Excited didn't begin to describe my feelings about this New Years. I'd never been one to worry about getting a new years kiss. Most years were spent at home or with friends ringing in with champagne. But this year my best friend and I decided to go to a masquerade ball at an upscale hotel. Invites were very exclusive and she just happened to get tickets two days before the event.
As we entered the ballroom, I could barely contain myself. Glittering decorations covered everything possible, gowns reflected in the lights, people looked beautiful. Wait staff filled the crowd with trays of champagne and food.
I felt myself whirled around as a group of party-goers passed. They laughed and smiled and wished us a good time. As I twirled back around, I caught glimpse of a tall, mysterious man. As quickly as I saw him, he disappeared into the crowd.
We submerged ourselves into the party. Mingling, eating and drinking. After a while, we'd made some new friends. Every so often I'd catch sight of mystery man. His mask covered the top half of his face, a week's old beard covered below. Our masked eyes would meet, small smiles would appear, then we'd be swept up in the party.
Our group made its way to the balcony for some cool night air. As we socialized, I saw him again over my friends shoulder. My head tilted as I took him in from behind. His tall, lean body was leaned on his forearms against the railing. I realized his brown hair was pulled back into a soft knot at the back of his head. The tuxedo he wore fit him perfectly. Like it was made for him.
Slowly he turned as his friend approached. A shorter, handsome man with a glittery top hat, obviously tipsy chatted him up a few minutes. As they parted ways, mystery man lifted his drink and took a slow sip as his eyes found mine. Caught staring, I looked away.
The DJ inside announced it was 2 minutes until midnight and my group rushed inside for the countdown. Couples began to pair off. My friend and I intertwined arms, although her eye was on her own mystery man.
Waiters passed out various noisemakers and hats. One placed a paper tiara on my head. I grabbed a handful of confetti, waiting. As we got to 30 seconds my stomach got nervous.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
The room exploded, couples kissed. My best friend kissed my cheek and went to hug our group. My arm was tugged back and I spun around into the arms of mystery man. Simultaneously our lips reached for each other. His kiss was strong. His hand held the back of my neck as mine held his waist. My eyes opened slowly as we pulled away.
"I couldn't let you not be kissed at midnight." His voice was deep and gentle and he smiled. I slid his mask off his face. Lights danced off his eyes, which seemed to change color.
"Thank you." I whispered, the taste of whiskey remained on my lips. His thumb brushed my lips and he turned, vanishing into the crowd.
