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Together, Forever! Ch. 04

By: simply_cyn



The next morning was a free one for Victoria. She didn't have an appointment until 1:00 in the afternoon, so she had the morning to pursue her other dream. Thanks to Tom she knew of a coffee shop Colin liked to frequent, so she packed up her laptop and headed out the door.

When she arrived at the coffee shop, she quickly realized why Colin liked it so much. It had a very cozy atmosphere and it didn't seem to matter who you were or, on the other hand, who you weren't. People were there to soak up the atmosphere and reflect. Victoria found a spot close to the door but in plain view so if Colin did come in, he couldn't help but see her. Her table was a small one compared to the two plush upright armchairs at it. The table was clear of any clutter so she placed her laptop on the table and chose the chair facing the door, hoping he'd recognize her face if he chose that day to drop in. A waitress came over after a while. "Good morning. Welcome to Cathy's Coffee. What can I get for you?" Victoria looked up from her work into a smiling face. The waitress was an older woman with brown hair. A touch of gray was at her temples.

Victoria smiled warmly back up at her. "I think I'll have a Café Latte with hazelnut."

"Do you want a tall or grande?"

Victoria quickly glanced up at the board to how large a tall was. Just as she suspected, it was large enough and ordered that. As the waitress walked back to the counter, Victoria quickly glanced back up to the door, wistfully hoping he'd walk through it. After a moment, she got to work, intent on getting some work done and resolved that she probably wouldn't be lucky enough for Colin to come into this particular place today.

Sometimes fate has a way of lending you a hand when you think it's impossible to accomplish anything on your own. Halfway through the morning, Victoria was well on her way to finishing a story she had due in a couple of weeks, when he waltzed in. To tell the truth, she was completely caught up in her work and didn't see him enter. 

"Excuse me, miss. Here you go." The waitress was bringing her second cup of Café Latte along with another mug.

As she began to walk away from the table, Victoria touched her lightly on the arm. "Ma'am? I think you've made a mistake." She turned back around to look at her. Looking at the other cup of coffee, Victoria added, "I'm alone."

"I'm sorry, but I was told this other order was also at this table. There must have been some mix-up. I apologize for the inconvenience." She took the other cup of coffee away and Victoria followed her with her eyes back to the counter and that's when she saw him, standing beside the bar with a sly grin on his face. She blushed quickly, knowing her face must have registered the shock and embarrassment she felt at not paying attention to the door. What if he had entered and left without her even knowing it?

She watched him saunter over to where she sat, intercepting the waitress and retrieving his cup of coffee. "May I join you?" She wasn't about to refuse but she did a real good job of playing it cool.

"Sure," she said nonchalantly, waving a hand towards the empty armchair. She looked back at her laptop, adding a last thought before turning her attention to him. She wasn't about to let the fact out that she was here looking for him.

"I hope I'm not intruding," he said, watching her for a quiet moment. She looked up at him and smiled, shaking her head. "I wasn't sure if you remembered me from the other night ... at the club?"

She sipped her coffee and watched him. "I remember."

He watched her as she tried to continue working but she found it very difficult to concentrate on her work with him sitting just inches away. "I should apologize to you," he added.

Without looking up, she asked, "And why's that?"

"I didn't call you and I'm sorry."

She stopped her work for a moment, looked up at him quickly and said, "Don't apologize." Then looking back at her laptop added, "I didn't expect you to." Although, in her gut, she knew it was a lie. She not only expected him to, she had hoped for it and prayed for it; devastated when he didn't.

"I usually do what I say and I didn't." He waited for a moment, expecting her to look up from her laptop. When she didn't he continued anyway. "I had a late meeting with my lawyer. We're trying to close on a house that I'm buying." He watched her as she looked up at him and sat back in the chair, wrapping her hands around the mug to keep them from shaking. "I had every intention of calling, I swear."

She gently shrugged her small shoulders. "You must stay very busy, especially now that your movie has been heralded as being the top grossing movie ever. That's quite an accomplishment." He smiled sheepishly as she continued. "I heard that it's already brought in half a billion dollars. That's quite a lot of money in a little bit of time. I mean, it's only been out since November." She took another sip of her coffee, watching him over the rim of her mug. "Congratulations."

He laughed as he leaned forward in his chair. "Thanks." He eyes her for a moment and then asked suddenly, "How about you? Are you an actress?"

Victoria almost spit out her coffee. Laughing, she reached for a napkin to wipe her mouth and looked him, a smile still in her eyes. "No!" Then after a moment added, "Although, after thinking about it, in order to be a good writer I guess there is some acting involved." She glanced out the window as she said, "I'm also a first grade teacher so I have to be able to entertain and educate at the same time."

By the time they had emptied their coffee mugs twice, they had exchanged quite a bit of information about one another and Victoria was surprised to see he was definitely interested in her. "You know," he said, leaning forward to look at her evenly, "I'm going out to Millennium again this evening and I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me?"

The waitress suddenly appeared at their table. "Would you like another refill?" Victoria shook her head no.

Colin looked up at her. "Just the check." Looking back at Victoria, he asked, "So?"

"Millennium?" She raised her eyebrows at him and then remembered that it was the name of the club where they had met just two days ago. "Oh, now I remember." She looked at him squarely, trying to play it cool. "I don't know Colin ..." She smiled at him as she closed her laptop and wiped her mouth. "I have a lot of work to get done."

"Don't break my heart ..." he teased her, his eyes more serious than his words. She watched him for a moment and then with a smile, agreed to go.

Together, Forever! Ch. 05



That evening Victoria took special pains to look her best. Tom had booked her into a really nice hotel. The bathroom alone was probably costing him an arm and a leg. It had double black porcelain sinks dropped deep into a dark green marble top. The middle of the marble counter dipped down into a make-up table with a pull-out drawer for storage. On the wall hung a swing-out mirror with lights for make-up application and a small embroidered stool under the vanity. As Victoria sat on it in nothing but a black lace bra and matching panties, she carefully applied her make-up. Her hair had been dried, well brushed, and swept out behind her in a healthy glowing red mane. Her nails were perfectly manicured and lacquered subtle silver, just like her toes.

When finished, Victoria went to the closer and carefully chose an outfit for the evening. As she flipped through the clothes hanging, she finally came across it ... a tight black pantsuit, not skin tight, but tight enough to show off ample curves. The pants had a matching long sleeve jacket which was trimmed in black velvet. The jacket was just long enough to brush the top of her pants. The first four buttons were left open and the cleavage she revealed was enough to weaken the resolve of any man. But the only man she was interested in weakening tonight was Colin. She was wearing high-heeled black sandals tipped with silver to top off the whole outfit.

Looking into the full-length mirror on the closet door one last time, Victoria couldn't help but think of Colin's looks as well. Some of Colin's co-stars had described him as "absolutely awesome" and "aesthetically pleasing", but Victoria opted for stunner. How else would you describe a soulful face, poet's brow, cherub lips and ocean-blue eyes? He had eyes that could look right through you to your inner soul. His long hair constantly fell into his eyes, hinting of the sexuality that was about to burst out of him. His six-foot frame was long and lean like a panther. Victoria couldn't help but shiver in anticipation of the evening to come.

As the phone rang from the front desk, informing her that she had a visitor in the front lobby, Victoria took one last look in the mirror, mentally calming herself. Taking one last look behind her, she closed the door and headed for the elevator.

Colin made a good first impression by arriving on time with a black stretch limousine complete with chauffeur and security. Victoria was impressed but also nervous. "Wow!" was all Colin could get out at first. He watched the long legs striding gracefully, the firm breasts in the black jacket, and the eyes that were locked to his. Christ, she was beautiful! And he smiled to himself as suddenly she stood there, looking up at him as sexy as he had ever seen anyone be. He held out his hand, taking hers and lifting it to his lips. Looking down at her as his lips slowly caressed her fingers, he said, "You are beautiful."

"Sorry I kept you waiting." She smiled and her voiced seemed deeper, sexier than it had been this afternoon. "I hope you haven't been waiting too long."

His blue eyes reached deep into hers. He smiled a smile that melted women's hearts, and if not their hearts, their resistances. It was a half smile ... a smile that touched his lips and his eyes. "Some things are worth waiting for."

She laughed. "Thank you, Colin."

"Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," she said, slipping her arm into his as they walked outside to the waiting limo. He offered her something to drink in the limo, but she turned it down. "I don't to a lot of drinking."

"Smart girl," he said as he poured himself one. Victoria watched him, wondering just how heavily he indulged. She didn't want her image of him to be shattered by finding out he was an alcoholic, but he just had the one in the car. When they arrived at Millennium, they were met by a small mob of screaming fans. It was Victoria's first introduction into a star's life and it took her by surprise. Colin seemed so calm in the midst of it all. They were quickly escorted inside by security and the bouncers at the club.

