GraceRyan
Rock n' Roll Doggie FOB
Title: Seconds
Authors: GraceRyan & WithoutSpeaking
Rating: PG13 - adult themes and adult reactions to adult things
Disclaimer: This is not true. U2 were not born until the 1960's. But....maybe there was a Paul, David, Adam and Larry that were friends during WW2.
As always, comments, questions and accolades are met with loving arms.
Paul gave a nervous tug at his black bow tie as Swakeley House loomed before him. He watched the party revelers stream across the lawn to the old mansion, the invitation to the New Year’s Eve ball the most prestigious in town. They were lucky not to be flying tonight; some of the other lads would be in the sky somewhere over Germany right now.
"Are we ready?" he asked Molly and David.
Molly looped her arm in his. "Sure. Goodbye 1941!"
It took some convincing on Paul's part to get Molly to come with him. She heard about his reputation and had no interest in the charismatic playboy, but his quiet younger brother was more her type. Paul had to promise that he had no designs whatsoever to get into her knickers, and Larry already had a date. In sheer desperation, Paul had to spill the beans that he wanted to take Ava but Larry had asked her first.
"How does going with you help my cause?" she asked with her hands on her hips.
"Ava is singing most of the night. You'll be at the table with Larry, and I'll make meself scarce. You will have your chance with him," he had promised.
Whatever he said must have worked, because they were here now. David walked behind them, the third wheel for the evening. Paul tried to persuade him to bring a date, but the thought of dancing with anyone besides Lyneth turned his stomach. In fact, he needed coaxing from Larry and Paul to even show his face tonight; he didn't fancy seeing in a new year watching Adam bask in the glow of his gift.
Since Boxing Day, David seethed quietly as he pictured Lyneth throwing her arms around Adam to thank him for the lovely broach. David knew she loved it by the way she gazed upon it and proudly showed it to everyone at the hospital. His blood boiled when she mentioned with glee that her pilot boyfriend gave it to her. No, your wonderful boyfriend didn't get you anything and took another man's credit, he thought bitterly.
Luckily, Adam had been flying during the week and David didn't have to see him. He could look forward to seeing Lyneth during the day and retreat to his journal at night. The absence of Paul and Adam offered him some peace.
Tonight, the whirling dervish known as Paul was back on the ground and humming like a tuning fork. David watched with amusement as Paul fought with his tie and his hair - losing the battle with the latter. Even as they entered the grand house, Paul furiously tried to get it to lay flat like in the movies or in the magazines. Each time, it defied him and popped back up.
"Where is he?" Molly asked as the entered the grand foyer.
Paul knew to find Larry he just needed to find Ava. "Let's take your coat and get some drinks."
Molly shot him an amused look. "Such a gentleman. Not like what I'd heard."
"I don't even want to know," Paul sighed.
As long as Ava didn't believe the rumors or the truth, he didn't care. He was placing all his eggs in this very important basket tonight. He kept one eye on David as well - Paul noticed that he'd been tense since Boxing Day. Adam might not have seen the glares, but they weren't lost on Paul. He was afraid that David might burst with the slightest provocation or drink.
The place was vast, with one room emptying into a larger room. Paul was certain he would get lost just looking for the loo. He heard the music and kept driving his little group towards it. He knew drinks and Ava could be found nearby.
He heard her voice before he saw her. Rounding a corner, Paul saw the stage set up near a wall of tall windows leading to the grounds at the back of the house. A vision in blue silk, Ava's gaze caught his the moment he walked in. All the blood in his body rushed to his chest when she smiled directly at him.
She wore blue, he thought excitedly.
He couldn't feel Molly's touch on his arm anymore, just warmth radiating across his body as Ava's eyes locked on him while she sang "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To". Larry was nowhere to be found, and Paul hoped it stayed that way.
Leave it to his little brother to mess with his love life.
"Looks like it’s reserved seating according to ticket number," David’s voice brought Paul out of his daze. "The bar is in the next room."
"We'll get some drinks if you find our table," Molly suggested. "I hope we're with Larry."
"Me too," Paul held a finger to Ava and nodded to the bar. He wanted her to know that he was here for her even if he wasn't her escort.
David took a deep breath, following behind Paul and Molly. He really would rather not be here, but when Paul gave him those puppy dog eyes, working so hard to convince him how terrible his night would be if he spent it all alone back at the barracks, he just couldn’t say no.
Paul made a beeline for the bar while David collected their reservation cards and the usher showed him to their table. It was a fine table - Ava obviously had connections. David took a seat at the end near the window. The waning winter light streamed through the windows into the ballroom; they couldn’t have dreamed of a more elegant setting in which to ring in 1942. He was always rather interested in architecture, and for a moment stopped thinking about how beautiful Lyneth would look tonight as he gazed in awe at the room. He had always wondered what the inside of the mansion looked like, and it was more spectacular than he could have imagined.
He didn’t know much about the history of the place, but he recalled that someone told him that the Lord Mayor of London used to live there back in the seventeenth century. It was definitely a dignified tribute - a brick masterpiece towering over the stately grounds, white with a fresh dusting of snow. The ballroom was magnificent, at the far end it almost seemed dwarfed by the elegant oak staircase and marble fireplace.
David stopped musing at what it would be like to live in such a mansion, his gaze drifting casually toward the entrance.
He swallowed hard when he saw her.
Lyneth wore her hair down tonight, her soft chestnut curls brushing over the tops of her shoulders, bare in an elegant, strapless champagne coloured dress. It was hard not to notice the fine grouping of emeralds glittering at the cleft of her breasts - his gift to her. The gift which another man had taken credit for, knowing that he wasn’t the one who spent half his pay packet on it.
David closed his eyes to empty his head of his angry thoughts. Tonight was about new beginnings, he prayed.
He watched Lyneth toss her hair back in laughter, a move he'd seen Ava perform several times before. As she turned to greet a fellow nurse, he couldn't help but notice how the silk hugged her round bottom perfectly. The hair on the back of his neck felt damp just thinking about tracing her spine with his fingers, then lips - such perfect lines.
Where was Paul with the drinks, he thought, slipping his finger under the collar of his shirt. He wished he could have tied his bow tie a bit looser, but then it wouldn’t look right. He wanted to look his best tonight - it wasn’t often that he got to wear his service dress with no cap and a bow tie, but an occasion like this demanded it.
He watched as Lyneth approached the table, his eyes transfixed on her as he absentmindedly drummed his fingers on the table. He decided right then that he was going to try his best to pretend that Adam wasn’t there right beside her.
“Hello, David,” Lyneth smiled as he gazed up at her, taking a moment to realize that he probably should pull out a chair for her to sit.
"Good evening all," Paul smiled as he entered the frame behind her and set drinks on the table.
Lyneth rolled her eyes when she saw that Paul had yet another date. She wondered who the unfortunate girl was. Luckily, Larry had won Ava's hand tonight. Paul would have to cool his heels on the sideline.
"Paul, I don't believe I've met your lovely date," Lyneth said.
"This is Molly," Paul said as he pulled a chair out for her. "Molly, this is Lyneth. You know Dave and Adam."
The fiery redhead in the orange dress smiled pleasantly as she sipped her sherry. Her eyes darted around the room and never focused on Paul. Lyneth thought it was odd for one of Paul's dates as they usually draped themselves across him.
"How do you know each other?" Lyneth asked.
"I work as a donut dolly on base. I see these fellas all the time," she said.
"We're old friends," Paul said. "That's a lovely showcase for Adam's gift, Lyneth." His voice was sharp as he stole a glance at David's terse face.
"Thank you Paul. Leave it you to notice," Lyneth's smile was icy.
