by Rin Grey
And yet, he couldn’t say no either.
“I don’t know. Maybe.”
He suspected she still wasn’t satisfied, but she didn’t push him for more.
*****
Elizabeth wasn’t sure what she had hoped for. A heartfelt declaration of love and regret for the past wasn’t something she expected from Sean at all. She settled for his half answers, not game to push for more. At least there was a chance. She turned and buried her face into his shoulder, holding back tears, not sure if they were happy or sad.
Neither of them said anything for quite a while. Sean held her, seeming reluctant to let her go, and she certainly wasn’t going to object. Eventually the fading yellow light of the evening caused the shadows to lengthen, and sleepiness weighed heavily on Elizabeth’s eyelids.
They lay close, her back against his chest, the curve of her buttocks fitting neatly into the curve of his body. His right arm lay under her neck and curled around to rest on her breast with the familiarity of their long relationship, the other resting on her hip.
It was hard to believe that she hadn’t seen him for twenty years. She would have expected there to be some barriers, some hesitation between them, after all that had happened last time, but while there had been initially, they were gone now.
It was as if the separation had never happened.
She sighed happily and snuggled closer to him quite taken with the idea of sleeping ensconced possessively in his arms. Stirred by her movement, his hand on her breast tightened just enough to send shudders of pleasure through her.
His other hand ran up and down her naked body, leaving it tingling. He bent and lifted her hair from the back of her neck and kissed it, moving down her spine, then across her shoulders.
She felt him harden with desire in the small of her back, and her breath hitched in anticipation.
Their lovemaking this time was a slower, more through exploration of each other’s bodies, reacquainting themselves after their long absence. Once they lay sated in each other’s arms, Elizabeth realised that but for the magical light floating to the left of the bed that she was not even aware of Sean creating, the room was in total darkness.
She had no idea what the time was, but realised guiltily that it had to be quite late.
Despite that, when Sean sat up, running his hand across her cheek, and she expected him to say he was leaving, she felt a flash of disappointment.
Instead he asked, “Are you hungry?”
She realised that she was, in fact, starving, so she nodded.
He rose from the bed, brightening the light till the room was as bright as day, but slowly enough for her eyes to adjust to the change. Then he took her hand and led her into the next room.
He settled her onto the fluffy couch and walked naked into the kitchen, leaving Elizabeth to lean over the back of the couch, admiring him. She couldn’t see much of what he was doing from where she sat, just the occasional bit of fruit, and a bowl of something, but she was happy enough to wait.
Sean usually cooked when they were together, her usual roast sandwich didn’t fit with his tastes, but she had never yet been disappointed. And she wasn’t this time either.
He walked across to the couch a few minutes later, putting a platter of fruit, all carefully cut into bite sized pieces, onto the low table. There was a bowl of something brown in the middle, and Elizabeth sniffed, surprised.
“Chocolate?” she asked in delight.
Sean smiled. He was well aware of her weaknesses. “For dipping the fruit,” he explained. He lowered the magical light until it was only a little brighter than a lamp, casting shadows on the walls.
Chocolate was one of those things that Elizabeth had only ever found within the Dome, almost enough reason never to leave. As sweet as it was smooth, she had no idea how it was made, though Sean had told her it came from a bean. As she picked up a strawberry and dipped it into the melted chocolate, she wondered how anything this marvellous could ever come from a bean.
She put the piece of fruit into her mouth, savouring the sweet chocolate taste melding with the tangy sweet fruit. Perfect. Or she thought it was, until Sean dipped a piece of pineapple into the chocolate and held it out in front of her. She took it gently from his fingers with her lips and found that the tart pineapple created an even more interesting combination.
Sean watched her, a smile lingering on his face, and deliberately licked his fingers. The image was almost enough to make her leave the chocolate uneaten and retire to the bed, but she figured she was going to need the energy. So she picked out a piece of banana, dipped it in the chocolate, and offered it to Sean.
His lips just barely brushed her fingers, but it was enough to have her breath shaking. They continued to feed each other the chocolate dipped fruit, their closeness intensifying until they were licking each other’s fingers after each bite. Elizabeth dripped some chocolate onto her chest, the warm liquid fanning the already smouldering flames.
Sean bent to lick it off, his tongue tracing slow circles on her breast for far longer than was strictly necessary. Then it became a challenge to see who could spill the most chocolate on the other. Elizabeth would have giggled if only she weren’t so breathless.
Eventually, desire overcame the need for food and Sean lead Elizabeth back to the bed. This time their passion was sweet and hot, and as Elizabeth lay sated and drowsy in Sean’s arms, she thought vaguely that there was somewhere she was supposed to be.
Before she could catch the fleeting thought, she was asleep.
Chapter 6 - Waiting
Digger stared out the window, but even the fading light couldn’t hide the fact that the road outside was empty. Still no sign of Elizabeth. He looked back to his book, but he wasn’t really seeing the words on the page. He couldn’t even remember what the story was about.
The vague feeling of unease that had nagged at him ever since Jocelyn had requested Elizabeth’s presence at this meeting yesterday grew. He couldn’t help worrying that the mages had demanded she return to the Dome.