They had a good time, but she kept getting the feeling that people weren't sure she should be there and especially with him. Again, his friends were there and she was amazed at how immature they were. They danced like there were no rules ... running into one another, falling on the floor, gyrating against each other and whoever else came in contact with them, purposefully or not. She kept her distance from them most of the night and danced exclusively with Colin. His friends tried many times to ask her to dance, but she always turned them down graciously, feigning thirst or weariness.

When he wasn't acting like a fool with his friends, Victoria observed that Colin was really a good dancer. She had heard and read through some tabloids that he had been tossed out of some clubs for dancing inappropriately and now she could see why. Watching him, she quickly came to the conclusion that that was fixable but not now, not when she had just gotten her foot in the door with him. She wasn't going to blow it by putting down his dancing or trying to change him, at least not yet. Despite her surprise at how he danced and his friends appalling behavior, she had a good time and found out that she and Colin really were compatible. When she asked him about his ambitions, he admitted that he was not out to be a great movie star, but that he just wanted to be taken seriously as an actor and a professional. Victoria came to the conclusion that he just wanted to be good at what he did, not unlike her own ambitions; although, she DID want to be recognized as a great children's author.

When he took her back, Colin insisted on escorting her up to her room. He came in close like he was going to follow her into the room, but Victoria was determined to make him wait ... to anticipate another chance to go out. She unlocked the door and turned around. "Thank you for a wonderful evening. I had a lot of fun."

"Aren't you going to invite me in?" he asked, peering over her shoulder.

She smiled. "I would, but I'm really tired and I still have a lot of work to do before I can retire for the evening."

"You're not seriously going to work, now?" he asked, eyeing her with admiration. The way he towered over her gave him a terrific view down her jacket. "If the problem is sleep, I'll be glad to keep you awake for a little longer." He watched her reaction with a sparkle in his eye.

"Now Colin, we just met and if I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to take advantage of me," she teased.

One of his eyebrows shot up as he jokingly asked her, "You're not serious about this 'I'm an old-fashioned girl from Texas' routine, are you?" He looked very surprised when she answered yes.

"Mr. Mengatti, you'll have to ask me out again if you ever hope to see the inside of my hotel room."

"Is that your way of telling me you'd like to go out again?" He leaned in a little closer, so close that Victoria's breath caught in her throat as she stared at inviting lips that hovered just above her. "You're not going to get rid of me without a good-night kiss." She watched him for a moment. 

"That comes on the second date as well," she admitted softly, but inwardly hoping he wasn't taking her seriously. Before she could say anything more, he leaned forward and kissed her. It was a gentle kiss at first, but it was rapidly warmed by the passion she felt and then fact that he took her in his arms and held her fast. His grip was strong and his lips pressed hard against hers. She was breathless when she pulled away at last. She said nothing but the look in her eyes said it all as he kissed her again and then stood upright with a look of regret. But he knew his limits with this girl and he had already reached them. Another kiss like that and he would have torn off the black pantsuit and he didn't think he should do that.

"I think it's time for me to go." He smiled down at her with a tender look that warmed her heart. Inwardly he thought it was a nice change not to fall into bed on the first date. "You know," he said, reaching out to touch her hair. "It's been a long time since I've been out on a date with a woman who's in control of what she wants from me." Victoria laughed softly as he asked for another date.

"I'm not going to go out with you again if you're just doing it to get me into bed."

"Darling," he said, directly and honestly. "If I was only looking for someone to go to bed with, I would be here acting chivalrous." Victoria took it just as he put it, very matter of factly. She was old enough to know she wasn't the only girl interested in this handsome young man. He laughed as he saw her ponder what he had said. "Don't worry, sweetheart. You make me ready to find something other than sex." Again he stroked her hair as he watched her.

"Call me," she told him, her blue eyes holding his for a long moment and then she smiled. "I'll check my calendar for my next free night." Victoria knew, of course, that every night was free when it came to Colin but what fun would it be without a little chase and she wanted desperately for him to chase her. What he didn't know is that she was already caught. 



Together, Forever! Ch. 06



When Colin called the next afternoon, Victoria decided to play it cool and let him do the chasing for a change. He had showed some definite interest and she wanted to test it out just a little. “Hi Victoria. It’s Colin.”

“Oh, hi Colin. How are you?”

“I just wanted to call and let you know how much I enjoyed last night.”

Victoria smiled into the phone as she cradled the receiver closer to her ear. Just hearing his voice brought a picture of his face to her mind. “I did too,” she said.

Colin got right to the point. “So, how does your schedule look for this evening?”

She had a business dinner planned with Tom along with one of his business partners here in Los Angeles. She was seriously thinking about transferring out here. There was really nothing holding her back in Texas except Madelyn and she would understand. Besides, Colin was here. She knew that she could reschedule with Tom if necessary, but she wasn’t ready to drop everything for this guy just yet. Where was the fun in that? “I can’t tonight, Colin. I have a dinner date.”

“A dinner date?” he questioned, surprise showing in his voice. Victoria smiled secretly. “With who?”

She decided to cut him a little slack. “I’m having a business dinner with my publisher and a colleague of his here in Los Angeles.”

“Are you planning on just working this week or are you going to give yourself some time to play?”

“That is what I came to L.A. for,” she said, knowing full well she was speaking only in half truths. The real reason for this trip was on the other end of the phone.

“Well, now you have another reason for being here.” He hinted at the obvious.

“Is that right?” She laughed. It was a lot of fun to tease him.

“You’re damn straight.” He had such a sexy laugh. It made Victoria want to climb right through the phone after him.

“Colin, I’m in town for one week and one week only. It’s booked solid. I’ve had a wonderful time with you and I hate to cut it short, believe me … but I have a job to do. I hope you understand.” Inwardly, Victoria hoped that her plan didn’t backfire on her. She wanted to be pursued.

“Victoria, I don’t want to get in the way of your job. I think you can swing both. That is, if you really want to.” He paused, waiting for her to respond to that. He was having a hard time reading her. He didn’t want to pursue her if she wasn’t interested, but something told him she was and he wanted her, wanted her worse than any other before her … even Marisa.

Victoria paused, wanting to encourage him but not so obviously. What was she going to say to him now? It was clear he wanted to know where she stood. “It’s not that I don’t want to …” she began, searching for the words.

Colin helped her. “I tell you what.” She took a deep breath, hopeful that he’d take the pressure off her shoulders. She really didn’t want to be overly aggressive with him. Something told her he wanted to do the chasing. “What if I meet you after your meeting is over? Just tell me where you’ll be and I’ll do the rest.”

Victoria smiled. He was interested. She played one last hand. “I’m not really sure what time we’ll be done, Colin. It could go on forever. You shouldn’t have to wait.” She stopped, wondering what he would do next. It was a lame excuse and she knew it. She desperately hoped that he’d push the issue and go through with his plans. There was nothing she’d like better than to spend another evening with him.

“Victoria, I don’t care how long it lasts. I’ll wait as long as I have to.” Victoria smiled and silently let out the breath she had been unconsciously holding. “You know, you’ve already gotten under my skin and I’m not about to let you go back to Texas without knowing that you’ll be back. In fact,” he added, “I’m not sure I’m going to let you leave in the first place.”

Colin’s words only confirmed Victoria’s nothing that she had captured his interest enough to keep him hooked. She decided to stretch this for every inch she could get. “You know, we only met a couple of days ago. You sound so sure of the fact that you want to be with me, yet I have a hard time believing that when you obviously can have your pick of all of Hollywood, not to mention any girl or woman that has seen your latest movie, that you would want to be with me.”

“Victoria, you don’t give yourself enough credit. Why would I want to be with anyone else when you’re around? I have never met anyone like you before and to be quite honest with you, I have never felt the way I do with anyone I’ve ever been with before you.” Victoria could feel the tears start to form in her eyes. She desperately hoped he meant everything she was hearing.

“Colin …” He quickly interrupted her.

“Victoria, let me finish. You have this presence … a force that drew me to you that first night. It’s invaded my heart and my mind. I haven’t been able to sleep in three days and I couldn’t let go of you and these feelings if I wanted to!’

Victoria was stunned and wasn’t sure how to respond. This was going just the way she had dreamed it would, but how could that be? This couldn’t be real, could it? “Colin, I don’t know what to say after all that …”

“Just tell me where you’ll be tonight and I’ll be there.”

With her heart in her throat, she said, “The Bistro Gardens.”

“What time is your dinner meeting?”

She told him and he said he’d meet her there afterwards and that he was looking forward to it. Victoria agreed in the end, barely getting the words past the lump in her throat.

