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Together, Forever! Ch. 10

By: simply_cyn



The scorching days of summer were now upon them and Victoria was enjoying the leisure of writing children's stories during the day and making love to Colin at night. On the weekends, they got into the habit of going out with friends that they had made through Colin. There were a few who she wasn't too fond of, but there were some she had also grown to really like. Two particular couples hung around them a lot and Victoria really liked their company; Brad Ahlberg and his girlfriend Holly Ireland and Mark Herrington and his girlfriend Erika Denison. 

Brad and Mark had been childhood friends and moved to Hollywood together. They were actors but also screenplay writers. In fact, they had just finished a screenplay for an upcoming movie that they both would be starring in as well. They had been nice enough to give some pointers to Victoria about that kind of writing. Since she was so close to Hollywood, she didn't see that it would hurt. Brad was about as crazy as she was and they usually had a lot of fun in the clubs. Colin was a pretty serious dancer when it came to music and Holly only liked to dance when she could get real close to Brad. Brad and Victoria liked to have a lot of fun, so they usually wound up on the dance floor together doing lots of crazy stuff. Colin and Mark just liked to sit back and watch. Mark didn't really like to dance at all but he liked being out with his friends. 

One evening, they were all out at Millennium, the same club where she had first met Colin, and Brad and Victoria were out on the dance floor. The club kept playing old 70's and 80's music and they were having a blast being crazy as usual. When who to Victoria's surprise and disgust, but Marisa Stamp - Colin's old girlfriend - walked in alone. Victoria didn't notice her at first until she came off the dance floor along with Brad to take a break and she noticed that Colin's attention was off towards the bar. As she was walking up to him, her eyes followed in the general direction where he was staring and that's when she saw her. It stopped her short, causing Brad to run right into her. "Shit, Vicky! What the hell's holding you up?" She didn't know what to say. Marisa was staring right back at Colin and he couldn't keep his eyes off her. In fact, Victoria couldn't help but notice the same type of look on his face that she had seen him use on her many times, like he wanted to tear her clothes off right then and there. Victoria just stood rigid, looking from his face to hers. There seemed to be an unspoken message traveling from his eyes to hers, and she knew at that moment that it wasn't over for him. 

Brad walked around in front of her, watching her closely. "What's wrong with you?" he asked, and then noticed it in her look without having to say another word. He turned and saw what had stopped her short. As he turned back to face Victoria, pity shining in his dark eyes, her hand fluttered up to her mouth as her luminous eyes quickly filled with tears. She quickly glanced at Brad and saw the remorse there and she knew that what she thought she had with Colin was nothing more than a passing thing for him to take his mind off of his one true love, Marisa. This whole time he had been playing games with her heart and she felt it break into a million pieces right there on the floor. "I should've known from the start before I let him into my heart,' were the words that kept spinning through her head.

She glanced at Colin once more, hoping she was wrong and that's when his eyes shifted and met hers, the smile that had been on his face melting away to confusion and then the realization of what she had seen hit him. He stood up straight from his leaning position over the banister that stood between them as he set down his drink. In a barely audible voice, as she stared at Colin, Victoria whispered to Brad, "I've got to get out of here." Before she could turn to go, an unshed tear slid silently down her face. As she turned she also saw Colin move away from his spot and start down the steps to where she and Brad stood. That's when Victoria's feet shifted into forward motion and away from this god-awful scene!

Brad stood for a minute not knowing whether to intercept Colin or to follow her back through the crowded dance floor. As Colin jumped the couple of steps down onto the floor, Mark also noticed that something was up and followed suite. The closer Victoria got to the door, the more her eyes filled up with unshed tears, threatening to engulf her. Blinded, she struggled against the crowd to reach the door before she exploded. As she stumbled in her head-long flight to the safety of the door, Brad was suddenly there to catch her elbow and steer her to the entrance. "It's okay Vicky, I've got you." Leaning against him, she struggled to take the last few steps. 

As the cool outside air hit her face, the tears came and she gasped at the realization of what had happened. She had believed in Colin and what they had and now it lay shattered at her feet. She leaned against Brad for support, unsure that she could stand by herself at that point. If it hadn't been for his physical support, Victoria was sure she would've collapsed on the walk. Her whole body felt like the blood had been drained from it and she could tell by the look on Brad's face that she looked it too. She felt like someone had punched her in the gut, taking all her breath. She clung to Brad, gasping for breath, tears streaming down her face. "Oh . . . my god . . . did you . . . see him . . .?"

Mark, Colin, Holly and Erika all reached them at the same time. Mark gave voice to the concern everyone else felt. "What happened? Is she okay?" Colin came around to face her, regret and concern etched in his beautiful forehead. Even in her misery, as she fought back the urge to scream, she loved him. Brad stared at him, not sure himself what to say.

"Victoria . . ." he began, a hand reaching out for her.

Anger and hurt came out of her at him and he stood there and took it. Coming upright, she slapped his hand back and hissed, "Get the hell away from me!" Gasping for a breath, she stared at him in shock. "How could you do that?"

"What did I do?" he asked. "What is it exactly that you thought you saw?" Everyone else but Brad stood confused at her angry onslaught. 

"It's not what you did, but what you wanted to do, Colin. I saw the look you gave her, the passion you still feel for her. Why are you with me?!"

"Because I love you." He stepped in closer to her, again trying to reach out.

She took a step back, out of Brad's arms and further away from Colin. "Don't touch me. Please . . ." she choked out, trying to still the tears running down her face.

"Victoria, I won't, but please . . . you're overreacting."

"Overreacting?!" she hissed, her anger building and the hurt dying. "Colin, exactly how the hell should I feel? Huh? Can you tell me that?!"

"I did nothing!" He was amazed at the onslaught. True, he had looked at Marisa but never in his wildest dreams did he ever expect Victoria to be jealous of something as innocent as that. "I didn't want to do anything!" He stepped closer to her again. "I swear to you."

Victoria shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks, but she wasn't even aware of them! She was too caught up in what they had before tonight, before this! "I don't know if I believe you. I saw the look you gave her. It's not over for you, Colin. You may not ever admit it, but you still feel something for her."

Colin took a deep breath and stared at her. How was he going to convince her that she was the only one he loved? Marisa was in his past and she was in his present, in his future. "I'll admit I still have feelings for her." Victoria took a deep breath and closed her eyes at his words. Colin saw his opportunity and took it. Before she could gather the courage to turn and leave, he pulled her into his embrace and held her close. "But, they're not like the feelings I have for you. I'll always care for her," he crooned into her ear. "But I don't love her, Vicky. I don't want her. I want you." Oh, to be held in his arms like this again! She cried into his shirt for a moment and then backed out as quickly as she had let him hold her. As she angrily wiped the tears from her eyes, he continued to try and explain what it was she thought she saw. Victoria wasn't sure she believed him much less wanted to stand here and listen to it. 

While Victoria confronted Colin, Brad had herded the rest of the group over to one side and was quietly explaining what had transpired in the club. Everyone was shocked and felt sorry for them, except for Mark. He just stood to one side and watched them arguing and then embracing as she finally let go of the reaction she had to something that he convinced her was harmless. As Colin held her close, she couldn't believe how quickly jealousy had grabbed hold of her and caused her to believe that there was still something between him and Marisa when she wanted so desperately to believe there wasn't. And the whole while, Mark watched them closely, grim determination burning in his gaze.

The day of Colin's latest movie's premier was upon them at last!! He had filmed Starstruck not long after wrapping up his last movie, but it was just now being released at the end of summer. The incident at the club a couple of weeks ago was a forgotten memory and Colin and Victoria were back to their old selves. He was wonderful and she had never known that love could feel like this. Of course, every female within hearing distance was screaming his name over and over and Victoria was overwhelmed again by his popularity and how people reacted to him, and not just women! She was equally shocked to find photographers calling out her own name and wanting to get a picture of her. With Colin's encouragement, she stopped and smiled, waving and was amazed at all the cameras that were clicking away. Colin would later tell her how hard she had a hold of his arm. He was her strength, her rock. 

The premier was a smash! Victoria was in awe of all the stars that showed up at the premier ~ superstar celebrities who had long been in the business, Colin's director from his last film and his actress wife. There were even rock stars and other singers. Colin's female co-star Katherine Spencer, from his blockbuster movie, was even there. Kathy really lived in London, but she had an apartment in L.A. where she stayed when she was working in the states. During this past summer, Victoria had gotten to know Kathy some. She and Colin had formed a deep friendship during the filming of their movie and now Victoria had gotten the opportunity to know her through Colin. The women had formed a friendship quickly and now Victoria considered her one of her first friends in Hollywood, even though she wasn't usually here. 

At the premier that night, Colin introduced her to another actor/singer by the name of Jason Olds and his new wife, Janet Pinkton. Victoria happened to love Jason's music, but it was Janet who took her in and they instantly formed a friendship. After the premier, Victoria and Colin attended a quick press conference along with the director William Allen and then headed out to a party for the cast and crew celebrating the opening of the movie.

That night, as Colin's limo drove her home, it took all she had not to fall asleep in his arms. It just felt so right to be there with him. He had enfolded her into his arms, her back was against his chest and her head rested on his shoulder. Her hair had been swept up for the premier and some of it had fallen. She felt Colin's hand delve into the tangled mass and pull out the pin that held the rest of it there. As she felt the mass of curls fall gently over her shoulder, he bent his head to her ear, whispering, "God, you're sinfully sexy tonight." Victoria had worn a midnight-blue dress that seemed to float about her in a cloud of chiffon; the short, but full sleeves cast a kind of dreamlike spell about her arms, and the tiny waist exploded into billows of soft flowing fabric that fell to her feet. She looked infinitely delicate and startlingly beautiful as she had stood before him, her eyes as bright as the sapphires and diamonds in her ears. Thinking back to when Colin had picked her up, Victoria remembered how he had reacted to the dress she had worn. . . "I love that dress. It's beautiful." She smiled when she recalled how he had been shocked when she had pivoted to turn her back to him, and in sharp contrast to the full sleeves, high neck, and full skirt, the back of the dress had been cut away, and all that Colin could see before him then was the most devastatingly perfect expanse of creamy flesh. Curling up in his arms now, she smiled at how he had touched her, promising the most delightful things to come later in the evening.