"She wears it perfectly," Adam dropped a kiss on Lyneth's shoulder.
Paul's eyes darkened as he looked from Adam to David's pale face. Fear tore through David as Paul's mouth opened to reply.
"Ava!" David exclaimed. If anyone could lighten the air, it would be her.
Upon hearing her name, Paul hopped from his seat and pulled out the empty chair beside him. He had forgotten about whatever secrets he was ready to spill.
"Good evening everyone," Ava beamed.
"Ava, you look stunning," Paul sighed. He leaned in to kiss her cheek. As his lips touched her skin, a spark popped between them.
"You look quite handsome yourself, sir," she purred.
His fingertips brushed the soft skin on her back as he pushed in her chair. He wished he could slide his chair against hers and let his arm slip around her shoulders. He envied Adam for being able to take Lyneth's hand and let the world know they were together.
Paul leaned forward, his hand slipping under the table to Ava's knee to give it an affectionate squeeze.
"Lawrence," he nodded, his hand lingering.
"Paul," Larry stretched his arm behind Ava.
Lyneth chuckled to herself. If Richard were here, there would be nothing for these boys to fight about. In fact, Lyneth doubted that they would be close friends with them at all. For as much as Paul annoyed her, she was secretly thankful for his tenacity to put himself in Ava's path as without him, she would have never got to know Adam. In Richard's absence, Ava had become a strong independent woman that Lyneth enjoyed very much. She wondered how Richard would respond to this new Ava when he returned.
Without removing his hand, Paul turned to his date; her eyes were glued to Larry.
"You remember Molly, right?"
"Yeah, donuts," Larry nodded to her.
"The buffet appears to be open," Adam announced, breaking the spell that Molly was trying to will on Paul’s brother.
Paul stood and considered pulling out Ava's chair, but he remembered how she admonished him for abandoning Mary. After all, Molly was his date tonight.
"Shall we?" He extended his hand to her.
Molly was delighted that she wasn't going to be invisible all night. "He barely glanced at me. How can I compete with her?" she sighed as they walked away.
"He's just being an eejit. He has no designs on her, I promise, " Paul said.
At least he better not, he thought. It didn't matter - the way Ava smiled at him spoke volumes.
Through dinner, Paul leaned close to Ava to speak in her ear. Ava couldn't help but notice how the blue of his uniform made his eyes bluer than usual. She caught him trying in vain several times to get his hair to lay flat. She resisted the desire to brush the hair from his eyes as that would raise plenty of eyebrows. After dinner, Adam excused himself to mingle with some fellow officers to smoke cigars and drink brandy in the drawing room.
"You don't mind, do you?" he asked.
Lyneth shook her head. "I have David to keep me company."
David's heart jumped as she laid her hand over his.
"Take good care of her," Adam winked.
"Oh, I will," he said, almost too passionately.
"Since you did promise a dance to the loser, may I collect now?" Paul asked.
“If you like, darlin’,” Ava turned to Larry. “Do you mind?”
Larry stroked his chin. “I guess I could allow him one dance. Enjoy it, big brother.”
“I shall,” Paul winked as he slipped an arm around Ava’s waist.
He led her as far from the table as he could. As he encircled his arm around her, Paul’s heart stopped - that dazzling smile was for him. Her fingers slipped under the hair that curled on his collar sending a shiver down his spine. He pressed her hand against his thundering chest.
“I know I’ve already said this, but you look beautiful,” he blushed. “Well, you always look amazing, but.....you wore blue.”
She smiled up into his shining eyes. “You asked me to.”
“I really love you in blue,” his voice quivered slightly. He wondered if he had the same effect on her - dry mouth, damp hands and pounding heart.
“You look good in blue too. Really brings out your eyes,” she mused forgetting that they were in a packed ballroom.
“I wish I was here with you tonight,” he blurted, knowing that his time alone with her was precious.
“We’re here now,” she said softly.
“You know what I mean. I wish I could have been your escort,” he said seriously.
She inched closer. “I know.....but Molly seems nice.”
“She’s very nice,” he leaned into her ear. “And she’s here for Larry. That’s how I convinced her to come with me.”
“Paul, you had to convince a girl to be your date?” Ava raised an eyebrow.
He rolled his eyes. “I know....can you believe it?”
Chuckling, he pulled her to him, closing the gap between them. If she looked up, their lips would certainly meet. In recent weeks, she found herself gazing at his full lips, wondering how they would feel on her. This had moved beyond flirting and infatuation; she thought about him all the time lately.
Lyneth cast a disapproving eye as Paul led Ava away from the table. Why was Larry even allowing Paul five minutes alone with her? Lyneth had to remind herself that Ava was an adult, Lyneth could only offer advice if Ava ever asked.
Her attention turned to David, drumming his fingers on the table along with the music. He barely touched his dinner as he pushed his plate away from him. He was, however, on his second whiskey. It was unusual for someone who nursed a drink or maybe two on most nights. Lyneth smiled to herself remembering the goofy boy that sang to her while wearing a pink shawl across his shoulders.
Why isn't he here with a date? she wondered. With his high cheekbones and green eyes, he was very handsome in an unconventional way. When he smiled, he face illuminated. It's too bad that Ava was engaged, she thought. David deserved a good woman.
David's eyes caught on Lyneth's peering at him and his heart jumped. His mind emptied of all rational thought - this was the moment to say something - anything.
“Oh, this is one of my favourites when Ava does it... ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’. You know I really do love Cole Porter.”
“Would... Would you care to maybe...erm...dance?” David said, his cheeks blushing crimson.
“I’d love to. Adam is off hobnobbing with officers.”
David rose and held out his hand to Lyneth. He closed his fingers around hers, hoping that his palm wasn’t too sweaty. He led her out to the dance floor, feeling unsure about where to place his hands. There was nothing but bare skin to touch, her shoulders soft and inviting, her dress cut so very low at the back. Before he knew it she had slipped into his arms, thinking nothing of it while his heart pounded and the back of his neck grew warm.
"You really are a lovely dancer, David," Lyneth chimed. "Why are you alone tonight? I'm sure there are plenty of girls who would love to dance with you all night."
"I don't know about that," he tried to mask the heartbreak in his voice.
He wanted to confess the reason for his desolation. To tell her that if she gave him a chance, he would love her completely. And neither of them would ever be alone.
His eyes slipped past her neckline to peek under the fabric pressed against him. “And all the good ones are taken."
"That doesn't stop some people."
How he wanted to inch his fingers up and lace them through her soft hair, drawing her to him as his lips descended upon hers. But this was not the time nor place for their first kiss.It would be a private moment, he decided; a moment which, if it ever came, he would share with her and her alone.
Her lips were only inches from his ear, he could feel her breath tickling the side of his neck and he could smell the soft floral scent in her hair. He couldn’t rid his mind of thoughts of kissing her. He’d only have to turn his head just a bit to meet her lips...
David closed his eyes as he clutched her hand just a bit tighter, his fingers sliding down her back, tracing her skin ever so lightly. He forced himself to breathe evenly, imagining what she would say if he suddenly pressed his fingers more deliberately against her skin and drew her body to him. He stole a furtive glance at the tops of her breasts, licking his lips covertly as he wondered if she would taste salty or sweet beneath his tongue.
He dared a quick look at her, relieved that her eyes were closed as she hummed the song softly - yet a small part of him wished that she’d seen the way he was regarding her right now; the way he was envisioning her pressed against him.
He had yet to experience the pleasure of being with a woman, in the flesh at least. Most nights, he woke with a start and an aching in his shorts that he could not ignore. His waking thought was of Lyneth - beside him, under him, on top of him - as slick with sweat as he was when he bolted upright in bed.