Sitting in the restaurant with Tom and his colleague, Steve Cameron, Victoria was engaged in a wonderful conversation about her aspiring career as a children’s author. They were both convinced that she needed to give up teaching, move here to Los Angeles and focus only on her writing. Tom was going on and on about the quality of writing she possessed. “Vicky, with the work you’ve already published and the work I’ve seen in your portfolio, Steven and I have agreed to make it worth your while to follow the course that we’ve presented to you. We want to ensure that you’re happy with us and will be for many years to come. We sure don’t want to lose you to the competition.”

“Now Tom, you know I would never do that,” she commented with a smile, taking a sip of her white wine.

“Victoria, we’re going to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Steve added. “We’re willing to do whatever we need to do to make this happen for you and for us.” Victoria was having a good laugh over that and dreaming about her future with this company and Colin, when she saw him. He was sitting about three tables over, watching her with intense eyes. She hadn’t known he would actually wait for her here, but there he was … sipping on a glass of wine and watching her carry on a lively conversation with these older men. By now, Victoria’s mind had flown over to his table and she knew that her eyes had conveyed that message to him as well. As she reached for her glass of wine, her eyes were glued to his features. His hair had fallen into his eyes and he watched her with an intense gaze. Victoria felt herself slowly slipping into a daze, lost in his eyes, even as she sat that far apart from him. Her eyes dropped to his full, sensuous mouth and she felt her own mouth go dry just thinking how his lips felt on hers. Her thoughts were jolted back to reality as she realized that Tom had been talking to her. “Vicky, where have you disappeared to?”

Quickly shifting her gaze away from Colin to Tom, she took another sip of wine. “No where. I’m here.” She smiled quickly at Steve and then set her glass down. Standing up, she made apologies and said she’d be right back. Both men stood as she pushed in her chair and glance back over to Colin’s table, seeing he had disappeared. She excused herself to go to the powder room, needing to regain her composure and that’s where she ran into him. He was leaning nonchalantly against a pillar near the back of the restaurant. “What are you doing here?” she whispered, walking up to him.

Colin quickly looked her over. She was wearing a white silk skirt slit high up her thigh, and a deep blue silk shirt that set off her eyes and the color of her hair. Her hair had been swept up on top of her head and her nails were manicured and left natural. She was wearing high-heeled sandals that matched her skirt. “I told you I would wait for you.”

“I know,” she whispered, looking behind her at the two men still engaged in a conversation at her table. “I just didn’t think you’d be here.” She looked back at him and smiled. “You’re making it hard for me to concentrate on business.”

“Then you might as well leave now,” he said, taking her by the arm and pulling her close to him. She could smell his cologne and it made her head whirl.

Quickly stepping back before she lost sight of her reason for being here, she said, “Colin, I’m still in the middle of my meeting.” Victoria felt her resolve slipping as he watched her with eyes that sparkled. She knew she wouldn’t be able to concentrate anymore and finally agreed to meet him out front. She felt just like a teenager about to slip out of the house to meet a boyfriend that her parents didn’t approve of. Colin quickly leaned over and kissed her before heading out the door. Watching his retreating form, Victoria took a deep breath and went back to her table.

Both men stood again as she just stood there, gathering her purse and briefcase. Looking directly at Tom, she said, “Tom, I’m sorry but something’s come up. Are we finished here?”

Tom’s questioning gaze caught Victoria’s and she felt a twinge of guilt. Steve quickly sat back down, answering for Tom. “Yes, Victoria. I apologize for keeping you so late.” Looking down at his watch, he added, “It’s time I went as well.”

“Vicky,” Tom said, sitting back down and taking a sip of wine. “You’re going to think seriously about what we’ve said, I hope?” He looked at her intently and she knew he was asking more than what he said.

“Of course,” she said.

“Will I see you again before you leave for Texas?” Steve asked.

“I’m not sure, to tell you the truth.”

“I hope you really consider moving to the area, Victoria. We can work more closely if you were here. But we’ll do what we can to keep communication open even if you decide against it.”

“I’ll consider it, I promise.” Then with a nod to both men, she hurried to the front door. As she stepped out, a limo driver opened a door directly in front of her and she saw a hand reach out and wait. Smiling, Victoria stepped forward and took it, stepping into the limo and Colin’s waiting arms.

All her resolve to make Colin wait and yearn for her, fled out the window as that limo door closed and Victoria found herself wrapped in Colin’s warm arms. She was the one who was yearning for him! His face was hovering close to her own and his cologne reached out and caressed her face … or was it his hand? She felt very warm and very safe and instinctively, she leaned in closer to him as she watched him through half closed lids. “Do you know how very beautiful you are?” he asked. She nestled close to him and then suddenly he laughed. “If you don’t stop looking at me that way, I’m going to have to kiss you.”

“All right.” Her soft laughter joined his. She couldn’t have torn her gaze from his if her very life depended upon it. Like a movie in slow motion, she watched his lips lower to hers as a wonderful and warm feeling closed over her. Victoria’s eyes closed and she savored this moment … clung to it like it would be her last. Slowly, oh so slowly, his lips descended, brushing hers. She could feel their warmth before they even touched her. A soft moan escaped her lips as he deepened the kiss, his tongue reaching out to caress her own. She took him in, her arms encircling his neck and her heart pounding. A beautiful song softly came over the radio, filling Victoria’s ears and heart with their words … “If I never knew you, if I never felt this love, I would have no inkling of, how precious life could be …”

Colin pulled away slowly and Victoria felt like she had been drugged. She opened her eyes and saw him smiling down at her. They wound up at her hotel room and she didn’t have to ask, he just followed her in. No words were spoken as he took her into his arms and held her close.

Victoria held tight to him as they stood by the door locked in an embrace. No kissing … no fondling, just his hand slightly stroking her back. Her head rested quietly on his chest. Victoria closed her eyes and slowly inhaled his scent … clean, musky, sexy. Stepping gently away from his embrace, she turned on the light, walking into the sitting area of her hotel suite. The draperies were pulled back to show the spectacular view of the lights of Los Angeles below.

Colin followed Victoria to the window, taking her into his embrace. As they looked out over L.A., she softly asked, “Do you want some coffee?”

“It’s not coffee I want,” he whispered in her ear, his embrace tightening.

She turned in his embrace, her eyes locked with his. “What do you want?” Her eyes blazed with his and suddenly Colin wanted to protect her … to love her for a long time.

“I better go.” He smiled down at her with a tender look.

“Any special reason?”

He laughed softly in the dim light of the hotel room. “A very good one. You’re driving me crazy, Miss Harrison. And if I’m expected to behave myself, I’d better go.” Victoria pouted as Colin pointed out, “You said yourself that you wouldn’t go out with me again if it was just to go to bed. So, we’re not.”

“Always the gentleman,” she teased.

He kissed her on the forehead, pulling her close as he said, “Besides, you’re leaving in a couple of days and I’ll still be here.” She pulled back from his embrace, disappointment shining in her eyes. She didn’t want to talk about the fact that she was going to have to leave him sooner or later, but here it was … staring her right in the face. “I really want us to start this relationship out right and going to bed isn’t going to do it, no matter how badly you or I want to.”

“Relationship?” she questioned. “Is that what this feels like to you?”

“Yes, I think it can be.” He watched her, scared to admit how much he already cared about her … scared to admit he’d be devastated if she left. “I want to carry this to the end, wherever and whenever that is going to be. I honestly don’t think it’s going to end when you go back to Texas. We’re too closely linked to one another … already.” He emphasized this point by pulling her back into his embrace, his cheek resting on her forehead. “You’ll be back. Of that I’m certain.”

Victoria didn’t say anything. She was too choked up to reply to his impassioned words. “If you look inside yourself, Victoria, you have to admit that you belong here. The job can follow you.” She knew what he had said was true. Her publisher was here in California and was practically begging her to be closer. If she had to, she could also find a teaching job here. All she had to do was take the California version of the EXCET test, but Victoria had to admit … she was scared. What if she came this far and then things didn’t work out like she wanted them to? What if Colin was just saying these things and she left everything behind to come? But then she thought that this is what she had come for. She wanted him and now she needed to be near him. She didn’t know what to do.

He stepped back from her, holding her at arms’ length as he watched her. Kissing her lightly on the forehead, he said, “All I’m asking for is a chance to love you, Victoria. Everything else can be worked out.” He sauntered over to the door and turned back to gaze at her. “Until tomorrow,” he said and then opened the door. ‘When?!’ she wanted to know but he walked out, leaving her breathless and wanting with definite questions about her future. 



