She knocks.
She knocks again.
It feels like an eternity waiting for him to answer the door. Her emotions are racing and she doesn't know how to pull herself together. Why is she standing outside his door? What is she expecting to happen? So many questions flooding her mind when the door opens and she is face to face with him.
"Victoria?"
"Hey Ben."
She walks into the empty condo. He shared the place with her half-brother Dylan but he hardly spent time there since reuniting with Avery. She walked around taking in the place. Ben watched her as she removed her coat and scarf and tossed them on the chair by the door. She was a sight to behold to him. He couldn't help by notice how her jeans clung in all the right places.
"Is everything okay?"
"Is Dylan here?"
He tells the same story as she heads to the kitchen and pours herself a drink. She is quiet and it made him nervous. She walks out with two glasses and hands one to him. She sips slowly and then smiles. His breathing is starting to become challenging as his nerves start to get the better of him.
"Victoria… why are you here."
"I think you know why."
It was one kiss. It happened a few days ago but that is all he thought about since. He sees her out with her family and it flashes to him. It was a mistake. She was upset. These are the excuses he told himself and her to explain it away. But he felt something. He knew and so did she. Truth is that if she hasn't stopped it, it probably wouldn't have ended.
Victoria puts down her drink and walks to him slowly. He held his breath has she caressed his face softly. He closes his eyes as he feels her other hand take his and place a soft kiss on it. His mind was spinning. Was this really happening?
"Vicky…"
"Stop talking…"
And with those words he did. He grabs her hard and kisses her deeply. He had no clue what was going on but in this moment he also knew he did not care. There was determination in her eyes. He knew he was being used but he also knew she clearly needed this. He lifted her as she wrapped her legs around him. If they were going to do this, then it was going to be done right.
They spoke no words.
She fell back on to the bed as he slowly pulled off her jeans.
Her hands unbuckled his belt.
They made a show out of removing each other's clothing. They had never seen each other this way and they were taking it in. As the final item fell to the floor, they both took a deep breath before she pulled him on top of her. She needed to feel his touch. She needed to feel anything other than what she was currently feeling. She was the captain today and he followed her every lead.
He was gentle.
She was thankful.
As they lay in the afterglow, she was staring at the ceiling deep in thought. There was now regret running through her mind. She knew exactly what could have happened. She wanted it to happen but didn't know if she would have the nerve to commit to it. Then he looked at her and she took her only chance before her nerves kicked it. She liked him. She knew he liked her and she knew it would hurt Billy. Mission accomplished. She closed her eyes and a tear fell down her face.
"I'm so sorry Ben."
Victoria started getting dressed. She was really crying now. Ben quickly rose and pulled her into a hug. She grabbed him back and released a deep sobbing cry. She was broken.
"Never apologize to me."
He kisses her again.
Victoria pulls away and walks out the room. He follows her as he watched her put her coat and scarf back on. She was avoiding looking at him. She felt embarrassed. She went to walk out when Ben blocked her from leaving. They just stared at each other. His eyes were begging her to stay but she knew she couldn't. He knew it too.
"Thank you."
She leaves.