~ Blue Keltic Moon ~

by

*lizzie starr

Gowthaman slouched in one corner of a well-worn loveseat, staring at where his hands lay idle on his thighs. Idle. There was no time for idleness this night. He leaned his head against the high cushioned back and stared at the dark ceiling. The wealth of information held in his brain left little room for his personal concerns, but the knowledge did little good if it was not transferred to a form others could use.

Casting his gaze sideways without moving his head, he glanced at the others. Jayse and Lucidea cuddled in the second loveseat. After depositing him here, Coralie and Nightshade had taken the two single chairs. He tipped his head slightly to see the doorway. Perhaps after the movie began, he could use the cover of darkness to slip from the room and return to his task.

Laughter preceded Chance into the room. He set a heavy tray on the sideboard, glanced around the room, nodded to Jayse then flopped to his stomach on a pile of thick pillows. Breanna followed her brother and added an overflowing popcorn bowl to Chance’s offering. Then she turned and scanned the room.

“What happened to the rest of the chairs?”

Jayse looked away and cleared his throat, but Lucidea answered. “I’ve been in the mood to redecorate. The chairs were comfy, but boring. I’m having them recovered.”

A tiny frown marred the smoothness of Breanna’s forehead and she peered at the floor. Gowthaman followed her gaze to the sets of parallel lines crossing the carpet to a closed door. So that’s what Jayse had been doing when they’d entered the room. Moving furniture. Creating less seating.

Realization slammed into him at the same moment Breanna’s gaze lifted to his. Her bright blue eyes sparkled. Watching him, she spoke to Lucidea, her tone dry. “I’m sure you’ve been planning to redecorate for a long time. Good thing there aren’t more of us ready to enjoy a movie.”

The light in her eyes dimmed and Gowthaman imagined he saw a plea for understanding. He managed the start of a smile and was rewarded with her visible relief.

Turning her back, Breanna filled a smaller bowl with popcorn. “So, now that you’ve rearranged, what movie did you pick out for us?”

“I didn’t have anything to do with this one,” Jayse said.

“That’s right.” Lucidea laughed. “This is my choice. It’s a movie we’ve seen many times. It’s good for tonight, full of hope for overcoming what appears insurmountable, with plenty to laugh over.”

Breanna lifted two sodas in one hand and showed them to Gowthaman. He nodded approval. She brought the bottles and the popcorn and sat next to him. “Sorry about their little trick,” she whispered. Situating the bowl between them, she said, “So, what movie?”

“Give you a clue. ‘Never give up, never surrender’.”

Breanna chuckled, the sound warm and hopeful. The tight band of worry around Gowthaman’s heart loosened. He didn’t understand Lucidea’s vague reference, but then, he seldom found time for the frivolity of movies. And then only with Breanna’s encouragement. If she believed this exercise to be beneficial, he would hold his thoughts and not argue.

But with the seating arrangements, neither would he be able to leave. Mourning the loss of valuable time, he couldn’t hold back a sigh.

“Ready?” Lucidea held up the remote and made a show of pressing two buttons, lowering the lights then starting the movie.

In the few seconds of darkness before the screen lit, Bree leaned over the popcorn bowl and whispered, “Relax, Gowtham. Enjoy. Everyone needs these moments.”

Her breath stole across his cheek and he fought to remain still and not lean the mere fraction of an inch to touch his skin to her lips. Want blazed through him, pure, unadulterated lust for the woman he loved. He sensed her hesitation before she settled back with the bowl a flimsy barrier between them.

Glad of the near dark and shifting to a nominally more comfortable position, he struggled with the intensity of his reaction. Yes, he loved her, and an honest component to love was desire. He could not allow himself to act upon either the love or his desires. Never before had a physical reaction to her nearness been so—instant. So intense. Had it to do with the danger she would face the next night?

The opening scenes of the movie flickered on the huge screen and he blinked at the odd, science fiction images. Bree gave half a chuckle. “I love this movie.” Then she leaned close again. “I can’t believe I’ve never made you watch this with me.” The low, sultry tone of her words vibrated through him like a song. A fey angel’s song. Breanna’s song.

He turned his head and bumped her nose with his. She gulped back a gasp but didn’t move away. He could kiss her now, in the movie darkness. But not the kiss he wished to bestow upon her; how could he, when he was undeserving?

Tiny frown lines marked the downturn of her lips as if she knew his thoughts.

“We should...” he started, then cleared his throat of the words hovering there.

“I think a better...” Bree said at the same time.

“Shh.” A wadded napkin landed on Bree’s outstretched arm. Chance’s movements rustled from the overstuffed floor pillows. “You’re the one who said we’ve gotta watch a movie, so be quiet.” He laughed, spoiling his stern reprimand.

“Okay, okay. I’m watching the movie.” Bree rolled her eyes as she sank against the back cushions. She lifted her soda can in a sarcastic salute after Chance focused on the screen. “Brat.”

The interruption had been timely. Unsure exactly what Chance had interrupted, and vaguely angered with the young man, Gowthaman stored his erratic thoughts away and after a quick glance at Bree, determined to watch the movie. No thinking, no action, just mindless drivel to take him away from his concerns.

After all, that was what his Breanna wanted. Wasn’t it?

The distraction worked—for a short while. He even found himself identifying with one of the characters. Until the actors portraying actors arrived on a real space-going ship modeled after the vessel on their television show. Until his hand bumped Bree’s in the popcorn bowl when they both tried to keep the bowl from tipping. Until she twined her fingers with his, moved the bowl and scooted closer, resting their joined hands on her thigh.

Without turning his head, he glanced sideways at her. A tiny smile accented the fullness of her lower lip. The tip of her tongue swiped at a shiny spot of salty butter at the corner of her mouth. Gowthaman clawed the fingers of his free hand into the furniture arm. The aching need to kiss her, to show her his love rumbled deep in his chest. He released a slow breath, the roar of movie battle covering the low sound of his indiscretion.

Perhaps if he did kiss her, he would be able to take control of his wayward emotions. He glanced at her again. Seeming oblivious of his internal struggle, she laughed at the movie actors.

He should kiss her. He would after the movie. One kiss then he could return to his journal and complete the preparations needed to send the mission off successfully. Just one kiss.

After all, that was what his Breanna wanted. Wasn’t it?