Together, Forever! Ch. 07



The next morning, Victoria was awakened by a knock on her hotel door. She reached over and looked at the clock sitting beside the bed on the night table - 7:30 am. Wondering who it could be at this hour, she reached for her silk wrap and shuffled for her slippers. Not finding them, she took one last look under the bed and hurried to the door barefoot as another impatient knock resounded through the sitting room. Hastily brushing her hair out of her eyes, she crossed over to the door. “Who is it?” she called, looking out of the peephole.  Victoria was surprised to see Colin’s impish grin looking back at her. 

“Guess?” came the call. A sudden rush of nervousness and giddiness swept over her like a wave of cold water. She suddenly realized she could not possibly let him see her this way but he must have read her mind, for he called out, “Don’t worry about how you look. I’m interested to see how you look after a night in bed!” Knowing she didn’t look half bad without make-up or her hair fixed, Victoria smiled at his words. She still wanted to make a good impression on him at all times. 

“Just a minute,” she called. Quickly assessing her situation, she untied her robe, exposing her short matching nightie that was under it. She quickly combed through her hair with her right hand as her left reached out to unlock the door. Her tongue reached out to wet her now dry lips as the door swung open. “Hi!” 

His eyes told of his appreciation even though he joked, “What? You’re not ready to conquer the world at this late hour? The day is already half gone!” Victoria reached around to tie her robe, faking her timidity. “I liked it better the other way,” he said as he followed her into the sitting room. “Have you eaten breakfast yet?”

Victoria peered over her shoulder at him as she went over to the coffee maker. “I just woke up, as you very well know!” Coffee, she had to have some and luckily this suite had a coffee maker all set up. As she made a fresh pot, Colin called down for room service.

“I’ll get us something to eat,” he said, waiting for room service to pick up. Eyeing her, he added, “You have to get a move on.” 

“What for?” she asked, turning to face him.

“You’ll see soon enough, but dress casual.” He was full of surprises, another thing she loved about him.

Victoria grabbed a cup of coffee and went into the bath to do as he asked. By the time breakfast came, she was dressed comfortably but appealing at the same time. “It’s amazing at how quickly you can transform yourself.” 

“Why? Did I look that bad to begin with?” she asked, giving him the best evil look she could muster.

He grinned back at her. “No, not too bad.” He had a way of putting her into a good mood, no matter what time of day. 

“So, where are you taking me so early in the morning?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Colin . . .” Victoria sipped on her second cup of coffee, trying to tease it out of him. But that’s all the information she could muster out of him.

They spent the day at the park and sight-seeing in Los Angeles. Victoria had more fun at the park just playing Frisbee and watching the people. They spent a great deal of time just sitting on the ground, talking and getting to know one another. Victoria felt their attraction towards each other intensifying and she felt closer to him than anyone she had ever known before. By the time the day was over and they sat on his car on a ridge overlooking the lights of Los Angeles, she was resolved that she couldn’t leave him. Three days together and she felt like they had known each other for a lifetime. Victoria sat close to him, his arm around her waist and her head resting on his shoulder. The only obstacle she saw was tying up the loose ends in Texas and explaining it all to Madelyn. They had been roommates for five years and friends since college. It would be hard to leave her. Victoria’s ex-husband crossed her mind vaguely but then she dismissed him totally as she snuggled closer to Colin. “Happy?” he asked, his arms tightening around her.

“Mmm,” she murmured, her eyes closing. They sat there for a long moment before she got off the car and walked to the edge of the cliff, looking into the now setting sun. The time that she and Colin had together was quickly coming to an end and he must have sensed her thoughts because he followed her, held her close to him, and then turned her with a kiss.

“How am I going to get along without you?” he murmured into her hair. “Isn’t there anything I can do to influence you to stay?”

Victoria stepped back from his embrace, looking up into his face. “My publisher wants me to stay. He’s offered to make up the difference in the cost of living with a pay raise.” She watched him for a reaction. Funny, how he didn’t sense that she had already made that decision based on the fact that she couldn’t leave him. “I’m seriously considering staying.” When one of Colin’s eyebrows shot up and he watched her closely, she continued, “It’s a real opportunity for my career to take the turn I’ve been waiting for.”

“And what about us?” he wanted to know. “Did we have anything to do with that decision?”

“You’re not making my decision easy for me.” Before she had met him, the answer would have been a resounding NO, but now he had her all confused. What was she supposed to do? 

“I want it to be easy, Vicky. It is easy. The only answer is for you to move here where you belong.”

She wanted to agree with him, but was afraid she was just following an empty dream. Why would he want her? She turned again, facing the setting sun, trying desperately to find comfort to the doubts in the arms of the man she was quickly falling in love with. He turned her around slowly to face him and there were tears in her eyes. Victoria didn’t want him to see them, but she couldn’t resist the magnetic pull of his hands as he had turned her slowly by the waist. “Tears? Why are you crying?” he asked, one hand reaching up to wipe a lone tear from her cheek.

“Oh, Colin. It’s stupid. I . . . can’t . . .,” Victoria trailed off, looking down at the ground beneath their feet. He gently cupped her chin and lifted her face to look into the deep pools. He slowly kissed both her eyes, and then pressed his mouth down on hers for so hard and so long that, at the least, she had to fight for breath. “Colin . . . don’t . . . no . . .” She was resisting, but weakly, and he only pulled her closer to him again. 

“Why not?” He put a finger under her chin and made her look at him. “Victoria?” She said nothing, and he kissed her again. His voice was gentle in her ear when he spoke to her, and she could feel her heart pounding against her chest. “Victoria, I want you, more than I’ve ever wanted any woman before.”

She spoke softly, but with feeling, as her eyes gazed into his. “That isn’t enough.”

He nodded slowly. “I understand.” And then after a long moment, “But I don’t know that I can offer anything more than that anymore.”

Now it was her turn. She smiled gently and asked the same question, “Why not?”

“Because ...” He hesitated and then looked at her with laughter in his eyes. “Because I don’t have all of that left to give.”

“How do you know? Have you tried lately?”

“Not since Marisa.” His answer was quick and honest.

Victoria felt a tinge of remorse that she had asked surge through her, but knew that if she was to ever beat this thing, to beat his memory of her, she had to face it head on. “And do you think it’s too late to love anyone again?” He didn’t answer and she looked around and then coming back to him. “Don’t you think love has a way of resurfacing, Colin?” He nodded. “So do I. It’s hard to go on, but you have to. You can’t just lock up all that passion I see in you, close the door and be sold out. That’s not you, Colin. That’s just not you.”

“Does that mean . . .” He spoke softly, his lips playing with hers and her heart wreaking havoc between her ribs, wondering what she was doing standing on this cliff with this man, kissing him and trying to justify to him why he should fall in love. She wanted to ask herself what in hell she thought she was doing, why she thought it would last if she could only convince him. “Does that mean,” he went on, “that if I told you I loved you, that we’d go back to your hotel room and be making love right now?” He looked amused, and with a small smile she shook her head. “I didn’t think it did. So what are you trying to convince me of, and why?”

“I’m trying to convince you that it’s not too late to fall in love again. That life goes on after Marisa. All you have to do is let go and let it take its course.”

“Yeah . . .” But he didn’t sound convinced. And then he turned his eyes back to her with a pensive expression. “What difference does it make to you if I ever fall in love again? You’re going back to Texas and may never come back.”

“I’d like to know that it’s possible.”

“Why? Are doing some kind of research for science or something?”

“No,” she whispered. “For myself.”

“So that’s it.” He ran a hand gently down her red hair, fighting with the pins that held it firmly in a knot at the nape of her neck, and then suddenly he unleashed it as it all came tumbling down her back. “My god, your hair is lovely, Vicky . . .” He said it ever so softly. “How beautiful you are . . .” The quickly departing sun sent its last rays their way, setting fire to her hair.

“We should go now.” She said it gently, but firmly.

“Should we?”

“We should.”

“Why?” His lips were kissing her chin and her jawbone and her neck. She wasn’t objecting, but she was also not going to let him go any farther than that. “Why should we go now, Victoria? Oh, god, you’re so lovely . . .” Victoria could feel a shiver run through him, and she pulled away slowly with a small shake of her head.

“No, Colin.”

“Why not?” For a moment there was fire in his eyes, and she was almost afraid.

“Because it’s not right.”

“For Christ sake, I’m a man, you’re a woman . . . we’re not children here. What do you want?” He raised his voice in lustful irritation. “The perfect romance, a wedding ring on your finger before you go to bed?”

“What do you want, Colin? Just a quick roll in the hay?” The force of her words hit him like a bullet, and he looked stunned as slowly he shook his head.

“I’m sorry.” He spoke coldly and then moved to the car. He turned and saw she was still standing there, watching him.

“I’m not sorry. I like you. In fact” ~ she walked to him, reached out and put a hand on his arm ~ “I like you a lot. But I don’t want you on a rebound. I’m not out to get hurt.”

