Resolution Pact: First Kiss

“Stop it…” She blushed and looked down.

“I’m serious.” I took her hand and nodded. “You’re gorgeous.”

“Should we get back to your party? I’m sure all of your guests are wondering where you went…” She looked back towards the door, apparently trying to change the subject.

“Let them wonder.” I shrugged. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

It had been a long time since I've been smitten by someone I just met, but I felt an instantaneous connection with Brittany. I could tell she was a little shy, but that didn’t bother me. The few dates I had been on since becoming CEO of Remington Aeronautics felt like job interviews and were hardly relaxing. I missed the days when I was able to go out and have fun without wondering if the woman across the table was only with me because her father was trying to secure a business deal with Remington Aeronautics.

We still had an ho

ur before the ball officially started it’s descent to signal in the new year, so we sipped champagne and made small talk. Brittany told me a little bit about her life, what she was studying at school and her aspirations for the future. I gave her a brief overview of the path that led me to become the youngest CEO of Remington Aeronautics and how much I missed being able to sit down for a normal conversation with someone.

“It looks like we’re about to have company.” Brittany looked towards the door as it started to open.

“I guess I couldn’t hide up here forever.” I chuckled under my breath. “Oh, those are some of the clients that don’t need much attention. We’re good.”

“I think I recognize them.” She tilted her head slightly. “Yeah, their daughter is in my sorority. They were at one of the events we held earlier this year.”

“Do you want to say hello?” I looked over at her.

“Nah, I’m good.” She turned back towards the view in front of us. “They probably don’t remember me anyway.”

We continued talking as the roof started to fill with more people from the party. Eventually, I wasn’t able to hide by the ledge with Brittany because some of the people I didn’t see downstairs felt that it was necessary to make sure I knew they came. It wasn’t like I was going to be offended if someone skipped my annual New Year’s Eve bash, but they didn’t know that. My father was the type to keep a list and bring it up at their next meeting—he felt like he was snubbed if someone didn’t put in an appearance.

I’d probably have fewer people talking to me if I was standing in Times Square watching the ball drop…

Thankfully, I had already spent a few minutes mingling with most of the people at the party, so once the new arrivals had made their introductions, I was able to continue my conversation with Brittany. She was so easy to talk to, and even though she was still a little shy, I was seeing her sense of humor start to shine through it. It was so lovely to be able to have a rational conversation with someone that revolved around something besides Remington Aeronautics.

“So tell me something, Brittany.” I tilted my head to the side.

“Yeah?” She looked up at me.

“Are you going to let me kiss you when the clock strikes midnight?” A grin formed on the corner of my lips.

“I don’t know…” She looked down and blushed. “I just met you…”

“Yeah, but it’s a tradition.” My grin got a little wider.

“Maybe…” She lifted her head slowly.

“Let me grab you another glass of champagne. You’re going to need something to toast with.” I reached out and took Brittany’s empty glass. “I’ll be right back.”

“Okay, thank you.” She nodded and turned her attention back towards the view.

There’s no fucking way I’ll be able to resist those soft, pouty lips.

“Mr. Remington.” General Briggs, a high ranking official in the Air Force, walked over with his wife on his arm before I could make it to the champagne. “I’d like you to meet my wife, Linda.”

“Nice to meet you.” I shook her hand. “Glad the two of you could make it.”

“I’d never miss a Remington party.” General Briggs chuckled. “Especially since it gives me an opportunity to find out how my latest prototype is coming along without making a trip to your office.”

“You two have fun talking about airplanes. I’m going to get another glass of champagne.” Mrs. Briggs smiled and excused herself.

“We’re talking about jets—not airplanes.” General Briggs shook his head as she walked away and then turned his attention back to me. “Okay, so when do I get to see it in action?”

“Soon.” I nodded quickly. “We’ve done a few crewed flights and broke the sound barrier over the Atlantic.”