He had cut his hair short right before the premier, something he did out of habit, and Victoria had been disappointed. She loved his hair long, the feel of it as it slipped through her fingers. Now she didn't have anything to grab hold of if she ran her fingers through his hair. Suddenly, she felt his lips on the back of her neck and instinctively, she leaned her head further over to the side, giving him full access to it as her eyes closed, savoring the feel of him. As his lips caressed her neck, she felt his hands moving slowly up her dress, coming to rest just below her breasts. Victoria could feel her pulse quicken as her breath caught in her throat. His lips slowly traveled from her neck to her ear, where he caught her earring in his teeth and gently tugged on it. It was a surprising turn-on!

When she would have turned in his arms, his hands continued on their travel upward, his fingers caressing her through the material of her dress. She felt as though his fingers were fire and she was dry wood. Everywhere he touched was consumed with this raging want. She could feel her breath quicken as her body relaxed. If she didn't watch it, she was going to give in to him right here in this limo. 

His fingers gently caressed her breasts as she felt his hot breath on her ear. Her hands couldn't stay still and they traveled slowly up his forearms to his hands, where they stayed atop his as he continued his slow caresses. His lips now left her ear and traveled back down her neck to stop at her collar bone. Summer couldn't help but turn in his arms. Her lips eagerly found his and she felt herself drowning in his kiss. His hands were now on her back, caressing and then coming to a stop at her zipper. Her tongue darted out, touching his. Then he drew her tongue into his mouth, sucking on it as she felt his hands on her zipper and then the rush of cool air on her skin. 

Reluctantly, Victoria pulled back and gazed into his eyes. Not here. She didn't want to make love to him in the back of a limo. She couldn't help but wonder how many other girls he had had in this very spot, or if he and Marisa had done this very thing in this very spot. Inwardly, she tried to wipe that image from her mind. "Colin, not here." She backed into the seat facing him and zipped her dress back up. "I . . ." she began, looking around in the car. "This isn't the place." She looked back at him, hoping he wasn't too disappointed. 

"I understand, sweetie." Victoria watched him, trying to read him, but found it difficult, even knowing him as well as she did now. She knew she should just take him at his word and not doubt that what he said was true. He followed her over to the other seat and put his arm around her, pulling her back into his embrace, his arm coming from behind and encircling her shoulders, under her chin. She rested her head on his arm and closed her eyes, just enjoying the closeness. "Better?" he asked.

"Mmmm," she whispered, her eyes still closed. Her body still tingled with the want she had for him and she could feel his hardness where she leaned into him. There was no doubt that they were physically attracted to each other. "The premier was great!" 

"Yeah," he agreed, kissing the top of her head. "I think it went real well. I just hope this movie does as well as the last one." They stayed embraced in each other's arms throughout the rest of the ride home.

When they reached her apartment, Colin followed Victoria up without a word and in their safe retreat; they finally gave into the passion that was ever threatening to consume them. His lips took on an insistent mastery of hers, making her blood sing in her veins; his hands caressed her body, until they could not resist touching her skin. With steady fingers, he unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the ground and held the warmth of her bared breasts in his hands.

As if beyond her control, Victoria's hands reached out to tug at his shirt front, baring his smooth chest to her touch. With a sense of awe, she ran her fingers down his chest, the smoothness caressing her palms sensuously.

His lips slipped from hers to nibble a path along her neck to her ear where his tongue traced the delicate shell, making her shiver in delight. "Oh, Colin, what are you doing to me?" she sighed in wonder.

Tracing a path of tingling kisses along the sensitive hollow of her shoulder and along her collarbone, he murmured fervently, "Victoria~ honey~ let you love you. Let me taste your sweetness . . ."

Victoria was beyond answering as his warm mouth captured a tender breast, his teeth gently grazing the nipple, his tongue laving it. Half mad with the pleasure coursing through her, she clung to him, her head spinning dizzily, her body turned to flame. Her hands roamed his broad, bare back, then came up to hold his head to her breast, loath to give up the forbidden delight his touch was creating within her.

He carried her over to the bed, laying her down and joined her there, his leg thrown across hers, his arousal branding into her thigh. His hand caressed in long, smooth strokes the sensitive silk of her inner thigh, his thumb tracing hot patterns on her skin there. Victoria had never been so mesmerized by pleasure.

His mouth left her breast to cover her quivering lips, creating havoc as he showered kisses across her quivering belly. With eyes as hot and bright as quicksilver, he surveyed her nude, perfectly-formed body. "You are so beautiful, my love," he said reverently. As his hypnotic gaze met hers, she could not resist. Neither could she move to cover herself or keep from watching him as he rose to dispose of his own clothing.

When he again lowered himself to her side, his hot flesh seemed to sear into hers. With sure hands, she explored the warm, vibrant contours of his body, so different from hers, yet so enticing and beautifully formed to compliment her own. Trembling with quickening desire, Victoria touched her mouth lightly to the salty skin of his neck, his shoulder, his muscled chest, her tongue flicking out to taste the texture and flavor of his male body.

Colin's eyes closed, his hands tangling in the auburn waves of her hair, as he bit back a groan. "Yes, love," he whispered huskily. "Touch me ~ feel what you are doing to me."

A heady feeling of her own feminine power came over her as she felt his heart race beneath her lips, his muscles tremble at her touch. In turn, she quivered beneath him, her breath caught in her throat as his lips and hands brought her body to life as it had never been before ~ as she had never dreamed it could be. His hot, moist mouth was everywhere ~ on her lips, her shoulders; capturing each aching breast in turn; skittering down the soft, sensitive flesh of her stomach, making her muscles tighten in desire; burning her very soul.

His seeking hand slipped up her thigh, finding and cupping her femininity, tenderly caressing as new waves of passion drowned Victoria's senses, urging her to arch into his hand and the wondrous rapture engulfing her. Small, strangled moans escaped her throat, and she was awash in a wild world of sensation. A burning heat flamed through her, making her ache for him, melting her body into his, creating a hollow yearning only he could fulfill.


Together, Forever! Ch. 10



His fingers teased and tantalized until she was mindless in her need of him, and when he slid over her, his hard masculinity prodding for entrance into her moist body, she willed him to take her, to make her totally his.

With easy, measured strokes, he began to move within her, his gaze capturing her wide blue eyes, watching as her lashes fluttered down to feather softly against flushed cheeks. Victoria felt filled with him ~ body, heart, and soul. Just when she was sure she could hold no more joy within her, a yearning, strong and urgent, began to spiral through her. Clutching at his shoulders, her fingers dug into his muscled back; her hips undulated to the demanding rhythm in her blood, moving to match his. Under his tutelage, and with the guidance of his hands beneath her hips, Victoria surrendered to the primitive urgency building within her. Tighter and tighter, it bound her within its grasp, her breath coming in short gasps as she strove for that beckoning summit just beyond her grasp. Then, suddenly, she was there, her world exploding in spectacular wonder about her, as her body shattered in spasms of rapture, her glad cries of ecstasy joined by Colin's, as he joined her in a magnificent splendor that was theirs alone.



Together, Forever! Ch. 11



After the premier of Starstruck, Colin announced to the world through the media that he would be taking the next year off to travel, get more accustomed to his new superstar status and get acquainted with the house he had just purchased in Los Angeles. "A whole year off!" Victoria was astonished. "Wow, what I wouldn't give to take a whole year off." Colin stretched out across her beige leather couch, looking over at her as she folded a pile of laundry; some of his things mixed in with her own.

"You could," he said, smiling over at her. She was wearing blue jeans and one of his t-shirts untucked. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a ponytail and a beautiful California tan was all she had on her face. Barefooted, she sat cross-legged on the floor as she continued to fold towels and underwear.

"How's that?" she asked, peering up at him through her long lashes, a smile on her face. She had come to accept her life now with Colin as an everyday thing. He was no longer a big star in Hollywood to her, but a loving, helpful man who she couldn't get enough of. Everything she had ever wanted was coming together.

"All you have to do is become an actress, star in a few movies with me, and boom! Take a year off." Victoria laughed as she continued with her work. Seeing she was not taking him seriously, he sat forward, grabbing the towel from her hand. She looked up. "I'm serious! With me to help you and the connections I have, it wouldn't be long before you could be a star." Seeing her incredulous look, he added, "You're beautiful, Victoria. You could make it even without any help."

Again Victoria laughed, this time grabbing the towel back. "I'm no actress!" She set the towel to one side and stopped for a minute to look at him. "Do you know how long it's been since I've even thought about that?" When he just watched her, she got up and crossed over to where he sat. "I acted, if you can call it that, some in high school. You know, musicals and stuff. I was a singer, not a thespian." Recalling the past brought a smile to her lips. "True, I did a couple of plays in college but gave it up when I got married during my sophomore year."

"Well, there you go."

"What?" Victoria looked over at him as he took her in his arms and pulled her into his embrace.

"You gave it up for the wrong man."

"I didn't think he was the wrong man at the time," she teased. "Besides, I didn't want to live that life. Look at you . . ."

"What about me?"

"You never have a moment's rest. People are all over you when you're out in public and you struggle to maintain a private life. I don't want that."

"But you already have that with me." For some reason, Colin continued to push the issue. "It wouldn't be any different if you got into it yourself."

Victoria simply shook her head. "I told you once before, I'm not an actress. Besides, I'd rather sit back and watch you do all that. I'm perfectly happy being a silent supporter." To her relief, he gave it up for a while.

One of the first things he wanted to do during this year off was furnish the house he had just purchased. Victoria absolutely loved it! The first time she walked into it, it took her breath away. It was a two story stucco house with five bedrooms, four and a half baths, three living areas plus a huge bonus room that he was planning on converting into a screening room. It had a three car garage with a motor court and was approximately 5,524 square feet. The previous owner had spent a lot of time and money on the gardens and Colin loved them so he decided to leave well enough alone and hired a gardener for the upkeep. He wanted to hire a decorator for the interior and offered Victoria the chance to be involved with it. She quickly jumped at the chance and overtook the responsibility of turning the house into a home. 