His thoughts were going where he was trying so desperately not to let them go - he took a deep breath, trying to fight that familiar tightness building in his trousers as she breathed unknowingly in his ear.
Didn’t she know what she was doing to him?
He closed his eyes and bit down softly on his lip, imagining her fingers attempting to tame his hair, pulling him into a deep, wanting kiss. Just then she began to sing softly, with no regard for the effect she was having on him.
I'd sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin' you near
In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats, repeats in my ear
She was completely immersed in the song, seemingly a million miles away from the man who was holding her - just far enough away so she wouldn’t feel his want against her. He took some deep cleansing breaths; he needed to calm himself down.
If she were to feel how much he wanted her, she'd never be able to look at him the same way.
It was too soon, he told himself. Now was not the time to reveal his passion for her. He wanted her to know his heart too. His thoughts drifted to something more innocent as she swayed with him to the music; he pictured her laying next to him under a soft down duvet - his arms wound around her waist as she fell into a deep slumber, thoughts of war and chaos giving way to comfort and familiarity.
"David?” she whispered softly, “have you fallen asleep?”
He jumped slightly when he realized the song had ended, one hand resting on her shoulder and his other palm flat against her lower back.
"No," he cleared his throat, stepping away from her quickly so she wouldn’t feel his arousal. "I was just thinking how much better that song would have been if Ava sang it."
"You should ask her to dance. She's with that Paul. I thought Larry was supposed to be her date," Lyneth grumbled.
David secured his jacket casually in hopes Lyneth would not notice her effect on him. "Paul is relatively harmless. I know he has a bit of a reputation, but Ava has turned that around."
"Well," Lyneth frowned. "She shouldn't be carrying on like that."
"A wise woman once told me 'people change their mind about love all the time'. I'm not here to judge," David said softly as he dropped her hand.
Lyneth stared at him, trying to understand the puzzle that was David Evans. "I could use a fresh drink, I don't know about you."
"I'd be happy to fetch us a couple, if you like," he offered.
As much as he hated to tear himself from her side, he needed to collect his thoughts and calm the rest of his body down.
"That would be lovely, David," she nodded.
"I'll meet you back at the table then." He paused before turning around. "Thank you for dancing with me, Lyn. I was afraid that I wouldn't get the chance to tonight."
"Of course, anytime,"
He rushed to the bar, pushing through and around people. Nervously, he drummed his fingers on the bar in hopes of getting the bartender's attention. Maybe it was time tonight. He decided that if they were the only two at the table, he would ask if she wanted to tour the estate. They would come to a secluded room where he could open his heart to her. Perhaps, he'd clutch her hand to his heart so she could feeling in thundering against his chest. Her eyes would light up when he explained the broach she loved so dearly was from him, not Adam. He would relay the story of going into Sutton & Gray, and old Jack. How Paul wandered in and David had to lie about the dear gift. Maybe she wouldn't flinch when he leaned into to show her exactly how deeply he felt for her.
Adam glanced causally at his watch, he’d left Lyneth alone for some time now. This was not how he envisioned spending his New Year's Eve - standing in a smoky room with a bunch of servicemen. His heart plunged earlier when he saw the broach highlighted as the centerpiece of Lyneth's gown. That nagging notion that 'his' gift could be from a secret admirer started to weigh on his mind. Of course Lyneth could certainly attract many men - but enough that one was moved to purchase something so dear was troubling at best.
Who would try to undermine him, he wondered.
Seated across from him, Nigel sneered with a thick cigar clenched between his teeth. Adam knew that he had come from money, so a few pounds for an emerald bauble was nothing to him. Could he be that wily? Adam was convinced that Nigel set out to make Paul's life miserable; perhaps he had the fortitude to do both. Whatever his game was, Adam was eager to solidify his future with Lyneth. He would need to make his intentions clear to her tonight.
"You seem lost in thought, Clayton," Commander Higgins mused.
Out of the corner of his eye, Adam saw Nigel's eyes twinkle.
"I was just thinking about our more recent flights and how they've come under fire from the enemy. It's like they expected us. I think they are studying our flight patterns. They don't vary much, and the Axis forces are becoming more offensive. It could be a reaction to the Americans joining," Adam said.
"They're just bleedin' scared," Nigel snorted.
"Maybe, but Clayton has a point. The Yanks are just reaching our shores. It will be weeks before they are truly able to help us. We've been talking about a more offensive and stealth plan with the new Spitfires," the Commander nodded. His eyes settled squarely on Adam. "And we'll need good men for those missions."
Adam refrained from sending a snide look to Nigel; he didn't need a larger target on his back. As it was Nigel seemed rather pleased that he had brought Mary to the party, the girl he stole from Paul. Little did he know that he did Paul a huge favor by stealing her away that night.
Ava returned to the table to find Larry sitting alone. "Did everyone abandon you?"
"I was just waiting on you. You sound beautiful tonight," Larry said.
"Why thank you, sweetie," she sat beside him. Casting a gaze to the crowded dance floor, she saw Lyneth and Adam pressed against one another.
Wherever David was, Ava hoped that he was not witnessing this. She thought things looked promising when she saw him dance with Lyneth; at least David was starting to speak around her. Ava knew he needed to act soon, before it was too late.
She glanced at Larry, content to sit with his arms folded and watch the party spin around him. Unlike Paul, he didn't want to be the center of attention - he didn't like any attention at all. Ava couldn't quite figure why he wanted to come with her. The only conclusion she came to was that he really wanted to upset Paul.
Larry noticed Ava's hands folded over her knee. The only ring she wore was a sapphire ring on her right hand. Missing was the sparkling diamond engagement ring.
Larry wondered what it could mean, was the fiancé out of the picture? It would explain her flustered manner around Paul. During dinner, they talked to each other as if no one else existed. Larry caught Paul's hand resting on her knee more than once. When they shared their one dance, they were pressed so close together Larry thought he would need a blow torch to separate them. Oddly, Molly did not appear to care. As Paul twirled her around the ballroom, they chatted easily but there was no spark. Larry's gaze fell to Ava, whose eyes followed their every move.
"So Ava, what brought you all the way over here?" he asked suddenly.
Startling her, she jumped. "Richard came over and I was looking for a way out."
"A way out?" Larry frowned.
"Yes, living a life of privilege may seem amazing to most. And it's nice to have your wants and needs served, but it can be a different type of prison. There are certain expectations of young Southern women like me that I wasn't very good at living up to. Back home, I didn't feel like i contributed to anything worthwhile. Here, sure I may not be more than a pretty package with a decent voice, but when I help at the hospital or a school, that makes me feel like I'm doing something."
Larry was taken aback by her honesty. It was one of the first times he felt she'd been real. The Ava he usually saw was flirty, funny and the actress he watched on stage.
"So like us, you were running away?" Larry suggested.
She nodded slowly. "I guess you can say that. I had to fight to come here and stay here, but once I came, no one could make me leave," she said.
"You're stubborn," Larry caught Paul watching them carefully. "Like my brother."
"I think you are just as stubborn. Why did you ask me to come with you?" She leaned forward to meet his gaze.
He didn't expect her to be so direct.
"Maybe I wanted a pretty woman on my arm. Paul is the one with the girls. I guess it was my turn."
"I thought this had more to do with him and not my sparkling company," a chill settled into her voice.
Larry felt like an eejit. Part of the goal was get to Paul's weakness - Ava. The other part was to keep them apart. Neither had any business going anywhere together. Larry was coming to the realization that he could not stop the avalanche - their touches, looks and smiles made it clear their mutual feelings.
"I've been a crap escort, haven't I?" he looked embarrassed.
Her face softened. "The night is young. I think we'll be okay."
