Chapter 7
The meal was lovely and they were both full yet quite satisfied. Now the pair stood at the steps of the hotel unsure of their next move.
'Well, Mark thank you for tonight. It really was great and I had a wonderful time.' Vickie said as she skipped between the bottom and second step Mark watched on a smile crept across his lips.
'You are very welcome and I'm glad you enjoyed the night but it wasn't anything too special,' he answered trying to play it down as best he could.
'I wouldn't say it wasn't special because we both know it happened.' She answered continuing to skip the bottom two steps; he smiled as his gaze dropped for a moment and he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets.
'All right so it did but it's not as though I planned too far ahead,' he replied, he caught her elbow and gently tugged her back to him; she looked up at him for a moment.
'My mum is going to be as shocked as anyone when I tell her about tonight,' she said he chuckled softly.
'I bet she will be. Well, I'd better be going now but Vick?' he said.
'Yeah?' she moved closer to him their noses almost touching. He did speak but let the hand, which was still holding onto her elbow slide down to take her hand; and with his free hand came up to her face shifting away a few stray strands of her hair. Vickie was still struggling a little with this need found feeling sweeping through her body. They were both gazing at one another, as if searching for answers to questions they had not even asked. She slid her arms around his neck but not fully aware she had do so, cautiously they moved closer as their lips met softly, and with each passing second becoming stronger and leaving every inch of their bodies on fire. Drawing away, she felt weak and leant against him.
'Mark…'
'Shh.' He lifted her chin, kissed her once more, and took a step back. He couldn't let it get too carried away.
'Goodnight Vickie.' He smiled.
'Yeah night Mark,' she echoed returning the smile and slowly backed up the stairs and bounded off inside the hotel. Mark watched until she was out of sight and then reluctantly turned and walked back to his car. As soon as he climbed in, he brought his hands up to his face letting out a quiet sigh.
'What have I done?' he mumbled. Yet deep down he knew what went on tonight did so because of how they both felt. Starting the engine, he headed for home.
Vickie was in a daze as she made her way to her room. Slinging her jacket over the chair and dumping the key, wallet and phone on the dressing table she lay on the bed on her back and stared up the ceiling. Thinking back over tonight's events a smile danced across her lips.
'Ok enough day dreaming,' she said and got up off the bed and gathering her belongings for a shower.
Mark parked his car in front of the garage and made his way to the main door; unlocking it, he stepped through and was just about to make his way to his room when he noticed the living room light on. Curious he walked in and found his mum and dad sitting in their favorite chairs and reading. Marie lowered her book and peered at her soon over her reading glasses.
'Mark you're home early. I thought you would be out all night.' She said. He shook his head as he sat on the couch.
'Are you ok son?' his dad Oliver asked in slight concern.
'Yeah, I'm fine. Just didn't feel up to clubbing much tonight is all,' Mark answered. His parents exchanged looks.
'Is there anything you want to talk about?' Marie quizzed but he shook his head again this time smiling at his mother.
'No not right now thanks mum. I'll see you in the morning goodnight.' Standing up he gave a little stretch and strolled off up the stairs, Marie and Oliver stared after him looking deeply concerned. They both sensed Mark was keeping something but whatever it was, they only hoped he could sort it out. Mark entered his room, closed the door, and sat down at the edge of his bed kicking off his shoes. For a while, he stared blankly at the wall until the images from tonight flashed through his mind making him smile. He smiled even more just thinking of what Vickie thought of it. Suddenly his phone rudely interrupted his thoughts. Glancing at the screen, he saw Shane's name pop up.
'Hi Shay,' he said.
'Hey mate what's the matter? You sound way distracted,' Shane remarked.
'Nah not distracted just going over this evening,' Mark said. On his end of the line, Shane raised his eyebrows before he remembered.
'This hasn't got anything to do with a certain young girl named Vickie, does it?' he asked, Mark hesitated, not sure of how to reply. Could he tell Shane what happened? It hadn't completely registered with him.
'I…actually, it does,' he replied.
'Ok, so you mind telling me about it?' Shane pressed he got no response.
'Mark?'
'I'm here don't worry. But you won't believe what I'm about to tell you, even I'm not so sure I believe it myself,' Mark answered, this promoted even more curiosity from Shane and he started to wonder if something had gone wrong. Mark then told Shane exactly what happened leaving Shane speechless.
'I can't believe you! This is so unlike you Mark, being all forward with a girl,' he remarked.
'I know, I know and I tell you I'm worried that Vick might think well you know,' Mark replied helplessly. They were quiet lost in thought.
'So what do you plan to do about it next? All I can figure out is that you and Vick sound like you are a bit love struck,' Shane answered.
'Shane don't say that! I am not sure, love is a strong word for it and especially right now. Truth be told I'm not certain on my own feelings or Vick's aside from the fact she likes me.'
'And do you like her too?' Shane quizzed he was met with silence again.
'Well?'
'I do. I just need to sort it out…some how,' Mark said. Shane laughed.
'As if you'd be able to sort out something you haven't had the chance of feeling this way especially in the last two years =, mate. Come on I'm sure you are feeling quietly confident am I right?' Shane pressed on; Mark tapped his fingers on his lap he thought about Shane's words.
'All right, fine everything does seem different with Vickie, and in some way I guess I know what I'm feeling. These last three days I have been able to uncover more into her persona and it just leaves me even more curious than ever, and the kiss…wow there is definitely something there Shay I'm telling you I could feel it, but I have such little time to work at it.' Mark replied the slight frustration clear in his voice.
'Don't stress there is still time to work with, plenty of it in fact and I am sure Kian and the lads will be keen to help out. We can talk more tomorrow when we meet up for footy at Kian's old football club. Hey, maybe you can invite Vickie along.' Shane added but Mark hesitated he didn't want to be over eager.
'I don't know Shane it could be too soon especially after tonight. Also, we can't just tell everyone well except for Kian. The thing is Vickie and her parents leave in nine days or something of the like, and I have to get it done either before or by that date,'
'Just chill Mark we are here to help.'
'Yes, I know and thanks Shane. Anyway, I'm off to bed so goodnight.'
'Night' after hanging up Mark switched on the radio and got up to change clothes. Lying down on the bed, his head into the soft feather pillow the last thought going through his mind was Vickie she had definitely caught his attention in more ways than one, as he had done to her.