Victoria found a decorator by the name of Juan and fell in love with his taste for interior decorating; elegant, but comfortable. Colin had a taste for dark wood and metal, so some of that was incorporated into the scheme, but mostly in the study that was down the hall from his bedroom. The one thing she liked most about his study was the movie posters and memorabilia that decorated the walls. Every movie that he had been in, from his very first one to the two that continued to show at the theaters, were on the walls, and now Starstruck would grace the walls as well. 

The house was spread out and in angular shapes. The front door was nestled under a two story covered entry with columns in the front. As you entered the house through the solid wood doors, you walked into the grand foyer that went all the way up. A balcony from the second story overlooked the foyer and a circular staircase was to the left. Behind that were Colin's rooms which included a small bath, his study, a hallway which acted as a gallery that lead into his bedroom and a huge private bath. 

The bedroom had a door that walked out onto the newly built deck and swimming pool area. There was a small gas fireplace that opened in both Colin's bedroom and the connecting bath. The garden tub was on the other side of the fireplace. When Victoria saw it, her eyes lit up. It was one of the most romantic things about the whole house. There was a large shower built for two and double sinks, a separate area for the toilet and a huge walk-in closet with the center being shoe storage and built-in drawers.

You could go directly into the formal living room from the grand foyer or turn down another hallway/gallery to the right taking you into the rest of the house. There was a large formal dining room with bay windows and directly across from that was the kitchen. The kitchen was extra spacious with a floating island in the center and a bar that held the sink, dishwasher and cook top that looked over into the family room and breakfast nook without any visual obstructions. The built-in refrigerator and appliances had paneled fronts that matched the cabinets. 

The family room had built-ins for a television, VCR, stereo and whatever else Colin might have. Beside that and catty corner, was a large marble fireplace. To the right of that, the hallway continued on into a guest bedroom and bath. Attached to it, was a one car garage. Colin said it would be convenient for guests to come and go even if he wasn't here. 

On the other side of the formal dining room, there was another set of stairs, the laundry room and the two car garage. If you went up the circular staircase, it would take you to the balcony that overlooked the grand foyer and then led you into the remaining bedrooms, a playroom and Colin's future screening room. There was a craft room/sewing room up there as well that was used for storage for now.

Victoria, Colin and Juan spent a good six months decorating the house and putting in a swimming pool. When it was all said and done, she was in love with this house and, at the same time, devastated that it wasn't hers and Colin's together. They hadn't talked about moving in together and it bothered Victoria. She wasn't sure if she would if he asked, but it bothered her that he hadn't even brought it up. Those old familiar feelings of wondering if they would stay together always found a way of creeping back up when she was the happiest. She didn't understand why she just couldn't be happy and enjoy the times that they had together. She just knew that some day Colin would let his true feelings for Marisa out and she wanted to be prepared. She thought there was no room for dreaming about them staying together, much less ever living together! Not soon after that is when Victoria's worst fears came back to haunt her in a living nightmare, one she wasn't sure she'd ever awaken from! 

The months she and Colin spent decorating his house were heaven for her. They got closer than she ever imagined. It felt like they belonged together, that they had been together forever. One night, after they had fallen exhausted on the couch in the family room after a day of decorating and shopping, reality hit her hard in the chest. 

Colin had gone into the kitchen to get some glasses and chilled wine. There was a wet bar on the other side of the fireplace, but they hadn't gotten far enough in decorating and unpacking to set it up yet. As she waited, Victoria got up, turned on the ceiling fan and admired the artwork she had picked for this room. She and Colin shared a love for horses and they both liked some of the Southwest decor, so they had purchased some paintings by Beverly Doolittle, an artist made famous by hiding pictures within her pictures. They were either paint horses or Native American pictures. The one that hung above the fireplace looked like a woodsman on horseback with a pack horse following him as they were traveling through some white Birchwood trees. But if you looked closely, in the Birchwood trees were hidden four side portraits; three of eagles and the fourth a Native American brave. Victoria absolutely loved it. She looked at it one last time and then turned to go find what was holding Colin up, but the room was blocked by his frame in the doorway. He was holding out a glass of white wine and watching her face. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" he asked.

She took the glass of wine and turned, once again facing the painting. "I think so. It really makes the room doesn't it? Somehow, all put together, it belongs here." She walked over to the windows and looked out, taking a sip of the chilled wine. Directly in front was the deck and swimming pool, but over to the right were the gardens and a small water garden, her favorite in the whole landscaping scheme. As she stood there, she didn't hear him come, and then suddenly he was standing behind her, with his arms around her waist.

"You've done a fantastic job with the house, Vicky. I couldn't have done it without you." She felt his lips on the back of her neck and she smiled, anticipating another night of loving from him. 

At that moment the phone rang and she turned in its direction. "Let the machine get it," he whispered in her ear, his breath hot on her flesh. She smiled a little smile and turned in his arms, her mouth eager to find his. Just as her lips touched his, the machine picked up and Victoria was shocked to hear Marisa's voice on the other end. The kiss ended abruptly as both of them turned toward the machine to listen. She was saying something about how she couldn't meet Colin tonight after all, that something had come up but to meet her tomorrow afternoon at their regular spot. As she continued talking about why she couldn't come, Victoria turned in Colin's arms to face him once again, her face startled and confused. As he turned to look at her, she saw the guilt and regret etched in his beautiful features and he didn't have to say anything, it was written clearly on his face. She didn't even give him a chance! Victoria quickly shoved away from him, taking him by surprise and picking up the closest thing to them and hurtling it towards his head. Lithely, he ducked. "Now, wait a minute Victoria!" He dove towards her, trying to grab the next object from her hand. 

Suddenly she dropped it on the couch, determined not to lose total control. Up righting the glass of wine down her throat in one lithe motion, she stopped and stared, causing him to do the same. And then without another word, she set the glass down on the metal and glass table, strode toward the massive front doors, grabbed her purse, and opened the door. Immediately he was there, grabbing her arm. "Don't go, I'm begging." 

"This house is not big enough for the three of us," she hissed through clenched teeth. "I will not come in second to anyone for anyone," and then looking at him, anger burning her eyes, "Not even for you!!" She slapped at his hand that blocked her way out, yelling, "I deserve more than this and I will not stick around to be trod over." She put her hands to her eyebrows, rubbing fiercely trying to block out his words. "I must have been an idiot!!"

"Vicky, it's not what you think!!" Victoria took another look at the house that they had decorated together so lovingly and remembered how they had even christened every single one of the rooms in the way they knew so well. Tears sprung to her eyes and she glared at him.

"How many times have you had her in this house?" Colin stepped back, shocked at this new onslaught. "Have you slept with her in the bed we bought together!?" She choked on her wanting to take him into her arms, forget what she had just heard and love him like he had never been loved before. 

"Vicky, I swear to you . . ."

"To think I came all the way to Los Angeles to be treated this way." No! She knew she couldn't stay!! She had to go home, home to Texas; where she belonged. Colin reached out and touched her arm and felt her trembling. He led her gently to a chair and kneeling next to her, he stroked her hair tenderly, his eyes glowing like twin stars as he gazed into her face. "It's not what you think, Victoria. I swear it to you."

She stared at him. "I want to believe you, Colin."

"Marry me, Victoria," Colin blurted suddenly.

Her huge blue eyes grew even larger as she stared into his serious face. For a moment she was tempted to accept, but then she caught a glimpse of the answering machine's blinking light, and her heart gave a lurch of pain and regret. She shook her head sorrowfully. "No, Colin, I can't." She closed her eyes to shut out his mesmerizing gaze, and two fat tears slid out from beneath her lashes, rolling silently down her cheeks.

His fingers tenderly brushed them away. "Why not?" he whispered.

As she spoke, her voice cracked on a sob. "Why are you doing this to me?" It was the one thing Victoria wanted more than life itself, but she could not, would not marry a man who still yearned for another woman. She looked at him pleadingly, wanting so badly to throw herself into his arms and hold him tightly for all eternity. And then before she could change her mind, she jumped up and raced out of the door.

She didn't know how it happened, but Victoria wound up at Mark and Brad's townhouse, needing to talk to a friend desperately. Standing before the door in tears, she knocked on the door, praying that Brad was there. When the door opened, Victoria looked up into Mark's smiling face which quickly turned to concern as he saw her. "Victoria, what's wrong sweetie?"

She tried to smile at him but it came out as a grimace, and then suddenly she just stood there before him, as uncontrollable sobs racked her. Mark quickly reached out and pulled her into his arms before she dropped in front of him. She bowed her head onto his shoulder in despair. She felt as though she wouldn't survive this second loss in her life, not now, not Colin. As she agonized over what had happened, sobbing uncontrollably into his shoulder, she suddenly realized it was over. Mark gently smoothed her tangled auburn hair. Victoria looked up after a few moments, her face red and swollen, her eyes wild, and looked into Mark's eyes for answers to the questions she had, but he only nodded and whispered gently and took her into the house to sit on the couch.

It was fully half an hour before she could speak. Mark said nothing. He only sat there and rubbed her back gently and waited. There was nothing one could say. It cut him to the core to realize how badly Colin had hurt her once again. Victoria looked at him then, her face blotched, her eyes hideously bloodshot and swollen. "What am I going to do? Oh, god, Mark, I've lost him. And I love him . . ." She couldn't go on then, and Mark took her in his arms again, furious at Colin for the broken woman he held in his arms. After a few minutes, Victoria looked up and tried to smile bravely at him. "Thanks . . . for listening, Mark." She stopped and looked around the town house. "Where's Brad?" She sat up and wiped the tears from under her eyes.

"He's not here right now, Vicky." He watched her for a moment and then added, "I know we aren't as close as you and Brad, but I'm here for you." Victoria smiled and reached out to take his hand in hers.

"Mark, you've hidden your true colors for too long. You have a wonderful ear and I appreciate you being so understanding. Not many guys would just sit there and let me go ballistic."

"I'm not just any guy," he said, taking her hand in his. "Victoria, I know you probably don't want to hear this." She watched him as he turned serious, his eyes searching her own. "But, I'm surprised you didn't learn your lesson at Millennium earlier this summer." Victoria looked at him in surprise and then found him to be very reasonable. She found herself drawn to his concern for her. "Colin's not the type of guy to settle down and I've been afraid this has been a long time in coming."

"Mark . . ." She patted his hand, intent on settling any fear he might have. He interrupted her quickly. 

