by Ashlyn Chase
“How many are you going to take?”
“Enough to enjoy choosing the best of many.”
“Okay, tell me when to move. This pose is only comfortable psychologically.”
“Oh. Well, then, move.”
Colin adjusted to another position that hid his genitalia from her. Knee up and arm extended over it, casually.
“Why are you doing that? I like your cock.”
“I’m glad you do, but I only agreed to this in the interest of education.”
“It’s a good thing I’m not paying you,” she huffed.
Colin gave another big grin and she continued snapping pictures.
“If you stand with your back three-quarters to me—”
“You’ll see my ass. No thanks, Lizette.”
“You’re even shy about showing yourself from the back? Are you afraid you’ll blush and ruin the shot with pink blotches?”
He laughed. “How about if I face away from you? If you can’t see my face, I’ll agree to it.”
She tucked her hair behind her ears. “Fine.”
Colin stood and let her pose him. She photographed his gorgeous back muscles and taut, round bum. When she crouched, she caught part of his generous ball sac dangling between his legs.
“Okay,” she said. “I’m happy now.”
“At last.” He shot her a teasing grin and stepped into his underwear, t-shirt and jeans.
She couldn’t help wanting to touch and kiss him every time she saw that sexy smile. She even liked watching him get dressed. Those perfectly formed muscles bunched at even the slightest movement and she wished she could capture that on film too. Maybe she would sometime. “Colin?”
“Yes, love?”
She strode over to him and planted a hot, wet kiss on his lips. He grabbed her before she could pull away and held her to him, tight.
Now she remembered why she didn’t let anyone get too close. Leaving Seattle—specifically, leaving Colin—was going to hurt like hell. Lizette hung her head and frowned.
“What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t mean to… I guess I wear my heart on my sleeve sometimes, no?”
“Depends. What was your heart saying just now?”
She tried to give him a smile, but it was a weak attempt.
“Sweetheart, what is it?”
She sighed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t even bring it up and put a damper on our time together.”
“Look, if something is bothering you, I want to know what it is.”
“It’s just that I’m going to miss you when I have to go.”
She shrugged out of his embrace, moved to the windows and opened the curtains. Looking out at some children playing, she felt another pang of loss. She’d never have the pleasure of being a mother. Colin deserved a family if he wanted one and there was always the possibility that if they stayed together, people would eventually mistake her for his daughter…and later, his granddaughter.
Coming up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her ear. “Nothing says you have to leave.”
“But I do! If we stay together, how could we get away with your aging and my never getting a day older? Won’t your friends catch on?”
Colin held her quietly for a few minutes. When he finally spoke, he said something she never expected.
“Lizette, when two people are in love, they don’t think about leaving each other. I’m sorry you don’t feel as strongly about me as I do about you, but I wish you wouldn’t talk about leaving. Not for a long time. Maybe not ever. I’m sure we can figure something out.”
She turned around in his arms and stared at him. “Are you saying you’re in love with me?”
He chuckled and looked down for a second. Then, as if he mustered some courage, he looked her right in the eyes and said, “Yes. I love you. I was doubting myself for a while—really couldn’t believe it happened so fast. I know you probably don’t—”
She cut him off with a kiss. A hard kiss that grew into a long, deep, passionate one. When they broke apart, she whispered, “No, you’re wrong. I love you too. That’s why I’m so sad. I don’t want to leave you.”
Colin cupped the back of her head and drew her face against his warm shoulder. “Let’s not assume that’s going to happen. Let’s just be happy. Love doesn’t come along every day.”
“No kidding. I haven’t loved anyone in hundreds of years.”
“Lizette?”
She almost didn’t answer. She didn’t want to tell him she had never loved any of the men she’d slept with and allowed to take care of her. But he deserved the truth. If this was to be the first honest romantic relationship she had ever had, she might as well be open to anything he asked her. “Yes?”
“I—I know you wanted information about the other immortals I alluded to, but do you still? I mean, does it really matter?”
Little hairs stood up on the back of her neck. He sounded willing but not happy about it. Was there something he couldn’t tell her? Were they dangerous—even to her? Was there a way she could die? And now that she didn’t want to, would he tell her about it?”
“Oh, fuck. What is it?”
He frowned down at her face. “I thought you wanted me to tell you.”
“Well, yes. I mean—no. I don’t know! Can you tell me what it is without telling me what it is?”
“Huh?”
She shook her head. “I’m not sure I want to know anymore. I mean, you said you didn’t believe in suicide. If you were still alive and I tried it, how terribly would I hurt you?”
“What? Horribly! No, it’s not that. I still don’t know any way you can kill yourself without causing brain damage and, Jesus…Why would you think…?”
“Never mind. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed anything, but since you can’t divulge the identity of your patients, I thought you wouldn’t have anything else you could tell me.”
“Oh.” He kissed the side of her head and stroked her back. “No, I was going to say that I might be able to ask one of them permission to talk to you. If she chooses to reveal herself, maybe she can help you understand that you don’t need to disappear.”