Paul's warm hand dropped suddenly on her shoulder. "Looks like we could do with some drinks over here."
She turned her eyes up to him. "I have to sing a few songs. Would you set one aside for me?"
"For you, anything," his voice was tender.
Larry knew there was no stopping this if it was meant to happen. If there was a fiancé, they would have to deal with it.
He offered her hand to help her up.
"Thanks, darlin'," she gave his a slight squeeze. She moved to his ear. "Get Larry to dance with Molly."
Paul's heart leapt. If he could get Larry and Molly together, he would spend the rest of the night with Ava. Midnight was approaching fast. He wanted Ava to be his first kiss of 1942 - and his last.
"I'm so sorry, love," Adam placed a kiss on Lyneth's shoulder when he returned. "That was dreadful. I would have rather danced with you than talk shop with the boys."
"It's okay. I've had a few dances while you were away," she smiled.
Adam glanced around. "Really? With who?"
"Just Larry and David."
Just Larry and David, he sighed. There weren't many men he could trust anymore, but he felt safe leaving Lyneth in their care. Even Paul was harmless now that he was so ridiculously smitten with Ava.
"My work is done for the night. I'm yours entirely," he said.
"Wonderful. Care to dance?"
"I'd love to," he replied, lacing his fingers through hers.
He cast a wary eye at the men of the party. The broach would always remind that someone else wanted Lyneth as well. His arm snaked possessively around her waist drawing her close to him.
“You look amazing, my darling,” he sighed in her ear. “I hated having to leave you.”
Lyneth felt a tingling in her toes. She couldn’t believe her good fortune. She fancied herself being average looking but Adam was handsome and charming - and he wanted to be with her. In the last few months, she noticed a steady influx of eligible women with nurses and volunteers flocking in from everywhere. Sitting beside Ava, it was easy to feel plain and passed over. Yet Adam chose her from the first moment their eyes met; under his gaze and touch, she felt special.
“You look just as handsome,” she smiled up into his shining eyes.
He played with a lock of her hair, his fingers brushing against her neck. “Lyneth, I can’t believe we’ve known each other for a month now. Time seems to be passing so quickly now that you are in my life.”
“I know what you mean. I hate that you were wounded, but I’m so happy that we met.” She placed a hand on his injured leg.
He felt the heat of her touch radiate from his thigh through his body. Holding her tighter, he gawked at her breasts crushed to his chest. Unable to control his urges much longer, he dipped his head to kiss her full lips. His hands slipped over the soft skin to rest above her bottom bringing their hips together.
She felt something hard against her stomach. At first, she was alarmed - they were dancing in front of other people. Slowly, a warming sensation was building where she felt him. His tongue was demanding, thrusting deeper into her mouth. He pulled away, his eyes dark with lust.
“Come on,” he gave her hand a tug. “It’s hot in here. Let’s get some air.”
Lyneth knew this was coming. After thinking about it for the last few weeks, she decided that she was ready to give herself to him.
David looked down at his watch. He had been sitting for over thirty minutes and no sign of Lyneth. At first, he thought she might have gone to the lavatory. He placed her glass of wine at the empty seat beside him. His head whipped around with everyone infectious laughter he overheard. After ten minutes had passed, he stood and craned his neck through the party for her. Dejected, he plopped back into his seat. She wasn’t with Ava as she was singing on stage.
Then he saw them - Adam and Lyn skirted the dance floor holding hands with flushed faces. I should have known that I had absolutely no chance, he grumbled. What was I thinking that I could compete with someone like him?
David noticed a familiar face as he sat at the table, nursing Lyneth’s wine as he watched Lyneth and Adam leave the dance floor out of the corner of his eye. She, too, was sitting alone at her table, fawning over a half-empty glass of wine. She looked up and happened to catch his eye, a smile spreading across her lips when she recognized him.
She gave him a flirty wave, and before he knew it she was on her feet, gliding over to his table in her red chiffon dress.
“David! It’s so lovely to see you again. May I join you?”
“Um, sure,” he answered with hesitation, pulling out the chair next to him for her to sit.
Leigh grinned as she smoothed her dress down without taking a seat, and batted her eyelashes ever so slightly. After he’d run away from her last month at the pub, he didn’t expect to see her again. And if he did, he certainly didn’t expect her to come rushing over to him like an old friend.
“David...dance with me. I’d be so happy if you would...”
He glanced tentatively back at the dance floor, looking around to see if he’d be burdened with the vision of Lyneth and Adam in each other’s arms somewhere in the periphery of the ballroom. Leigh looked at him expectantly, placing her glass on the table before him as she beckoned him with her eyes. Not seeing the magic couple anywhere near them, he rose to meet her and took her hand in his as he was expected to do, leading her out to the dance floor.
Leigh was beaming - her infatuation with David wasn’t lost on him, but he just couldn’t bring himself to feel anything for her but as a temporary distraction from his real heart’s desire. He supposed she was pretty enough, her deep blue eyes set off by her dark ebony hair and her petite frame had all the right proportions. She smiled at him with those perfect teeth, her lips full and pouty and her hand warm as she clasped his with an impetuous caress.
Leigh grinned and giggled lightly as he spun her around the ballroom; the truth was that he loved to dance, he just never had a partner. He breathed a silent sigh of relief that this was a faster song, not ready to give up the phantom warmth of Lyneth’s body against his quite yet. As Leigh swirled in his arms, the floral scent of her perfume tickled his nose - a scent similar to the one in his arms not that long ago. The song drew to a close as he breathed it in, noticing how her hair fell over her shoulders...just like Lyneth’s.
The band swelled into a familiar tune as Leigh looked at him expectantly, not ready to leave his arms just yet.
They asked me how I knew
My true love was true
Oh, I of course replied
Something here inside cannot be denied
It would be his luck that they would play Lyneth’s favourite song when he had another woman in his arms.
“One more, David?” Leigh coaxed, her fingers tracing temptingly over his lower back.
He opened his mouth to decline but she was already pulling him closer to her, her head falling to his shoulder. He couldn’t help but notice that her hair smelled just like Lyneth’s...
David closed his eyes and knew then that there was no sense in denying her one more dance - between the softness of her hair brushing against his hand and the familiar floral scent filling his nose, he relaxed. She began to hum the tune softly, her hand leaving his to run gently through his hair, her lips hovering dangerously close to his ear.
Her fingers traced slowly down his back and he could feel her thumb skimming along the top of his belt. He imagined himself burying his hand in Lyneth's hair to pull her head back - exposing her full lips to him. He would kiss her gently at first and then with a building passion. Her hand would move below his belt instead of resting upon it...
“Oh, Dave,” Leigh purred and pressed her hips against his. She could feel him against her; he was clearly excited and she wanted nothing more than to steal away with him so they could be alone.
David's eyes flew open when he realized he was not dreaming and this was not Lyneth.
The room was suddenly stifling and claustrophobic as couples swayed around them.
He pulled away to meet Leigh's expectant gaze. A dull ache alerted him to the situation in his trousers, and her smile indicated that she was aware of it too.
“I need some air. I’m... I’m sorry.”
“Mmm, Dave...where are we going?” she smiled, following alongside him as he navigated through the dancing couples. He stopped her on the edge of the dance floor, pulling down his jacket in an attempt to cover his excitement.
“Alone, Leigh. If you’ll excuse me... I’m...not feeling well...”
He left a clearly disappointed Leigh behind, saying a silent prayer that he wouldn’t run into Lyneth as he made his way to collect his coat. He couldn’t focus on anything but getting outside into the cool winter air.
Authors: GraceRyan & WithoutSpeaking
Rating: PG13 - adult themes and adult reactions to adult things
Disclaimer: This is not true. U2 were not born until the 1960's. But....maybe there was a Paul, David, Adam and Larry that were friends during WW2.