"I don't want to see you hurt, Vicky. I know this isn't the time for it, but you mean the world to me." She could only stare at him in disbelief and surprise. "Colin will only break your heart in the end, if he hasn't done it already."

Tears glistened in her eyes as she leaned into him and hugged him. "Thank you, Mark. I know you're only trying to help and I appreciate that. You're a good friend."

"Victoria, you mean more to me than just a friend," he said, gently touching her cheek with his hand and then pulling away, afraid that she might take it wrong.

"Mark, you're right about one thing. This is the wrong time to bring this up. "She stood up and crossed over to the sliding glass door that went out onto the back patio, but, she silently mused, Mark was a man to inflame a woman's blood ... if she wasn't so in love with Colin, right or wrong. Strange, she had not thought about him this way before, perhaps because he was right here taking care of her during this great time of hurt. Or was it his piercing gaze?

He crossed over to where she stood and even though he didn't touch her, Victoria could feel his presence. "Sweetie, I know you're hurting and right now you probably feel like you could never love again. All I'm asking is that you give me a chance to prove my feelings for you."

"Mark . . ." Victoria couldn't go on. She turned to face him. He was a temptation to her, a temptation that she didn't need at this time. Hurt by Colin, she needed touching, holding, kissing, and caring. Mark seemed willing to do it for her. She looked at him, his piercing brown eyes searching hers.

"Ever since the first time I met you, I knew that we'd be together," he whispered. "I know you're hurt, but give me a chance and I'll prove to you that it won't happen again. I'll never break your heart and make you cry the way Colin has." This time, he drew her into his embrace, her head resting on his chest, "I know you're afraid to let your feelings show and I understand, but maybe it's time to move on. I'd rather die than let him continue to hurt you, Victoria."

As much as she hated to, she broke their embrace gently, touching Mark's cheek with her fingers, saying, "Mark, I can't. Not now . . ." She smiled and then said, "I've got to go."

As she walked towards the door, he grabbed hold of her hand and said, "I don't know why he does what he does, but I'm here for you, Victoria. I wish I could take away everything that's happened. If you were my girl . . ."

She gently placed a finger to his lips, saying, "Don't Mark. I appreciate what you're saying, but I can't do this right now. I hope you understand." And then she leaned into him, kissing him on the cheek and left.

That night at home in her own apartment, dreams plagued Victoria. Dreams of Marisa and Colin and even dreams of Mark. In her dream, Mark was holding her, consoling her. As she stood in his embrace, he kissed her ear, whispering words of reassurance. As she stepped back to watch him, his image wavered and then dissolved into the image of Brad. His keen gaze traveled over her lovely features, reflecting an immense satisfaction in watching her. It was as if he had the power to mesmerize her with those entrancing green eyes, for Victoria couldn't pull her gaze from his or think clearly. 




Together, Forever! Ch. 11



It seemed as if Victoria was watching this scene from a distant cloud. Brad's lips feverishly captured hers as his deft hands moved over her quivering frame. It was wildly and shockingly delightful to have this handsome actor's hands and lips stimulating her. It was a welcome relief to the hurt that she had gone through lately. 

In her euphoria, she felt naughtily daring and free. Brad's presence seemed so different from Colin's touch. It was a dream, and dreams could not be controlled, could they? Dreams could not harm a person, and this dream was absolutely delicious. Victoria's arms went around the fanciful image's neck, crushing her lips and body against his and relishing his taste and smell. He was as skilled a lover as he was a writer.

Her body had a mind of its own, and it demanded that her conscience not interfere; it demanded that she seize this moment and all it had to offer. At her uncontrollable responses, his kisses deepened and he ardently meshed his mouth with hers. The sensations were wonderful and tantalizing; Victoria savored them and mutely invited more. Smiling, she watched him push aside her blouse, using his finger to titillate each nipple, and then encircle each with his hot tongue. Soon his caresses grew bolder. Yet this dream image was content to kiss and to fondle her. Perhaps she refused to allow the dream to progress further, but she possessed no will or desires to halt his siege upon her pliant body. When she moaned and writhed upon the bed, he smiled at her, smiled as if they had been together before, smiled as if they would be together again. 

And then as suddenly as he appeared, he disappeared, while she was engulfed in flames of desire. Her head whirled wildly, and then she lost reality. When she finally aroused herself, it was dawn and the dream was a vivid memory. Victoria scolded herself for such a wanton fantasy, for she truly loved Colin, hurt or not. But she couldn't help but let her thoughts linger on the dream of Brad and Mark's words to her the previous day, 'I'll never break your heart, I'll never make you cry.' And she desperately wanted that to be true about Colin.



Together, Forever! Ch. 12



For two weeks, Colin tried calling, dropping by and even sending things to Victoria's apartment . . . flowers, candy, anything. He constantly left messages on her machine. Everything he did only made it worse for her. Katherine Spencer dropped by during a trip to Los Angeles, trying to convince her that she had to be mistaken. And the whole time, Mark tried to convince her that it was better this way. Victoria wanted to believe Kathy and all the positive things she had to say about Colin, but Mark was constantly there, pointing out the obvious. 

Between Colin, Kathy and Mark, Victoria was desperate for some relief. She felt as though she was about to split in two. So Brad became her refuge, her rock. They spent as much time together just to relieve the pressure on her. They went dancing, to movies, out of eat, or just driving around the countryside. There were many times Victoria was sure she would break down if it hadn't been for him. His relationship with Mark became a bit strained as Brad told him to back off and give her some room. The time spent with him reminded Victoria of the lustful dream she had had about him, but since then no more dreams of them being together had come to her. She was relieved because she didn't want to complicate matters any worse than they were already. Besides, Brad had a girlfriend. 

One night, Colin came over and pounded on the door for thirty minutes, begging for her to open the door and talk to him. Mark happened to be over there, consoling her as usual and she was having a hard time not giving in to him. Brad was the one thing that kept her from giving into Mark and his silken words. Summer thought she was probably attracted to Mark because he was so attracted to her and . . . if she was real honest with herself, to get back at Colin ~ mostly to get back at Colin. After thirty minutes of listening to Colin and watching her heart bleed as the tears continued to flow, Mark decided to take action where Victoria would not.

Striding over to the door, he wrestled with the locks while Colin stepped back, surprised that she was finally going to open the door, unaware of who it actually was. Victoria could just imagine the shock on his face, when an angry Mark confronted him there instead. "What the hell do you want?" he demanded. "Why are you insisting on tormenting her, when clearly, you have done enough of that already?"

Colin tried to tell him his side of story, but Mark announced that no one wanted to hear it. The confrontation would have come to blows if Victoria hadn't finally come up behind Mark, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Mark, it's okay."

He turned to her, concern etched in his face. "Let me just shut the door on him and your past."

"Mark, I need to see him. I need to hear what he has to say." Colin looked relieved and Mark looked frustrated. She leaned over to him, kissing him on the cheek. I'll be fine." Colin looked disturbed over their parting and reluctantly followed her down the steps to the landing, looking back to see Mark watching them.

She looked back up to her door. "Mark, it'll be okay. Give us a minute." Reluctantly, he went back into her apartment while she turned to face Colin, her back against the wall and her arms crossed over her chest. 

"Looks like you've got yourself a watchdog," he commented.

"Yes," she replied, her eyes boring into his. "He cares about me."

For a moment, Colin just stood there looking at her with regret in his eyes, and then reached for her. Quickly she recoiled from him and the hurt sprung into his eyes. "Look, what you heard on my machine was a cruel joke on Marisa's behalf. You have to believe that I didn't have any plans to meet her that night or any other night." He pleaded with her that she had to believe him . . . he hadn't been with Marisa since before they had met, and had no plans to ever be with her again. 

"What do you want, Colin?" Outwardly, she was calm, even curt, but her insides felt like a quivering mass of jelly. Just being alone with him like this made her want to stammer and blush, then wrap him in her arms and kiss the breath out of him.

He answered with the first words to come to his mind. "I want you, Victoria."

His blunt statement brought her abruptly out of her daydreams. Without a word, she started back up the steps, intent on heading back up to her apartment. Her usually gentle blue eyes were now as cool as a frosty mountain morning.

He was blocking her way in a flash, his hand over hers on the railing before she could walk off. For a moment, they stared at one another, each taking the other's measure. "But I'll settle for us getting back on speaking terms - I know things are not the same, but deep down inside I know you still care. Tell me what to do to get things back the way they used to be."

By the time he had finished imploring her to take him back, she was crying, tears streaming down her cheeks, but she wasn't aware of them. She was caught up in memories and longings too long held at bay.

Colin saw his opportunity and took it. Before she could decide to run off again, he held her close to him. He let her cry for a few moments, and when her tears began to slow, he held her away from him so he could see her face. "Darling, tell me what to do to make things right. If you knew how I was feeling inside, you wouldn't shut me out like this."

"Damn you, Colin Mengatti!" she wailed. "Why are you doing this to me?!" She beat her fists against his hard chest. "Go back to Marisa and leave me alone!"

"Vicky, honey, you are the only woman I want to be with," he said softly, his eyes like soft blue clouds.

She closed her own against his spellbinding gaze. "Oh, Colin! Don't do this to me again! It hurts too much!" she moaned.

"Tell me something, baby," he murmured, his breath whispering over her hair, "Can't you see, I'm trying here. I just want a chance to love you."

She gulped back another sob. "I can't do this."

Colin sighed heavily. "What is it going to take to convince you that there is nothing between Marisa and me but friendship, and now thanks to her latest stunt, probably not even that."

"Nothing. It doesn't matter."

"It matters to me," he declared. "Give me a chance and I'll prove to you that you're wrong. I'd rather die than live without you now." 

"I've got to go, Colin." Tears blurred her vision as she started back up the stairs to her apartment. With a catch in her voice, she questioned, "Do you suppose we'll ever get back what we've lost, Colin?" 

"I hope so, baby. That's a question only you can answer for yourself." All Victoria could think about was how she was going to get through life without him. She needed him in her arms, needed him to love.

"I'm so confused, I don't know who or what to believe just now."

His hand reached out to grasp her arm. "Well, believe this, Victoria. Regardless of all else you do or do not feel, I still want you, and I mean to have you back someday." Victoria closed her eyes. Without him she wasn't sure what she was going to do. She felt lost without him.

