TUESDAY TALES - CEILING

 

Welcome! This week's word prompt is "ceiling". We have another snippet from "Someone Like You." And we're still at the dance. But this week, we see things from Professor Mark Garrett's point-of-view. When you're done, please stop by and read the other author's posts. You'll find them HERE. 

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A few minutes earlier.

Mark put down his empty punch glass. When the music started, he sighed and gazed at the ceiling. Though it had been sseveral years, he still hadn’t adjusted to being at a dance without his beloved wife.

He went to the school events because he felt it was expected. As head of the department, he had to keep a high profile and participate in the school activities. He had no problem attending sporting events, but social events depressed him. He felt awkward without Nancy at his side.

As the song faded, he turned his head. There, right before his eyes, was a vision. A beautiful girl dressed in a fluid silk dress that clung to her slim figure in all the right places. The colored lights caught reddish strands in her dark hair that fell in loose curls about her shoulders.

Her face was shadowed, but streaks of light revealed even features. Eyes darkened by shadows, invisible from so far away, held mystery. The neckline of her dress was tasteful but still exposed some delicious cleavage. She took his breath away.

She stood next to Corey Anderson. Was she one of his students? His guard went up immediately. He could never date a student. It would be the end of his career. But maybe she wasn’t a student. After all, he hadn’t noticed her around campus, and he would have noticed a woman who looked like her. Corey leaned over and spoke to her. He had to find out who she was, because if she wasn’t a student, she might be the answer to his prayers.

He picked his way through the crowd and stopped in ft of Corey, who made the introductions. When they shook hands, he was struck by the softness of hers. He didn’t want to let go, but did so when he realized he'd held it a bit too long.  

His first question was about her status. When he heard that she was thirty years old and not a student, his heart almost leapt out of his chest.

Then the band played a romantic, slow tune. He asked the lovely Charlotte to dance and she accepted. Her perfume teased him. He couldn’t believe his luck. Corey’s sister! 

As he took her in his arms to dance, his pulse kicked up. His fingers pressed against the smooth silk of her dress. His arm encircled her small waist with ease. Unable to resist, he drew her closer, hoping she couldn’t feel his heart racing. This would be a night to remember!

That's it for this week. Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.