As always, comments, questions and accolades are met with loving arms.
*******
Paul gave a nervous tug at his black bow tie as Swakeley House loomed before him. He watched the party revelers stream across the lawn to the old mansion, the invitation to the New Year’s Eve ball the most prestigious in town. They were lucky not to be flying tonight; some of the other lads would be in the sky somewhere over Germany right now.
"Are we ready?" he asked Molly and David.
Molly looped her arm in his. "Sure. Goodbye 1941!"
It took some convincing on Paul's part to get Molly to come with him. She heard about his reputation and had no interest in the charismatic playboy, but his quiet younger brother was more her type. Paul had to promise that he had no designs whatsoever to get into her knickers, and Larry already had a date. In sheer desperation, Paul had to spill the beans that he wanted to take Ava but Larry had asked her first.
"How does going with you help my cause?" she asked with her hands on her hips.
"Ava is singing most of the night. You'll be at the table with Larry, and I'll make meself scarce. You will have your chance with him," he had promised.
Whatever he said must have worked, because they were here now. David walked behind them, the third wheel for the evening. Paul tried to persuade him to bring a date, but the thought of dancing with anyone besides Lyneth turned his stomach. In fact, he needed coaxing from Larry and Paul to even show his face tonight; he didn't fancy seeing in a new year watching Adam bask in the glow of his gift.
Since Boxing Day, David seethed quietly as he pictured Lyneth throwing her arms around Adam to thank him for the lovely broach. David knew she loved it by the way she gazed upon it and proudly showed it to everyone at the hospital. His blood boiled when she mentioned with glee that her pilot boyfriend gave it to her. No, your wonderful boyfriend didn't get you anything and took another man's credit, he thought bitterly.
Luckily, Adam had been flying during the week and David didn't have to see him. He could look forward to seeing Lyneth during the day and retreat to his journal at night. The absence of Paul and Adam offered him some peace.
Tonight, the whirling dervish known as Paul was back on the ground and humming like a tuning fork. David watched with amusement as Paul fought with his tie and his hair - losing the battle with the latter. Even as they entered the grand house, Paul furiously tried to get it to lay flat like in the movies or in the magazines. Each time, it defied him and popped back up.
"Where is he?" Molly asked as the entered the grand foyer.
Paul knew to find Larry he just needed to find Ava. "Let's take your coat and get some drinks."
Molly shot him an amused look. "Such a gentleman. Not like what I'd heard."
"I don't even want to know," Paul sighed.
As long as Ava didn't believe the rumors or the truth, he didn't care. He was placing all his eggs in this very important basket tonight. He kept one eye on David as well - Paul noticed that he'd been tense since Boxing Day. Adam might not have seen the glares, but they weren't lost on Paul. He was afraid that David might burst with the slightest provocation or drink.
The place was vast, with one room emptying into a larger room. Paul was certain he would get lost just looking for the loo. He heard the music and kept driving his little group towards it. He knew drinks and Ava could be found nearby.
He heard her voice before he saw her. Rounding a corner, Paul saw the stage set up near a wall of tall windows leading to the grounds at the back of the house. A vision in blue silk, Ava's gaze caught his the moment he walked in. All the blood in his body rushed to his chest when she smiled directly at him.
She wore blue, he thought excitedly.
He couldn't feel Molly's touch on his arm anymore, just warmth radiating across his body as Ava's eyes locked on him while she sang "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To". Larry was nowhere to be found, and Paul hoped it stayed that way.
Leave it to his little brother to mess with his love life.
"Looks like it’s reserved seating according to ticket number," David’s voice brought Paul out of his daze. "The bar is in the next room."
"We'll get some drinks if you find our table," Molly suggested. "I hope we're with Larry."
"Me too," Paul held a finger to Ava and nodded to the bar. He wanted her to know that he was here for her even if he wasn't her escort.
David took a deep breath, following behind Paul and Molly. He really would rather not be here, but when Paul gave him those puppy dog eyes, working so hard to convince him how terrible his night would be if he spent it all alone back at the barracks, he just couldn’t say no.
Paul made a beeline for the bar while David collected their reservation cards and the usher showed him to their table. It was a fine table - Ava obviously had connections. David took a seat at the end near the window. The waning winter light streamed through the windows into the ballroom; they couldn’t have dreamed of a more elegant setting in which to ring in 1942. He was always rather interested in architecture, and for a moment stopped thinking about how beautiful Lyneth would look tonight as he gazed in awe at the room. He had always wondered what the inside of the mansion looked like, and it was more spectacular than he could have imagined.
He didn’t know much about the history of the place, but he recalled that someone told him that the Lord Mayor of London used to live there back in the seventeenth century. It was definitely a dignified tribute - a brick masterpiece towering over the stately grounds, white with a fresh dusting of snow. The ballroom was magnificent, at the far end it almost seemed dwarfed by the elegant oak staircase and marble fireplace.
David stopped musing at what it would be like to live in such a mansion, his gaze drifting casually toward the entrance.
He swallowed hard when he saw her.
Lyneth wore her hair down tonight, her soft chestnut curls brushing over the tops of her shoulders, bare in an elegant, strapless champagne coloured dress. It was hard not to notice the fine grouping of emeralds glittering at the cleft of her breasts - his gift to her. The gift which another man had taken credit for, knowing that he wasn’t the one who spent half his pay packet on it.
David closed his eyes to empty his head of his angry thoughts. Tonight was about new beginnings, he prayed.
He watched Lyneth toss her hair back in laughter, a move he'd seen Ava perform several times before. As she turned to greet a fellow nurse, he couldn't help but notice how the silk hugged her round bottom perfectly. The hair on the back of his neck felt damp just thinking about tracing her spine with his fingers, then lips - such perfect lines.
Where was Paul with the drinks, he thought, slipping his finger under the collar of his shirt. He wished he could have tied his bow tie a bit looser, but then it wouldn’t look right. He wanted to look his best tonight - it wasn’t often that he got to wear his service dress with no cap and a bow tie, but an occasion like this demanded it.
He watched as Lyneth approached the table, his eyes transfixed on her as he absentmindedly drummed his fingers on the table. He decided right then that he was going to try his best to pretend that Adam wasn’t there right beside her.
“Hello, David,” Lyneth smiled as he gazed up at her, taking a moment to realize that he probably should pull out a chair for her to sit.
"Good evening all," Paul smiled as he entered the frame behind her and set drinks on the table.
Lyneth rolled her eyes when she saw that Paul had yet another date. She wondered who the unfortunate girl was. Luckily, Larry had won Ava's hand tonight. Paul would have to cool his heels on the sideline.
"Paul, I don't believe I've met your lovely date," Lyneth said.
"This is Molly," Paul said as he pulled a chair out for her. "Molly, this is Lyneth. You know Dave and Adam."
The fiery redhead in the orange dress smiled pleasantly as she sipped her sherry. Her eyes darted around the room and never focused on Paul. Lyneth thought it was odd for one of Paul's dates as they usually draped themselves across him.
"How do you know each other?" Lyneth asked.
"I work as a donut dolly on base. I see these fellas all the time," she said.
"We're old friends," Paul said. "That's a lovely showcase for Adam's gift, Lyneth." His voice was sharp as he stole a glance at David's terse face.
"Thank you Paul. Leave it you to notice," Lyneth's smile was icy.
"She wears it perfectly," Adam dropped a kiss on Lyneth's shoulder.
Paul's eyes darkened as he looked from Adam to David's pale face. Fear tore through David as Paul's mouth opened to reply.
"Ava!" David exclaimed. If anyone could lighten the air, it would be her.
