do you think it needs to be put?”
“How about at the bottom of the stairs near the front door?” She blushed. “I really like looking at it.”
I laughed. “I have no problem with that at all. I think it would be stunning.”
As I opened the car door for her, she turned and slipped into my embrace. “Thanks, Crowley.”
My arms tightened around her. “You’re welcome, Bronnie.” I finally pulled back and gazed into her eyes. “I promised you an early night and that’s one promise I intend to keep.”
She nodded. “All right. Sounds good. I really don’t feel like partying tonight.”
When we were safely back in my house, I beckoned to Bronwyn.
“I
do
have a fun idea if you’re interested.”
“If it involves slow dancing with you I’m more than interested,”
she said. I opened my mouth to protest, but she cut me off. “It’s not because you’re hot or because I love you. I want to do it because it feels good.”
I nodded as I went to my stereo. “I get it.” I grinned as I put in one of my favorite compact discs. Slow music filtered through the speakers.
Before either one of us really knew what was happening, we were tangled together and moving in time to the music.
“So, beloved angel,” Bronwyn murmured against my chest. “What was this fun thing that you wanted to do?”
“You like terrible movies?” I asked with a grin.
“Depends on how bad.”
“Absolutely rotten. Scum of the earth. So bad you can’t even be bothered to puke.”
She giggled and nodded. “Yep. I also like lotsa blood and guts.”
I laughed. “Oh, yeah, I’m right there for that one.” I pulled her to a halt. “Come with me.”
I took her by the hand, and she stayed close to me as I led her to her room. I pushed her onto the bed, pulled out a remote from a dresser drawer, and flicked on the television. I tuned it to my favorite horror movie channel. We just hit the start of the evening horror show.
“Oh, geez,” she said with a groan. “This isn’t
The Thing With Two
Heads
?”
“You betcha,” I replied. “Or would that be—if you listen to Elvira—The Head With Two Things.”
“Who?”
“Watch.”
Elvira appeared on the screen, and Bronwyn’s eyes goggled.
“Good lord,” she said.
“Stacked, isn’t she?”
“Yes,” she said in a strangled voice.
“I know,” I said, patting her arm. “Lovely. I really like this show.”
Bronwyn mock glared at me and playfully slapped my arm. “I’ll just bet you do.”
I laughed and pulled her into my arms. She rested her head on my shoulder and put her arms around me with a happy sigh.
We watched for a little while, and I heard Bronwyn whisper, “I love you,” before her breathing deepened as she sank into a deep sleep.
I stayed with her until the wee hours of the morning, holding her close. Every time I tried to leave, her grip tightened, but as the night lightened she let me go. I leaned over her and smoothed her golden hair away from her forehead. I brushed my lips across her temple.
“Relax, Bronwyn,” I whispered. “I’ll take care of you for as long as you need me to.”
I wanted to kick myself for that statement as I spoke it, but I really couldn’t. I meant it.
I really liked my fierce, mortal friend.
CHAPTER FOUR
The next night our new clock was delivered by two large, burly men. One of them looked remarkably like the clock maker, and I was amazed at the delicacy he displayed in placing the clock and hanging the weights inside it. When they were done, Bronwyn and I sat side by side on the stairs, hearing it tick, gazing at its beautiful face.
“Looks great, doesn’t it?” I asked, nudging Bronwyn.
She put her head on my shoulder. “Oh, yeah, sure does.” She glanced at me. “Thanks, Crowley.”
“What for?”
“Everything.”
I put my arm around her and pulled her in close. “You’re welcome.”
We were quiet for a moment or so, simply enjoying the feel of one another.
“What do you want to do