Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. But I have been living in their world since September, in my head.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all who have reviewed here. I appreciate each and every one of you. It's addicting, my husband thinks I like the computer more than him. Not true.
Here's date night. I wanted it special without going over the edge. I hope it pleases you.
Chapter 3
Tell me all the times that I've been loving you, you love me, love me, love me too.
Fallin to Pieces—Rob Thomas
The day was harder than she thought it would be. Beth had run into so many of Josh's friends and colleagues. There had been so many questions to answer and so much sympathy. She felt like she was drowning in kind words and concerned looks.
"I really should charge a dollar for every time I tell someone I'm okay," she muttered to herself as she waited outside the courtroom for the hearing to begin. Her head was beginning to ache.
"Beth." She heard her name called and saw Carl Davis approaching. "How….."
"Don't ask," she said raising a hand to stop him. "I'm okay."
"Good," Carl said. "Are you covering the 1st Federal hearing?"
"Yea, Mo seems to think there might be something of interest. I can't imagine what."
"It's good to see you out and about for whatever reason," Carl said kindly. "Life goes on and all that. Josh was not the kind of guy to want you to hide away and brood forever."
"Thanks Carl. I appreciate that. It helps to be busy. I'm trying to move on."
"Don't be a stranger. I expect to be chasing you away from crime scenes soon" he said and touched her on the shoulder before moving on down the hall.
The courtroom scene went pretty much as expected. The assistant DA requested no bail, the defense countered with the fact that this was a first offense for all three and low bail was enough. The judge decided to take the middle road and all parties seemed content. Beth returned to Buzz Wire and worked on her report.
When seven rolled around Beth had changed into charcoal slacks, white tailored shirt and a navy, short blazer. She hoped this covered the "not too dressy" that Mick had suggested. She was shutting down her computer when Mick showed up. She noted he was dressed as usual in dark slacks, shirt and long coat.
"Ah—that perpetual cool is showing again," she said with a smile as he stopped by her desk.
"It is a curse," Mick said smiling back. "You've managed quite well yourself."
"Thank you," she blushed, and then glanced over where Mo was standing in her office doorway.
"Taking off?" Maureen asked.
"Yea, I recorded the report. I'm done here,"
"Okay." Maureen looked Mick over critically. "Haven't seen you around in awhile St. John. Do you know if Morgan has any plans to return?"
"Uh, no," Mick said caught off guard. "Haven't seen her around in a while."
Mo nodded. She noticed the look Beth threw at Mick. She also noted the discomfort her question caused the PI.
"Take care of my reporter," she ordered and went back into her office.
"Well, didn't see that coming," Beth said with a shake of her head.
"You heard the lady. Let's go," Mick said and with a hand on her shoulder, he guided her out of the newsroom. "Mind if I drive again?" he asked.
"It's your call," Beth said lightly. She could feel the tension of the day begin to ease.
They got into Mick's car and they pulled out of the parking ramp.
"Where are we going?" she asked curiously.
"Don't ruin the surprise," Mick admonished. "You'll like it Beth. Just relax."
After they had driven about twenty minutes, Mick pulled into a parking area of a large park. Stopped, Mick got out and went to the trunk. He pulled out a basket, a blanket and a cooler.
"Come on," he said and started down a gentle slope. Beth followed eagerly.
When they broke through the trees, Beth saw that there was a stage below and the slope was dotted with blankets and chairs and people gathered for the concert. Mick went to the left and found a private spot with a good view of the stage.
"It's a Valentine's concert. Some local college talent," he said as he spread the blanket on the ground. "We can listen and watch the stars."
"Perfect," Beth breathed as she settled herself on the blanket. The sky was all ready starting to darken.
Mick set the basket and cooler down behind them and sat next to her. He opened the basket.
"Dinner for the lady," he announced and brought out a container of fried chicken. "There are chips-no garlic- and some fresh veggies. And this…." He added pulling a bottle of champagne from the tall cooler. "No Valentine's Day should be without some sparkle."
He opened the champagne and fished a glass out of the basket. He poured a glass and handed it to Beth.
"What about you?" she asked.
"I'll make do with this," he said, bringing out a smaller bottle of ruby liquid. He poured it into another flute.
"To the future, where ever it may lead," Mick said and clinked his glass lightly against hers.
Beth drank, enjoying the bubbles in the wine. Her eyes locked on Mick's and she leaned forward to kiss him. She could almost taste the residue of blood on his lips. It didn't repulse her as she had often imagined.
"You really put some thought into this," she commented looking at the food in front of her. She took a chicken leg and bit into it. "Mick, this is so special. I'm touched."
There was an orchestra warming up onstage. Beth's eyes glowed in excitement. This was special. She felt deeply moved that Mick had planned something so out of the ordinary for her. The orchestra began their first number. The notes floated over the air as Mick drank from his glass and then leaned close to Beth.
