Disclaimer:
This work of fiction is based on the TV show "Criminal Minds," and certain elements, characters, and settings from the show belong to their respective creators. The original characters (OCs) and the fictional neighborhood are my own creations. I do not claim ownership of any copyrighted material from the show, and I am not making any profit from this story. This is purely a fanfiction piece created for entertainment purposes
Author's Note:
Hey there, fellow readers! So, here's the scoop – this is my very first fanfiction adventure. I'm diving into this world as a way to cope with stress and give myself a little creative outlet. Now, I'll be honest, while I've got an outline for the story, I'm not setting out to create a masterpiece like some of the incredible work I've come across here. If I happen to find a writing partner or someone who wants to be a beta reader, things might evolve, but for now, I'm just here to have some fun. A quick note about the music - I'm a big fan of writing with tunes in the background. I've listed the songs that inspired me, but whether they make it into the chapter or not, well, that's part of the mystery!
Lastly, a word on formatting. I use a screenreader and my day job has me knee-deep in APA format, so please bear with me on the formatting front. If you're totally cool with that or if you're interested in being a beta reader, shoot me a message. I'm all ears and open to the help! Oh, and one more thing – even if just one other human out there enjoys this, I'm already thrilled. Thanks for giving my story a shot. Let's see where this wild ride takes us!
Chapter one:
The aftermath of a spring rain brought with it a pleasant fragrance that Cassandra Chase found herself inhaling as she stepped away from the bank. Opting for a detour to the small park instead of an immediate return to the gallery, she relished in the advantages of her position as the boss, knowing that most of the preparations for the upcoming opening had been taken care of. Her leisurely stroll led her through the charming streets of her new Alexandria neighborhood, the quaint allure of Rosewood captivating her at every corner.
In its own unassuming way, Rose Court Park held a distinct charm. As someone still acquainting herself with the area, Cassandra wandered through the streets, absorbing the lively ambiance that marked a notable departure from her previous city life. Among the various attractions, a food cart managed to capture her attention, her own grumbling stomach a reminder of her neglect for sustenance amid the flurry of work. While waiting in line, she perused the menu, ultimately settling on iced green tea and a slice of pizza. Lost in her thoughts, she embraced this brief respite.
As her order was prepared, she took the opportunity to check her messages. A text from her best friend, Brandy Jones, awaited her attention, but she decided to postpone her reply, knowing that Brandy would have an abundance of honeymoon-related news to share. With her meal in hand, Cassandra settled onto a park bench, savoring each bite of her meal and saving her drink for last. The soft hum of a local news podcast playing from her phone provided a comforting backdrop.
Between bites, Cassandra's gaze wandered across the park's inhabitants—a mix of people engaged in lunchtime relaxation or brisk, impromptu workouts. Amid the crowd, a man with tousled hair entered her field of view, piquing her curiosity. The man's distant figure posed an enigma as he disappeared from sight. Standing at a petite 5'4", Cassandra often found herself overshadowed by most individuals unless she wore heels. She speculated that this man would likely be no exception in terms of height.
As the news segment concluded, Cassandra tidied up her eating area and embarked on a leisurely walk, her drink cradled gently in her hand. A gentle breeze stirred, causing her dress to flutter gracefully around her legs, while her curls danced like autumn leaves caught in a breeze. Lost in her thoughts, she was abruptly jolted from her reverie as a collision abruptly interrupted her movement. Her heart raced as the ground seemed to rush up to meet her, and she fell against a solid chest. A gasp of surprise escaped her lips, her heart hammering within her chest as she tumbled to the ground, jolted by the impact. Wide-eyed, she met the warm gaze of a pair of chocolate-brown eyes belonging to the man who had inadvertently crossed paths with her—an unfamiliar face, yet one whose tall stature and unkempt dark hair had previously caught her attention.
"Are you okay?" The stranger's voice held a blend of concern and sincerity, his brown eyes locking onto her own, his expression reflecting a mixture of surprise and genuine worry. The realization that he had been the cause of their collision seemed to play across his features.
Struggling to regain her composure, Cassandra managed a sheepish smile and nodded. "I'm fine," she reassured him, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks. With a swift movement of his hands, he had prevented her from hitting the ground, and she couldn't deny that she had fallen over due to the impact. As she scrambled to her feet, the stranger extended a hand to assist her. The awkwardness of the situation lingered as she accepted his hand and rose, confirming her earlier speculation about his height. He was, indeed, quite tall. The thought flickered through her mind, and she couldn't help but notice his disheveled hair and the kindness in his eyes. There was something curiously endearing about his flustered demeanor.
A soft chuckle escaped him, a hint of amusement gracing his features. "I should have been more careful," he admitted, a touch of self-deprecation in his voice. Cassandra couldn't help but notice the slight disarray of his hair and the sincerity in his gaze. There was a genuineness about him that struck her as both refreshing and intriguing.
As the moment stretched on, he appeared determined to make amends. "Can I buy you another drink?" The unexpected offer caught her off guard, her blinking gaze fixing on him in momentary surprise. His earnestness and the unforeseen turn of events left her slightly intrigued.
Just as her phone buzzed, she retrieved it from her dress pocket and let out a relieved sigh upon confirming its intact state post-fall. Glancing at the screen, a new message notification reminded her of an impending meeting with a contractor. The urgency of the situation rushed back to her, yet his offer hung tantalizingly in the air. Offering a smile, she found herself responding, "Sure, why not? I'm new in town, and it would be nice to meet someone." Her smile radiated warmth and curiosity. "Though I should hurry home to change and then head to work."
Retrieving his phone, they exchanged numbers, an unspoken anticipation lingering between them—a connection forged through an unexpected collision. "I'll text you soon, Spencer Reid," she assured him, employing the name he had just sent her in a text message. She promptly saved his contact information, her thoughts already drifting toward the tasks that awaited her.
His reassurance that it was no trouble brought a genuine smile to her lips. Turning to leave, she sensed his gaze following her for a brief moment, as if studying her. Glancing back, she blushed and offered a small wave before continuing on her way, her mind already shifting back to her checklist of responsibilities. The sudden appearance of Spencer Reid continued to play on a loop in her mind, a quirky interlude within the routine of her day.