Or worse, she’d chosen to go.
Gemma rose and closed the curtains and sent Mitch off to bed. “Go on now, you’re going to need your energy tomorrow.”
“What for?” Mitch asked plaintively. “It’s not like I’m allowed to practice my magic without Elizabeth around.”
“Well, there’s a stack of firewood outside that needs chopping,” Gemma said sternly. “You can use these next few days to catch up on all the chores you’ve been shirking because of your magic lessons.”
The threat of chores was enough to send Mitch meekly off to bed.
Once he was gone, Digger was alone with Elizabeth’s daughter.
Gemma must have been having some of the same concerns he was, because as soon as Mitch was out of earshot, she asked, “Do you think Mamma’s all right? Surely Jocelyn’s meeting would be finished by now.”
Digger shrugged, not looking up from his book. If he looked over, Gemma would be able to see the worry in his face. “Not much is a threat to Elizabeth.”
Of that, at least, he was certain.
Could even the Dome mages force her back if she didn’t want to go? He had no more idea of that than of whether she’d go if they asked or not. She certainly hadn’t been very forthcoming about her past with them. Even when he’d asked directly.
“You think she’s still at the meeting?” Gemma persisted. “What could they possibly have to talk about for that long?”
She wasn’t going to let it go. Digger heaved a sigh, staring at the book but not seeing it. “That depends. Is Jocelyn a talker? Is she one of those types who goes over everything ten times?” He looked up, hoping she’d say yes. That she’d convince him that Elizabeth could still be at Jocelyn’s offices.
Gemma frowned. “No, Jocelyn’s very matter of fact and to the point.”
Digger’s heart sank. So much for that. “Then I’d say the meeting was long over.”
Where was Elizabeth? The only obvious
answer was that she’d left with the mages. But somehow, he suspected that if that had happened, Jocelyn would have been here knocking on the door, demanding answers, even though they had none.
Gemma frowned in concern. “Then where is Mamma?”
If only he had an answer to that. One that didn’t leave his stomach tied up in knots. But there was no point in worrying Gemma. Her concerns weren’t the same as his.
No matter what happened, she’d always be Elizabeth’s daughter. Elizabeth wouldn’t just abandon her or Mitch without any explanation, like she had when she’d left him only a few weeks ago. Oh sure, she’d sent him a note days later, but that was a poor comfort. She’d obviously intended for things to be over between them.
He shouldn’t have come. And he should leave.
Just as soon as she was back and he was sure she was, indeed, safe.
Digger faked an unconcerned expression, turning back to his book and forcing his voice to be casual as he said, “She may have stopped in at a bar for a drink, or gotten busy talking to someone. No doubt she’ll turn up when she’s ready.”
Gemma stared at him suspiciously. “You don’t believe that, do you?”
Giving up on his pretence, Digger sighed and closed the book. “What do you want me to say?”
“I’m worried about her. I think we should go and see if she’s still with Jocelyn.” Gemma’s eyes held genuine worry, no hint of suspicion that all wasn’t what it appeared. Her only concern was for Elizabeth’s safety.
Digger hid a wince. He could just imagine how talking to Jocelyn would go. Either Elizabeth’s niece already had a good idea of where Elizabeth had gone, or she had no idea she was missing. If it were the latter, Digger suspected Elizabeth wouldn’t be too happy if someone told her.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Gemma wouldn’t be deterred. “You don’t really think she’s stopped off at a bar, do you? The night before a big job like this one?”
It wasn’t entirely impossible.
It wasn’t like she hadn’t done it before.
If seeing the mages had somehow upset Elizabeth enough, and given that he didn’t know what had happened when she’d left, that was conceivable, then he could totally see her stopping somewhere to get drunk. The job tomorrow would barely register.
“If she had some issue with the mages that’s upset her, then I wouldn’t put it past her.” Digger watched Gemma carefully, wondering if she knew anything more about her mother’s relationship with the mages than he did.
It was only because he was watching so closely that he caught it. A flicker of discomfort, quickly masked. The blush on her cheeks didn’t fade quite so quickly.
“If she were upset, she’d be more likely to come here than go to a bar, surely,” Gemma said firmly.
Digger had to know. And he was pretty sure Gemma did. “What happened with her and the Dome mages?” he asked softly.
This time there was no mistaking Gemma’s discomfort. “He… they… and Mamma had a falling out of some kind. She wasn’t specific.”
Gemma’s slip had told him more than he wanted to know. This wasn’t just about the mages. It was about someone specific. A man.
His heart thudded uncomfortably in his chest.
He had to face the very real possibility that Elizabeth wasn’t absent because she was upset. That making up with the mages could very well mean making up with a past lover.
“Perhaps they and Elizabeth had some catching up to do.”
Gemma winced. “Mamma made it quite clear that they weren’t on speaking terms. I doubt that’s the reason she’s late.”
Somehow though, her protest only made Digger more convinced that was the answer.
Well, if it was, he had only himself to blame. He’d flat out told Elizabeth that nothing had changed in their relationship. That he wasn’t asking for a commitment.
