They had reached a stale mate.
In an attempt to prove that he could respect her wishes, Conrad had kept his distance from Victoria. He had learned the hard way in the past not to keep pushing her. He just had to hope she'd come around on her own.
Victoria regretted what she'd said. She hadn't meant it the minute the words fell from her lips and now, days later, she regretted it even more. She was too stubborn to admit that she was wrong and she was even more adamant about being seen as vulnerable. She knew deep down that the best thing was to keep her distance from Conrad. As much as she wanted him, she wasn't prepared for another heartache.
Conrad braced himself as he knocked on her door. Logically this could only go two ways, but realistically he knew it was only one possible ending.
"You have that doctors appointment today..." He started.
"I'm well aware," she said, reaching behind her to try and zip up her dress.
Conrad instinctively stepped behind her, lifting her hair and zipping her up. She didn't argue, didn't flinch. She seemed to accept the help that she obviously needed.
"Do you need a ride to the doctors?" He finally asked.
"Why would I?" Deep down, she knew she needed a ride. She had purposely pushed off asking about a ride in the hopes of him asking her. But she needed to make it seem like she hadn't anticipated his offer.
"Your car is still in the shop. And the doctor said no driving until he gives you the okay."
"That doctor is a quack. I feel fine."
"If you don't want me to drive you, I'll get you a driver but you shouldn't drive. Not yet."
"Just drive me to the damn appointment," she scoffed.
Conrad smiled as he headed to the car. He hadn't expected her to give in so easily. He didn't have much time to consider things because she quickly followed him out. Even for a check up, she donned a red bandage dress and her signature heels. He wasn't surprised, that was everyday style for her, but still he couldn't look away. She was beautiful.
It was entertaining to watch a check up with Victoria. Both she and the doctor tried to breeze through the appointment. Victoria was terrified of doctors and hospitals and the hospital staff was terrified of her. Conrad half expected them to sedate Victoria in order to get a clear glimpse of the wound she had managed to cover with her hair. Fortunately for her it had healed on its own. No need for stitches. The doctor gave into her pressure and issued a clean bill of health.
"You're a free woman. Would you like to drive home? Anything you want to do?" He asked.
"I don't want to drive your car, but there is one thing..." She said, trying to steady her nerves.
"Anything, my dear."
"Would you like to have lunch?"