Forever Kiss (7 page)

Beth bit her lip and glanced away. "I reached for the craziest thing I could think of— I was going to say if you asked I'd even let a horse fuck me."

Penny's eyes widened and she let out a surprised chuckle. "Well, you don't need to worry about that. If you'd like I could even insist that you never have any sort of relations with a horse. Or any beast, for that matter."

Beth groaned. "This is embarrassing. Wait— beast? There's something there. Did I— oh my god, I did something, didn't I? It's right there but I can't quite remember."

"You were attacked," Penny told her. "By something that wasn't an animal, but it wasn't quite human either."

"What the fu— you're kidding me? That's impossible!"

"So am I," Penny pointed out.

Beth opened and shut her mouth. She nodded and sighed. "Okay, good point. I'm going to be blown away when I remember everything, aren't I?"

Penny smiled. "I expect you are, but your experiences helped turn you into a remarkable young woman. One that can see what most people don't. You're stronger than you realize."

Beth dropped her gaze and saw Penny's arm hanging at her side. The same arm she'd been slurping on moments ago. "Sorry about not letting go. I hope I didn't take too much."

"You were very determined," Penny said. "I'm sorry, I had to stop you without hurting you. Giving you a command stole your will until I gave it back. It was that or be forced to injure you to get you off of me."

"I'm sorry," Beth mumbled.

"Don't be. It's a sign of how strong you will be."

Beth swallowed, tasting again the blood she'd drank. "Holy shit, does all blood taste like that? I've never, uh, never tried tasting it before."

"It's different for us than it is for regular people."

"Norms!"

Penny tilted her head. "What?"

"Sorry," Beth licked her lips, trying to find more of Penny's blood without realizing it. "I've heard that before, but I'm not sure why or how or where. Somebody said that… damn it, more of what you made me forget?"

Penny nodded. "When you—"

"—die, I know," Beth said. "Still frustrating though. Why can't you just tell me?"

"I could, but you'd be late."

"Shit!" Beth hissed. She climbed to her feet and stopped. "Hey, I don't hurt?"

"My gift to you. It will burn you up faster. You had a day or two remaining, perhaps three. Now I expect tomorrow will be your last."

Beth stared at her and blinked. She swallowed and nodded. "Wow. That's… wow."

"Make the most of tonight," Penny advised. "Soon you will find that your nights are amazing and different. More than you can ever imagine, but I don't want to deny you this final memory."

Beth nodded and then stepped up to Penny. She threw her arms around her and hugged her. She was warm inside, for the first time in days. Penny's skin felt cool to the touch, which sent tingles through Beth. "Thank you," Beth whispered. "I love you, Penny. I hope this isn't your blood that makes me feel this way."

"Me too," Penny breathed.

Beth backed away and stared into the sapphire pools in Penny's face. She smiled and bit her lip before leaning forward. Penny stopped her with a firm but gentle touch.

"Go, pick out something to wear and I'll help you with your hair and makeup. I'll take you to him."

"Why can't I kiss you?"

Penny gave her a sad smile. "Because I own you."

"But—"

She shook her head. "Go, get ready. We have much to discover and learn after."

Beth swallowed and nodded. She took a deep breath and let it out. It hurt to be denied by someone who meant so much to her, but she knew she had time. Tonight was nothing. Tomorrow would be a new day. Or a new night. A new night and a new life. A life where she and Penny would be at each other's side forever.

"Go!" Penny reminded her. "Don't make me order you."

Beth jerked and grinned. "I trust you, remember? Even before this. Might be kind of fun letting you order me around."

Penny's lips parted and then she shook her head. She opened her mouth again to speak but thought better of it and closed her lips. She pointed.

"Aw," Beth pouted, knowing she was torturing her mentor in a way that was fun for both of them. She couldn't stop herself from smiling as she turned and walked out of the bedroom, a little extra swing in her hips as she moved. She was going to dress to kill tonight. Not for John, although she knew he was going to appreciate it. No, she wanted Penny to know what she could look forward to.

Chapter 9

"Are you worried at all?" Beth asked after she and Penny landed in the dark backyard. "Because you don't need to be. I'm coming back to you."

Penny smiled. "I know."

"Because of the blood?"

She nodded.

"I'd come back even without it," Beth said.

Penny smirked. "That could be the blood talking still."

"No," Beth insisted. "I mean, that's my excuse to admit it, but I went looking for you, remember?"

"You went to my club because you were curious."

"The first time, yes. But I came back looking for you," Beth said.

"You're not gay," Penny teased.

Beth sighed. "I don't know what I am. This is like being drunk. I can admit things to you— and to myself— that I kept hidden. Or maybe didn't even realize. Whatever, you're all I've got, but I don't know what that means."

"Go," Penny said. "Have fun. Do whatever you like tonight. Call me when you're ready, I'll come for you."

Beth grinned. "You will?"

Penny raised an eyebrow at the tease. "I've seen many sides of you, Elizabeth. I've enjoyed them all. I look forward to seeing your next one."

