All Night Long, chapter 11

“Had enough?" Todd draped an arm about Elizabeth's shoulder as they huddled near the crackling driftwood fire.

"If I eat one more marshmallow, I'm going to turn into one myself," she joked, snuggling against him as she licked the last of the sticky golden-brown sweet from her stick. An hour earlier she'd been hungry enough to devour two hot dogs, a generous helping of potato salad, and several root beers. It hardly seemed possible.

"I know what you mean," Todd said. "I can't remember the last time I ate so much. Unless you count Thanksgiving and Christmas."

When his lips found hers, she could taste the smoky sweetness of toasted marshmallows. He kissed her lingeringly, drawing lazy circles against her back with the flat of his hand. Several other couples were cuddled under blankets by the fire, but Elizabeth felt uncomfortable about getting too affectionate in public. She drew away, tucking her head against his shoulder.

Reading her thoughts, Todd whispered, "Too bad we're not off somewhere by ourselves. I could get addicted to this."

"Me, too," she confessed.

"Let's go for a picnic next Saturday," he suggested. "Just the two of us. I know this great little cove where we can really be alone. It's private, but a friend of my aunt has a key to the gate."

"I'd love to go," Elizabeth said.

"Great. We'll take my motorcycle. I'm picking it up at the dealership on Friday. Wait until you see it, Liz! I'm even getting another helmet just for you."

Elizabeth stiffened. "Todd, I-"

"I know what you're thinking," he broke in, "but, listen, everyone's a little nervous the first time they ride on a motorcycle. Don't worry, you'll get used to it in no time."

"That's not it." She pulled away from him, tucking her knees against her chest. How could she tell him? She'd been postponing this moment, and now she couldn't put it off any longer.

"What is it, then?"

"I-".

They were interrupted just then by Ken Matthews and his date, petite, redheaded Julie Porter, who had sauntered over from the neighboring campfire to find a can opener.

"Some lamebrain lost ours in the sand," Ken explained. "He's over there now digging a hole to China trying to find it."

Elizabeth laughed. "Wish him luck for us. Hey, take the rest of these marshmallows while you're at it. I don't think I'll ever be able to look at another one as long as I live."

"Thanks!" Ken caught the bag she tossed in his direction as if he were intercepting a pass on the forty-yard line. "The same nerd who lost the can opener forgot to bring the marshmallows, too."

"Tell Winston we said hi," Todd deadpanned, earning a ripple of appreciative laughter from those who were familiar with Winston Egbert's clownish antics.

Someone had turned up a radio, and silky music riffled the warm night air. Snuggled under a blanket across from them, arms entwined, George and Enid held a quiet, intense conversation.

"I'm glad you decided not to go swimming with Jaws," Todd whispered, nuzzling Elizabeth's ear. He'd forgotten his earlier question about the motorcycle, which left Elizabeth feeling relieved but also strangely depressed.

"I don't think it would have been nearly as much fun," she confided as she tipped her head back to receive his kiss. "Besides, I don't think sharks eat marshmallows, do they?"

Elizabeth pushed her nagging concern to the back of her mind, letting the sensation of Todd's kisses spread outward from her center like ripples on a pond. She knew she would have to tell him sooner or later. Her parents had forbidden, absolutely forbidden, either Jessica or herself to ride on a motorcycle. It was practically one of the Ten Commandments as far as they were concerned.

Elizabeth certainly understood why. A while back one of their cousins had been killed riding a motorcycle. She still remembered how upset their mom had been over it. If she knew Elizabeth was even contemplating getting on one of those things ...

Elizabeth shuddered to think of the consequences.

And yet how would Todd take it when she refused to share what was obviously going to be a major part of his life from now on? It was sure to put a dent in their closeness, she realized with a sick feeling of dread.

"I'll bet you'd look cute in a crash helmet," Todd murmured as he twirled a lock of her hair about his finger. "Maybe I'll get you one in bright blue."

Elizabeth killed any further conversation on the subject by winding her arms about his neck and kissing him with such fervor that he fell backward onto the sand.