"I've never been in a limo before."

Reid was trying his hardest to not make the ride to the gala awkward. They hadn't spoken at all since they got inside. There was some nervous laughter, a little smiling, but not talking. Reid's voice was shaky, nervous, as it cut through the silence.

Prentiss, slightly startled, looked up at him. "Really?"

"Yeah. I've been in bureau cars, coach buses, and ferries, but never a limo."

"Well," Prentiss grinned, "there's a first time for everything."

Reid laughed nervously, secretly wondering if there was any subtext in what Emily had said. Her demeanor, her smile, her posture told him that she was hinting at a romantic relationship. But his rational brain threw that idea out almost as fast as it had entered his mind.

Then the awkward silence interrupted their conversation. Which was fine with Prentiss. All she really wanted to do was stare at Reid. Admire him. He had cleaned up nice. His hair was slicked to one side, which made him look like a gentleman, made him look classy. His eyes were sparkling, twinkling at Prentiss. His tuxedo made him look sharp. He looked tall, elegant. She was sure that he would make a splash at her mother's gala.

She didn't want to say anything because she didn't want to ruin the perfect moment. How many times before had she opened her mouth at the wrong moment and ruined everything…

She began to notice that it was a little chilly inside the limo. Not unbearable, but cold enough to make her wish it was a little warmer. "Are you cold, Reid?"

"Me? No, I'm fine."

"Oh. I'm a little cold. Do you mind if I tell the driver to turn up the temperature a little?"

"Here," Reid offered. "Do you want my jacket?" Reid wasn't sure where those words came from. His instinct, he supposed. Or maybe he did it because that's what they do in the movies. Those romantic comedies where the gorgeous girl falls for the nerdy guy, and they go on a first date, and nothing is going right. But then someone says something sweet or touches the other one's hand. And suddenly everything is perfect.

"Uhh, yeah. Thanks, Reid." She took the jacket and placed it around her shoulders. A true gentleman, she thought.

Once again, awkward silence took over. Prentiss just sat there staring, smiling at Reid. Reid was looking at his hands. Every so often, he'd look up to marvel at Prentiss' beauty, and at the instant their eyes met, she would look down at her hands. When she would look up to take in his handsomeness, their eyes would meet for a second, and Reid would look back down at his hands.

This process continued until finally Prentiss interrupted it. "This is ridiculous. We could be having a conversation right now."

Unfortunately for Prentiss, Reid wasn't good at forced conversation. He wasn't particularly good at conversation in general, but forced conversation? Forget it.

Reid just smiled. "You look absolutely beautiful, Prentiss. E- Em- Emily."

"Oh, thanks, Re-" Did he just call me Emily? she thought. "Thanks, Spencer."

They returned to their staring in silence. But this time, there were silent words being said.

Prentiss was saying, "You're incredible. You're so smart and chivalrous. Why didn't I do this sooner? I just hope you enjoy yourself tonight."

Reid was saying, "I still can't believe a gorgeous woman like you asked me to a fancy ball. I just hope I don't embarrass you in front of your mother and her high society friends."

The limo stopped. Prentiss knew they had arrived at the hall. "Thank you, sir," she called to the driver.

"You're very welcome, miss," he called back. "Enjoy yourselves tonight."

Reid exited the limo first. He offered his hand to Prentiss to help her get out of the limo cleanly and smoothly. This pleased Prentiss. She stepped out of the limo into the moonlight. Once again, Reid was stunned by her utter beauty.

"Oh," Prentiss laughed. "I almost forgot. Your jacket."

They both chuckled a little. Reid put his jacket back on and adjusted his tie a little. Prentiss thought she would pass out then and there on account of the classiness Reid was exuding.

"Are you ready, Prentiss?"

"As ready as I'll ever be. You?"

"Never more ready." Reid grinned foolishly. He offered his arm once more, and the pair walked up the steps toward the glorious gala hall.