Beth's smile slipped away. She cleared her throat and nodded. She glanced at Penny's folded wings and said, "Okay, um, thanks for the ride. Or whatever it was. Can I give you a hug, at least?"

"Not now. I'm thirsty. Enjoy yourself, Pet."

Beth opened her mouth but she took a step back when Penny's wings rose and she leapt into the air. The wings flapped, blowing wind and snow at her. She watched the black shape launch into the night sky and blend into the star lit sky. She stayed a moment longer before turning and hiking hiking her dress up so she could walk through snow to the shoveled path along the side of the house.

Her boots were nearly knee length, keeping the snow out of them. She let the side slit black dress fall as she stopped at the corner of the house and waited. She wore a lacy black bolero jacket over her shoulders as a fashion accessory rather than for warmth. The dress rose to a choker at her neck and left her shoulders bare. An oval cutout on her chest left enough cleavage on display she couldn't decide if it was tasteful or sexy. It looked good either way.

She only had to wait a few minutes until a red Dodge Charger pulled up and slowed down. The turn signal began to blink, signaling her. Before her date could pull into the driveway she stepped out of the darkness and walked down the salted driveway trying to emulate the way she'd seen Penny walk through the club. Beth's heels weren't as high or sharp, but she found with enough arch in her back and sway in her hips she moved better than she'd expected.

The car slid to a stop on the slick roadway. John all but jumped out of the driver's side and rushed around to open the passenger door for her. He grinned at her and shook his head. "You look amazing," he said as she paused to say hi.

Beth blinked as his words sank into her. She was amazed at how she looked and she knew she had Penny's approval, but hearing it from someone else made her burst out in a grin. She leaned over and pressed her lips to his for a brief kiss. "Thank you," she murmured.

John stiffened and stood perfectly still for a moment. He shook himself and smiled. "No, thank you! Wow, I can't believe you're the same girl. I mean, I know you are, you just look so different. You were pretty then, but you're gorgeous tonight. Elegant. Amazing."

"Okay," Beth laughed. "You're embarrassing me now."

"Sorry," he mumbled. "I just— oh, shit, it's freezing out and you don't have a coat. Hurry up and get in."

Beth nodded and sat down in the car. She slid her legs in and let the hem of the dress slid up her leg and reveal a lot of her left thigh. Enough so that it was obvious she wasn't wearing any stockings. He shut the door and hurried back to his side.

"So, I made a reservation at the Chop House, in Novi, is that cool?"

"Um, sure. I don’t eat though. I'm a cheap date."

"You don't eat?"

Beth let out a nervous laugh. "It's the medication and disease. I'm on a liquid diet."

"No way? Wow, I feel like a total jerk," he said. "I can't sit there and eat a steak in front of you!"

"I don't mind," Beth offered.

He shook his head. "No way. On to plan B."

"There's a plan B?"

"Well, it really depended on how dinner went. I'm not sure what you're up for. Or able to do, really. Are you a movie girl, or more active, like some ice skating or something?"

Beth watched him and smiled. He was trying and that was more than any other guy had ever done for her. "Whatever," she said and shrugged her shoulders. "Not a movie, I'd rather spend the time doing something. I don't know if I'm up to ice skating though."

"Right, okay. That rules out training for a marathon too."

Beth laughed. "It probably does. I'm not really dressed for running either."

"Good point," he said and then let his eyes drop to her dress and back up to her eyes. "The way you look I'm afraid of anything touching you. You're perfect."

"You're trying hard to win points for good behavior, aren't you?"

He smiled. "Is it working?"

"So far you're in first place."

John pumped his fist in victory, drawing a fresh laugh from her. "So, beautiful, you're not dressed for a walk in the park either. So—"

"If you can find a park, that sounds nice," Beth said. "It's a side effect of the medicine they gave me, I'm practically burning up inside."

"You are? Is that good?"

Beth hesitated. She'd practiced the conversation in her head dozens of times, but she wasn't sure how she wanted it to come out. She couldn't tell him the truth, but she didn't want to lie to him either. He was too nice. But she didn't want him to treat her like a mercy case either.

"What's wrong?" he asked when she waited too long.

Beth sighed. "I'm dying, John."

"I know, but I'm an optimist."

"No," she shook her head and made sure he was looking in her eyes. "It's happening. Tonight is my gift. It's happening because my body can't fight much longer."

"What? But you look— what do you mean, a gift?"

She reached up and brushed her fingers over the patch on her neck that emerged from under the choker of her dress. "You've heard of Hospice?"

John's lips parted and a breath slipped out of them. His face and shoulders fell with it. "No," he breathed. "You—"

Beth reached across and placed her hand on his. She wanted to cry but knew she couldn't. Not for her, for him. "Tonight's all we've got. Let's make the most of it."

"But— I—"

Beth pushed a finger to his lips. "No buts. Don't hold anything back tonight for me, okay? I've had a not so great life, I want to end it right."

"Jesus, that's kind of morbid."

Beth laughed. "Morbid? Tell me, are you religious?"

