Secrets

Chapter 2

The dim lighting and the décor of the restaurant gave off a romantic ambiance. But, it was lost on Victoria. It was due largely to her dinner companion. Harry, the man she had been dating for two months chatted away, unaware that he didn't have a captive audience. Victoria stifled a sigh and picked up her wine glass. At least her entire day hadn't been a bore. Being at the museum working, always brought her joy. She had been looking forward to a nice dinner to finish the day, but she was very disappointed.

She had no one to blame but herself. She should have broken off her lukewarm relationship with Harry weeks ago. Why didn't I? She silently asked herself as she gazed at him. It was beyond her how he could be so animated discussing the stock market. His gray eyes sparkled and his grin broadened as he delved deeper into the topic.

Victoria forced out a smile and nodded when he asked, "Don't you agree?"

She had no idea what she just agreed to. How did he not even notice she had lost interest in the conversation?

Poor Harry, Victoria thought. He was in his mid-thirties with a hairline already receding. He was reed thin and his personality was dull. Dinner with him at the moment was like watching paint dry. For all of his faults, he was a nice man, which reminded Victoria why she hadn't broken things off with him yet. She had also liked dating a quiet, dull man. Men like Harry were less likely to give a woman too much trouble or heartache.

If only she wasn't such a coward. Any other young woman would go for someone they connected with or that spark that everyone raved about. She felt none of that for Harry. There wasn't even the slightest inkling of attraction. She had only accepted his date two months ago because he didn't seem like a threat to her heart. And who could blame her?

Growing up in a home where her parents did nothing but argue—or rather, where all her mother did was argue—scared her off of a passionate relationship of any kind. What she wanted was a docile mate. Well, that's what she convinced herself she wanted.

"Vicky?"

Harry's concerned voice penetrated her thoughts. "Hmm?"

"Are you all right?"

Victoria straightened in her chair. "Yes. Why do you ask?"

Harry pushed his glasses up on his nose. "I was speaking to you but you seemed to be miles away." There was a hint of hurt in his tone.

"Oh, Harry I'm sorry. I'm just tired. What were you saying?" It was embarrassing to get caught not listening.

"I just asked how your day was."

"It was busy but great." Victoria lifted her fork and tried to finish the salmon that remained on her plate. She was full but if she emptied her plate, maybe Harry would take it as a hint she was ready to go.

"I'm glad to hear it." Harry cleared his throat lightly. "You know, Vicky, I've been thinking."

She stilled. This doesn't sound good. It was either he was going to end things with her or he wanted sex.

"What about?" Wait for it, wait for it ...

Harry shifted uncomfortably in his chair. His pale skin flushed a light shade of pink. "We've been seeing other for two months now. I wouldn't mind if we took things to another level, you know, a more intimate level."

And there it is. What did she say to that? Harry was nice and all, but she couldn't see herself sleeping with him. Yes, I definitely should have ended things weeks ago. But, all a girl wanted was a little companionship. Was that so much to ask? Victoria sighed.