He turned her and pulled her back down the few steps she had taken until her face was close to his. His free hand reached up to cup her chin and his lips covered hers in a warm caress, full of urgent desire and masculine demand. When her lips softened and parted beneath his, signaling her surrender, unwilling though it was, his mouth deliberately enticed hers until she swore she felt her bones melting, and clutched at his broad shoulders for support. His tongue played briefly with hers, eliciting a moan of desire from her throat.

As suddenly as his lips had captured her, he released her, gently pushing her upright again. "Dream about me, Victoria, because I'll be doing the same," he whispered softly, studying her bemused expression.

She shook her head. "Don't come here again, Colin," she said sadly, tears glistening like dew in her blue eyes. How was she going to survive this?

"I'll be back, baby. Wild horses couldn't keep me away. I deserve a second chance."

As she went back up to her apartment, Colin watched, wondering how he was going to solve this problem. The first thing he was sure of was that he had to deal with Mark, and he regretted that confrontation.

Mark continued his quest to keep Colin and Victoria apart. He practically lived at her apartment so he was able to intercept phone calls from Colin, threw out dozens of flowers and continued his push for Victoria and him to get together. She valued his friendship and everything he had done for her during this time, but she knew she could never let him in. She didn't want to hurt Mark. He had done so much for her already. 

Instead, she tried to spend any extra time she had with Brad. He was the one thing that was stable and consistent in her life. Being Mark's roommate and friend, he knew that Mark was pushing it with her. She was definitely on the edge. "You okay, Vicky?" They were at Victoria's apartment, watching movies and drinking margaritas.

"No. But I will be, I guess," And then a trickle of tears coursed down her face. "I just want things back like they used to be."

Not knowing what else to do for her, he took her in his arms and held her, and she laid her head against him and cried. He wanted to tell her then that he loved her, but he was afraid of scaring her off. He had loved her the first time he had saw her, with that incredible red hair. But she had been so in love with one of his best friends and now she acted like she never wanted to be with anyone else. Even his roommate and best friend was in love with her, but he didn't care; he just wanted to hold her and tell her he loved her. They sat like that for a long time, and then the tears stopped.

"Thank you." She looked at him for a long, quiet time, stirred by his strength and his youthful beauty. "You'd better go. You don't want to be stuck with an out-of-control, emotional woman."

"You know something?' His voice was deep and sexy. "I'd like that."

"You would, would you?' Her eyes were teasing but she could see that his were not. But she didn't think what she was suddenly feeling was what Brad needed. He didn't need an emotional older woman, and on the rebound yet, on his hands. He was young. He had a beautiful girlfriend. He had his whole life in front of him. But she was suddenly so desperately lonely and memories of her dream kept coming back to her. She wanted to reach out to him but before she did something foolish, she wanted him to go. "Okay, I'm okay. You better go." She sat up and tried a smile.

"I'm glad to hear it." And then after a moment his voice somber. "You are so beautiful."

"Go on, Brad." She looked worried. "It's time for you to go."

"I don't want to leave you, Victoria. I want to stay here."

But she shook her head as she looked at him, took his hand, held it to her cheek, and then kissed the fingertips gently as she let it go. "You can't stay, Brad."

"Why not?"

"I won't let you."

"You're still in love with Colin?" He bridled like a young stallion and she smiled.

"I don't know. I have a lot of things to think about."

"Do you know how long I've wanted you?"

Victoria put a finger to his lips. "I don't want you to tell me. I want us to be friends for a long time, Brad. Please don't spoil it." And then, with tears in her eyes again, "I need you right now. You and Mark, and all our friends, but especially you and Mark. Don't do anything to change that. I just . . . I couldn't take it . . . I need you too much." He held her once again then, kissed the top of her head, and then stood up and looked down at her.

"I'll stay if you want me to, Victoria."

She looked up into the brilliant green eyes and shook her head. "No, honey, it's okay. You go." He nodded slowly then and stood looking at her for one last moment in the doorway, and then she heard his footsteps echo in the room and the front door close.

What was she supposed to do now? She didn't want to hurt Mark or Brad or anyone else, but God help her, she loved Colin, hurt or not. And to top it off, she was starting to forgive him and believe what he had said about him and Marisa. 'How could she do something like this to us? Was she really that vindictive?' These thoughts and thoughts of Brad's new revelation plagued Victoria throughout the night.

Victoria finally got a free night and took advantage of it by going for a drive. It was quickly turning into fall and she loved this time of year. The air was turning brisk and she could wear soft flannel shirts again. It was a Friday night and it had now been three weeks since she had spoken to Colin. Mark had finally backed off but Victoria was fighting the urge to turn to Brad. He was not pushing anything, but something drew her to him. If she didn't work things out with Colin soon, she wouldn't be able to help herself anymore. Resolved that this was the night to finally talk to him, Victoria turned her car towards his house. As she approached his house, she saw another set of car lights turn into the drive. Not recognizing the car, she stopped at the drive and watched from her car. 

When the driver stepped out, Victoria strained to see who it was. Whoever it was made their way over to the passenger side and helped someone get out. It was obvious that the passenger was too drunk to walk on their own and now, Victoria was concerned that it was Colin. But who was that helping him? As they reached the front door and the light that was there, it became painfully clear that the driver of the car was Marisa. As Victoria stared in despair, she saw Colin's arms draped around her shoulders and she could hear his laughter all the way down the driveway to the street. Tears filled her eyes as she watched him turn to Marisa and kiss her, his hands traveling down her backside to her buttocks and rest there. Marisa laughed out loud as she fumbled with the keys, finally unlocking the door. Victoria turned her head; blankly staring at her steering wheel . . . she was too late! Her own stubbornness had caused her to lose Colin forever. She couldn't think anymore, she was overwhelmed by tears. Panic ran through her. 'Oh, god, what will I do? What have I done?' She turned back to find that they had disappeared into the house and out of her life. She dashed at the tears, putting the car into motion, but to where she wasn't sure.

"Who is it?" came the sleepy voice from the other side of the door. Victoria glanced at her watch, shocked to see it was two on Saturday morning. She blinked, wondering how the time had gotten away from her so quickly. As the door opened, she looked up, tears glistening in her eyes. "Vicky . . .?" Brad's hand rose to shield his eyes from the glare of the front light. "Wh-what are you doing here? What time is it?"

"I'm s-s-sorry . . . I . . . didn't know where . . ., Oh Brad!" She ran forward until she was in his arms, holding him close to her. Rejection from Colin turned her into Brad's arms for comfort, for refuge. Instinctively, his arms went around her, his face in her hair. Without saying a word, he gently pulled her into the house and closed the door.

He led her to a barstool and sat her down, turning on the light in the kitchen. As he started to make a pot of coffee, Victoria came around the bar and took his arm. "I don't want coffee, Brad." He stopped and looked at her.

"Are you okay?"

Victoria continued to look at him, desperate to forget what she had seen tonight. Without answering his question, she stepped over to him, her hands lightly running up his bare broad chest to cradle his face in her hands. Brad watched her, his body screaming to react but his mind telling him to wait. "Victoria . . .?"

"Shh . . ." she whispered, coming in closer to him. With a need born of desperation, he pulled her hard against him and kissed her. Deeply, hungrily, with all the longing and urgency he had suppressed during the past weeks and months.

Slowly, Victoria's body grew soft and supple as she burrowed into the welcome comfort of his embrace. When his tongue teased her lips apart, she opened to him, accepting without protest the hot, stabbing warmth. She wanted to forget what she had seen, escape the haunting memory that tugged at the fringes of her conscience, forget everything except the wonderful euphoria Brad's kisses brought her.

She wanted to feel again. The hard hand caressing her back in strong circular motions grew bolder, until reaching her hips he pulled her flush against him. Heat, searing, scorching, flowed over Victoria like torrid currents of air, leaving her aching and wanting. Those god-awful images of Colin and Marisa slowly slipped away, replaced by the breathless reality of Brad's lips teasing hers, of his tongue slipping into her mouth to taste her sweetness, of his hands boldly exploring the curves of her body.

Plunged into a swirling torrent of hot desire, Victoria gasped for air as Brad searched the inside of her mouth. She writhed and moaned against him, her emotions condensed into a hot rush of exquisite tension that spread throughout her body in undulating waves.

Brad's kisses grew frenzied as he tried to withdraw from the explosion of passion between them. He failed utterly. His original intent was to comfort her when he knew she had been hurt again, not to seduce her. Victoria's response had surprised and thrilled him. But it could not continue. Brad knew that if he kept this up there would be no turning back. The need to make love to her was an ache inside him and within a very short time the threads of his control would snap and he'd do something he feared she would regret.

When Victoria offered no resistance, Brad's kisses fell like gentle rain against her mouth, eyes, face, wherever her skin lured him. When his searching lips reached the pulsing hollow of her throat, she arched to give him better access, long past caring how Colin would react if he knew. He had abandoned her for Marisa, and Brad was the only tangible in her shattered life. That terrifying thought made her cling to him with the desperate tenacity of a drowning person.

"Oh, god, Vicky, stop me. I didn't mean to take my kisses so far."

Victoria looked up at him. She didn't want Brad to stop. She never wanted him to stop. The powerful emotions he had created inside her had swept away all thought of Colin and Marisa. If ever she needed the comfort Brad offered, it was now. "I don't want you to stop," Victoria said in a trembling whisper. "I - I need you."

A shudder shook Brad as he reacted to her words. "You don't know what you're saying. You're not thinking rationally. You love Colin."

"Colin doesn't want me," she said bitterly. "He is with Marisa." She reached over for him, dragging his lips back to hers. "Love me, Brad."

He watched her closely, watched her blue eyes darken, and watched her flesh grow rosy in anticipation of what was to come. His voice was rough with need as he rasped, "I want to love you so damn bad I ache, but don't say I didn't warn you. Tomorrow you will be sorry."

Deep in her heart, Victoria knew Brad was right, but at the moment nothing mattered but his lips and arms and the way he made her feel. Tomorrow she might be sorry, but she knew she was the only one to blame. Despite that awareness, she rushed to embrace him and the forgetfulness that went with him.