“You can’t have the kind of guarantees you want, Vicky. Not from anyone. And not from me. The only guarantees you’ll ever get are lies.” There was some truth in that and she knew it, but it wasn’t just the promises she wanted, but something real.

“You know what I want?” She looked around at their surroundings, searching for the right words and then looked at him again. “I want to know that we’re in love. And until I find that, until a man loves me and I love him, then I’m not coming out to play again.”

He opened the car door and then turned, looking at her. “We better go.” He had understood all that she had told him, and she found herself wondering what he would do now, and what she would do herself. For a moment, just a moment, she had wanted to abandon all restraint and caution, but had decided against it. Not because she didn’t want him, but because she wanted him so much. 

“Will I see you when I get back?” She eyed him squarely as he stopped, his hand on the car door.

“Does that mean you’re coming back?”

She nodded slowly, and he smiled at her and said nothing. When she reached the car door, Colin walked over to her side, opened it and she sat down. A moment later she was on her way back to town with Colin Mengatti at her side.



Victoria had three weeks before her renewed contract with her publishing company began in Los Angeles. Steve, who was to be her new immediate boss, asked her to check into the office three weeks from the following Monday, so she had to get busy. She was due back in Texas in two days and she had to secure a place to live here when she returned. Spring Break was coming to an end and she had to get back to school. She had already called her principal, giving a two-week notice. She wanted to take the extra week to spend some time with Madelyn and get everything packed. Colin had offered to share his place when she got back into town to take the pressure of finding a place to live off her shoulders, but she wouldn’t hear of it! She was still determined to play hard to get! So he offered to help her look instead. They found the perfect spot. It was a one-room apartment that was housed in an old warehouse close to downtown Los Angeles. It was very secure but not a lot to look at. Nothing that some paint and Victoria’s decorating touch couldn’t solve.

She and Colin had spent her last two days searching for a place for her to live and now her departing day was upon them. Victoria felt sick about leaving him just when they had made a positive step in forming a relationship, but she knew she’d be back in three weeks. She couldn’t help but wonder what would change between them in three weeks. Colin had Hollywood at his feet and every female that wasn’t blind. 

He took her to the airport and she couldn’t help but cling to him like she’d never see him again. He comforted her by holding her close and whispering, “It won’t be long before we’re together again.” He kissed her gently on the forehead as she leaned against him and whispered into her hair, “I’ll be glad to take you into the bathroom and make sure you don’t forget me during these next three weeks.”

She laughed, reaching up to hug his neck. Even at a time like this, he still had the ability to make her laugh!! She happened to glance over at the book and magazine shop across the way and saw Colin’s face all over one rack. He was at the top of his field, on the A-list in Hollywood, yet here he stood with her. With every breath she took, she couldn’t help but wonder what the hell he was doing with her when he could be doing anything with anyone at this particular moment. It warmed her to the bone at the thought of them actually being together, of her dreams finally coming true, but at the same time she was chilled with the thought that she now had to leave, even if for a short while.

“Last call for flight 206 to Dallas!” The call resounded through the terminal like a funeral dirge. Victoria clung to him, pulling together all the strength she could muster to step away. His reassuring arms encircled her as his hand stroked her back. 

He kissed her hair. “Three weeks is not long compared to a lifetime to be together,” he whispered into her ear. She pulled away just enough to look up into his face and saw the reassurance she needed. She was able to step away and keep her resolve. She was determined to stay in control! She could cry on the plane, but not here. Not here! Smiling a little smile, Victoria grabbed her shoulder bag and started for the boarding gate. At the gate, she turned to see him smiling at her. She smiled back and boarded the plane, finally losing her composure in the safety of her seat. As the plane lifted into the sky, the tears rolled unchecked down her cheeks as she wondered what life held in store for her now. 



Together, Forever! Ch. 08



Back in Texas, Victoria was overjoyed at seeing Madelyn again. It was hard for her to believe that only one week had passed since her leaving and catching her first glimpse of Colin Mengatti. So much had changed in so little of time. When it came to explaining to Madelyn what all had happened, it was much easier than she anticipated. "Oh, Maddie," she exclaimed, falling down on the couch beside her friend. "I don't know how to explain it other than I love him. I really do." She glanced at her roommate, reaching over to squeeze her hand.

"I'm happy for you, Vicky. I really am," she said, grasping her other hand. "It's what you wanted. I just can hardly believe it actually happened."

"I know," she whispered, sitting back into the couch and closing her eyes. "I can hardly believe it myself." She let her mind take her back to California, back into Colin's arms and she couldn't help but smile.

"I don't think I've ever seen you this happy," Madelyn said, watching her friend glow.

Victoria opened her eyes, and peered over at her. "Come with me," she said, suddenly.

"I can't," she said, always being the practical one. "It's crazy enough with you going." Victoria sat upright, looking at her seriously. Madelyn recognized her friend's look immediately, realizing that she was determined to talk her into going as well. "Vicky," she began, shaking her head, "What happens if things don't work out with your new job, what then?"

"That won't happen."

"What if things don't work out with you and Colin?" Victoria sat still for a moment, her eyes falling to search the carpet. Here Madelyn had mentioned the one thing that occupied Victoria's thoughts day and night. 

"I guess that bridge will have to be crossed if and when I ever reach it." If she was totally honest with herself, Victoria knew that all depended on Colin. She wasn't sure about anything right now, just what was in front of her.

"Vicky, you know I'm not trying to knock down what you have with him . . ."

"I know," she said, looking back at Madelyn. "You haven't said anything that I haven't thought of myself." Then she smiled warmly at her friend. "Isn't there anything I can do to convince you to come?"

"No," she said sadly, watching her friend. They had been close for so long that she had a hard time imagining what life was going to be like without her. "My life is here and yours is just beginning somewhere else." Victoria reached over, taking her friend into an embrace. They sat like this for a while, both lost in their own thoughts and memories of the past. Sitting back from each other, but still holding hands, Madelyn said, "I want you to go Vicky, with no regrets. There is nothing here to hold you back."

"Nothing but you," she whispered, tears coming to her eyes.

Madelyn choked on her own as she said, "I'm not holding you back. In fact," She reached up to quickly wipe away her tears, and smiling said, "I'm throwing you out of the nest." Victoria reached over once more to take her college friend in her arms. 

The three weeks that she was in Texas flew by quicker than she thought they would. Colin didn't call and she didn't either. The few times Victoria thought about it, she reasoned that he was busy and she was too. She had a lot of things to wrap up in three weeks. Madelyn helped her pack as much as she could when she wasn't working. They had to change the lease agreement since Madelyn would now be living here on her own and Victoria had to get her mail re-routed. Then there were bank accounts to change over and a moving van to rent. Then she spent as much time as she could with Madelyn. They did something everyday together and she took lots of pictures and videos. They made plans for Madelyn to fly up some to visit and of course, Victoria would come back to visit when she could. She knew that inside, Madelyn must think it crazy of her to be doing this, but she knew her to be a go-getter and a dreamer. She outwardly told her over and over that she thought it was great that she had made a positive move with her career in writing. But Victoria also knew Madelyn probably thought she was nuts for going after a guy seven years her junior! Honestly, she had to agree with that, it was nuts!

When the day came for her to leave, it was a tearful one. She hated to leave her friend but was filled with the hope that she was doing the right thing and that Madelyn was going to try to come for a visit in a month or so. She didn't know how she was going to last that long without her roommate, but was determined to try this new road ahead of her! She had called Steve's office to let him know when her flight was coming in and he had promised to send someone to meet her. The whole flight over, she couldn't help but wonder if things had changed between her and Colin in the past three weeks. He had filmed another film right after his blockbuster movie and it had just reached the theaters as well. So now both his movies were number one and number two at the box-office. It was insane! Victoria and Madelyn had gone to see this new one and this time, Victoria ached for him as she watched him up on the big screen. His other movie was still in the movie theaters, in every big magazine and all over the television. The love song from the movie was number one on the charts and was all over the radio. During her three weeks home in Texas, she kept meeting up with Colin's face and pictures of him. . . old pictures with his model girlfriend, Marisa. She couldn't help but feel a little insecure.