Lizette caught her breath. “Really? You might be able to put me in touch with someone like myself after all?”
“I know how badly you want and need to know you’re not alone. Which is no guarantee that it will happen. I only know of one person like you. Immortal without knowing why…or as you put it, without fangs or fur at the full moon.” He chuckled. “God, but you’re cute.”
She grinned. “I’m not sure I’d want to meet the other kind anyway. How do you deal with them, knowing they could kill you?”
A wry smile crossed his face. “We meet in public places—and never under a full moon.”
* * * * *
The following day, Lizette stood outside Colin’s office wondering who she was about to meet and what the individual could tell her. She knew it was a woman—Colin had implied that much. A tiny case of nerves made her hand tremble on the door handle. What would she learn about herself? What if I can’t handle what she tells me? What if I find out something really horrible? No. Colin wouldn’t put me in that situation. He must be sure she can help me.
Upon entering, Lizette saw an empty waiting room. Even the snippy secretary seemed to be absent. She checked her watch and noticed it was still early.
Colin’s door was open a crack. She thought about the last time she had let herself into his inner office and how rude she had been. Things had certainly changed between them. She approached cautiously and knocked on the wood trim.
“Come in,” Colin called.
She opened the door and Colin gave her a wide smile. The only other person in the office was Miss Snippy. Maybe they had been going over the day’s patient list or something.
“I’m sorry, am I too early?”
“No, love. You’re right on time. Come in and shut the door. This is Vera, my secretary.”
Lizette looked between
the two people with confusion. At last, awareness dawned. Pointing to the secretary, she asked, “Are you the other one…like me?”
The woman stood and crossed her arms. “I’m not sure. Dr. Brayer wouldn’t tell me anything except that one of his patients needed to meet another immortal to feel less alone in the world.”
“Oh, then I guess you’re it and now you know my secret too.”
“Yes, there are a few of us.”
Lizette crossed to the couch and sat next to where Vera had been sitting. “Do you get together? Is there, like, a hangout where everyone gathers or anything like that?”
The receptionist chuckled. “No. I don’t think so. Besides, I’m not sure you’d want to meet the other two I know of.”
Vera retook her seat and seemed more relaxed. Lizette, however, was trembling.
“Are they dangerous?”
“I imagine so. I’ve seen fangs they’ve tried to hide but I don’t ask for details.”
Lizette wrung her hands. “I see. Can you talk a while?”
“Not very long. The first patient will be here shortly.”
“Oh. I guess we got off on the wrong foot. I’m sorry I was rude to you on the telephone that time.”
“Don’t worry about it. It happens. You can’t take it personally if you work in a place like this.” A corner of her mouth turned up in a wry smile.
Lizette chuckled. “I guess you couldn’t. I wouldn’t last long though, huh?”
Vera didn’t answer that. “So what did you want to know?”
“Well, everything. Where do you come from and how old are you? When did you realize you couldn’t die and, mostly, do you know why we’re like this?”
“I’m from New York. I was born in 1811. I was about fifty when I realized I should have graying hair, a slower metabolism and wrinkles. But none of that had occurred. I was married and my husband didn’t seem able to keep up with me anymore.”
“Did you have children?”
“No.” She sighed. “That was another reason I sensed I might be different. We tried and tried. My second husband and I tried for a few years too.”
“How the heck did you explain your not aging to a husband?”
“I didn’t. My first husband died shortly after I suspected my immortality. In fact, I think it killed him. Like I said, he couldn’t keep up anymore—he had a heart attack in bed.”
“Mon dieu! How awful.” Lizette covered Vera’s hand with hers.
“I know. I felt terribly guilty for a long time. I’m sure it can work between immortals and mortals, but we need to adjust to a human husband’s changing physiology.”
“Is that what you did? Slow down as your lovers aged? But how did you explain your young appearance?”
“My second husband was killed in an Indian raid, so I never had to explain it to him, either.”
“An Indian raid? What part of New York did you live in?”
“It was later. We moved west looking for gold. My poor Chester never made it to California.”
“So did you marry again?”
“Yes. Just once more. He died too, but not until his sixties.”
“So they all died before they suspected?”
“No, I think my third husband suspected but I didn’t dare tell him. He was all about facts and logic. I’m sure he would have thought I was crazy. You’re lucky you found Dr. Brayer. I doubt a handful of doctors in this country would have believed you.”
“Yes, I know how lucky I am.” Lizette smiled at her handsome lover. “But how rare is it to find someone who not only believes you, but is okay with it?”
Vera nodded. “Rare indeed. Like I said, you’re very lucky.” She gave her a look Lizette could only interpret as jealousy and rose to leave the room, closing the door behind her.
“Well, I guess I’d better go too if you’re expecting a patient soon.”
Colin said, “Wait. I have something to give you.”
“Haven’t you given me enough?” she exclaimed.
He chuckled. “This costs nothing.”
He crossed to her, pulled her up off the couch and kissed her passionately.
Lizette had to catch her breath when he finally stepped back, breaking the kiss.
