Happy New Year, all! I’m not one for resolution posts, or coming in the next year posts, or anything like that. But one thing I’ve looked forward to about a new year ever since I started blogging is Frankie Diane Mallis’ No Kiss Blogfest. If your not familiar with it, go check it out. This is its fourth year and every time, the entries are always fantastic.
This year my non-kiss is from the novel I just finished revising – CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
A bit of lead-in: Kenzie is a contract publicity manager, and her current job is to make Scott more presentable to the public eye. There are a couple issues preventing a smooth make-over. Scott likes the creative freedom that comes from running a major software company and doesn’t appreciate someone telling him how he should act. And second, Scott and Kenzie are fighting an intense attraction to each other because indulging could cost them both their livliehoods.
In this scene, they’re at an industry masquerade/charity auction, with a lot of important business and media eyes watching everything that happens.
Kenzie stood near the back of the room, shifting her weight from one foot to another. Standing up straight made her heels ache, but fidgeting didn’t solve the problem. She desperately wanted to step out of the torture devices masquerading as shoes. She sipped her water and watched as item after item sold to the highest bidder.
It made her smile that so many people were into the evening. Or at least, now that the novelty of snapping pictures of everyone in their costumes had worn off and she had some peace, it made her smile.
She’d mingled a little, but this wasn’t the kind of affair she was used to. Scott was in his element. Every time she caught a glimpse of him, he was laughing and joking with someone new. She didn’t know which were his colleagues and which were just fans, but he seemed to enjoy everyone’s company. Such a sharp contrast to how drained he’d looked at the investor dinner.
Could she sneak out for the night without saying goodbye? Was it rude to leave before the auction was over? She set her drink on a nearby table and made her way toward the exit, relieved when she didn’t pass anyone. The lights and noise faded into the background, and she left it behind her with a hint of regret.
A warm hand rested at the small of her back, startling her and obliterating her musings, and a faint whiff of cologne greeted her. It was him. She stopped in the empty, quiet hallway. At least he couldn’t hear her hammering heart.
His breath was warm on her neck, his voice low. “What they’re saying is true. You really are the most beautiful woman here.”
The compliment warmed her and she couldn’t fight the flutter that surged through her chest. She tried to push it away, stay aloof, hope it didn’t show on the surface. “Really? How many of the others have you said that to?”
“Not a single one.” Hurt was distinct in his reply.
She winced at the wounded honesty, but hid her reaction, never turning to face him.
“It’s a shame we’re just associates. Friends at best.” He moved closer until his entire left side was pressed against her back, hand on her hip and finger tracing a light line along the top of her skirt. “Because I desperately want to take you home with me.”
Her skin flushed from the contact and the sincere words, and she was glad the makeup and latex hid it. She spun, any response dying on her lips when she met his gaze. She traced a finger over his face beneath the fake scar. “This is sexy, but I’m glad it’s not real.”
He inhaled through clenched teeth, a reluctant smile flitting in. “Me too. Getting something like this probably hurts like hell.”
She laughed and ducked her head. It was too easy. Too much fun.
He stepped closer, and she locked her gaze on him again, sinking into the deep brown of his eyes. He traced a finger over her bottom lip and an electrified chill ran through her. Her lips parted, and her eyes half drifted shut as she leaned in.
A loud giggle echoed through the empty hallway, sounding like shattering glass in the otherwise still.
Her eyes flew open as she remembered how very public their surroundings were. She forced one foot back, and then the other, putting a several inches between them. Her laugh sounded forced and nervous, even to her own ears, and disappointment warred with propriety. “This might not be the time.”
He studied her for a moment, expression finally breaking into a sad smile. “Had to give it a shot, right?” Hurt rang heavy in his fake laughter.
These characters are so well drawn, I can feel the push-pull of their desire and conflict. And what a great parting line from him!
Oh the end, it always sucks when a kiss doesn’t work out and I totally understand how he’s feeling.
Ahhh. I feel like he should have jumped on that opening — “this might not be the time” because it IMPLIES there WILL be a time! And now I want to know when that is, too 😛
This leaves me really hoping there is a time for them to get together, and soon. Nice job!
I want to strangle whoever it was that giggled. Loved the scene!
Oh! Such a lovely tension here. I hope they eventually find the right time.
Is it just me, or do a lot of your characters hate their shoes? 😉
No, seriously, this is an awesome scene. And it makes me want to greedily ignore the laundry and go back to the book…
Aaaah! Tension! Love it. Thanks so much for participating!
This is one of my favorite entries in this bloghop. Very well done!
A new follower here…saying hello from the blogest. What a sexy scene! Oh, I bet those two are totally going to get together later on…
Great scene! Lots of good tension and I liked how sincere he seemed! 🙂 Stupid giggling person. GRRRR….
I never heard of anyone laughing themselves out of a kiss. Well done.