Reid's First Valentine Love – Chapter 2

A/N: I hope you enjoy this chapter. I think it's sweet. Sometimes I need a little fluff in my life.

*** Disclaimer – I do not own any part of Criminal Minds. This is strictly for entertainment purposes and to improve my writing skills. ***

My old school days, of being shy and biting nails are gone. But in my mind, I know they will still live on and on. But how do I thank you, who has taken me from boyhood into man? It isn't easy, but I'll try. If you wanted the sky, I would write across the sky in letters that would soar a thousand feet high: To Elizabeth, with Love!

Of course, Rossi used his lowered, drawn-out sexy I am the world's best lover voice. You'd have thought that JJ, Emily, Garcia, and Beth had planned it, the way they were synchronized, as they swatted their men and shouted, at the same time, "Why wasn't that us?"

Elizabeth kissed my cheek and rested her head on my shoulder. We both chuckled. The rest of the evening went by quickly: good drinks, great food, lively music and dancing. I couldn't believe how relaxed I felt, even being surrounded by so many strangers in the club. That's what Elizabeth does to me; She makes my heart feel safe.

After a couple of hours, it was time for everyone to head home. For once, I wasn't going to be leaving on my own; or having to hitch a ride. The car that Rossi had rented for me was extremely elegant. I realized how much I liked driving in luxury, and I know that Elizabeth was impressed. I'm sure she knows it's a rental; all rentals have that un-lived-in look, and new car smell. She didn't mention it, and I didn't tell her about my old car at home. I hadn't seen any need to mention such a small detail; but that was then, before I had realized that Elizabeth did like me … the real me. I'll have to ask Rossi how long I can use this rental. Maybe I'll have enough time to buy a new car before the rental runs out. At least I don't have to think about that tonight.

As we walked to our cars, I noticed that everyone was paired-up and going home as couples. It dawned on me that when I took Elizabeth home … that Rossi and Eliza would be there, too! There was no way I was taking Elizabeth to my apartment. That would be moving much too fast; not that I had any intentions of taking such liberties tonight, but I did want to spend some time alone with her. It was too late to go anywhere else, and I knew that Elizabeth was tired because she was walking slowly. We were almost at our car when I heard Rossi called out to me, "Hey Reid!"

Rossi had just helped Eliza into the passenger seat and closed the door. He was walking over to us, so we continued to our car and I opened the car door for Elizabeth. After she had secured her seatbelt, I closed the door and walked over to Rossi.

When we reached each other, Rossi put a hand on my shoulder and turned us so that neither Eliza nor Elizabeth could see our faces. I waited for him to speak, but he sort of chuckled and looked off into the distance.

"Rossi?" I asked, looking at him and trying to read his expression.

Still looking into the distance, Rossi said, "This is … uh … a little embarrassing." Rossi cleared his throat, "I … mmm … both Eliza and I were wondering where you two were heading off to."

Then Rossi turned his head and looked at me, with those eyes and that little smile that said he could read my mind. I tried hard not to react because I didn't want him to think that I had any wayward intentions; but I failed, badly.

I could feel the heat radiating off my face, as I cleared my throat and replied, "I'm taking her home, of course."

Rossi's expression swiftly changed into a mixture of anger and disgust, as he sputtered (a bit too loudly), "Wh … What?"

It took me a second to realize what had angered him, and I explained that I wasn't referring to my apartment; That I intended to follow him and drop Elizabeth off at her house, with them. That was all I was intending to do. I was glad to see him settle down, once he understood me. I do not like being on Rossi's bad side, not many people survive a dressing down by him.

Smiling (once again), Rossi said, "Good. I think that's best for tonight … what with Eliza and I … sort of having been on a double date with you and Elizabeth." Rossi made a guttural snicker as he said, "Eliza and I both know how we intend to end our date … but … we prefer not to have inside knowledge of Elizabeth's sexual encounters, so to speak."

By now, I was so embarrassed holding this conversation that I started sputtering because I couldn't decide what to say first. I was extremely grateful when Rossi interrupted me.

"Reid! We'll talk tomorrow. Right now, I'm taking Eliza home. I'll tell her that you two lovebirds are going for coffee and a chat because you didn't actually get to talk to each other. Have her home in an hour, or so … OK? That should comfort Eliza enough to ensure that she stays focused on me!" Rossi chuckled (lecherously) as he patted my shoulder and quickly walked off to his car.

I walked slowly over to our car, trying to let the crisp night air reduce my blush. It wasn't working because now I had mental images of Rossi and Eliza! I didn't even have any of me and Elizabeth, not yet anyway. As I opened the car door, I could hear her chuckling. I know that she didn't hear our conversation, but I'm sure she knew the topic of our discussion.

I was so embarrassed, as I sat there for a few seconds and stared straight ahead. Elizabeth's chuckle turned into full giggles as she continued to wait for me to speak. I knew that she wasn't laughing at me; she was laughing at both of us. I dropped my head down and had to laugh along with her. She's so lovely, and she actually likes me; the real true me. The me that gets embarrassed easily. The me that doesn't know when to make the first move. The me that's been waiting all my life for her.

Elizabeth reached over and took my hand. I thought she was just going to hold it; but she raised it to her lips, kissed the back of my hand, and said, "Let's get out of here."

I started the car\, and we both laughed as we exited the parking lot. I told her all about my embarrassing conversation with Rossi, and she laughed even harder. Since we didn't have a lot of time before I had to take her home, I suggested that we go to one of the nicer hotels.

"Why, Dr. Reid! I DO like your style!" Eliza grinned widely.

"I meant for coffee!" I exclaimed, "I think it's too late to hang out in a coffee shop … too many unsavory characters lurking around at this hour."

"Quite right, Dr. Reid. I wouldn't want to run into an unsavory character," she snickered. This time I knew that she was laughing at me, and I loved it.

I asked her, "Are you going to call me Doctor Reid all night long?" As soon as I asked … I realized my mistake.

"Mmm … Dr. Reid …" said Elizabeth, in a very sultry voice and closed her eyes, "all night long … mmph … mmph … mmph!"

I had to focus my attention on the road as I gripped the steering wheel. I'm a little worried about where this conversation is leading … I think it will be an exceedingly intriguing coffee chat.

A/N: Lyrics from Lulu's "To Sir, With Love" were altered a little bit. Thanks for reading my story. I know the chapter is short – it's sort of a continuation of the first chapter. The next chapter will be up soon, and it will be much longer. Promise!