Page 4 of First Kiss
We continued talking as the roof started to fill with more people from the party. Eventually, I wasn’t able to hide by the ledge with Brittany because some of the people I didn’t see downstairs felt that it was necessary to make sure I knew they came. It wasn’t like I was going to be offended if someone skipped my annual New Year’s Eve bash, but they didn’t know that. My father was the type to keep a list and bring it up at their next meeting—he felt like he was snubbed if someone didn’t put in an appearance.
I’d probably have fewer people talking to me if I was standing in Times Square watching the ball drop…
Thankfully, I had already spent a few minutes mingling with most of the people at the party, so once the new arrivals had made their introductions, I was able to continue my conversation with Brittany. She was so easy to talk to, and even though she was still a little shy, I was seeing her sense of humor start to shine through it. It was so lovely to be able to have a rational conversation with someone that revolved around something besides Remington Aeronautics.
“So tell me something, Brittany.” I tilted my head to the side.
“Yeah?” She looked up at me.
“Are you going to let me kiss you when the clock strikes midnight?” A grin formed on the corner of my lips.
“I don’t know…” She looked down and blushed. “I just met you…”
“Yeah, but it’s a tradition.” My grin got a little wider.
“Maybe…” She lifted her head slowly.
“Let me grab you another glass of champagne. You’re going to need something to toast with.” I reached out and took Brittany’s empty glass. “I’ll be right back.”
“Okay, thank you.” She nodded and turned her attention back towards the view.
There’s no fucking way I’ll be able to resist those soft, pouty lips.
“Mr. Remington.” General Briggs, a high ranking official in the Air Force, walked over with his wife on his arm before I could make it to the champagne. “I’d like you to meet my wife, Linda.”
“Nice to meet you.” I shook her hand. “Glad the two of you could make it.”
“I’d never miss a Remington party.” General Briggs chuckled. “Especially since it gives me an opportunity to find out how my latest prototype is coming along without making a trip to your office.”
“You two have fun talking about airplanes. I’m going to get another glass of champagne.” Mrs. Briggs smiled and excused herself.
“We’re talking about jets—not airplanes.” General Briggs shook his head as she walked away and then turned his attention back to me. “Okay, so when do I get to see it in action?”
“Soon.” I nodded quickly. “We’ve done a few crewed flights and broke the sound barrier over the Atlantic.”
“Yeah, but I’ve got plenty of jets that can do that. You said this one could do that over land without blowing out people’s eardrums.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “I’m expecting results and so does the President.”
“Yes, I’m well aware.” I nodded. “The initial tests are promising, and we’ve made some adjustments. After we do a few more test flights, I’ll be ready to show you what all of Uncle Sam’s money is paying for.”
“Good.” General Briggs patted me on the shoulder. “I’m glad I didn’t have to make a trip to your office to get that update. If you’ll excuse me, one of your billionaire friends is chatting up my wife.”
“Better be careful.” I chuckled under my breath. “We’re irresistible when we talk about our money.”
“I’ll break my foot off in his ass.” General Briggs growled and started walking towards his wife.
Okay, where did Brittany go? Please tell me she didn’t run off again…
I quickly grabbed two glasses of champagne and looked at the empty spot where Brittany was standing when I left her. The crowd was starting to gather for a better view, and the ball was dropping. People were already starting to count down the final minute. I still didn’t see Brittany anywhere, and as more people gathered near the edge of the roof, my chance of finding her quickly diminished. Even if I could spot her, getting through the crowd without pushing someone out of the way was going to be impossible.
Damn it…
My frustration grew as I realized that I was going to miss my chance to plant a kiss on those gorgeous lips at midnight. All I could do was watch the ball drop while my heart dropped into my stomach in the process. There weren’t many moments in life when it was socially acceptable to kiss someone you just met randomly—and I was about to miss my opportunity to kiss the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on.
Fucking bullshit. Why can’t I have a normal life where things don’t have to be this freaking complicated? Why did I walk away—we should have just toasted with empty glasses.
I accepted my fate, stared at the ball, and listened to the last ten seconds tick away like explosions in my head. The moment came and went. People cheered. Fireworks went off. 2018 officially came to an end, and 2019 began. I seemed to be the only miserable person in the crowd. The group started to disperse after they had their midnight kiss, watched the initial round of fireworks and finished the drink in their hands. The party would continue well into the morning hours, but I was ready to go home and be done with the entire night.
I guessI can’t blame her for leaving. I probably came on too strong.
Wait, there she is!
“Brittany!” I waved and started pushing my way towards her.
