TWISTED FATES BOOK 1: The First Twist

Sammie

It’s Official. I have died and gone to heaven, folks.

At least that’s what I was thinking as I gawked at the enigmatic Jareth, like a kid at a candy store.

“H- Hi Jareth,” I finally managed to stammer out of my tongue-tied mouth.

What the hell was wrong with me? I have never had this much trouble talking to a hot-looking guy in my life.

Ish. Tres Awkward.

Evidently, Jareth visibly considered my ineptness entertaining as he continued to watch me intently. He appeared to be grinning at me with gratification as if my behavior were ... dare I say cute?

One can only hope.

“Do I know you?” I questioned. “I mean, please don’t be offended. It’s just that I’m quite sure I’d remember someone as hot ... I mean gorg - interesting... as you.”

Insert foot in mouth here, please.

Jareth let out a small chuckle in amusement. I guess I was the comedienne in this scenario, my friends.

“I apologize, Samantha. I promise you; I am certainly not laughing at your expense, love. I’m merely charmed by the endearing uneasiness that you seem to be experiencing at my impropriety. I find your demeanor quite enthralling, my dear.”

WOW, this man was making me weak in the knees with every syllable that escapes those kissable lips.

Focus Sammie... Focus.

As if on cue, the music suddenly changed to a slow rock song with a haunting melody, If I was your Vampire by Marilyn Manson. One of my favorite songs.

I was about to ask if he wanted to dance with me but was nervous that I would seem like a desperate idiot, so instead, I stood there fidgeting like an idiot.

Yeah, totally better choice.

As if he could read my mind, or maybe just felt bad for my display of awkwardness, Jareth let out a soft chuckle and presented me with his outstretched hand.

“I hope you don’t think me to forward; however, may I have the pleasure of this dance Samantha?”

His actions were so contradictory, almost antiquated, in comparison to the modern-day decadence of the atmosphere surrounding us. And yet, this chivalrous air that encompassed his demeanor suited him perfectly, almost as if he were from an era in which certain conducts were natural and expected. I’m assuming that must be why it didn’t even bother me that he referred to me by my full name rather than what I usually prefer to go by. When Jareth said my full name, it sent sweet shivers all over me.

So, as if there was no other plausible answer to his invitation, I simply returned his smile, took his hand, and we danced. It was as if we were the only two people in the room. Our intertwined bodies swayed to a melody that resonated solely within our linked cognition.

**********************************************************

I couldn’t tell you how long we danced, but it felt like forever, and yet not long enough, as I was transfixed on his dark iridescent eyes that seemed only to hold my own in their regard. It wasn’t until Shay and Astrid’s precipitous interruption that I suddenly remembered where I was.

“Ahem, excuse me, miss thing ... what you got going on overhear boo?” Shay inquired jovially.

“Shay, Astrid,” I quickly swirled to face them and cleared my throat, “I was wondering where you two disappeared to.”

My friends eyed me, sporting a now flushed face, and my esteemed dance partner suspiciously. They then turned to each other, letting loose the most animated fit of laughter.

Why am I so damn funny to people today?

“Somehow, we doubt that bitch.” Shay joked. “It looked like you, and your friend here weren’t too concerned with anyone else up in this place, girlfriend.”

Shay gave me a knowing wink and nudged Astrid causing the two to begin laughing again.

“That is sooo not true, Shay!” I retorted.

I could tell I was wholly blushing from embarrassment right now.

“You guys left me, first - ”

Just as I was about to continue defending myself to my way too observant GFs, the sound of Jareth anxiously clearing his throat drew my attention back to the man standing behind me. His long arms were still encircling my waist.

Yep, I was definitely blushing now.

“Sorry, Jareth, these two beautiful, smart asses are my dear friends, Shay De Rocher and Astrid Spencer. Ladies, this is Jareth - ”

“Mickelsen. Tis’ a pleasure to make the acquaintance of two such lovely creatures,” he interjected as he smiled at them both. Gracefully he removed his arm from my waist and greeted my girls by bestowing a kiss upon each of their hands.