Upon hearing her name, Paul hopped from his seat and pulled out the empty chair beside him. He had forgotten about whatever secrets he was ready to spill.
"Good evening everyone," Ava beamed.
"Ava, you look stunning," Paul sighed. He leaned in to kiss her cheek. As his lips touched her skin, a spark popped between them.
"You look quite handsome yourself, sir," she purred.
His fingertips brushed the soft skin on her back as he pushed in her chair. He wished he could slide his chair against hers and let his arm slip around her shoulders. He envied Adam for being able to take Lyneth's hand and let the world know they were together.
Paul leaned forward, his hand slipping under the table to Ava's knee to give it an affectionate squeeze.
"Lawrence," he nodded, his hand lingering.
"Paul," Larry stretched his arm behind Ava.
Lyneth chuckled to herself. If Richard were here, there would be nothing for these boys to fight about. In fact, Lyneth doubted that they would be close friends with them at all. For as much as Paul annoyed her, she was secretly thankful for his tenacity to put himself in Ava's path as without him, she would have never got to know Adam. In Richard's absence, Ava had become a strong independent woman that Lyneth enjoyed very much. She wondered how Richard would respond to this new Ava when he returned.
Without removing his hand, Paul turned to his date; her eyes were glued to Larry.
"You remember Molly, right?"
"Yeah, donuts," Larry nodded to her.
"The buffet appears to be open," Adam announced, breaking the spell that Molly was trying to will on Paul’s brother.
Paul stood and considered pulling out Ava's chair, but he remembered how she admonished him for abandoning Mary. After all, Molly was his date tonight.
"Shall we?" He extended his hand to her.
Molly was delighted that she wasn't going to be invisible all night. "He barely glanced at me. How can I compete with her?" she sighed as they walked away.
"He's just being an eejit. He has no designs on her, I promise, " Paul said.
At least he better not, he thought. It didn't matter - the way Ava smiled at him spoke volumes.
Through dinner, Paul leaned close to Ava to speak in her ear. Ava couldn't help but notice how the blue of his uniform made his eyes bluer than usual. She caught him trying in vain several times to get his hair to lay flat. She resisted the desire to brush the hair from his eyes as that would raise plenty of eyebrows. After dinner, Adam excused himself to mingle with some fellow officers to smoke cigars and drink brandy in the drawing room.
"You don't mind, do you?" he asked.
Lyneth shook her head. "I have David to keep me company."
David's heart jumped as she laid her hand over his.
"Take good care of her," Adam winked.
"Oh, I will," he said, almost too passionately.
"Since you did promise a dance to the loser, may I collect now?" Paul asked.
“If you like, darlin’,” Ava turned to Larry. “Do you mind?”
Larry stroked his chin. “I guess I could allow him one dance. Enjoy it, big brother.”
“I shall,” Paul winked as he slipped an arm around Ava’s waist.
He led her as far from the table as he could. As he encircled his arm around her, Paul’s heart stopped - that dazzling smile was for him. Her fingers slipped under the hair that curled on his collar sending a shiver down his spine. He pressed her hand against his thundering chest.
“I know I’ve already said this, but you look beautiful,” he blushed. “Well, you always look amazing, but.....you wore blue.”
She smiled up into his shining eyes. “You asked me to.”
“I really love you in blue,” his voice quivered slightly. He wondered if he had the same effect on her - dry mouth, damp hands and pounding heart.
“You look good in blue too. Really brings out your eyes,” she mused forgetting that they were in a packed ballroom.
“I wish I was here with you tonight,” he blurted, knowing that his time alone with her was precious.
“We’re here now,” she said softly.
“You know what I mean. I wish I could have been your escort,” he said seriously.
She inched closer. “I know.....but Molly seems nice.”
“She’s very nice,” he leaned into her ear. “And she’s here for Larry. That’s how I convinced her to come with me.”
“Paul, you had to convince a girl to be your date?” Ava raised an eyebrow.
He rolled his eyes. “I know....can you believe it?”
Chuckling, he pulled her to him, closing the gap between them. If she looked up, their lips would certainly meet. In recent weeks, she found herself gazing at his full lips, wondering how they would feel on her. This had moved beyond flirting and infatuation; she thought about him all the time lately.
*******
Lyneth cast a disapproving eye as Paul led Ava away from the table. Why was Larry even allowing Paul five minutes alone with her? Lyneth had to remind herself that Ava was an adult, Lyneth could only offer advice if Ava ever asked.
Her attention turned to David, drumming his fingers on the table along with the music. He barely touched his dinner as he pushed his plate away from him. He was, however, on his second whiskey. It was unusual for someone who nursed a drink or maybe two on most nights. Lyneth smiled to herself remembering the goofy boy that sang to her while wearing a pink shawl across his shoulders.
Why isn't he here with a date? she wondered. With his high cheekbones and green eyes, he was very handsome in an unconventional way. When he smiled, he face illuminated. It's too bad that Ava was engaged, she thought. David deserved a good woman.
David's eyes caught on Lyneth's peering at him and his heart jumped. His mind emptied of all rational thought - this was the moment to say something - anything.
“Oh, this is one of my favourites when Ava does it... ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’. You know I really do love Cole Porter.”
“Would... Would you care to maybe...erm...dance?” David said, his cheeks blushing crimson.
“I’d love to. Adam is off hobnobbing with officers.”
David rose and held out his hand to Lyneth. He closed his fingers around hers, hoping that his palm wasn’t too sweaty. He led her out to the dance floor, feeling unsure about where to place his hands. There was nothing but bare skin to touch, her shoulders soft and inviting, her dress cut so very low at the back. Before he knew it she had slipped into his arms, thinking nothing of it while his heart pounded and the back of his neck grew warm.
"You really are a lovely dancer, David," Lyneth chimed. "Why are you alone tonight? I'm sure there are plenty of girls who would love to dance with you all night."
"I don't know about that," he tried to mask the heartbreak in his voice.
He wanted to confess the reason for his desolation. To tell her that if she gave him a chance, he would love her completely. And neither of them would ever be alone.
His eyes slipped past her neckline to peek under the fabric pressed against him. “And all the good ones are taken."
"That doesn't stop some people."
How he wanted to inch his fingers up and lace them through her soft hair, drawing her to him as his lips descended upon hers. But this was not the time nor place for their first kiss.It would be a private moment, he decided; a moment which, if it ever came, he would share with her and her alone.
Her lips were only inches from his ear, he could feel her breath tickling the side of his neck and he could smell the soft floral scent in her hair. He couldn’t rid his mind of thoughts of kissing her. He’d only have to turn his head just a bit to meet her lips...
David closed his eyes as he clutched her hand just a bit tighter, his fingers sliding down her back, tracing her skin ever so lightly. He forced himself to breathe evenly, imagining what she would say if he suddenly pressed his fingers more deliberately against her skin and drew her body to him. He stole a furtive glance at the tops of her breasts, licking his lips covertly as he wondered if she would taste salty or sweet beneath his tongue.
He dared a quick look at her, relieved that her eyes were closed as she hummed the song softly - yet a small part of him wished that she’d seen the way he was regarding her right now; the way he was envisioning her pressed against him.
He had yet to experience the pleasure of being with a woman, in the flesh at least. Most nights, he woke with a start and an aching in his shorts that he could not ignore. His waking thought was of Lyneth - beside him, under him, on top of him - as slick with sweat as he was when he bolted upright in bed.
His thoughts were going where he was trying so desperately not to let them go - he took a deep breath, trying to fight that familiar tightness building in his trousers as she breathed unknowingly in his ear.
Didn’t she know what she was doing to him?