Victoria couldn't believe her eyes when it was Colin who was waiting at the gate! It had only been three weeks, but he already looked like he had changed. His hair was longer and he looked younger than she had remembered, but that smile had not changed at all. It lit up his face and made her stomach do flip-flops just seeing it! Trying to control the impulse of running down the gate and flinging herself into his arms, Victoria felt her feet automatically pick up the pace some. 'Slow down girl!' she thought to herself. She tried to keep her composure as she walked down the gateway, her eyes glued to his. At the end of the gate, he caught her up in his arms and suddenly, Victoria was relieved that things had not changed! Her shoulder bag slipped to the ground as her arms went around his neck, her hands in his hair. Their lips met and she hungrily tasted him, grinning at the same time. He pulled back. "Let me look at you," he whispered. "Have you changed?" His eyes raked over her, his eyes shining. "God, I can't believe how beautiful you are . . ." He drew her into his embrace again, kissing her eyes, her cheek, and her lips. "I can't believe you're finally back. It's been so long."

"I know," she whispered back, pulling him closer.

"I was afraid that you had changed your mind, especially when I didn't hear from you."

"I gave you the perfect chance to back out . . ." she teased, her hands sliding through his hair, her eyes soaking him up.

"Never," he vowed. "You're not getting away from me that easily." He kissed her again. "I'm never letting go of the best thing that has ever happened to me!"

Oh God, how she had longed to hear those words come out of his mouth. 'I had him, I really had him!' were the words that kept running through her head as she hugged him close to her. 

Colin took her right over to her new apartment to drop her things off, change and go out. Victoria had an early morning meeting in Steve's office at 9:00 sharp, so they decided to opt for a quiet dinner at one of Colin's favorite places. She couldn't keep her eyes off of him and she was delighted to find that it was the same for him. "Did you get everything all taken care of back in Texas?' He smiled slowly at Victoria over their drinks. He enjoyed watching her.

She nodded, looking over her glass with a smile that showed the generosity of her lips. "Yes, there's nothing left for me there."

"I'm glad." He looked relaxed and happy as he ordered another Perrier. Victoria was surprised to see him not drinking his usual cocktails. He smiled up at her, their eyes meeting and holding. When the waiter returned, they ordered a light dinner and their conversation turned more towards catching up with what had transpired in the three weeks they had been apart. As she already knew, his new movie had just been released during the time she had been back in Texas. He had gone dateless to his premier since Victoria had not been in town. His agent had also contacted him trying to get him to read a new script. He said he wasn't sure he wanted to do anything else right now. He had spent some time at a beach house he had rented in Malibu, where he had spent a few days reading some scripts and relaxing. It had been a while since he had had some time just to himself. Victoria told him about her roommate Madelyn and how they had spent the three weeks together as much as possible. She lingered on the memories they had spent together as Colin asked, "Any regrets?"

She shook her head and looked vague as she toyed absently with her salad, and then looked up at him again. "No, no regrets." For an instant, she looked vulnerable in a way he had never seen her look before. Then it was gone the moment she smiled and shrugged one of her shoulders. "Madelyn and I go back a long way. Being this far apart is not going to change our relationship overnight." Colin felt like it was something else that was weighing heavily on her mind.

"What else is bothering you?"

Victoria took another sip of her water, watching him over the rim. Putting down her glass, she watched him, wondering if she should really tell what was on her mind. Could it be possible during these last three weeks that he hadn't seen Marisa? "You know," she began, again toying with her salad but never eating it. Colin watched her fork play with the greens and then slid his gaze up to lock with hers. She put the fork down and fiddled with her napkin.

"Just say it," he urged her. She looked back up at him.

"It's nothing, really," she said, hoping her words were believable.

"Victoria . . ." he began, eyeing her. 

Looking down at her lap, she quietly said, "There are stories about you all over the tabloids." Sliding her gaze upward, she continued cautiously. "I couldn't help but read some of them while I was in line at the grocery store."

"Oh . . ." he said, suddenly very aware of her thoughts. He smiled at her as he leaned forward, catching up one of her hands. "I think I know what's on your mind."

She looked over at the hand softly caressing her own. "You do?"

"Yes," he said, bringing her hand to his lips, softly caressing her fingertips with his mouth. "You've got a lot to learn about the press and the tabloids."

"I've always heard that everything printed in them is bullshit, but . . ." she trailed off.

"But," he finished for her. "It bothered you to read some of the crap that was printed in there about me and Marisa, right?" She looked down again, embarrassed that he could read her so well. His hand reached over to cup her chin. "I have no intention of ever going back to Marisa and I am not yearning for her to return."

Victoria looked back up at him, sheepishly smiling. "I guess it was pretty silly of me."

"Victoria, you have no reason to ever doubt me. I'll say this, at one time before I met you; I had hoped that she would let me back into her life." He watched her closely for a reaction. When she just watched him, he continued. "Now, we're just friends. When she ended it, she didn't think we could survive the success that was sure to come with the movie and all the attention that she thought I would be getting."

"She was right, wasn't she?" she asked, intrigued now by the story he was telling her.

"In a way, I guess. But we could've survived it. I think, in a way, she was looking for an excuse to get out." He stopped when the waiter came back with their coffee. Taking a slow sip, he looked back at Victoria. "We're friends and I value our friendship but what we had is over now. Any feelings I had for her are gone, thanks to you."

Victoria's eyes lit up slowly, with a warm glow. She had hoped it would be something like that. "I'm glad." Picking up her own steaming cup, she couldn't help but think that Marisa must have wanted to be the only one in their relationship to be in the spotlight and Victoria couldn't help but feel a pang of anger at her. It was clear to her that she had been using Colin! But he was determined to keep her as a friend and Victoria wasn't about to complain. 

"I don't want you to worry about the tabloids. They usually take an old story or something they have heard and twist it into a better story than it actually is." Victoria knew all too well what writers would do to get a good, sellable story.

"You have a way of making everything all right, don't you?" His voice was powerful yet gentle, and there was something very seductive about him. She could feel the pull of the man, just sitting next to him at the table, over their coffee.

"I try," he said, ever teasing her. Victoria's eyes held a caress that almost choked him, and for a long moment he just watched her.

As they left that evening, what Colin had told her about the press suddenly met them face to face as a group of photographers flashed picture after picture of them walking out to his car. Colin continued past them, cool as a cucumber with a perpetual smile glued to his face. Victoria was amazed!! She mused that she must have looked silly because she didn't know what to do, much less what to say. There must have been some reporters there as well, because they kept calling out questions to Colin about whom Victoria was and where Marisa was and did he still love her. Victoria couldn't believe they would actually say all of this in front of her, but here they were, doing it! Her blue eyes blazed as Colin smiled reassuringly at her. He closed her door and turned to face them. She couldn't hear what he was saying, but the flashbulbs were about to blind her and then she saw him making his way over to his side of the car. When he got in, all she could do was look at him as he drove off. 

When she found her voice, all she could ask was, "What the hell was that?"

Laughing, he said, "That, my dear, is what I was talking about earlier." He looked over at her, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips. "That's the kind of shit I have to put up with all the time and now you will too." He quickly caught on to her quiet demeanor as he drove her back to her apartment. "Are you okay?' he asked, walking her up the iron staircase to the landing where her front door was.

"Yeah," she answered. "I guess I was just taken aback by all the press. They have a lot of nerve."

"It is a lot to get used to." What she didn't tell him was that it really bothered her to hear them talk about him and Marisa like it wasn't over between them. She was starting to wonder that herself . . .

"I enjoyed being with you tonight, Victoria." His voice was quiet, and she knew he meant it.

"Me too." Her blue eyes held his for a long moment and she smiled. All she could see was Colin, and how appealing he was. "You want to come in?"

"You have an early morning meeting," he reminded her, kissing her lightly on the cheek. "If I came in now, you wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight," he hinted a slow smile on his lips.

"Is that a promise?' she teased back, good at this game.

Colin groaned as he kissed her one last time, heading back down the steps. Stopping at the bottom landing, he turned to see her blow him a kiss. He waved as he got back into his car and she watched as his car pulled away from the curb and too quickly turned a corner, obscuring him from her sight. 



Together, Forever! Ch. 09



The next morning, a driver from the publishing company came to pick her up at eight in the morning. Victoria hadn't gotten a car. Colin said there was really no reason for it. Between public transportation, his car and the company's cars, she would have plenty of ways to get around. That would take some getting used to. Victoria liked having a car and the independence that came along with it. Thinking about it as she climbed into the back seat of the car, she realized she could always change her mind about it later.

 "It's about a forty-five minute drive from your place to the office." Seeing the grimace on her face, he quickly added, "That's not bad for L.A." Steve had said that the office was real casual, but Victoria had taken some pain with her dress this morning. She was determined to stay professional and make a good impression. She wore a black skirt which covered the tops of her long black boots from Celine in Paris, a black and white silk blouse and a matching black and white geometrical pattern scarf which was knotted loosely around her neck. Large pearl and onyx earrings were a focal point set off by her hair which was severely knotted at her neck. 

