MOONLIGHT SHADOW 2: BLUE MOON

(Author's note: This story picks up right after the first instalment. If you haven't read 'Moonlight Shadow, and you are over 16, you might like to check it out first. Enjoy! For those of you who have already read and enjoyed the first story, your comments are most welcome on this one too. In fact, they inspire me! Thank you for all your support - FirstCenturyBC).

Chapter 1

Joey could hear the low rumble of a car engine outside her window. She knew it must have been Charlie – her brother wasn't due home until later. She stood up and looked out of the window. Charlie waved, happy to see her. Joey was struck by her beauty. It happened every time she saw Charlie after being apart from her, even if only for a few minutes. Charlie was wearing large-lens sunglasses and Joey thought they made her look even more stunning.

She picked up her bag and made her way to the car. She was wearing a gorgeous white blouse, khaki pants adorned with a flower embroidery design and matching sandals. Her hair was loose and flowing in the wind.

Charlie watched her as she walked down the garden path. Wow! It was the only word she could think of at that moment.

Joey put her bag on the back seat beside Charlie's, and climbed into the front passenger seat.

The two women greeted each other silently with a smile. They felt the comfort of being together immediately return to them and they were relaxed and ready to spend the next few days getting to know each other even better.

Charlie was the first to speak. "You look beautiful"

Joey blushed a little, "So do you." They moved closer and shared a tender kiss before setting off along the picturesque costal roads that would guide them to their destination.

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It was 7:30 p.m. They had been driving for thirty-five minutes. Joey suddenly realised that they hadn't even discussed how they were going to find accommodation, or which seaside town they wanted to stay in, and it then dawned on her that Charlie appeared to be taking them in a very specific direction.

"Ehh ... where are we going?" Joey asked, looking across at Charlie, and sensing that a secret plan had been put into action.

Charlie grinned as she watched the road in front of her. "I have a surprise", she replied, and briefly glanced at Joey with a mischievous smile before turning her attention back to the road.

Joey could feel her heart almost missing a beat. This incredible and beautiful woman sitting beside her loved her, and had taken the time to arrange something special for them. Had Charlie not been driving, Joey would have taken her into her arms and covered her in kisses. But she couldn't - so she sat there, quietly excited - her eyes lit up wondering what the surprise could be.

"We'll be there in about ten minutes", Charlie added.

Joey gazed across at her again. She couldn't believe her luck at finding - and winning the heart of - such an amazing person. She felt she needed to tell Charlie her feelings right at that moment.

"You are...", she began, "so wonderful ... do you know that?"

Charlie loved Joey's compliments. She knew that Joey was the type of person who only complimented those who deserved them. She was not one who resorted to false flattery to gain friendship or love – and so she knew Joey's words were sincere and from the heart. Charlie felt exactly the same about her.

She glanced at Joey and smiled. It was her way of showing her appreciation for Joey's kind words.

Joey looked out across the sea. The Sun was beginning to set, casting a glimmering orange glow across the great expanse of water below it. She rested her arm on the door and continued to admire the colours reflecting in all directions as the car made it's final few detours to the place where they would be spending the next few days.

"We're here", Charlie said, slowing the car to a stop.

Joey took her gaze away from the sea and looked around her. Her jaw dropped. "We're staying ... HERE?"

The private beach house ahead of them was huge, and spectacular. Joey spotted a private pool – a bar – and a beautiful garden filled with exotic flowers with sun loungers and umbrellas.

Charlie smiled, amused at Joey's excitement. "Yes ... we're staying HERE". She wanted to explain to Joey how she managed to secure such a wonderful location for their trip. "I have a friend in the force", she began, "my old boss".

Joey's eyes were wide in amazement.

"He owed me a favour ...", Charlie continued, " ... and I remembered today that he offered me the use of this place anytime I wanted ... so ... here we are!"

"IT'S FANTASTIC", Joey exclaimed. She leaned over, kissed Charlie, still reeling from the shock of the wonderful surprise her lover had just sprung on her.

They got out of the car and stood for a few moments taking in their new surroundings. Charlie slid her sunglasses up, resting them on the top of her head so that she would have a better view. She looked around her, pleased with herself for having been so romantic in planning all this.

Extending her hand out to Joey, she smiled and said, "Let's check this place out, shall we?"

To be continued ...