Brad took her hand, turned off the kitchen light, and tiptoed with her past Mark's door. Victoria's eyes lingered on the door, wondering if he'd hate her tomorrow as well. For a moment, she wondered why it was Brad she was turning to and not Mark. When they reached Brad's room, he pulled her in and quietly closed the door behind them. "Victoria, are you sure . . ." She quieted him by taking his hand and led them to his bed. 

Victoria lay down on her back, gently pulling Brad with her. His hands were shaking as he molded the firm roundness of her breasts. When he could no longer bear the obstacle of her clothing, he unbuttoned her shirt and slid it down past her shoulders, baring the soft white mounds to his gaze. His eyes dropped hot and certain to her breasts. Their pink crests were puckered into taut buds, inviting his intimate caress. He gave it freely, drawing one nipple into his mouth and laving it with the moist tip of his tongue. Victoria gasped and cried out, lurching upward into the sudden heat of his caress.




Together, Forever! Ch. 12



Her passion mesmerized him, and suddenly it wasn't enough just to taste the sweetness of her flesh. He wanted more, needed more, had to have more or perish. His hands dropped to the zipper of her jeans, slowly unzipping them and inched them downward. His right palm blazed a scorching path on the inside of her leg, sliding past the tender flesh of her inner thigh. A soft cry fluttered past her lips when she felt the heat of his hand caress her between her legs. His gaze slid over her like warm honey as he pulled the bed sheet over them and slid full-length atop her. Then slowly, with consummate skill and dedication, he teased her body to full, aching passion. The sweet valley between her breasts became a welcome haven for his tongue as he laved and teased the white mounds rising proudly on either side of it. When he sucked the rosy crests of her tightly curled nipples deeply into his mouth, the erratic beating of her heart pounded like thunder against his ear.

He dropped his head to her breast, his harsh breathing mute testimony to his shattered control. He struggled to suppress the urge to spread her legs and thrust into her like a wild animal, for his body demanded that he take her now. With a minimum of effort, he cast aside his clothes. Then he nudged her knees apart and settled into the cradle of her thighs. One plunge and he would attain paradise.

"Victoria . . .?" he questioned one last time, searching her eyes.

Victoria listened to the pounding in her blood and forgot everything but Brad and now and what he was doing to her. "Don't stop, Brad," she whispered into his ear.

"Oh, god, sweetheart, I've wanted you from the moment I set eyes on you."

His hand paused at the entrance of her body, testing her readiness to accept him. He encountered moisture, and heat, and he smiled down into the glowing blue depths of her eyes. Brad lowered his head and kissed her fervently, his lips tender, coaxing. And as she kissed him back, he entered her. Victoria cried out, arching against him as he slid deeper inside her, sighing with sublime pleasure as her tight warmth closed around him.

"Damn," he groaned into her mouth, nearly out of his mind with the need to thrust and thrust and empty himself into her. Victoria was the only woman who had ever come close to making him lose control. He couldn't recall when he had been so hot and eager, so near to bursting, even with Holly.

Tendrils of tingling sensation spread throughout Victoria's body, making it impossible for her to remain motionless beneath him. She moved her hips and was rewarded by an agonized groan that slipped past Brad's lips. She writhed erotically bringing him deeper inside her. Moaning, Brad grasped her hips, moving them to match his strokes. Victoria pressed her loins up to his, needing the strength and hardness of him in a way she had never thought possible.

She felt herself rushing toward a deep abyss. The buzzing in her head grew louder and she threw her arms around Brad's neck, fearing he would leave her before she found that place she searched for so desperately. He lowered his head, his mouth closing over her breast, capturing a hard, swollen nipple, and she cried out, begging for release from her anguish. Beads of perspiration clung to Brad's forehead as he fought to restrain his climax until Victoria had reached hers, but his control hung by a fragile thread. "Oh, god, Vicky." His voice was raw, harsh, ragged. His heart was beating so furiously that he feared it would burst from his chest.

Brad felt the pressure building, felt his control slipping. Shifting his right hand from the soft mound of her buttock, he slid it deftly between their straining bodies. Raising himself slightly, he searched her tender slickness for the tiny bud of her passion. He found it nestled amidst a forest of auburn curls and gently stroked it with the rough pad of his fingertip. The erotic friction sent her tumbling over the edge as she trembled violently and cried out. Brad tossed his head back as his hips surged forward one last time and he joined her in the rapture that engulfed them.

Victoria felt his weight pressing against her, and her arms tightened around him. She had allowed him to make love to her, and she wasn't sorry. But it must never happen again. She had needed him and was honest in admitting it. But it was wrong. She still loved Colin and Brad was with Holly. She had offered herself to Brad; given him as much pleasure he had given her, and enjoyed it.

Brad raised his head, looking into the blue depths of her eyes. He could feel the tension draining from her and rolled to his side, drawing her snugly into the curve of his body. She did not protest, but neither did she offer encouragement. "Sorry already?" he bluntly asked. Guilt at what he had done rode him mercilessly.

Victoria looked up at him. "No, I'm not sorry."

"Vicky, I . . ."

"Its okay, Brad." She got up and crossed over to the bathroom that joined Brad and Mark's bedroom. She stopped before she went in, looking at him. "Go to sleep." Deliberately she turned her back so he would not see the tears sliding down her cheeks.



Together, Forever! Ch. 13



When Brad awoke the next morning, he reached over for Victoria and was surprised to find she wasn’t there. Quickly looking over to the bathroom and finding the door closed, he sat up and rubbed his eyes. Looking over at the clock, he found it was already well into the morning. 

Suddenly, Mark was in the room beside him. “Hey, shit for brains, you finally getting up?” He threw on the light and he yanked back the covers exposing Brad. “Shit!” he laughed, turning his back and shielding his eyes. “Cover yourself, man.” Brad quickly jumped out of bed and pulled his pants on that were lying on the floor. 

“What the hell are you doing in here?” he ground out, his gaze quickly sliding over to the closed bathroom door. He wasn’t sure what Mark would do if her found out Victoria was here. “Get out of here!”

Mark’s keen gaze quickly scanned the room and he smiled at the clothes that were scattered on the floor. Bending over, he picked up a lacy black bra from the floor and turned to Brad. “I’m sorry, man. Holly’s here.” Brad didn’t say a thing, he just grabbed Victoria’s bra from him and threw it back on the floor. Mark laughed as he backed out the way he had come. “I just wanted to let you know that coffee’s ready and it’s your turn to cook.” Brad shot his a look that could kill and Mark quickly ducked out of the room. As Brad looked around the room, he wondered how he was going to explain Victoria’s presence.

Victoria dawdled in the bathroom as long as she could, her mind in turmoil. She had heard Mark enter the room and the conversation that had occurred. How could she have allowed Brad to make love to her when it went against everything she felt in her heart? She had brought it on herself - it was inexcusable. She hugged herself and shivered. 

She hung her head as a tear squeezed from beneath a lowered lid and slid down her cheek. She had willingly surrendered to the passion and hurt she had felt and had welcomed Brad’s loving. Feeling guilt now would change nothing, she thought bitterly as she dashed away the moisture gathering in her eyes. 

She knew she couldn’t stay here, hiding out from Colin and finding comfort in a man’s arms that she didn’t love. Unable to hide from Mark any longer and unwilling to hurt Brad, Victoria reluctantly walked back into the bedroom to fetch her clothing. She found that Brad had already gone into the kitchen, hoping that he was going to be the one to break to Mark what had occurred last night. Quickly dressing back into her jeans and button-down shirt, Victoria ran a brush through her hair and tied it up in a ponytail. As she donned her shoes, she wondered what she was going to say to Mark.

Brad stared across the bar at Mark over his cup of coffee. How he was going to break this to him, he wondered. Mark would be hurt, about that he had no doubt. Then there was Holly to consider. He should’ve known to put Victoria on the couch, but he hadn’t counted on the explosion of passion between them the moment their lips touched. What followed was inevitable. He took another sip of coffee as the phone rang. 

“Hello?” Mark’s deep voice resounded through the kitchen. Brad looked up to see Mark’s intense gaze on him, and his face a mask of surprise. A shot of panic went through Brad briefly as Mark put his hand over the receiver, looked at him and said, “It’s Holly.” The two stared at each other for a moment; Mark confused and Brad startled. 

Brad slowly took the phone. “Hello?” As Brad talked to her for a few minutes, Mark went back into the kitchen for another cup of coffee, questions filling his mind. He glanced down the hall, wondering who the hell it would be coming down it in a few minutes. He crossed back over the room and sat across the bar from Brad, watching him intently. He could tell Brad was squirming on the phone and he couldn’t help it, but Mark grinned at his buddy’s dilemma. He had one lady in his room and one on the phone. 

Glancing down the hall one last time, Mark’s grin quickly turned to a grimace as he saw Victoria coming towards him. He quickly glanced over at Brad as he hung up the phone and then again at Victoria, who had now reached the kitchen, her hands in her pockets and her face ashen. Mark slowly set his coffee on the bar and straightened up, not sure what to say. It was obvious what had happened and he wasn’t sure how to react. His emotions were sporadic and his throat dry.

“Mark . . .” Brad began.

“Uh . . .” he stammered, quickly getting to his feet. “I think . . . I have to go, uh . . . uh . . .” Victoria reached out quickly and touched his arm.

“Are you all right?” She felt her heart break as she knew she had hurt him deeply. She should’ve thought before she acted last night. Guilt swept over her like dark clouds. 

Mark retracted from her without thinking. “Uh . . . yeah, I’m fine.”

Victoria sent him a wary glance. She had grave doubts that Mark was fine. “I should explain.”

“There’s nothing to explain,” he said, picking up his keys and preparing to leave.

“Mark, don’t leave.” Brad set his coffee down to face his roommate and friend. Mark’s eyes blazed as he quickly thought about punching him right in the face. If it hadn’t been for Victoria’s hand on his arm, he would have. He quickly glanced back at her, hurt shining bright in his brown eyes.

“I have to go,” he said, turning quickly and walking out the door. Victoria watched him leave and then sat down at the bar with a heavy sigh.

Brad quietly set a steaming cup of coffee in front of her. He glanced at her and then tried to swallow the lump that was in his throat. “About last night . . .”

