Katelina leaned back in the beach chair. She could hear waves lapping the beach and the cry of some far off bird. Above her the moon hung in a thin crescent and uncountable stars twinkled. Farther down the beach a bonfire glowed throbbing orange. She could make out the silhouettes of the revelers around it, but it wasn't worthy of a vacation snapshot. That was why she'd left the disposable camera in her room.
To her left Jorick reclined in a chair, his long dark hair pulled up in a sloppy bun. Even on the beach he wore his usual black pullover and slacks. Like a cartoon character, he refused to try different clothes. He swore that after centuries he'd settled on the perfect ensemble.
"Enjoying yourself?" Amusement glittered in his dark eyes.
She forced a smile. "Of course."
His reply was the fanged grin of a vampire. "I'm glad. You've wanted to come to the beach for months."