He’d left the way open for this.
But even if he hadn’t, he suspected the only difference it would have made was that he wouldn’t be here waiting to see if she came home or not. How had he managed to go from sharing a wonderful life with her, to sitting here on the outside, wondering what was going on?
Probably by not accepting that things were over.
He heaved a sigh. “Whatever the reason, I don’t think there’s any point waiting up. I’m going to bed.” He put the book down and stood up.
Gemma’s eyes were pitying, and Digger couldn’t make himself meet them.
“I’m sure Mamma wouldn’t do something like that…” Gemma protested, and Digger wasn’t sure whether her comment was meant to reassure him, or herself.
Either way, it wasn’t working.
But the pain on her face was more than Digger could bear. He could at least do something to calm Gemma’s concern. He tried to make his voice casual as he said, “It’s not a big deal. It’s not like Elizabeth and I… well, we’ve never exactly had an exclusive relationship…”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wished he could take them back. He’d said too much. Opened himself up to even more pity.
Gemma stared at him for a moment, her face flushed. “Oh,” she said blankly. He could see her turning that thought over in her mind, and not liking it.
He hadn’t made anything better. He’d only made her doubt the kind of person her mother was.
Well, perhaps she needed to know the truth. It could hardly hurt her more than it was hurting him.
Gemma stared at him. “Do you really think…? I mean… When do you expect her home?” she finally asked.
Somehow, she thought he had all the answers. When he really had no more clue than she did. Maybe less.
“I have no idea. When she gets here.”
Gemma fidgeted with the knitting in her lap. “Does she do this often?”
Digger hesitated, but he could clear Elizabeth’s character that much, at least. “No. In fact, she hasn’t done it before, at least, not in all our time together.” He hesitated, then heaved a sigh. “I think my following her here spooked her. Made her think I was after more,” he admitted. “Though if she has a history with these mages, then even that may have made no difference.”
“How long have the two of you been together?” Gemma asked softly.
Digger didn’t want to talk about it. Didn’t even want to review his life with Elizabeth. But Gemma was looking at him expectantly.
“Five years, give or take.”
“That’s quite a while,” she said softly. “You’re a very understanding boyfriend.”
Digger gave a sharp laugh. Did she really think him that much of a fool?
“Understanding, no. Not really. Accepting. Well, I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”
His only other alternative was to say goodbye, head back to Niacin, and… what?
What would he do with his life without Elizabeth in it?
“You care about her, don’t you?” Gemma asked softly.
Of course he did. How could he not?
Digger shrugged uncomfortably. “I always have. She’s saved my life on more occasions than I care to count.”
Gemma didn’t say anything, but the look she gave him was understanding. She knew as well as he did that the way he felt about Elizabeth had nothing to do with her saving his life.
But he was glad she didn’t comment. He couldn’t face that knowledge himself right now. Not until he knew where she was.
Part of him still hoped she had an innocent explanation.
He stared at the curtain covering the view out the window, then sighed. There wasn’t any point looking again, the view would be the same. “I’m going to bed. No doubt she’ll come home when she’s ready.”
Gemma nodded. “Goodnight, Digger,” she said kindly.
“Night,” Digger said, and walked up the stairs, his heart heavy.
Chapter 7 - Late
Elizabeth stretched lazily, a strange feeling of contentment pervading every part of her body. It took a few
moments for her to remember where she was, and a few more to realise she was alone in the bed.
Disappointment coursed through her and she sat up and looked around.
Sean sat backwards on a chair next to the bed, fully clothed, watching her.
Relieved, she allowed herself to fall back on the pillows and smiled sleepily at him. “Why are you dressed?” she purred, her body already stirring at just the memory of the previous night.
Sean gave a warm chuckle. “Because if I wasn’t, neither of us would get to where we are supposed to be on time today.”
Memory flooded back. The meeting with Jocelyn, the journey set to start at ten o’clock this morning, and Digger and Gemma. She winced, and glanced at the window. The faint light was deceptive, as the rising sun was on the other side of the building. It must be nearly eight o’clock.
“Freck,” she swore and threw back the bedsheets. She headed for her clothes, but Sean stood and caught her around the waist before she made it there. He kissed her deeply, and she suspected that had he asked, she would have let everything else go to the wind for the chance to go back to bed with him.
Already all her other responsibilities were fading into the background under the feelings his closeness stirred up.
But before she could completely succumb, he pulled back. “I have to go, Beth,” he said regretfully.
Elizabeth nodded. “I know. So do I.” She didn’t dare ask when… if… she’d see him next.
He’d said he wanted to see her again. More regularly even. And he’d said maybe she could see Jon. Hopefully he meant that. If not… well, it wasn’t like her saying anything was going to make a difference.
As she stared into his eyes, she allowed herself a few moments to relive the memories of the previous evening, collecting them like precious gems, just in case there were no more.
Sean stared wordlessly back at her, then released her and reached into his pocket and pulled out a key and handed it to her. “This is the spare key for this place. If you ever need somewhere to go, you’re welcome to come here. I will know as soon as you come through the force field.”