He closed his eyes and bit down softly on his lip, imagining her fingers attempting to tame his hair, pulling him into a deep, wanting kiss. Just then she began to sing softly, with no regard for the effect she was having on him.
I'd sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin' you near
In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats, repeats in my ear
She was completely immersed in the song, seemingly a million miles away from the man who was holding her - just far enough away so she wouldn’t feel his want against her. He took some deep cleansing breaths; he needed to calm himself down.
If she were to feel how much he wanted her, she'd never be able to look at him the same way.
It was too soon, he told himself. Now was not the time to reveal his passion for her. He wanted her to know his heart too. His thoughts drifted to something more innocent as she swayed with him to the music; he pictured her laying next to him under a soft down duvet - his arms wound around her waist as she fell into a deep slumber, thoughts of war and chaos giving way to comfort and familiarity.
"David?” she whispered softly, “have you fallen asleep?”
He jumped slightly when he realized the song had ended, one hand resting on her shoulder and his other palm flat against her lower back.
"No," he cleared his throat, stepping away from her quickly so she wouldn’t feel his arousal. "I was just thinking how much better that song would have been if Ava sang it."
"You should ask her to dance. She's with that Paul. I thought Larry was supposed to be her date," Lyneth grumbled.
David secured his jacket casually in hopes Lyneth would not notice her effect on him. "Paul is relatively harmless. I know he has a bit of a reputation, but Ava has turned that around."
"Well," Lyneth frowned. "She shouldn't be carrying on like that."
"A wise woman once told me 'people change their mind about love all the time'. I'm not here to judge," David said softly as he dropped her hand.
Lyneth stared at him, trying to understand the puzzle that was David Evans. "I could use a fresh drink, I don't know about you."
"I'd be happy to fetch us a couple, if you like," he offered.
As much as he hated to tear himself from her side, he needed to collect his thoughts and calm the rest of his body down.
"That would be lovely, David," she nodded.
"I'll meet you back at the table then." He paused before turning around. "Thank you for dancing with me, Lyn. I was afraid that I wouldn't get the chance to tonight."
"Of course, anytime,"
He rushed to the bar, pushing through and around people. Nervously, he drummed his fingers on the bar in hopes of getting the bartender's attention. Maybe it was time tonight. He decided that if they were the only two at the table, he would ask if she wanted to tour the estate. They would come to a secluded room where he could open his heart to her. Perhaps, he'd clutch her hand to his heart so she could feeling in thundering against his chest. Her eyes would light up when he explained the broach she loved so dearly was from him, not Adam. He would relay the story of going into Sutton & Gray, and old Jack. How Paul wandered in and David had to lie about the dear gift. Maybe she wouldn't flinch when he leaned into to show her exactly how deeply he felt for her.
*******
Adam glanced causally at his watch, he’d left Lyneth alone for some time now. This was not how he envisioned spending his New Year's Eve - standing in a smoky room with a bunch of servicemen. His heart plunged earlier when he saw the broach highlighted as the centerpiece of Lyneth's gown. That nagging notion that 'his' gift could be from a secret admirer started to weigh on his mind. Of course Lyneth could certainly attract many men - but enough that one was moved to purchase something so dear was troubling at best.
Who would try to undermine him, he wondered.
Seated across from him, Nigel sneered with a thick cigar clenched between his teeth. Adam knew that he had come from money, so a few pounds for an emerald bauble was nothing to him. Could he be that wily? Adam was convinced that Nigel set out to make Paul's life miserable; perhaps he had the fortitude to do both. Whatever his game was, Adam was eager to solidify his future with Lyneth. He would need to make his intentions clear to her tonight.
"You seem lost in thought, Clayton," Commander Higgins mused.
Out of the corner of his eye, Adam saw Nigel's eyes twinkle.
"I was just thinking about our more recent flights and how they've come under fire from the enemy. It's like they expected us. I think they are studying our flight patterns. They don't vary much, and the Axis forces are becoming more offensive. It could be a reaction to the Americans joining," Adam said.
"They're just bleedin' scared," Nigel snorted.
"Maybe, but Clayton has a point. The Yanks are just reaching our shores. It will be weeks before they are truly able to help us. We've been talking about a more offensive and stealth plan with the new Spitfires," the Commander nodded. His eyes settled squarely on Adam. "And we'll need good men for those missions."
Adam refrained from sending a snide look to Nigel; he didn't need a larger target on his back. As it was Nigel seemed rather pleased that he had brought Mary to the party, the girl he stole from Paul. Little did he know that he did Paul a huge favor by stealing her away that night.
*******
Ava returned to the table to find Larry sitting alone. "Did everyone abandon you?"
"I was just waiting on you. You sound beautiful tonight," Larry said.
"Why thank you, sweetie," she sat beside him. Casting a gaze to the crowded dance floor, she saw Lyneth and Adam pressed against one another.
Wherever David was, Ava hoped that he was not witnessing this. She thought things looked promising when she saw him dance with Lyneth; at least David was starting to speak around her. Ava knew he needed to act soon, before it was too late.
She glanced at Larry, content to sit with his arms folded and watch the party spin around him. Unlike Paul, he didn't want to be the center of attention - he didn't like any attention at all. Ava couldn't quite figure why he wanted to come with her. The only conclusion she came to was that he really wanted to upset Paul.
Larry noticed Ava's hands folded over her knee. The only ring she wore was a sapphire ring on her right hand. Missing was the sparkling diamond engagement ring.
Larry wondered what it could mean, was the fiancé out of the picture? It would explain her flustered manner around Paul. During dinner, they talked to each other as if no one else existed. Larry caught Paul's hand resting on her knee more than once. When they shared their one dance, they were pressed so close together Larry thought he would need a blow torch to separate them. Oddly, Molly did not appear to care. As Paul twirled her around the ballroom, they chatted easily but there was no spark. Larry's gaze fell to Ava, whose eyes followed their every move.
"So Ava, what brought you all the way over here?" he asked suddenly.
Startling her, she jumped. "Richard came over and I was looking for a way out."
"A way out?" Larry frowned.
"Yes, living a life of privilege may seem amazing to most. And it's nice to have your wants and needs served, but it can be a different type of prison. There are certain expectations of young Southern women like me that I wasn't very good at living up to. Back home, I didn't feel like i contributed to anything worthwhile. Here, sure I may not be more than a pretty package with a decent voice, but when I help at the hospital or a school, that makes me feel like I'm doing something."
Larry was taken aback by her honesty. It was one of the first times he felt she'd been real. The Ava he usually saw was flirty, funny and the actress he watched on stage.
"So like us, you were running away?" Larry suggested.
She nodded slowly. "I guess you can say that. I had to fight to come here and stay here, but once I came, no one could make me leave," she said.
"You're stubborn," Larry caught Paul watching them carefully. "Like my brother."
"I think you are just as stubborn. Why did you ask me to come with you?" She leaned forward to meet his gaze.
He didn't expect her to be so direct.
"Maybe I wanted a pretty woman on my arm. Paul is the one with the girls. I guess it was my turn."
"I thought this had more to do with him and not my sparkling company," a chill settled into her voice.
Larry felt like an eejit. Part of the goal was get to Paul's weakness - Ava. The other part was to keep them apart. Neither had any business going anywhere together. Larry was coming to the realization that he could not stop the avalanche - their touches, looks and smiles made it clear their mutual feelings.
"I've been a crap escort, haven't I?" he looked embarrassed.
Her face softened. "The night is young. I think we'll be okay."
Paul's warm hand dropped suddenly on her shoulder. "Looks like we could do with some drinks over here."
She turned her eyes up to him. "I have to sing a few songs. Would you set one aside for me?"
"For you, anything," his voice was tender.
