We'd rented the old mansion-turned-studio because we just weren't getting the vibe at my place. The studio was on the ground floor, while the bedrooms and such were on the upper two.

I had staked claim to the largest of the bedrooms on the second floor. The center piece of this room was a huge, antique four-poster with heavy velvet curtains. Greg and Steve had ribbed me about 'the king claiming his chambers'. To which, I replied they were only jealous because the room had its own loo.

I opened the door and entered the room. The light of early morning filtered through the windows. A feeling of calm overcame me as I stripped off my clothes to crawl into bed. I had felt the presence in the room the first night we stayed here. It was rather soothing, actually. I felt protected by it in some odd way.

I slid under the covers and managed to pull the heavy drapes closed. I was so exhausted, I must have fallen asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I was awakened some time later by the feel of movement next to me.

Opening my eyes, I looked at the empty space next to me. My eyes snapped shut again. 'Get a grip on yourself' I thought. Being cooped up in this house with no female companionship was beginning to get to me.

Several days in a row, this occurred. I could feel someone climb in next to me. I could smell the faint scent of perfume. Hell, I even swear I could hear someone breathing beside me! I didn't dare mention it to the lads. They would really think I've gone 'round the bend then.

I was in the bath when I first saw her. I stepped out of the tub, reaching across the tiny room for a towel on the bar. Glancing in the mirror, I swore I saw the movement of white damask and dark hair.

I quickly dried off, deciding to wrap the towel around my waist in case someone HAD gotten into my room. "'Ello?" I looked around and didn't find anyone.

Clicking off the light, I went to climb into bed. The sheets were cool on my body, just out of the shower. I laid on my back quite a while, staring at the ceiling, eventually nodding off into an uneasy sleep.

That is when I felt tiny hands snake across my chest. Slender fingers stroked trails of heat across my skin. I opened my eyes. The most beautiful brunette woman smiled at me. I couldn't help but quirk a grin back at her. "Evening, luv."

A delicate finger was placed across my lips. She made no sound, but I could hear her voice quite clearly. No words, she told me as she looked into my eyes. I've been waiting for you to come to me. There is no need to speak now that you're here.

I pursed my lips, kissing her finger. She slowly lifted it, placing it to her own. How long have you been waiting? I asked, her violet eyes still locked on mine.

Oh Joseph, it's been an eternity since you were with me last. I had begun to think you'd never return.

Eternity? Return? I had no idea what she meant by those words. We've been together before? My curiosity had to be appeased.

A life time ago, my love. I knew that if I stayed, I'd see you again. The woman caressed my face. The touch of her hand warmed my skin. My sweet Joseph, she smiled, you never did believe me when I said I'd wait forever to be with you. A soft giggle escaped her lips. Full, luscious, kissable lips.

As if she read my thoughts, she leaned over and pressed them to mine. I can read your mind, silly man. We are one. We always have been and always will be.

Oh. With a small degree of hesitation, I reached up to touch her. She was real - smooth, warm flesh beneath my fingers. How…? I don't understand. How can I be…? Your Joseph lived so long ago. She turned her head, nuzzling her cheek into my hand. I'm not the same man.

Her hands again stroked my chest. Your body may not be the same, but your soul is. Throughout eternity, no matter how many lifetimes you have, that is the one thing that will never change.

I trailed my hands down her sides. She let a small gasp as I passed the curve of her breasts. I noticed her thin sleeping garment was rather old fashioned, but I'm sure, considered risqué for its time. If I'm here, why are you still…?

A tear formed in her eyes. Instinctively, I wiped it away with my thumb. "Don't cry, luv. It's okay," I whispered, the room had suddenly grown too silent.

I'm between lives now. She licked her lower lip and tried to smile at me. We should have been together this cycle. There was an accident during the childhood that wasn't… she trailed off. She looked around the room, mentally inventorying her memories. Suddenly, I knew of the accident, and how the little girl drown before she was very old. I sat up, pulling this woman to me and comforting her as best I could. I chose to come here and wait for you instead of having a new life. This was such a special place for us.

Holding her in my arms, I felt a desire to be with her begin to surface in my brain. How was that possible? This woman was little more than a ghost, if that even. Surely she was a product of my imagination, or only a dream. You are the presence I have felt in this room. And the one who I've felt lay beside me at night?

She nodded. It's all right Joseph. I know that in your life cycle, you have no memories of what came before. I don't either. But yes, it was me. I have waited here for you for over thirty years. The other spirits have begged me to move on and take a new cycle. I told them all you would be here. I knew you would. She began to untie the laces at the front of her gown.

If you died as a child, how are you an adult now?

She looked up at me from her task. A sly grin crossed her flawlessly beautiful face. Because, silly, we can take on what ever appearance we like. I have always chosen to look as I did on our wedding night. Wedding night? My eyes must have popped out of my head because she laughed. The first actual sound I had heard her make. Crystal clear and sharp, it rang like a bell and echoed through the large room. Yes, Joseph, our wedding night. As I recall, you looked very handsome that evening. Although, I must say, you don't look particularly bad in this body, either.

It was my turn to laugh. I pulled her close, taking her mouth with mine. She opened for me, welcoming my kiss, as she longed to taste me again. Her tongue stroked against mine as she buried her hands in my hair. Oh Moira.

Yes Joseph, she answered.

I knew her name. You reminded me?

She delved deeper into my kiss. No silly, you did. I again heard her laugh, although our lips never parted. Was I hearing her in my ears or my mind? Oh my darling Joseph, stop questioning why. Just enjoy this chance for us to be together again.

