Like a Moth to a Flame - (BWWM) A Romantic One Shot

Sparks

"Miss? Would you have the code by any chance?" the driver asks.

I look down at the fancy black invitation in my hands. "Yes, it's 4311. Says it right here." I point to the words embossed in gold lettering on the thick card stock.

"OK." The driver dials the number into the keypad. The scrolling, iron gate opens. He drives up the long, wooded driveway and parks in the cobblestone drive-around.

"Here we are, Miss. Would you like me to walk you to the front door?" the driver asks as he opens the door.

Placing the intricately detailed, sparkling black mask over my eyes, I stare dauntingly at the oversized, wooden French doors that loom just a short distance away. "No, thank you. I should be fine." I grab the hem of my shimmering black evening gown and take his hand as he helps me out of the all-black limo. Quite conservative at first glance, my dress is actually very sensual with a complete back-out design. Goosebumps rise on my bare skin as a gust of October wind rushes past causing my pulse to race. Muscles tense, as I hold my breath, fighting back the cold. I let my evening gown fall to my feet as I reach back inside the limo for my clutch. A lady has essentials.

The haunting Waltz music emanating from the mansion is a sure indication that the Night of Immortality Masquerade Ball has started. Only one night of immortality? Why not a lifetime? I walk towards the front door, wondering who and what are inside.

I'm a bold one.

Having received the mysterious invitation in the mail, I noticed right away there was no plus one. That should've been my sign to chuck it and look for a little Halloween adventure elsewhere. But my curiosity got the better of me, gnawing away at my defenses until I caved. So, here I am. Attending a party I know nothing about, thrown by people I'm almost certain I've never met. But it begs the question. Why me?

My whole body seems to vibrate from the beating of my anxious, panic-stricken heart. As I get closer to the French doors, it only gets worse. I reach the top step and just as I stretch out my arm for the doorbell, the door eerily creaks open. And as it does, all the fancy dressed, masked guests suddenly stop what they're doing. Everyone turns towards me! My heart gallops, thudding loudly in my ears as I stare back star struck by the strange, unexpected welcome.

"I...uh." I trip over my own two feet as I attempt to back out and fall face first in front of everyone. The crowd gasps, but haunting Waltz music plays on.

Before I'm able to soak in my complete and utter embarrassment a masked gentleman makes his way through the crowd and comes to my rescue.

Between his irresistibly fresh, just-out-the-shower scent and his undeniable British accent, I'm putty in his hands. He's clearly not from around Atlanta. "Miss? Are you alright?" he asks with concern. His beautiful olive complexion and slight facial stubble immediately draw my eye. He's a heartthrob. Plain and simple.

Blood courses through my veins at an accelerated pace. "I...uh." I gulp. "I don't know what happened. I didn't expect..."

His voice is deep and velvety. "No worries, Love. I won't let you fall again. Here." He takes my hand and places it under his arm, allowing it to rest on his forearm. He leads me into the party. Everyone stops staring and goes back to whatever they were doing before I entered.

"Well...I made some entrance."

"That, I won't argue you. It was grand!" He smiles. "In every sense of the word!"

His humor is contagious. "Well then!" I laugh despite myself. "Tonight, might not be so bad after all."

"No. It's off to a rather interesting start," he says. His mischievous smile leads me to believe I'm in for a night not to soon be forgotten.