Reed didn’t get to talk to Trevor before he left the hospital this morning. He could only imagine what Trevor thought about him not calling. Well, he knew exactly what he thought and it made his grin widen thinking of the surprise he hoped to have pulled off.
His cell phone rang in his hip pocket. He palmed his iPhone quickly, running a finger over the touch screen. Preparations were still underway, and this message was from his contractor who just finished the additions to the guest room he planned for Trevor’s long term stay. Another message came in shortly after from the public affairs officer at the rehab hospital. They were letting him know the facility would discount the services for his full payment up front. In addition to these plans, Reed had counseling, transportation, and clothing ready. He tried hard to think of everything Trevor might need. Rylie would be home in the next day or so, and would bring Trevor’s personal items, but until then he would need clothing and toiletries.
At the last minute, he went shopping to pick up a few things to tide his Trevor over. A chuckle tore from his lips thinking how accustomed he was getting to referring to Trevor as his. One store he stopped at earlier, he kept the young sales clerk with him for several minutes, just telling her in detail how he met his Trevor. She stayed attentive through it all, only glazing over once or twice as he spoke. She was such a trooper, he ended spending way more than he should just to give her a better commission as a thank you for letting him prattle on and on. He couldn’t seem to help it at all. It’s just what he felt so deeply in his heart. He found he needed to say it out loud to anyone who would listen. Never had he ever found anyone he ever wanted to call his own before. It was almost ridiculous how much he missed Trevor. Every one of Reed’s thoughts stayed centered on the guy.
Reed ended up taking a couple weeks off work. He stayed up most of the night transitioning files to his staff. Even then, he would have to be available to answer any questions, and his staff took full advantage by texting and emailing him several times an hour. All things considered, Reed’s excitement level was high. He couldn’t wait to spend this time with his new boyfriend. Reed absolutely loved the idea Trevor may be coming to stay in his home, and he prayed Trevor would agree to do so.
Finally, four hours late, the plane emerged from the clouds. The private jet belonged to his father’s firm. Reed chartered it for a small fortune today, but the United States government got wind of the trip and sent his father a message, letting him know they would be picking up this tab. Every political leader wanted to meet the hero who saved so many at his own risk.
Watching the plane descend, Reed hoped Trevor found it a comfortable flight. More so than being handled like cattle on a military flight. Even with the weather delays, Reed wanted this to be a better experience. Reed stood, waiting for several minutes after the plane landed and, finally, the ramp lowered. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves and slow his pounding heart. Reed ate up the distance across the run way from the SUV to the bottom of the ramp. He was a man on a mission and his stride indicated as much. Reed stood to the side of the ramp, watching Trevor as he was brought out and carefully wheeled down. Trevor hadn't seen him yet, and Reed gave very strict instructions not to tell Trevor of any of these plans.
“Sir, I think this is your next ride,” Anthony said loud enough for Reed to hear. Trevor looked up at the male nurse, but the bright sun hit his face just right causing Trevor to squint while quickly looking down.
“Thank you. Where do I go from here?” Trevor asked. He reached down with his right hand to push the wheel.
“You’re going with me, handsome. I can take it from here, Anthony.” Reed’s voice seemed to startle Trevor. He flipped his head around, shading his eyes with his right hand. Reed stood proudly at the end of the ramp, dressed in black slacks, a black knit top, and sunglasses. His blond hair was in deep contrast to the solid black he chose to wear today. He kept the sunglasses in place to help hide some of the emotion he knew churned through his eyes after seeing Trevor. On impulse, Reed reached down and quickly kissed Trevor’s stunned lips.
“I can help get him to the car for you, sir,” Anthony said.
“I’ve got him. Thank you again.” Reed reached out to quickly shake Anthony’s hand, but kept his gaze on Trevor. Trevor didn’t even seem to notice he just got kissed in public. Reed didn’t give either man a minute to respond before taking the back handles of the chair to push Trevor toward the SUV.
“What are you doing here?” Trevor finally asked, looking back over his shoulder.
“I’m taking you home, handsome. I’m sorry I missed you this morning. The nurse on duty said you had just left when I called. I didn’t realize the flight would leave so early.” Anthony stood at the end of the ramp. Trevor turned to shake Anthony’s hand, but they were already several feet away. All Trevor could do was wave over his shoulder. No way Reed would go back at risk of Trevor deciding not to go with him.
“Good luck, buddy. It was an honor to ride with you, sir,” Anthony called out from the end of the ramp.
Trevor lifted his hand again for a wave, but quickly turned his gaze back to Reed. “What are you doing?”
Reed never stopped his aggressive steps to the Escalade parked a few hundred feet away. Trevor’s head stayed cocked toward his. Reed couldn’t resist leaning down to give Trevor another quick kiss on the lips, never breaking stride. “I missed you terribly. Funny how that works.”