Bee to my Barnes

part 7

Letting your fingers slip from his grasp as James lowers your hand, your cheeks burn, sparks flying through your body you run the tips of your fingers over where his lips had brushed your skin hoping to savour the moment. Embarrassment building in your stomach over the reaction your having, how childish and obviously starstruck your behaving you dip your head before uttering ‘Likewise, Mr Barnes.’

This was the main character to the endless movies in your mind and all you can do is act like a teenage fool.

As Jade discusses the security plans, his entrance drew you back repetitively, your pulse raising every time your eyes lock onto each other. 'why is he staring at me' you think, 'he must think I'm pathetic, gosh I should just have ran while I had the chance.'

The discussion comes to a close quickly thankfully and your all ready to make your way up to the main event. Making your way over to the elevator every sense is in overload trying to stay calm as James closes the distance between you, his bicep occasionally floating across your bare shoulder. Just as he does, your stiletto heel catches the edge of your skirt sliding you across the smooth surface, your knees begin to buckle sending you once more flailing to the floor had it not been for the large firm hand that has placed itself around your dainty waist. ‘Your starting to make a habit of falling aren’t you doll?’ His hot breath whispers through your hair and into your ear instantly catching your breath.

Dumbfounded into silence you just gaze upon his secretive face, slowly narrowing his brows a small wrinkle spears upon his temple as he shakes his head. He just slowly looks down at you and the pit begins to swell inside, unsure if he found your clumsiness to be a nuisance or slightly amusing.

‘I’m...I’m sorry,' you nervously respond becoming undone as you realise in the fall one of your hands have clasped onto his huge biceps squeezing his muscular frame as the other planted firmly across his hard peck, feeling the deep strength of beating of his heart echoing through your forearm.

‘That’s quite alright’ straightening you up and gesturing with his large open palms to continue behind the others it doesn't go unnoticed that his hand remains firmly cupping the curve of your lower back, guiding you to the lift.

Stepping out onto the terrace, it was picture perfect. The ambience captures the class and elegance in the summer sunset backdrop, you take a moment to soak in the payment of a job well done. Scanning the guest you can see some of the wealthiest figures of the city, it isn’t long before conversations capture the attention of your well known friends, naturally separating across the crowds.

As you leave to walk towards the bar James leans down, cheek to cheek, ‘save a dance for me yeah?’ he flashes you a grin as he lifts his face away from yours, gently stroking a finger over the silver line ever so slightly visible on your brow.

‘of course.’ Biting your lip as you unconsciously tilt your head in towards his touch.

Fluttering around the room, Ms Romanoff praising your work to fellow guest you secure your next big event – the Stark Rogers 10th anniversary event from Tony.  Your attention, however hard you try, is never fully invested in the conversations as your always seeking the dark haired devil who is captivating your being yet alas, his attention claimed by another at every opportunity.

The night was drawing to a close, your head light with exhaustion or was it the champagne? Either way you perch on one of the chairs rubbing your heels that now throbbed. Letting out a disheartened sigh at not managing to squeeze in that dance with James, you dip your head into your hand resting upon the table just as Jade walks up with Steve. They both let out a childishly giddy as they whisper sweet nothings together, hardly able to keep their hand off each one another. ‘We’re going to head off Trix, thank you so much for all of your hard work it truly has been the best gala ever.’ She giggled through hiccups. ‘How are you getting home, do you need a lift?’

‘Oh no, don’t worry about it I have sorted out a way home’ you blatantly lie, desperate to not be a third wheel in the backseat of their car. A slight shudder in sympathy to what  the upholstery is about to witness runs up your spine. 

Slipping the straps of your shoes off your feet, dangling between your fingers as you walk towards the exit, the sky now jet black enhancing the dusting of fairy lights twinkling the skylines high above the city streets.  Stretching your arm out to flag down one of the many yellow cabs flying through Times Square a familiar cool hand wraps easily around your wrist from behind lowering it back to your side. His touch is tough, firm and forceful yet delicate enough not to hurt you. Feeling a large body pressed up against your back you tilt your head back only to meet the stern jawed stare you had been chasing all evening.