When she arrived, Victoria was surprised to find the office jammed with people. She was told to take a seat, and was offered coffee. Steve was delayed a bit, but would arrive shortly. When he arrived, he ignored the others in the office and made his way straight over to where she sat. Taking her hand and pulling her to her feet, he said, "You are one hell of a striking girl, Victoria. Are you ready to work your ass off?" 

She laughed. "I'm not sure, but I'm going to do my best."

"That's exactly what I want to hear," he said, escorting her down the hall towards his plush office. Victoria soaked up the photographs of all the authors he had employed in his career, hanging in the hallway. She recognized a lot of the names of the authors of children's books she had used in her teaching career. Smiling, she knew these names by heart - Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson, Eric Carle, Chris Van Allsburg, Brod Baggert, just to name a few. She noticed there weren't a lot of females on the wall and began to wonder if she could make it in this business. She was small-time compared to these men!

Steve's white on white office with chrome and glass desk, beige leather couch and chairs, and lithographs all coordinated in the same white and beige, surprised Victoria. This looked more like a showroom than an office. He showed her to one of the leather chairs and offered her another cup of coffee. She politely declined eager to get right to it. He sat in a matching chair opposite her instead of sitting behind the desk. She was relieved. It made her feel much more at ease. They discussed at some length her contract, what it meant and what was expected of her ... how many books she was expected to produce and of what length. He gave her some topics that he wanted to see manuscripts on but he also left some open for her own imagination and creativity. He also wanted to take some of her old manuscripts that had not been published yet and re-do those and try publishing those as well. Once she had some work completed, he wanted to do a promotional tour to bookstores around the area and book signings, presentations, etc. He had a lot in store for her and Victoria was excited to get started.

When she finally left the meeting, two and a half hours later, Victoria felt very good about her move to California and secure in her job. Her first assignment was due in four weeks. He had given her a specific topic and some direction in which to take the story. He also wanted her to rework one of her old manuscripts as well. Steve had offered for a driver to take her back home, but she declined. She had some things she wanted to do in town. She told him she would find a way home later.

The first place she decided to visit was a Barnes & Noble bookstore close to the publishing house. Victoria loved looking around at the new releases and she needed to start familiarizing herself with the types of books this publishing house released. In her search, she happened to come across a book about Colin. It was cheaply made but it seemed to be a biography of some kind. It was selling fast and there was a small crowd of teenage girls looking at them, oohing and aahing over him, going on about how beautiful he was, his new movie and how they couldn't wait for his new film Starstruck to come out. 

As she picked up one to flip through, a few of the girls saw her and giggled. She smiled at the thought that they probably thought she was some old lady hanging onto her youth by panting after a young heartthrob like Colin. If they only knew! She laughed to herself as she took one last took at it and took the book along with some others to the counter and paid for them. The book on Colin would make for some interesting reading.

As she left the bookstore, she saw what a truly beautiful day it was and decided to spend some time outside. Remembering the day she had spent with Colin at the park, she decided that would be a perfect place to enjoy the rest if the morning and do some reading. She turned down the street and headed for the nearest bus stop. As she sat down to wait for the bus, she picked up the book she had purchased about Colin. It had been pulled together quickly, she could tell just by the writing. It had been targeted for the teens that faithfully bought anything and everything about their hunk of the month, but it also held some good information about Colin. Victoria recognized some of the stuff that he had already told her and laughed aloud at some of the crazy things he had done when he was young. Some younger girls, who were also waiting for the bus, struck up a conversation with her about Colin, seeing what she was reading.

"Are you a Colin Mengatti fan?'

Victoria heard the words but was surprised at them. Looking up from her book, she looked over to her right to see a young girl around the age of fifteen staring back at her. "I'm sorry?" she asked.

"Colin Mengatti?" she repeated, pointing towards the book in Victoria's hand. "You a fan?"

She looked back down at the book in her hand, a small blush coming to her face. "Uh ... sort of, I guess ...Yeah."

"Us too," the girl said, her hand sweeping to include two other girls at the bus stop. Victoria smiled at each of them in return. "Have you seen his movies?"

"Well, I saw his big one," she answered, marking her spot and closing the book. She adjusted her sunglasses and sat back, surprised by this sudden conversation.

"Oh yeah," she said, excitedly. "I saw it nine times."

"I saw it fourteen times," added another one. Victoria was shocked. The other girl just nodded her head, looking down the street for the bus.

"Fourteen times?!" Victoria exclaimed. "Why?"

"Because he's beautiful!" the young girl answered. "I'm going to buy it when it comes out on video."

The blond girl sitting beside Victoria asked, "How many times did you see it?"

"Just once," she answered.

"You've got to go see it again, at least two more times."

"Why?' she asked, intrigued.

"Because you notice something different every time. Like the last time I saw it, I was able to just focus on how he looked in every scene instead of watching the story."

"But isn't that the reason for going to the movies, for the story?" Victoria was incredulous.

"Oh no!" she exclaimed, surprised at Victoria's words. "You go to see the actors, to see Colin. The story just adds to it."

"But," Victoria began, "That's not Colin. That's a character that's been invented. He's just portraying it."

"It doesn't matter; it's him up on that screen." Victoria was surprised at everything they seemed to know about him and the passion in which they talked about him. They spoke of his new movie and where all he liked to hang out here in L.A. It was if they had known him for years but at the same time, didn't know him at all. "So, how old are you?" she questioned, looking over at Victoria. "You seem a little old to be a fan . . . no offense," she added quickly.

"None taken." Victoria smiled at her. "I'll be thirty-one in a few weeks."

"Wow!" They seemed surprised that a thirty-one year old woman would be interested in him. Victoria was having a good time exchanging information with these young fans, when to everyone's surprise, including Victoria's, a limo pulled up at the bus stop instead of a bus. The girls looked quickly at her as she looked back at them. "Is that yours?" she asked Victoria.

"I don't think so," she replied, looking back at them. "I wasn't expecting a limo today." 

The driver got out and walked around to the passenger side at the back of the car. Victoria and her new friends watched with interest, wondering who it could be. When the door was opened but nobody came out, they all started to lean over to the left side to see who it could be. The younger girls were a little more curious than Victoria and started to get up to see who it was and what they wanted. That's when he stepped out and Victoria almost joined in the hysterics that her new younger friends began. She tried to hold back her excitement, although her body tingled at the look he threw her way. The three girls crowded in closer to him to get autographs and just to be close. He quickly obliged them and the whole time he smiled at Victoria. 

The blonde girl who had been sitting next to her ran back to the bench. "Come on Vicky! This is your chance to actually see him and touch him!" She jumped up and down, pulling at Victoria's arm.

She just laughed at the young girl's antics. "You go ahead."

The young girl stopped, staring at her. "Are you crazy?! That's Colin Mengatti! Come on . . ." but then she trailed off as Colin made his way over to Victoria and held out his hand. She quickly stuffed the book she had been reading into her handbag and took his hand.

He leaned over, kissed her cheek and asked, "How did your meeting go?"

"It went real well." She watched him for a moment, her eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here? I didn't expect to see you until later."

"I was just passing this way. I just got out of a meeting myself. I was about to call you and see if you wanted to grab some lunch." The girls were now crowded around them, staring at Victoria in disbelief. She could see the shock on their faces.

Turning to them, she said, "Girls, thank you so much for your entertaining company this afternoon. I hope you have a nice day."

The blonde girl came up to Victoria. "Why didn't you tell us the truth about . . . about . . . Oh my god!?"

Victoria simply stated the obvious. "Would you have believed me if I had told you the truth?" She smiled at her again, as Colin escorted her over to the car. As the door closed, Victoria thought on her own words - she could hardly believe it herself!  

As the weeks flew past, she and Colin became closer and closer. Victoria didn't think it was possible to fall more in love with him than she already was, but here it was happening. They spent the days sight-seeing, shopping, and doing all the things that tourists would normally do. In the evenings, they usually went out club-hopping with dinner before. Some of Colin's favorite spots in Los Angeles were The Fenis Bar at the Argyle Hotel, Millennium (of course!), Barfly, and depending on what bands were playing, The Whisky or The House of Blues. 

Victoria was quickly introduced into the club scene and the way Colin liked to unwind. For the life of her, she couldn't figure out how this was relaxing, but he was having the time of his life! She didn't have the heart to tell him that it was wearing her out. She would have much rather stayed at home, curled up next to him on the couch watching a movie or reading a book. Lord knows how she longed to make love to him. But they weren't pushing it and secretly, she was glad. The biggest challenge was trying to break his bad habit of smoking Cohiba cigars and drinking Absolut and cranberry juice cocktails like she would diet coke or water. He worried her some with his habits. She didn't want him to age before his time. But she didn't want to harp on him like an old lady. So, many of the times, she said nothing at all. Victoria decided instead to just be a good model by sticking to water or club soda and lemon. Every once in a while she treated herself to a frozen margarita, but only occasionally. He always offered her a drink and usually asked why she never really drank. Victoria liked to use the excuse of being high on life and having too much fun enjoying her time with him to even think about drinking. Secretly, she was hoping it gave him something to think about. As far as smoking, he didn't do that around her because it bothered her so much, so she felt like she had made some progress there.

