With Charlotte's help, Clarisse dressed in blue jeans and a long sleeve black t-shirt. She could only imagine what the headlines would read if she got caught by a reporter. Joe waited out by the stables and smiled happily when she came running down the courtyard. He kissed her hand and then helped her onto the back of the motorcycle. Clarisse was extremely nervous when he fired up the engine but as soon as he started to go she was filled with excitement. She clasped him around the waist and got lost in the hum of the engine and the safety and security of her personal bodyguard. He drove her past the beach, down through the quiet streets of Philligran and up the hill to the point. The gates on the point were locked to discourage jumpers but Joe had connections and therefore keys. From above she could see the ocean and beach below, the palace off in the distance, to the east was Esquire City and to the west was Kennelworth. Above them were nothing but a trillion stars and a sleepy moon. Clarisse was so caught up in the sites around her that she was startled when she touched the small of her back.
"What a view huh?" She said not looking at him
"Beautiful and charming." He stated
"Not me, the surroundings."
"I see nothing but you."
She stayed silent for a few more moments. Taking his opportunity he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her backwards into his chest. She wrapped her arms around his and just let herself feel his warmth.
"I have some confessions to make."
"I'm not a priest but I'm listening."
"First, I'm not going on the tour this year. This old Harley of mine wouldn't make the entire trip. I just wanted you to share tonight with me."
"I know."
"What?"
"I called Dominic to get some devil dogs sent over for Charlotte and I. In the process I told him that he better take care of you on the tour. He said the tour was last month and that neither of you were in a position to go."
"And yet you came up here with me?"
"Do you find me that snobbish that I can't have an out-of-the-queen's body experience?"
"The Von Trokens are snobs darling Clarisse. You are refined. I'm surprised is all."
"Good I was hoping you wouldn't be disappointed."
"On the contrary."
"What's the other confession?"
"I'm having a hard time standing here looking at all these stars and seeing you in the midst of them all. It's enough to make me want to jump off this ridge."
She turned to him with a smile.
"Why do you look fearful of me?"
"Men often fear the women that rip their hearts right out and never return them."
She smiled and then turned back to her original view for a moment and then looked at him again.
"I feel like I'm dreaming. I seem to feel that way around you. I've had people bowing and kissing my hand since I was fifteen. You are the only person who has never seen me as royalty. What a sweet dream that is."
"You are my dream Clarisse."
"You're trembling Joseph." She put her hand on his chest as if to steady him.
"Stop diagnosing. I'm just a bit nervous."
All she could do was wait till he looked at her. And then in a whisper that made her tremble too, he mouthed, "Oh Clarisse."
He grabbed her, one hand on each side of his leather jacket she was now wearing. He wrapped his arms around her inside the jacket. The kiss was gentle, searching, and warm. She enjoyed the feel of his mustache against her lips. She felt like a fog had just moved in. Clarisse had never kissed any man that way. He gently pulled away and placed small kisses on her cheek and forehead. He reached in the pocket of his jacket and brought out his cassette player, positioning one ear bud in each of their ears.
It had to be you…….It had to be you……
Frank Sinatra's crooning voice became not only their song but a truth spoken between them.
It had to be you…….