The What Happens in Vegas Complication

What Happens in California

A gasp escaped Vanessa's lips as her back hit the apartment door and Sheldon placed his key inside the lock; pressing his body against hers as their kiss deepened and he slid an arm around her waist; holding her against his chest. They stood outside the complex for another long minute lost in each other before he turned the knob and she backed her into the living room.

"Sheldon," He pulled away from her so she could take a needed breath and look up at him – surprised at the desperate look in his blue eyes. "You have a girlfriend."

Sheldon opened his mouth to protest but couldn't find the words to explain his Amy situation. She was a girl and she was his friend but she'd never made him feel this alive before. After a moment he sank down into the couch and buried his head in his hands. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Amy... our relationship isn't..." His voice trailed off as he tried to find a way to explain. Vanessa remained standing; crossing her arms over her chest to keep from touching him.

"Is she still your girlfriend?" She finally asked taking the open seat beside him. The frown that met her features didn't sit well with him. He never wanted to see her upset.

Sheldon frowned at the thought, reaching out to brush a strand of fallen hair from Vanessa's face. Amy was a good person but she wasn't Vanessa. She didn't make him feel the way that this girl beside him did. There was no desire or passion between him and Amy. He let his eyes fall with a nod.

Vanessa couldn't hide the disappointment on her face as she put some space between them. If their relationship really wasn't worth mentioning he would have told Amy about the feelings developing between them. "I'm sorry, V. I just wanted to be someone different with you. Amy's never made me feel like... this. We've been in a relationship for almost four years now and I've only ever kissed her once."

I've kissed you twice in the same day.

"It's probably for the best, Sheldon. You've got to get back to your life in Pasadena." Vanessa said softly, standing to her feet again. "V. I..." Sheldon reach out to take her hand but she was too quick, jerking her fingers from his grasp. "You don't have to explain yourself to me." She assured, finally forcing a smile that didn't quite meet her jade eyes. "I care about you Sheldon but I get it. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?"

He could only gape at her as she disappeared through the apartment without another word.

X

Two weeks later.

Vanessa stood over the stove staring into a large silver pot with wooden spoon in hand and a frown on her face as Sheldon walked into the kitchen. "Hey." He offered as she turned her attention to him and smiled, half-heartedly.

"Hey." She placed the spoon on the counter and turned her body to face him fully in the small room. She had on her usual Friday night attire; gray yoga pants and a plain white top with her bright pink apron tied tightly around her thin waist. Because she was working on a recipe for class her hair was pulled back in a tight, straight pony tail and she looked... amazing. Sheldon found himself frowning at the thought of having to leave her. They had spent the past two weeks packing up his things, getting a rental car and acting as if nothing had happened between them.

It was exhausting. Every moment they found themselves in the same small room, inches from one another it took every bit of restraint they had to keep their relationship strictly platonic.

He laid in bed every night fantasizing about what could have been between them.

"I'm going to miss you, Vanessa." Sheldon said suddenly, closing the space between them as he touched a strand of her poker straight hair. She was standing before him with those emerald eyes and a pout on her lips at the thought of him leaving. "I..." Her eyes fell to her hands and she shook her head sadly. "I'm not good at goodbyes."