Victoria sent him a tired glance. She had grave doubts that anything he had to say would help the situation. “Forget last night,” she cut in before he could finish his sentence. “It should not have happened, and I don’t want to talk about it.” She fastened her eyes on the cup of coffee in front of her, aware that her expression would betray her emotions. She had wanted it to happen but she didn’t love him, and she had real doubts that he loved her as well.

“Look at me, Vicky,” Brad said, reaching across the bar and raising her chin so he could see her face. “We can’t deny what happened between us. Lord knows, I feel badly about it. I truly didn’t mean to take advantage of you, but the situation became explosive so quickly I couldn’t stop. I want to make it up to you.”

Victoria’s expression grew somber. “You didn’t take advantage of me. I am as much to blame, if not more. I came to you and I apologize. I should have never put you in that situation.”

“I warned that you would be sorry in the morning.” He tried to tease her out of her mood. “But I’m not sorry it happened.”

Victoria looked back at him and smiled. “I’m sorry I got you into this. You have Holly and it was not fair of me to put you in a precarious situation with her. I hope I didn’t ruin anything for you.”

Brad came around the bar to sit beside her, taking her hand in his. “You didn’t do anything I haven’t wanted to do for a very long time.”

“Brad . . .” she began, tears filling her eyes once more.

“I know,” he said, stroking her hand with his fingers and then bringing them to his lips. “You don’t love me. The only reason you came to me was Colin.” He looked at her and all she could do was nod her head in reply. “What happened, Vicky?”

Victoria’s gaze fell to the ground, the tears falling freely. Brad said nothing. He knew in his gut that Victoria belonged with Colin, even though he wanted her for himself. He had agonized over it the day he had first seen them together. 

Victoria looked at him then, her face streaked with tears. “I’m sorry, Brad. I can’t help it.”

“I know you can’t,” he crooned, nodding slowly. “You belong together.”

“Not anymore,” she whispered.

“What happened?” he asked again.

Victoria took a deep breath, wondering how she was going to get it out. “I - I saw him . . . and Marisa.” She stopped, fighting the new wave of tears that filled her eyes. Wetting her lips with her tongue, she quickly scanned the room. “They were at his house . . . and he was drunk or something, I don’t know . . . Well, she . . . helped him out of his car,” she stammered, running her hand over her hair, searching for the right words. “I was at the end of the driveway.”

“Why were you there,” he asked, urging her on.

“Oh, god . . . I had finally decided that I was going to forgive him,” she said, laughing bitterly at the irony of it. “Can you believe that?” Brad just patted her hand, nodding his head. “Well, I was about to pull into his driveway when they pulled up and I wasn’t sure who it was, so I waited and that’s when I saw them.” She stopped, picked up her coffee and took a long drink. Dashing away the tears under her eyes, she looked back at Brad. “Why can’t I love you . . . or Mark . . . or anyone else but him?” she whispered, squeezing his hand.

“That’s a good question,” he teased her. “But you don’t . . . you love him.” She knew it was the truth. Despite everything, she loved him - God, she loved him! “Keep going,” he urged her.

“He kissed her, Brad. He really kissed her and they went into the house.” She stopped and watched him, hurt piercing her very soul.

Brad was amazed. “So . . .?”

“So?!” she repeated. “So?! What do you mean ‘so’?”

“I mean, think about it Vicky, what did you see? Nothing! You saw nothing.”

She bristled like a wet cat. “Nothing? That kiss wasn’t nothing! Them going into his house at one o’clock in the morning wasn’t nothing! How can you say that?!” She jumped up and paced the room, seething. Men! They were all alike.

Brad jumped up after her. “Calm down, Vicky. I’m just trying to get you to realize that it might have been nothing. He was drunk, right?” When she only shot him a look, he repeated, “Right?!”

“I don’t know,” she argued, shaking her head. “Maybe . . . probably . . . yes, yes!”

“So maybe he didn’t know what he was doing. Maybe he thought it was you. Maybe all it was was a kiss and then he told her to get the hell out. The fact is,” he pointed out, “You don’t know.” Victoria turned to look at him. He made a lot of sense, but . . .

“And maybe he was so drunk that he made love to her despite me, or maybe he made love to her in spite of me.”

“And what about you?” he asked, bluntly pointing out the one thing she would’ve rather not brought up again. “What about what happened between us last night, Victoria? You can’t judge him on the same thing that you have done yourself.”

“Whose side are you on?” she challenged quietly, slumping down onto the couch.

“Yours, darling,” he answered softly, coming to kneel in front of her on the floor. “You’re the only one I care about. Screw Colin and Marisa for all I care. They can have one another.” He watched her for a moment. “I just want you to be happy, and god knows why, but you’re only happy when you’re with Colin. That’s just the way it is.” Victoria looked up and gathered him into her embrace.

“Why are you so good to me?” she whispered fiercely.

“Because I care about you,” he answered, tears filling his own eyes. All he wanted was to have her and she wasn’t available for the taking. Her heart was still, and would always be, with Colin Mengatti, and it cut him to the core to realize that despite what had happened between them, her feelings hadn’t changed. He sat back, holding her hands. “You have to go to him, Vicky. You have to find out what happened and you have to tell him what happened between us.” At her terrified look, he said, “You have to. It’s only right. If you two are going to work it out, you have to start with honesty. If you’re honest,” he said, gently wiping a tear from her eye, “and things still don’t work out, then it wasn’t meant to be.” She smiled at him then, knowing he was wise beyond his years.

“And you?” she asked.

He nodded grimly. “Me too, I have to be honest. I don’t love Holly and it’s time she was set free. You’ve opened that door for me. I wouldn’t have seen it if it hadn’t been for you.”

“I don’t want the responsibility of breaking you guys up . . .”

“You didn’t break us up,” he soothed her. “It should’ve happened a long time ago.”

“And Mark . . .” The one thing she truly regretted was Mark.

“Mark will pull through this. He knew you loved Colin and that he never had a chance with you.” He pulled her upright. “You know that.” Victoria took him into her embrace again, holding him to her tightly.

“Thank you,” she whispered in his ear. 

“Thank you,” he whispered back, gently pushing her out of his embrace. 



After trying to get a hold of Colin all day and failing, Victoria knew where she was sure to find him. Every Saturday night he was in the same place unless he was working and she doubted that tonight would be any different. Quickly pulling on a paisley wrap skirt, a cardigan and hot pink New Balance sneakers, she headed for Barfly. When she arrived, Victoria wasn’t sure what she was going to say to Colin once she found him, and to be quite honest, she wasn’t sure why she had come. She wanted for things to work out between them, in her heart of hearts, but something in her still doubted . . . still wondered about him and Marisa. “Victoria?!” She quickly turned to find Nick, the young man from Millennium who she had met on the same night she had met Colin. 

“Nick?!” Victoria was thrilled to see him after all this time. He was still as cute as ever. She threw her arms around him. “Oh god, it’s so good to see you! What are you doing here?”

“I’m just hanging out. What are you doing? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. What have you been doing?” He pushed her back from him gently, still clasping onto her arms. His eyes traveled quickly down her length and then came back to rest on her face. “You look great!”

Victoria smiled at him as she hugged him once again. “You are so sweet! Thanks!” She stood back from him once more, glad to have a friend by her side tonight. “Vicky, I want you to meet my girlfriend. We got together not too long ago and I think I’m in love.”

She smiled sweetly at him. “Oh Nick, that’s great. But, I thought we still might have a chance,” she teased.

“To be honest,” he admitted, “I wanted that when we first met, but I could tell you were in love with Colin at the first look.” Victoria took in a deep breath, memories pulling at her consciousness. “You’ll never guess who I wound up with!” The twinkle in his eye caught her attention and curiosity.

“Who?!” she asked. “Do I know her?” As she watched him, her attention was quickly averted to a tall blonde walking towards them and Victoria was shocked to see Marisa Stamp walk up to Nick and kiss him on the cheek, his arm snaking around her waist. Victoria watched in surprise and then disgust.

“Vicky, I want you to meet Marisa . . .”

“I know her,” Victoria cut in quickly, her voice quivering with repressed anger. “What do you think you’re doing?” She watched Marisa closely, her eyes narrowing to thin slits.

“Victoria, I know how you feel about me, but -”

“You have some nerve standing here with Nick when you were at Colin’s last night!” She practically spit the words out at her. “Does Nick know what you’re up to when he’s not around?!”

“Victoria . . .” Nick began, reaching out to take her arm. She turned to him, regret etched in her beautiful brow.

“Nick, I don’t think you know who you’ve gotten involved with. She’s still sleeping with Colin. . . “

“I am not!” she quickly defended herself. Victoria turned to her quickly.

“Liar! I saw you there last night! Are you going to deny it?!”

“No,” she answered calmly. “But it’s not what you think.”

Victoria wanted to put her hands around Marisa’s thin neck and squeeze until her eyes bugged out. Frustrated and tired, she just gave up. “I don’t care, Marisa. I just don’t care. But don’t you dare hurt Nick!” She quickly excused herself to the ladies’ room as Marisa followed her.

She had to gather her wits once she was inside the ladies’ room. Her hands palm down on the counter, Victoria leaned over, breathing deeply as she tried to check her emotions. Anger and frustration were surging through her and it took everything she had not to hurl something at the mirror. As she looked up into the mirror, she saw Marisa standing behind her. “Do you know just how stupid this is? You are being irrational.” Victoria stared at her in shock through the mirror, not sure how to react to that! So she chose to ignore it. “How could you do that? Don’t you know any better?” When Victoria continued to ignore her and reapply her lipstick in the mirror, she added, “You should have your head examined . . .”

Completely baffled by this new onslaught, she turned and faced her. “What the hell are you talking about?” she questioned, angrily and unbelievingly.

“Colin, I’m talking about Colin.” At that, Victoria’s face hardened and she tried to walk past her to leave, but she blocked the doorway with her arm. “I’m not through,” she added.

Victoria just turned her head and glared at her. “Yes you are. I’ve heard enough.”