And now they’re blushing. See, people, it’s not just me; this guy knows how to charm the ladies.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, GF,” Astrid managed, finally bring herself to say, “but it’s about that time, Sammie, and pretty sure your Uber is gonna be arriving soon hon. You ready to go, or do you need more alone time with Romeo?”

Shit.

Quite sure my friends sensed the forlorn look on my face because they decided to go ahead say their farewells. Of course, that was after they made sure that I promised to text them once I arrived home safely, which we all know is code for wanting the deets on Mr. Sexy Pants later on.

After a quick hug, I watched them make their way through the diminishing crowd and depart beyond my field of view.

**********************************************************

Jareth and I managed to slip away from the nightclub’s confines and made our way outside the club. The streetlamps illuminated the sidewalk as we reached the curb where I would wait for my Uber to arrive. Like a true gentleman, Jareth offered to keep me company until its arrival. I turned to face Jareth, whom I could tell was just as despondent about my imminent departure as I was.

Sadly, since I barely knew the guy, I was not about to make myself out to be some floozy by sleeping with him tonight, even though my body was more than willing to see what surprises he had underneath his black attire.

God, what is wrong with me? I never even think about sleeping with someone I literally just met, yet I’m acting like a horny teenager. This man has some serious sexy mojo going on.

We were standing facing each other mere inches apart. “Jareth,” I looked down, fidgeting with my hands when I spoke so that I wouldn’t get sucked back into his mesmerizing cobalt blue eyes.

“Sorry, my friends interrupted us, but they were right. It’s late, and I really should be getting home, but I’d like to exchange phone numbers if you are so inclined, perhaps? In case you maybe wanted to meet again?”

I know, really eloquent.

When I looked up, I saw Jareth’s head was tilted at an angle, and his brow was creased as if he was pondering my words inscrutably. He had such a poker face at that moment that I wasn’t quite sure how he would respond to the word vomit I had just pathetically spewed from my lips.

Shit, Shit, Shit - I think I just totally misread his intentions. He was probably only interested in a quick hook-up, not swapping numbers with me.

Ish.

So embarrassing.

“Well ... OK then, I guess I’ll just see ya around. Sorry for putting you on the spot. It’s cool ... just forget I said anything, b- ”

My words were cut off as Jareth suddenly bowed his tall frame forward and surprised me with the most mind-blowing kiss. It was slow and tender at first, but as my lips parted and our tongues began intertwining with such eagerness, I found myself letting out an uncontrollable whimper when I tried to catch my breath.

This time it was Jareth who put the brakes on our passionate entanglement as he gently removed his soft lips from mine and stepped back to allow some space between us. Well aware that he was just as aroused as I was, I could tell that Jareth was trying to be respectful of my wishes.

Oddly though, he looked at me and seemed almost unsure of my receptiveness towards him

“Please pardon my indiscretions, Samantha,” he uttered, “I could not refrain from indulging myself. I hope you don’t think me too forward for kissing you.”

Are you freaking kidding me!! Was he apologizing for being too forward? Who is this guy am I right?

Attentively, I rested my hand on his rather solid chest and shook my head. “You have nothing to apologize for. That kiss was so awesome, Jareth!”

Awesome ...awesome? Way to sound desperate, Sammie.

Ish.

A warm smile pervaded his kissable lips.

“Does that mean it would be safe to assume that I might call on you again? Perhaps I may escort you on a date at a more refined locale?” He asked bashfully.

I giggled. This guy was fucking adorable.

“Well, Mr. Jareth Mickelsen,” I cooed, “I would love it very much if you did.”

We exchanged phone numbers just as my Uber approached the curb next to where we were standing. Jareth opened the car’s back door, motioning me to get into the vehicle, and placed a soft kiss on my forehead before closing it. As the car drove away, I turned to look back from the back seat and see Jareth still standing where I had left him. He had the most genuine smile adorning his handsome face.

Feeling giddy from the night’s events, I leaned my head back into the headrest and sighed. Within a few moments, I noticed that I had received a text message from Jareth.

Thank you for making this a most memorable evening, Samantha. I count the days until we meet again.

Yours Jareth

Yep, this one’s a keeper.

Sigh.