Larry knew there was no stopping this if it was meant to happen. If there was a fiancé, they would have to deal with it.
He offered her hand to help her up.
"Thanks, darlin'," she gave his a slight squeeze. She moved to his ear. "Get Larry to dance with Molly."
Paul's heart leapt. If he could get Larry and Molly together, he would spend the rest of the night with Ava. Midnight was approaching fast. He wanted Ava to be his first kiss of 1942 - and his last.
*******
"I'm so sorry, love," Adam placed a kiss on Lyneth's shoulder when he returned. "That was dreadful. I would have rather danced with you than talk shop with the boys."
"It's okay. I've had a few dances while you were away," she smiled.
Adam glanced around. "Really? With who?"
"Just Larry and David."
Just Larry and David, he sighed. There weren't many men he could trust anymore, but he felt safe leaving Lyneth in their care. Even Paul was harmless now that he was so ridiculously smitten with Ava.
"My work is done for the night. I'm yours entirely," he said.
"Wonderful. Care to dance?"
"I'd love to," he replied, lacing his fingers through hers.
He cast a wary eye at the men of the party. The broach would always remind that someone else wanted Lyneth as well. His arm snaked possessively around her waist drawing her close to him.
“You look amazing, my darling,” he sighed in her ear. “I hated having to leave you.”
Lyneth felt a tingling in her toes. She couldn’t believe her good fortune. She fancied herself being average looking but Adam was handsome and charming - and he wanted to be with her. In the last few months, she noticed a steady influx of eligible women with nurses and volunteers flocking in from everywhere. Sitting beside Ava, it was easy to feel plain and passed over. Yet Adam chose her from the first moment their eyes met; under his gaze and touch, she felt special.
“You look just as handsome,” she smiled up into his shining eyes.
He played with a lock of her hair, his fingers brushing against her neck. “Lyneth, I can’t believe we’ve known each other for a month now. Time seems to be passing so quickly now that you are in my life.”
“I know what you mean. I hate that you were wounded, but I’m so happy that we met.” She placed a hand on his injured leg.
He felt the heat of her touch radiate from his thigh through his body. Holding her tighter, he gawked at her breasts crushed to his chest. Unable to control his urges much longer, he dipped his head to kiss her full lips. His hands slipped over the soft skin to rest above her bottom bringing their hips together.
She felt something hard against her stomach. At first, she was alarmed - they were dancing in front of other people. Slowly, a warming sensation was building where she felt him. His tongue was demanding, thrusting deeper into her mouth. He pulled away, his eyes dark with lust.
“Come on,” he gave her hand a tug. “It’s hot in here. Let’s get some air.”
Lyneth knew this was coming. After thinking about it for the last few weeks, she decided that she was ready to give herself to him.
*******
David looked down at his watch. He had been sitting for over thirty minutes and no sign of Lyneth. At first, he thought she might have gone to the lavatory. He placed her glass of wine at the empty seat beside him. His head whipped around with everyone infectious laughter he overheard. After ten minutes had passed, he stood and craned his neck through the party for her. Dejected, he plopped back into his seat. She wasn’t with Ava as she was singing on stage.
Then he saw them - Adam and Lyn skirted the dance floor holding hands with flushed faces. I should have known that I had absolutely no chance, he grumbled. What was I thinking that I could compete with someone like him?
David noticed a familiar face as he sat at the table, nursing Lyneth’s wine as he watched Lyneth and Adam leave the dance floor out of the corner of his eye. She, too, was sitting alone at her table, fawning over a half-empty glass of wine. She looked up and happened to catch his eye, a smile spreading across her lips when she recognized him.
She gave him a flirty wave, and before he knew it she was on her feet, gliding over to his table in her red chiffon dress.
“David! It’s so lovely to see you again. May I join you?”
“Um, sure,” he answered with hesitation, pulling out the chair next to him for her to sit.
Leigh grinned as she smoothed her dress down without taking a seat, and batted her eyelashes ever so slightly. After he’d run away from her last month at the pub, he didn’t expect to see her again. And if he did, he certainly didn’t expect her to come rushing over to him like an old friend.
“David...dance with me. I’d be so happy if you would...”
He glanced tentatively back at the dance floor, looking around to see if he’d be burdened with the vision of Lyneth and Adam in each other’s arms somewhere in the periphery of the ballroom. Leigh looked at him expectantly, placing her glass on the table before him as she beckoned him with her eyes. Not seeing the magic couple anywhere near them, he rose to meet her and took her hand in his as he was expected to do, leading her out to the dance floor.
Leigh was beaming - her infatuation with David wasn’t lost on him, but he just couldn’t bring himself to feel anything for her but as a temporary distraction from his real heart’s desire. He supposed she was pretty enough, her deep blue eyes set off by her dark ebony hair and her petite frame had all the right proportions. She smiled at him with those perfect teeth, her lips full and pouty and her hand warm as she clasped his with an impetuous caress.
Leigh grinned and giggled lightly as he spun her around the ballroom; the truth was that he loved to dance, he just never had a partner. He breathed a silent sigh of relief that this was a faster song, not ready to give up the phantom warmth of Lyneth’s body against his quite yet. As Leigh swirled in his arms, the floral scent of her perfume tickled his nose - a scent similar to the one in his arms not that long ago. The song drew to a close as he breathed it in, noticing how her hair fell over her shoulders...just like Lyneth’s.
The band swelled into a familiar tune as Leigh looked at him expectantly, not ready to leave his arms just yet.
They asked me how I knew
My true love was true
Oh, I of course replied
Something here inside cannot be denied
It would be his luck that they would play Lyneth’s favourite song when he had another woman in his arms.
“One more, David?” Leigh coaxed, her fingers tracing temptingly over his lower back.
He opened his mouth to decline but she was already pulling him closer to her, her head falling to his shoulder. He couldn’t help but notice that her hair smelled just like Lyneth’s...
David closed his eyes and knew then that there was no sense in denying her one more dance - between the softness of her hair brushing against his hand and the familiar floral scent filling his nose, he relaxed. She began to hum the tune softly, her hand leaving his to run gently through his hair, her lips hovering dangerously close to his ear.
Her fingers traced slowly down his back and he could feel her thumb skimming along the top of his belt. He imagined himself burying his hand in Lyneth's hair to pull her head back - exposing her full lips to him. He would kiss her gently at first and then with a building passion. Her hand would move below his belt instead of resting upon it...
“Oh, Dave,” Leigh purred and pressed her hips against his. She could feel him against her; he was clearly excited and she wanted nothing more than to steal away with him so they could be alone.
David's eyes flew open when he realized he was not dreaming and this was not Lyneth.
The room was suddenly stifling and claustrophobic as couples swayed around them.
He pulled away to meet Leigh's expectant gaze. A dull ache alerted him to the situation in his trousers, and her smile indicated that she was aware of it too.
“I need some air. I’m... I’m sorry.”
“Mmm, Dave...where are we going?” she smiled, following alongside him as he navigated through the dancing couples. He stopped her on the edge of the dance floor, pulling down his jacket in an attempt to cover his excitement.
“Alone, Leigh. If you’ll excuse me... I’m...not feeling well...”
He left a clearly disappointed Leigh behind, saying a silent prayer that he wouldn’t run into Lyneth as he made his way to collect his coat. He couldn’t focus on anything but getting outside into the cool winter air.
Now there's even less of a chance of David ever winning Lyneth over. And similarly, David 
Oh poor Dave can never cut some slack. Now he's got his stalker back, thinking that she's got a chance with him.
I don't get it.
Oh you guys are epic with the research. I love nothin' more than a factually correct fic. 
A rainbow coloured one? Pretty please? 