“You haven’t begun to hear what I have to say.” She stopped for a moment, watching her. “It was all me. Colin isn’t interested in me anymore and it’s taken me this long to accept it.” She took a deep breath, trying to get it all out before Victoria stormed past her. “True, I dumped him after the release of that movie . . .” She stopped, choking back the tears of regret she suddenly felt wash over her.  “I guess I was scared,” she finally admitted. Watching Victoria for a moment, she continued. “When it was obvious that he was going on without me and came to you, something snapped and I wanted him back.” Victoria just watched her, wondering what in the world possessed her to admit all this. “I’m finally over it. I have Nick, and he’s wonderful. I want Colin to be as happy as I am.” 

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Victoria glared at her.

“No, I don’t expect it to, but I am sorry. I guess I didn’t realize that what you and Colin had was real. I was hoping it was just a passing phase for him.” Victoria wasn’t about to admit that she had thought the same thing herself. She just stood there and watched her. “After I had called Colin’s house and left that message, he came to see me. He was furious that I had done that and I can’t tell you how distraught he was over the thought of losing you.” ‘So, he did go see her!’ is all that Victoria could think about. She closed her eyes in response, willing herself not to be sick. Marisa could tell that Victoria was reacting negatively to what she had said, and quickly covered for him. “When I saw what I had done to him and how much he loved you, I was sorry. I never wanted to hurt him.”

“But you wanted to hurt me?” Victoria asked, bitterly.

“No . . . I don’t know,” she admitted. “I wanted him back . . . but now,” she paused, looking at her. “Now, his happiness is more important to me than getting him back and Victoria . . .” she stopped, her eyes pleading with hers. “His happiness is with you.” 

“And last night?” Victoria leaned back against the counter, wondering why in the hell she was actually listening to all of this.

“He was drunk, Victoria. He’s been drunk since you stopped talking to him.” Marisa stood in the doorway and shook her head. She could count on her fingers the number of hours Colin had been sober in the past two weeks. He’d lost weight and his face was losing its youthful appearance. Usually so impeccably dressed, his clothes now hung haphazardly on his tall frame. 

As she continued to talk, Victoria found herself actually listening. She couldn’t believe Marisa was humbling herself this way in the bathroom at this club. This was not the woman she had come to know and hate. She was actually thinking of someone other than herself! Marisa could tell Victoria was softening towards her and used it to her advantage. She moved away from the door and leaned against the counter beside her. “Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me for everything I’ve done? I know I’ve caused you a lot of pain.”




Together, Forever! Ch. 13



Victoria didn’t know what to say. “What am I supposed to say to that, Marisa? What do you expect me to do, throw my arms around you in friendship and forget everything that’s happened? Up until this very moment, you’ve done everything in your power to drag Colin and me apart.” 

“I know and I understand your feelings about me, but don’t let the mistakes I’ve made tear apart what Colin and you have.”

“Had,” she quickly corrected.

“Look, I know you don’t believe me, but after I sobered him up last night, Colin confided in me. Above everything else, I want him to be happy and I really want us to be friends.”

Victoria stared at her, incredulous. “How can I trust you? How can you expect that of me?”

“I don’t expect that, but you have to take what I’m saying on faith. It has to say something to you that I’d humble myself in the ladies room here at Barfly in front of someone who despises me!  As much as she hated to admit it, Victoria had to agree with her on that, and for a moment, almost felt sorry for her. She couldn’t help it! “Victoria, you’d be a fool to let Colin slip away the way I did. He needs you.” Victoria began to see her in a new light, despite everything and she desperately wanted to believe what she was saying. If it was true, Colin had been faithful and she had been the idiot. That brought a lump to her throat. “Look,” she said, pointing back out toward the club on the other side of the door. “Colin is here. He’s sober and actually made me bring him here so he could try again to make it up to you. He was hoping you might show up. He’s been everywhere trying to catch a glimpse of you. It’s really pathetic.” Victoria eyed her suspiciously. Marisa could tell that she didn’t really believe her. “Go on,” she urged, “See for yourself.”

“Okay,” she said, pushing her way past her. “I will.”

When she went back out into the club, all Victoria could see was a mass of people. Not knowing where to look, she saw Nick dancing up on one of the dance platforms and headed straight for him. Her plan was to get up as high as she could and see if she could see Colin from there. Nick saw her coming and helped hoist her up to where he was. As Victoria started to dance, Nick eyed her and she could tell he wanted her to spill out what had happened, but she was too busy trying to find Colin. She didn’t want to be real obvious about what she was doing, so she really started to get into the music and that’s when she saw him. He was leaning against the bar and his eyes were right on her. So she did her best to show him what he was missing. She didn’t think he’d be able to contain himself. He kept smiling at her and Victoria couldn’t help but smile back. He had the sexiest smile she had ever seen and watching him brought her body to life.

Just then a slow song came on and Victoria stood there watching him make his way over to where she stood, holding up a hand to help her down. She stood for a moment, eyeing him, thinking just how much she wanted him, how much she loved him above everything that had happened. It was as if she was floating above the crowd, watching her hand reach out for his as he lifted her down into his arms, arms that held her close to him. All she could do was hold on; her legs suddenly jelly, as they swayed in time to the music.

Victoria tried not to stare at him, not look into his eyes, but he kept pushing her back just enough so he could see her face, his eyes boring into her soul, his hair falling into his eyes. His hair and grown back out to the length she loved and Victoria longed to reach up and brush it back with her fingers. But at the same time, she wanted to slap him for everything that he had put her through, regret washing through her that she had acted to irrationally with Brad. 

When the song ended, she gently pushed away from him. “Do me a favor. You’ve come and now it’s time for you to go. For both our sakes, go.”

“I won’t.” He was adamant. “I’m not going, Vicky. Not this time. If you don’t want me, you tell me, and we’ll see, but not because of this damn misunderstanding that’s between us. I don’t care about our mistakes. I love you. I love your head and your heart and your soul. I love what you’ve given me and what you’ve done for me. I love your hardheadedness. I’m not leaving,” he repeated.

“Yes, you are.” Her face was hard. “I don’t want pity. I don’t want you on a rebound. I just want to go on with my life.”

“I am your life. I’m not leaving you, Vicky.” She glared at him for a moment, and then with guilt over her lovemaking with Brad washing over her, she began to fight through the crowd, trying to get away from him. But everywhere she went, Colin was right behind. At last, winded and tired, Victoria knew she had to stop. They were at the far end of the club now, and she looked at him almost in despair as she finally stopped.

“Why are you doing this, Colin?”

“Because I love you. Vicky, please . . .” 

“Colin, do you know what I’ve been through? And then Marisa . . .”

“God, stop with Marisa! It’s you I love! What do I have to do to convince you of that?!” He grabbed hold of her shoulders and she thought he’d shake her until her teeth rattled.

She stopped him by placing her hands on his arms, her eyes boring into his. “Colin, Marisa cornered me in the bathroom.” This caught his attention and he loosened his hold on her, but not enough for her to slip from his grasp. When she saw he was ready for her to continue, she did. “She told me the truth and I’m sorry. I should’ve believed you.”

He looked amazed at her proclamation. “You believe me?”

“Yeah, I guess I have no choice.” And then she whispered softly, “I loved you so damn much . . . it hurt so much. I didn’t think I could live without you.”

“Neither did I.” He said it with the sorrow of the past few weeks of lonely days and nights. “I wanted us to be like we used to be. All I did was think of you, Victoria. Every night I’d lie there and all I could think about was you.”

“Colin, I have to be honest with you,” she said, her eyes falling to the floor. How was she going to explain what had happened with Brad without losing him forever?

And then without further warning, he kissed her, pulling her body close to him and tangling his fingers in her hair. “Victoria . . . oh, Vicky . . .” And when she heard the words she had longed for for so long, she cried. “I won’t ever let anything or anyone get between us again, Victoria. Never.” His eyes held hers tight, and then she threw all caution to the winds and told him.

“Colin, I have to tell you what happened between me and Brad . . .”

“It doesn’t matter, Vicky. I don’t care. Our mistakes are behind us and our future is ahead of us.”

“But I don’t think you understand,” she argued gently, her eyes filling with tears. 

Colin gently cupped her chin in his hands, lifting her eyes to meet his. “I understand what you’re trying to say and I’m telling you, it’s over. I love you. I’ve always loved you.” 

“Colin, are you sure?” Her voice was filled with awe as her eyes drank him in. ‘Were we finally back to us?’ she thought inwardly.

When he kissed her this time, she murmured, “I love you too.” He took her hand then, and slowly, as close together as they could, they walked back across the dance floor towards the front door. As they passed Nick and Marisa, Nick smiled at her as Marisa reached out for her hand. Victoria quickly pulled her into an embrace. “Thank you,” she whispered, tears filling her eyes. 

Marisa pulled back and smiled at her. “You just take care of him and remember what I said, okay?” Victoria just nodded as Colin led her to the front door.

Colin’s limo was waiting out front when they came slowly toward it. Victoria stopped and looked at Colin as he stood looking into her face. His eyes asked her a thousand questions, and his heart poured out into hers. She hesitated for only a moment, and then she smiled as he said the familiar words.

“I love you, Vicky.” And then in a voice that only she could hear, “I want you to remember that every day, every hour, every morning, and every night, for the rest of your life. From now on I’m going to be here with you, Victoria.”

Her eyes never left his, and then slowly, ever so slowly, she followed him into the limo. She sat there for a minute, watching him, wondering if she could trust him and if she could trust herself after all this. Was he really back now? Or was it all an illusion, a dream? Colin could sense the doubts that she was feeling, and as he sat beside her he held out his hand. “Trust me, babe . . .” And then after a long moment, “please.” His hand never wavered as she sat there, still and tall and proud. “Vicky?” As their eyes held and they watched each other, it was as though the doubt between them melted, and as she put her hand carefully in his, one could almost feel the bond between them begin to form again.

“Hold me, Colin.” Victoria said it matter-of-factly, and suddenly he knew that things had changed. There was a deep smile in the blue eyes as he drew her into his arms.

“Where do you want to go, Victoria?” She looked up into his face with a look of peace mingled with unbridled joy.

She smiled at him, whispering the word as she looked at him once more, “Home.”

When they reached Colin’s big house, he ran up to the front door with her only a few steps behind. He pulled open the door and watched her carefully for a long moment, her eyes tender with memory as they stood there remembering their times here together. With a last look at Colin, Victoria quietly stepped up to him, a tender smile on her lips. He swept her up into his arms, carrying her across the threshold of their home together, forever.