He shrugged. "Sort of. I'm not really a regular church-goer or anything. Are you?"

"No. After what I've seen and been through? How could I be."

He shook his head. "I've seen a lot of people in situations like this get more into religion. Something to fall back on or believe in. Something that gives them hope."

"I'm expecting my next life to be amazing," Beth admitted. John's brow furrowed and she smiled. "What? If I'm wrong then I won't know about it."

He chuckled. "Good point. Okay, so hold nothing back? I want you to tell me all about yourself. Let me know who you are, so I can keep that with me. God, this sounds so morbid, but I guess I feel if I can really know you, it'll be like you're still here."

Beth tilted her head and smiled as she considered his words. "That's so sweet! We've only got tonight though, and I don't know how long I'm going to feel good."

John frowned. He turned and put his car in drive. "Then we'd better get started."

Beth grinned and let John drive south out of town until he pulled into the plowed parking lot of Ellie Park. Beth glanced at the sign and turned to John. "Um, the hours say dawn to dusk?"

He smiled. "If anybody asks we'll tell them you're helping me with a case."

"A case? I thought detectives did that?"

"Somebody's been watching too many cop shows!"

Beth laughed. "Maybe, why, is that wrong?"

"No," he admitted. "But even lowly patrolmen like me still help out and investigate things."

Beth glanced out the window to where the car's headlights lit up a walkway that had a trail beat down through the snow. "Good, let's go then!"

"You're really going to hike in that dress?"

Beth smiled and asked, "Would you like me to take it off instead?"

His open mouthed response made her laugh. She opened her door and climbed out. Her boots handled the parking lot and, she was certain, they'd work fine for the trail. Otherwise she'd have to take them off and walk barefoot. That would freak John out more than she imagined he could handle.

He met her at the front of the car and started to unzip his coat. "Here, at least take this."

Beth smiled and shook her head. "You keep it."

"Liz! Come on, you've got to be freezing."

"Then let's walk, it'll warm me up," she said and winked at him. She turned before he could protest and started down the trail. John hurried to catch up to her and walk beside her.

"You're still feisty, I like that."

Beth glanced at him and smiled. She reached out and slipped her hand in his, earning a shy glance and smile from him. The lights from his car turned off and plunged them into darkness lit only by the stars overhead and the distant city glow to the north and east.

"It's beautiful out here," she said. "Thank you for this."

"You're crazy," he laughed. "I should be thanking you. Giving me this opportunity, I'll remember it for the rest of my life."

"Me too," Beth whispered.

John's laugh died. "I'm sorry. That was a dick thing to say."

She turned on him and stepped up next to him. "No, it was sweet. Don't worry, you're not going to upset me by flattering me."

John stared down at her and shook his head. "You're so beautiful. This isn't fair."

Beth blinked and turned away. They started walking down the dark trail into the woods again. "Fair has nothing to do about life. If there's something I'm learning, it's that you have to enjoy every moment you can, while you can. Nobody lives forever and nobody gets out of life alive."

He snorted. "Wouldn't it be nice though? To live forever?"

Beth turned and looked at him. "Nothing lasts forever. Sooner or later an asteroid's going to hit us or the sun will die or we'll end up killing each other."

"Wow, you've really thought about this."

Beth smiled. "Not really, just something somebody said to me once."

They fell into silence and walked deeper into the woods. The tracks began to thin out but the trees blocked the snow and kept it from building up as deep. The parking lot was soon behind them far enough away they were all alone on the gravel lot that had been turned into a nature park.

"So talk to me," John said. "Tell me something that will help me come to terms with this wonderful angel that came into my life only to leave it so soon."

Beth turned, showing him her teeth in a smile. "I snore and steal the covers?"

"Ha! I could handle that."

"Oh, is that right?" she laughed.

"Well, unless you're one of those girls that can suck the curtains off the windows when you snore."

"I can pull down the window too," Beth teased.

"Hey, a girl that can suck that good is welcome in my life anytime!"

Beth's eyes widened. "Oh my god! You went there!"

John laughed. "Sorry, I couldn't stop myself."

"Don't. Stop yourself, I mean," Beth said. "You're funny. Cute. Nice. What's your secret that stops me from throwing myself at you tonight?"

He chuckled. "Sorry, I'm drawing a blank. Mr. Wonderful, reporting for duty."

Beth snapped her fingers. "Of course! You're compensating for a tiny penis."

John's mouth fell. "What?"

Beth forced a serious expression on her face. "That's it, isn't it? Micropenis? One of those three inch monsters? Less? It's not your fault, you don't have to be ashamed of it. I understand."

"Stop it!" he laughed. "I do not have a— what did you call it, a micropenis?"

She shook her head. "Sorry bud, your secret's out."

"This is crazy!"

"You're really serious about this, aren't you?"

"Well, yeah. I mean, I— I can't believe we're having this conversation. You're convincing, I thought you were serious for a minute. I mean, you're not, are you?"

Beth winked at him. "I don't know, am I?"

His mouth fell open again.

"There's only one thing we can do," she said.