“Oh. Well, that’s something you can give me any time.”
“Good,” he said. “Did talking with Vera help?”
“I suppose so. A little bit. At least I know I’m not the only one.”
“And that you can have relationships without disappearing. The days of witch hunts are over, love.”
They smiled at each other and Lizette placed a quick kiss on his cheek. She sighed and left his office.
On the way home, Lizette couldn’t stop ruminating, Maybe there’s hope, like he said. She was excited to get started with her new, meaningful, possibly lucrative hobby and life.
She had to figure out how to use all of her equipment and since the guy at the pawn shop had been nice enough to offer to teach her, she figured she might as well take him up on it. Maybe she could impress Colin by learning something on her own.
It would be wonderful to give him a photograph in return for all he had given her. But it had to be a surprise. His birthday was coming up and if she knew what to do, she could give him a framed picture as a gift.
Chapter Seven
Common sense isn’t so common anymore.
Dawn Montgomery
Lizette had buzzed in her visitor and opened the door to her apartment. Hank Peterson from the pawnshop stood there holding a gigantic light, a large tripod and something else under his arm.
“Come in. What’s all this stuff?”
“I come bearing gifts,” he said and grinned. A couple of teeth were missing. She couldn’t help wondering what happened. He had a rough, ruddy face that made it look like he either neglected or abused his body.
“I see. What sort of gifts? They look expensive.”
“Not really. Remember, I get the best deals.” He set down the lamp and tripod on the couch, then set the bag on the table. It looked like a black canvas briefcase. “I found a laptop you might like if you’re away from home taking pictures and want to download them right away.”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful. Only I have no idea how to do that.”
“I’ll show you. But you won’t be able to use the internet unless there’s a place that has Wi-Fi, like a hotel.” He waggled his eyebrows.
She knew he was he coming on to her but pretended not to notice. “Why Fie?”
“That’s tech talk for a wireless connection.”
“And I thought English was a hard language to learn.”
Hank cocked his head. “How much do you know about computers?”
“Nothing.” She laughed. “Absolutely nothing. Colin set up all the equipment in my bedroom, but he didn’t have time to show me how to use it.”
Hank shot her another wolfish grin. “Well, then. It’s a good thing I’m here.” He opened the laptop and took a cord out of the bag. After plugging it in, he clicked some keys and asked her, “What do you want your log-in name to be?”
She shrugged. “Lizette, I guess.”
“Lizette?”
“Well, that’s my name.”
“You might want to use something harder to guess in case someone gets a hold of it. You don’t want them having access to all your private stuff.”
“Oh, well then put in Lourdes.”
“Hmm, okay…” Hank began typing in the word lords.
“No. L-o-u-r-d-e-s.”
“Oh, that’s a place in France, right? Some kind of holy shrine or something?”
“It’s where I’m from.”
“Ah, I thought you were speaking with a French accent.” A sly look appeared in his eyes. “How long have you lived in Seattle?”
“About twenty years.”
“Really? You must have been a baby, yet you still have the accent.”
Damn, I slipped. “Oh, well, you know. French parents and trips back to
my mother’s family every summer…”
“Yeah, I guess I can see how you’d pick up an accent. Anyway, I need you to pick a password.”
“That should be hard to guess too, non?”
“Yes… I mean, right. If you use a word or something, it’s a good idea to stick a number in there somewhere.”
“Okay, make it Paris-X-2.”
“Why the X? Did something naughty happen in Paris?” His grin looked smarmy.
Lizette couldn’t help becoming annoyed by this guy’s ulterior motives. He had been leering at her since he arrived.
“How much is all this stuff going to cost me?”
“How about having dinner with me? Just don’t tell your boyfriend. It seems as if he thinks he owns you.”
Lizette jammed her hands on her hips. “No man owns me. But I won’t be taking all this stuff from you for nothing, either, so…how much?”
He shrugged. “We can talk about that later. Now I’m going to get you hooked up to the internet. I’ll just use your telephone for now. Later, if you want broadband, they’ll need to come set up the connection for you.”
“Network? Like TV?”
He laughed. “Yeah. Kind of. You really don’t know a thing about this, do you?”
“I told you…”
He nodded. “Yes, you did. It’s hard to believe you didn’t learn this in school, though. Where did you go? Some Catholic school from the middle ages or something?”
Again she had slipped up. “I went to Catholic school, yes.”
“Do you still have your uniform?” He waggled his eyebrows.
Now he was really getting on her nerves. “Look, why don’t I figure out how that light works while you do your thing.”
He shook his head, smiling. “Whatever.”
Lizette crossed to the couch and began inspecting the other equipment he had brought. She was afraid he wouldn’t take any money for that, either. Well, she probably had enough to get him out of her hair once he was finished showing her how to use things, but she wanted him out!
Weird noises came from the laptop as Lizette put together the tripod and set up the lighting. See, I’m not so helpless. She shone the light on the blank wall and noticed how it dramatically changed the shade of the wall. What had appeared gray suddenly became bright white.