"Happy Valentine's Day," he said quietly. "I love you. I've waited so long to say that to you." He took her chin and pulled her close into a sweet, gentle kiss. Again Beth could almost feel the tight restraint he held himself under. Her stomach jumped and her senses tingled. Lips parting, Mick sat back and smiled at her. He glanced at the food.
"Eat, eat," he urged. "I can't have you fainting from hunger on me tonight."
Beth picked up the chicken leg and looked at him with raised eyebrows. She didn't say anything but finished the chicken. They sat together listening to the concert as Beth ate some more. Mick then helped her pack the rest away and then drew her back against him to listen. As the night darkened deeper, Beth leaned back against his chest, watching the stars come out above the stage. The orchestra was moving through a series of love songs. She shivered a little and Mick pulled her in closer.
"Do you want the blanket around you?" he asked.
"No," Beth said. "Just hold me. This is perfect; I don't want to break the spell."
She felt his chest rumble as he chuckled.
"I've never done perfect before. I'm glad you're happy," he said.
Beth twisted in his arms and taking hold of his face, kissed him hard. Mick tumbled over on his back with his arms full of Beth. This was no gentle kiss. Beth poured her heart into it, doing what she had been unable to say out loud. Mick found himself responding whole heartedly. One hand was fisted in her hair; the other arm was around her waist. He held her tight.
Beth in his arms. Beth alive and loving. Mick's undead heart almost began beating again. His soul soared. Suddenly she pulled away, bracing both hands on the blanket along side of his head. She stared down him, breathing hard. Mick could hear her increased heart rate.
"Wow," she sighed. "I had a feeling you were holding back."
"Wow yourself," Mick grinned. His hands rested on her waist. "Ms Turner, has anyone spoken to you about that aggressive streak?"
"Someone had to shake things up," she said and lowered herself into another kiss.
Mick felt a low growl escape. He tried to dampen the vampire response. He didn't want to frighten Beth. A shiver ran through Beth at his growl.
"I won't hurt you Beth," he whispered.
"I trust you Mick."
He looked into her beautiful big, blue eyes. He still couldn't believe this was happening. Monster's dreams don't come true. But Beth had kept telling him that he wasn't a monster. A small voice in the back of his mind kept reminding him that Beth's emotions had been on a roller coaster ride lately. It would be so easy to take advantage of her. He knew he have to be the one in control.
Mick looked around. People were gathering things together and heading out. The concert had ended and he hadn't noticed.
"We are in serious danger of becoming a public spectacle," Mick grinned at her.
"People sure can ruin things," Beth grinned back. She rolled off of him and sat up. Mick got to his feet and pulled Beth up also. They gathered the blanket, basket and cooler together. As they walked to the car Beth bumped Mick with her shoulder.
"Great date Mick," she said lightly.
"It was rather nice, wasn't it?" Mick returned. He loved the relaxed look on her face. The pain from last night had been erased. He could forget himself in this woman's eyes. At the car they put the stuff away and got in. Mick pulled away and as he drove, Beth started to giggle.
"What?"
"My car is still at Buzz Wire," she pointed out. He grinned at her.
"I don't plan this well, do I?" he asked. "You can tell I'm rusty. It's been decades since I've dated."
"It's okay. I'm sure you'll get back in the hang of it soon," she laughed.
They got to Buzz Wire's parking ramp and Mick stopped next to Beth's car.
"Thanks Mick," she said and got out. He was out of the car and at her side in a blink.
"Okay, I'm used to the jumping thing and I believe I can adapt to the blood drinking. But this speed business is going to take some getting used to," Beth commented.
"Just remember if you run I can catch you," Mick said moving in even closer.
"I'm counting on it," Beth sighed and brought her arms around his neck. She kissed him warmly. Mick wrapped his arms around her and responded. Beth felt an electric shock run through her body.
"This was a wonderful night," Beth said. "Thank you."
"My pleasure. And next time I'll pick you up at your place. Then we don't have to say good night in a parking ramp."
"Next time. I like that," Beth nodded.
Mick leaned in and kissed her quickly. Beth felt that jolt again, stronger this time.
"Would you like me to follow and make sure you get home safe?" Mick asked.
"I'll be fine," Beth reassured him. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?"
"Yes," Mick promised. He kissed her one last quick time and let her go.
"Good night Mick. You made this a memorable Valentine's Day." Beth got in her car. Mick returned to his as she pulled out.
"Memorable is right," Mick said under his breath. "I only hope we can have many more."
He followed her out of the parking ramp and at a discreet distance made sure she arrived home safe. When her light went on in her apartment, Mick drove away.
End chapter.
So, it's time to end the heartache. One last chapter coming. I love the input, please review. Thanks for caring enough to post.