One evening, Victoria had opted to stay at home and catch up on some work that she needed to finish for her first deadline. She was so engrossed in her task that it took her a while to realize that someone had been knocking on the door. With a quick press on the save button on her laptop, she walked to the door and pulled it open. As she pulled open the door, she found herself staring at a white T-shirt and a familiar pair of baggy jeans, and let her eyes move rapidly upward until they reached the face of Colin Mengatti.

"Hi, Colin." Victoria looked tired and distracted as she stood there, her mind still crammed with the thoughts of her work.

"Something wrong?" He looked instantly worried as he watched her, but she shook her head. "You look like you've had bad news."

"No." She looked tired and knew it. "Not really. I guess I'm just tired." She smiled at him and added, stepping aside, "Come in."

"I didn't mean to bother you, Vicky." He looked momentarily unsure of himself as he stepped inside. "I know you're busy working and all, but I wanted to make sure you weren't wearing yourself out." She was touched by his thoughtfulness and suddenly wondered if she saw something more in his smile. But it was difficult to tell sometimes with Colin. There were times when one could read nothing at all in the baby blues. 

"Have you eaten?" she asked, waving to the kitchen and cocked her head to one side, brushing her thick red hair off her shoulders and down her back.

"Wouldn't that be a lot of trouble for you?" He looked hesitant, but she quickly shook my head.

"Don't be silly. I was heating up some leftovers I had in the fridge." He smiled and followed her into the kitchen, and as they chatted about their day and what they had been doing, Victoria set the table and a few minutes later they were devouring chicken and salad as though they hadn't eaten in days.

As they finished and she was about to get up and clear the plates, he leaned toward her and kissed her. Once again Victoria felt her heart pounding against the table as she moved toward him, and with one hand he gently cupped her face as the other one smoothed her silken hair. "My god, you're beautiful, Victoria. You take my breath away, do you know that?" He kissed her again, and then pushed the plates across the table and pulled her toward him, until suddenly they were both breathless as they kissed in the silent apartment. It was then that she gently pulled away from him, with a small embarrassed smile on her lips.

"Colin, what are you doing to me? You know I have work to do." She smiled at him and slowly he pulled her to her feet until she stood before him, her breasts suddenly pressed against him as he pulled her to him, and her mouth hungry for his once again as gently he stroked her back and her hair. 

He pulled away then and his voice was only a whisper. "I know this sounds crazy, Victoria, but I love you. I knew it the first time I saw you. I wanted to touch you and to hold you and to run my hands through that gorgeous hair." He smiled gently down at her but she looked pensive. "Do you believe me, Victoria?"

Her big blue eyes found his and she looked troubled. "I don't know what I believe, Colin. I was thinking of what I told you once already, that just making love with someone wouldn't be enough. Is that why you said all this?"

"No." His voice was still a whisper, his mouth near her ear as he kissed her neck. "I said it because I mean it. I've been thinking about you a lot lately. What you want isn't different from what I feel, Vicky." His voice grew stronger as he reached out and took her hands. "You just want me to put words to my feelings. I'm not used to doing that. It's easier to say 'I want to make love to you' than it is to say 'I love you.' But I've never met a woman I've wanted as much as I want you."

"Why?" She spoke in a hoarse whisper with all the anxiety she felt over his past relationship with Marisa sharply etched in her blue eyes. "Why do you want me?"

"Because you're so lovely . . ." He reached out gently and touched her cheek with his careful hands. "Because I like the way you laugh and the way you talk . . . and the way you take your life by control . . . and the way you try to break me of my damn bad habits . . . because I like" ~ he grinned and let his hands slip around her ~ "the way you make me feel when you look at me." She laughed in answer and gently pushed his hands away. "Isn't that good enough reason?"

"Good enough reason for what, Mr. Mengatti?" She was teasing him now as she turned away from him and began to clear the table, but before she could get their plates to the sink, he had taken them from her, set them down, and picked her up easily in his arms and carried her out of the room, making his way across the living room until he reached the bedroom area. 

"Come on . . . stop, Colin. Put me down!" His laughter joined hers but he didn't do as she told him. Instead he set her down on the bed, took her in his arms, and kissed her hard on the mouth. The games between them were suddenly over, and the passion he unleashed in her took her by surprise. She was stunned at the force with which he held her to him, at the hunger of his mouth and his hands and his whole body as it reached out for hers.

His hands reached out to stroke her auburn tresses, gathering handfuls and feeling the satiny strands glide through his fingers and tickle his palms like a whisper. Baring her shoulder, he placed a kiss in the tingling hollow, his eyes holding hers for a moment, watching them deepen to a darker shade. His lips returned to her shoulder, burning a trail of fire up her slender neck to her ear. Warm, sure hands slid down her arms, slipping to curve enticingly about her breast; holding them, warming and weighing them in his palms. As his fingers slid across her nipples, causing them to tighten and bud out at his touch, her eyelids fluttered shut, closing out everything but what he was doing to her. Her emotions already whirling, she moaned, a small sound of desire, pure and simple, that told him all he needed to know.

With Victoria's eager hands to aid him, Colin quickly removed his clothing. Then Victoria's joined his on the floor. Breast to breast, flesh against yearning flesh, they embraced; Colin's mouth claiming hers in a timeless exploration as he held her in his arms. Her limbs already weak, Victoria thought surely she would die with delicious delight as his lips and hands began to wander to other sensitive areas of her body. Chills danced along her spine following the path of his fingers even as her breast, so sensitive from contact with his chest, quivered at his touch. When his mouth closed over one nipple, his tongue teasing the tip, his teeth gently tugging as he suckled, she cried out.

Reaching out, her seeking hands clutched at his shoulders as he lowered himself. His hot lips left her breast to claim the soft, ticklish flesh of her stomach. Victoria sucked in her breath sharply as his tongue circled her navel, and then delved into it, sending sharp darts of desire to her toes and back again.




Together, Forever! Ch. 09



Colin's hands were on her hips, steadying her as his lips swept downward. His mouth charted a damp path through russet curls, side-tracking briefly to nip lightly along her inner thighs before claiming the moist target they sought most. Victoria's hands clutched at his head, her fingers delving into Colin's soft blonde hair. Pleasure so sharp and sweet it was almost painful shot through her.

"Colin! Oh, Colin, please!" She was not sure at this point whether she was begging him to stop or to continue with this divine torture. Lips parted, head thrown back, her entire body was straining and quivering, then jolted as if struck by lightning as he took her over the edge.

Still in the throes of passion, spasms still quaking through her, Victoria cried out with the force of her pleasure as Colin came back and entered her. Wrapping her legs about his lean hips, Victoria held him tightly to her, her movements matching his as he led them both to high plateaus of passion. Now her hands were free to explore the muscled planes of his arms and back, the smooth mounds of his buttocks, and she reveled in the feel and texture of his hard flesh against hers.

Their rapture rose higher and higher until she felt a surge rippling, growing as if a gigantic wave washed over her, drowning her in ecstasy and drawing Colin into its sparkling center with her where they spun in its magnificent vortex together.

It seemed hours later when he lay still beside her, the room was dark, the apartment quiet, and she felt his long body stretched out next to hers, content, sated, and she felt with pleasure his lips gentle on her neck. "I love you, Victoria. I love you." The words sounded so real, but suddenly she wanted to ask him "Do you?" Was it real? Could he really forget Marisa? Love her and mean it, love her and not hurt her, love her and not go away? A small trickle of tears suddenly fell from the corner of her eyes to the pillow. As sleep overtook Colin and they lay locked together, for almost an hour Victoria gave way to her fears. Looking down at him, she knew she could stay this way forever, watching him while he slept beside her. As he smiled in his sleep, Victoria realized she could stay lost in this moment, right now, forever. She treasured every moment they had together. She could feel his heart beating against hers and she held him close to her. She couldn't help but wonder what he was dreaming, wondering if it was her he was seeing. 

As her tears finally subsided, she gently kissed his eyes, thanking God for the time she had with him. She felt a familiar stirring beside her and she smiled slowly and reached down to touch him, and then guide him to the same spot again. With her body she tried to sweep away all memories of Marisa, arching toward him and giving him as much pleasure as he had given her. It was a meshing of two people beyond any she had ever known in the years before him, and as she lay beside Colin and slept, she finally wore a small happy smile.