Written for Mary Rose 1/27/05

One more kiss could be the best thing
But one more lie could be the worst
And all these thoughts are never resting
And you're not something I deserve
In my head there's only you now
This world falls on me
In this world there's real and make believe
And this seems real to me

Beka cranked up the sound on the player until she could feel the music pounding through her. This was a rare disk, pristine and still in the wrapper when she'd bought it on Tessler Drift. The clerk in the store had seemed unimpressed and Beka could hardly believe how little she'd paid for it.
She opened the box lying on the bed and pulled out the dress Bobby had bought for her. It was silk and emerald green. She reveled in the cool sensation of it sliding across her bare skin. It fit her like a glove, backless, strapless and slit up the side clear to the curve of her hip.
Moving to the beat of the music she turned to check her reflection in the mirror. Gold pins sparkled in her copper hair and her lipstick was just the shade of red that made you think of strawberries.

You love me but you don't know who I am
I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand
And you love me but you don't know who I am
So let me go
Let me go

Beka dabbed a little bit of perfume behind her ears and between her breasts. On impulse she put on some of Bobby's cologne too. She closed her eyes; the scent reminded her strongly of his strong arms holding her, keeping her safe.
Bobby was the only constant in her life right now. He was her anchor in the storm that had been her life since the death of her father.
Bobby gave her the courage to do what she wanted, with him beside her, she could do anything. It didn't hurt that he was the most handsome man she'd ever met or that he could make her scream in ecstasy with just a touch.
She smiled at her reflection. Tonight would be special; they'd make enough money with this last run to indulge in a few well-deserved treats. New clothes for both of them, another cd to add to her growing collection and Bobby had promised more surprises at dinner, which he was at this very moment preparing.

Beka danced out into the hall, humming along with the music still blaring from the speakers.

I dream ahead to what I hope for
And I turn my back on loving you
How can this love be a good thing
When I know what I'm goin through

Bobby had refused to even give her the tiniest of hints as to what he'd been doing while she showered and dressed. Whatever he'd cooked for them smelled deliciously spicy. She laughed as she caught sight of him peeking around the corner. He looked striking in a fitted black long sleeved shirt and black pants.
"You look incredible." He said.
"Thank you," she caught one of his hands in both of her, brought it to her mouth and nibbled on his fingers, "I'm very hungry."
"Me too." He pulled her close, kissing along the side of her neck. "You smell amazing. What are you wearing?"
"You." Beka moaned.

In my head there's only you now
This world falls on me
In this world there's real and make believe
And this seems real to me

Dinner was forgotten as they danced, holding tight to one another.
"I love you Beka." Bobby whispered.
She felt like she was dancing on air, "I love you Bobby Jensen."
"I want to be with you like this forever." He kissed her and Beka could taste the sweet wine on his tongue.
Their steps took them back to her room.
"Is this part of my surprise?" Beka smiled.
"You get to unwrap it now."
"Really and what is it?"
"Look and see." Bobby unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, Beka pushed his hands away and undid the rest, pulling the shirt off and tossing it aside.
"I like it."
Tattooed on the left side of his chest were the words 'Beka, my Valentine Forever.'
She kissed the colorful script, then stepped back letting the dress pool around her ankles.

Fini