She shifted her weight on my lap, rubbing over my arousal. Oh God, Moira, don't do… I can't… I want… I finished unlacing her gown and pushed the silky fabric from her shoulders. Her milky skin glowed in the moon light. She sat up looking proudly at me as I eyed her full breasts.

Some things never change, her words rang in my ears.

I grinned sheepishly. Well, you know what they say - Men are creatures of habit. She smiled, taking my hands and placing them on her body, cupping them to her bosom. My fingers glided over them, finding the pink tips and teasing them to taut peaks.

I glanced up to Moira's face. Her eyes were closed and a smile of pleasure clung to her lips. Oh yes, Joseph. Harder please. Use your mouth. I sucked her left nipple into my mouth, feeling the bud tighten even further as I licked it lightly. I was aware of her gasp. She held my head to her, applying just enough pressure to let me know she wanted the same on the other side. I obliged, then took both in my hands, pinching and tugging with my fingers as I alternated flicking my tongue over each. Her breath seemed to deepen and I could hear her soft moans.

Oh Joseph, you are so… Her hands slipped down to my shoulders as her body tensed under my touch.

You're cumming, aren't you?

So, that's what you call it now, huh? I knew she was smiling, though I didn't look at her face.

Yes. I am.

I slipped my hands to her sides. Carefully, I rolled her over, laying her on the empty space next to me. I kissed and nipped and tasted her skin as I worked down her body. I had to tug her gown off of her, since it had pooled at her waist. I looked down at the naked woman with me.

I ran my fingers across the bare skin of her sex. How old were you when we wed? I asked, knowing it hadn't been uncommon for a girl to be married off before she was completely in her womanhood.

Eighteen. She saw me sigh with relief. You don't remember - you had heard a story that Asian women removed their body hair and wanted to know what it was like. You asked me if I would.

And you did.

I made you help, she grinned up at me. I wasn't that good with a straight blade. You did a rather nice job - you were so scared you'd cut me.

I cupped her in my hand, running my fingers along her slick opening. Very erotic, my mind whispered to hers. I leaned down, swirling my tongue over the smooth skin. I slipped further down, stroking her clit lightly. I continued to slip my fingers over her, spreading her wetness along her entrance. I gently lapped my tongue over her lips. You taste wonderful, luv. I slipped my tongue into her passage. Moira arched upward, lifting so I could more easily access her.

Oh, God, she groaned as she grabbed at the bed covers. Oh, Joseph! Her body convulsed. I held her hips as I continued to drink the juice of her passion.

Her body calmed and I rose to lay beside her. We laid on our sides, facing each other, our free hands exploring our bodies. Thank you for coming to me, I told her. She shut her eyes and I caressed her cheek.

Please, take me Joseph. I need you to make love to me now. She slowly opened them, looking into my eyes. I only have until sunrise. After that, I'll revert back to my spirit.

Will I see you again? I suddenly felt my chest tighten, realizing I didn't want to lose her. Moira, you will be flesh again, won't you?

Her gaze dropped to her hand on my chest. My next life cycle.

I heard myself gasp. No. I lifted her chin. I could live another fifty years and never see you again?

She brushed my hair behind my ear and tried to smile. Yes. She sighed. I know it seems unfair, but it has to be that way. In the morning when you wake, you'll have no memory of me at all. You will have had a pleasant night's sleep, nothing more.

But I don't want to forget you Moira. There has to be a way I can remember you.

She shook her head. I don't know Joseph. I can remain with you if you'd like, but I can't say you would know I was there.

There had to be a way. How could I be with her, only to not remember? True, I had been with a countless number of nameless women, but I had never FORGOTTEN any of them. I didn't want to forget a woman I had such a connection with. Oh, God, Moira…

Her hand slipped behind my head as she pulled me into her kiss. We'll see what happens. Now, sunrise is soon, Joseph. I want to feel you inside of me. Her tongue stroked feverishly against mine. Please, luv. Don't make me wait another lifetime.

I lifted her knee up over my thigh. Slipping my hands around her waist, I carefully entered her, pulling her onto me rather than forcing myself into her.

Josepphhh! she called out to me, then gasped.

Am I hurting you, luv?

No. You feel magnificent.

Really? I hadn't heard that word used before.

Hurry, Joseph. I know you want to take it slow, but we don't have much time left. Please?

Her lips grazed mine and I felt the urgency of her need. Moira bucked her hips against mine, sending my head spinning. I thrust inside her, hard. Mating with her as if it were my first time all over again. Faster, I stroked in and out of her. Moira… Her nails dug into my arms as I felt her muscles tighten around me. Yes, baby… Oh, luv…

Moira sank her teeth into my chest as her body lurched, the waves of passion overcoming her beneath me. I pumped harder, pouring myself into her as I, too, came.

I rolled back onto my side, trailing my fingers along her body. She looked into my eyes. I know, Joseph. She smiled at me with loving eyes. Sleep now. I obeyed her, drifting off almost as soon as I heard her words. The sun was just starting to shine through the windows.

On my chest was a purple mark, just over my heart. I shut my eyes and remembered having a dream about a beautiful woman. Dark hair, dark eyes, and skin that was a creamy white. I looked more closely at the bruise in my reflection. I could make out the imprint of teeth and I suddenly smelled the faint perfume that always seemed to linger in the room. It had been a dream, hadn't it? I looked into my own eyes and smiled to myself.

I went back into my room and went to the wardrobe to get dressed. I opened it up to find a white sleeping gown hanging among my clothes. I knew it was true - I had not dreamed it or gone mad. Touching the delicate fabric, I closed my eyes and saw her face again. Until we can be together again, sweet Moira, remember… "I love you."