Top of the World (War romance story)

Chapter Four (Part One)

I'm really into this story. Me, being the writer, I see inspiration in everything. I have much in store for this story, and regardless of whether it has many reads or not, I'll continue and go forth. I hope everyone enjoys! I'm trying to update as much as possible, but school is kicking my butt! Anyway, here's chapter four. Things start to get interesting.

Enjoy! And please, keep the east coast USA in your prayers. Hurricane Sandy left behind quite a bit of sorrow and destruction. God bless them.

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I broke away from Hudson Lane, staring up at the lanterns that hung overhead, with their timid pastel colors dangling before my eyes, almost in a taunting way. The final notes of the song rang out, and melted into a moment's silence. Then, a more upbeat melody, one in which evoked more people to join the crowded dance floor, began to play.

"I'm sorry...this is all too sudden." I wriggled out of his hold, freeing my body. With a confused face, he watched as I began to walk away.

"Wait a minute... miss! Please--" He extended his hand outward, grabbing my arm lightly. I whipped around on my heels, pivoting my body towards him, though my eyes stayed glued to the scuffed wooden floor. "Mr. Lane, you're a nice guy, and I appreciate you standing up to that soda jerk for me, but you have to understand that--"

Before I could finish, he tugged my body forward, making me lunge forward The two of us weaved through the thick crowd until we reached the main entryway, and with a whoosh, he opened the door and ushered me outside into the crisp summer air. My mouth opened to speak, but as soon as we were alone, and the door was closed, he leaned up against the wall, facing me intently. He began to speak in his rich, deep voice, enthralling me.

"I'm sorry. I had to get out of there." He said, flashing a coy, half smile. When he smiled, the creases around his eyes made his eyes stand out, with their beautiful green contours, and I found myself getting lost in them, like a deep, evergreen forest that went on for miles.

I shook the thought from my mind, focusing my gaze elsewhere. Mechanically, to ease the awkwardness, I backed up a few steps before running into a handrail. I winced a little at the sudden pain, and looked up to see him smirking and giggling. With a glare, I snarled, "What do you think is so funny, huh?"

Throwing his head back in merry laughter, he pointed towards me. Once he saw my unamused stance, he stopped laughing, but continued to smile. "I was about to warn you not to back up, but looks like you beat me to it." I let out a heavy sigh, rubbing the small of my back with my hand, feeling a new bruise sprout. I bruised easily, like a peach. I blamed it on my anemia.

"Why'd you force me out of there? No offense, Mr. Lane, but I was taught not to follow strangers..." I began to move past him, making my way towards the door back into the dance hall, but he stopped me. With his tall stature, he towered over me, staring down into my own colorful eyes. He gulped, and let out an uneasy stunt of laughter. "I just...thought it would be easier to get acquainted away from the crowd...don't you?"

I backed down, taking a step back. I arched an eyebrow, and folded my arms tightly across my chest. "I guess you're right."

"And didn't you agree to not wanting to be strangers?" He edged, with swelling persistence in his voice.

"Yes..."

"And please. Don't call me Mr. Lane. You sound like Mrs. Wilkes." I let out my own bit of laughter from that. "Oh, yeah. I forgot you worked for her. How'd that happen? Usually her handymen don't last more than a few days, so you better be careful." I warned.