." Montgomery said.

Reid shook his head saying, "I have something to do. Maybe another time." He stood from the stool he had perched on.

"Alright buddy. See you Monday then." Morgan responded.

"Bye Reid." Montgomery smiled.

He nodded and left. As he walked down the front steps again, he shoulders sagged.