Ch. 4

Their second time is different than the first, but no less powerful for them both. It's a mere two nights later and he invited her over for dinner that he picked up on the way home. The first night after, he made a conscious effort to give her space. By the next day, he's craving her touch. It's unlike anything he's experienced, this strong need for her. She brings him some reports and says she's done for the night. Before she can fully turn, he stands.

"Vic."

She faces him, her eyes a question mark.

"Do you...want to come over for dinner?"

The invitation comes out with a hint of shyness. That makes her smile, which makes him smile. It's like a silent understanding passes between them.

"Sure. I just need to run by my place and grab a change of clothes."

Neither of them pretends they don't know where this is headed. He nods and they leave at the same time.

He runs by the Red Pony and picks up dinner for them. He beats her to his cabin by mere minutes. While he's taking out the food, she changes into the clothes she picked up from her trailer after work. She ambles back in wearing loose cotton pants and a t-shirt, her hair freed from it's ponytail, and in her bare feet. The sight of her in his house that way makes him shiver. He loves that she's so comfortable here. There is no awkwardness between them. They know each other too well for that. While they eat, they discuss mundane things, mostly to do with work. Nothing heavy or life altering. When the food is gone, she insists on helping him clean up.

It's in his kitchen that he comes up behind her and buries his face in her neck. She startles slightly before relaxing into him and moving her head to give him the access he seeks. He presses his lips to her neck and shoulders, his hands resting on her hips. Finally, she twists in his arms and turns to face him. Her eyes glow with desire and emotion. This raw version of her is almost too much for him. She seems to have completely opened herself up to him in a way that tells him her trust in him is real and whole. Their lovemaking is calm and deliberate. There is no rush, there is no desperation. She holds him firmly to her and whispers things in his ear he cannot fully comprehend in his current state of mind. The slower pace does not diminish the intensity of the moment.

When it's over, he holds her. He's almost certain he'll never tire of feeling her in his arms.

"Stay."

He murmurs it to her hair, her scent addling his mind almost beyond understanding.

She doesn't answer him but he's sure she understands. He wants to wake up with her, unlike their first night together when she found her way to the porch. They both drift off quickly. The last few days have taken both an emotional and mental toll on them.

When he wakes up the next morning, she is still there sleeping soundly beside him. He rolls onto his side and studies her. It's not often the opportunity presents itself to see her in such a relaxed state. It's not in her nature to relax. She's like a river, constantly in motion and sweeping everything along with it. But now, in the first light of the day, she is at peace. Her expression is soft and there is no tension present. He knows they still have a lot to work through and things to figure out. None of that matters in this moment.