At the Stroke of Midnight

"Oh my god, girl! Tonight is the night," Jelena, Jessica's best friend gushed over in front of the mirror as they continued to prep up for the New Year's Eve Party at a hotel near Time Square. She and Jessica had booked a hotel room so they could just walk up to the covered rooftop for the party hosted by their company. 

Jessica had specifically picked out this dress, a long off-shoulder red gown with a long slit, showing her left leg. Added to this was the padded bra cups that came with it, making her chest looked bigger than usual. 

Pairing the dress with ruby red diamond drop earrings that Jake had given her a year ago on Valentine's day, she sure was dazzling. The dress hugged her curves, showing her tiny waist, and matching them with five-inch sparkly heels, she felt confident that Jake would not even resist to kiss her and might end up beyond what she expected to happen. 

An engagement, that was what she was hoping for. After three years of being in a relationship, she expected that tonight would be the best time for Jake to pop the question. 

She had pictured the scene perfectly in her head. Before the countdown begins, Jake would ask her to marry him and at the stroke of midnight, she would say yes. As the crowd cheered, yelling "Happy New Year", they would be sealing their promise of forever with a kiss. Soon, everyone would notice and congratulatory greetings would be thrown at their way as they announced their engagement to everyone, including David Peterson, her ever-so-annoying boss.

"I can't wait till tonight," squealed Jelena as she grabbed her hand. "My best friend is getting engaged tonight. Oh my God, Jess! This is it."

Jessica sighed nervously. 

"Do I look okay? Is my make-up too much?" she asked. "What if it didn't happen?"

"Are you kidding? You look amazing. Jake would be the biggest fool if he didn't do it tonight. Besides, the signs were evident. I even read your horoscope today. 'Capricorn. Tonight would be a magical night for you as something unexpected was about to happen at the stroke of midnight.' Take note, horoscope never failed me. Ever."

Jessica laughed. "You truly are my best friend."

"Of course, and you know what else? I bet Mr. bossy-pants would never be able to keep his eyes off of you as well."

I rolled my eyes. "That boat had already sunk a long time ago, Jelena."

"Oh come on, Jess! The boat didn't even start floating yet because you don't want to. Besides, you cannot deny the fact that David admires you. He still has that look whenever you walked into his office."

"Jelena, stop it, will you? I'm with Jake now, okay. "

"I'm just saying. Anyway, let's move it already. The party was about to start."

Grabbing her purse, Jessica walked arm in arm with Jelena towards the door. Soon they were standing in front of the elevator, waiting. A few minutes later, the door opened and a man dressed in a navy blue coat and tie was standing inside. His jet black hair was neatly combed to one side as his tantalizing blue eyes gazed at Jessica. 

It was David Peterson, their boss. 

"Hello... Jessica," he greeted, sweeping his eyes over to her. "You look gorgeous tonight."

Jelena could not help smiling widely as she glanced at Jessica who in turn smiled faintly at David.

"Thanks," she replied, avoiding his penetrating gaze as she and her best friend stepped inside the elevator. 

"How about me, boss? Don't I look nice, too?" Jelena asked as she stood beside David, while Jessica stood in front of him trying to ignore his presence. 

David pulled his gaze away from Jessica for a moment, and cleared his throat. 

"Yes, definitely, Ms. Sanchez. You look amazing, too," he praised and let his eyes lingered back on Jessica. He couldn't help but notice her exposed back. Tracing an invisible path from her nape down to her waist, he bit his lip trying not to drool. He fell into a trance as wild ideas run in his head.

"Why so formal, boss?" Jelena suddenly said as she slapped David's arm playfully, which made him snap back to the present. "It's New Year's Eve."

"Careful. I'm still your boss," he warned, grinning. his eyes never left Jessica's back. 

Jelena chuckled as Jessica tried not to shake her head. She knew her best friend was trying to distract their boss as she could feel his eyes lingering on her back. She suddenly felt nervous and mentally scolded herself for it.

"I still don't have a date, boss. Could you be my date?" Jelena teased that made David laugh. 

"You're pretty bold today, Ms. Sanchez. But unfortunately, I have to turn it down. We don't want anyone to misunderstand us."

"Oh, don't be silly, boss. It's not as if we would kiss by midnight."

David chuckled. "Still not appropriate to date employees."

"Yeah, right," mumbled Jessica and she tried not to laugh. According to office gossip, David had dated several women, mostly his assistants. 

But he never once made a move to Jessica. Perhaps he knew that Jessica knew something and she would never let a player played her again. So, she kept her distance.

Jake was never like David. He was never a player, as Jessica had known him. 

How the two were even related, she never knew why but she was thankful that she went with Jake instead of David. 

"Did you say something, Ms. Collins?" inquired David as he moved a little closer and was about to touch her elbow when the elevator door opened suddenly.

"Nothing, Sir. See you later," as she stepped out of the elevator. 

"Catch you later, Boss," said Jelena as she winked at him. She hurriedly followed Jessica who was on her way towards the bar. 

"Hello, Sir," greeted some employees as David tried to work his way out of the elevator. His eyes darted towards Jessica as she fled towards the bar. He sighed. He wished he could have the chance to spend time with her later although he knew it would be impossible. 

Unless... A wide grin formed on his lips as he remembered something. 

"What can I get you ladies?" asked the bartender as soon as Jessica reached the bar and sat on one of the stools. 

"Two margaritas please," ordered Jessica as the bartender nodded. 

"What's the hurry?" asked Jelena as she reached her friend. 

Soon, the bartender gave them their drinks, and Jessica gulped it down quickly. 

"Hey, slow down! The night is just starting," Jelena told her. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah. Just nervous that's all. Can I have another one please?" 

"Sure thing," replied the bartender and poured another one on her glass. 

"Don't get drunk before Jake gets here."

Jessica chuckled. Somehow she forgot about Jake as she worried herself more of David, which was very odd.

"Come on let's mingle," invited Jelena as she took Jessica's arm leaving their drinks behind.

The music was lively as some people chatted in one corner of the room while others were just enjoying the night dancing to the music. 

Jelena saw a group of women they worked with and letting go of Jessica, she joined the group. Jessica was about to take a step to join them when a hand grabbed her arm. She turned and soft lips landed on hers. 

"Jake," she mumbled. "You're here."

"Hi babe," he whispered. "Sorry to keep you waiting. My boss-"

"No, it's okay. I'm glad you came. How did you find me?"

"You're not hard to find, babe. With that dress..." and his eyes were filled with desire. "Can we skip this all?"

"Jake..." and she slapped his arm as she blushed. 

"Can I borrow you for a sec? Need to tell you about something."

"Sure," she answered as she glanced at Jelena who was busy chatting with the other women. 

She smiled as Jake took her hand. He led her to one corner of the room where she could see a view of the clock tower. They both looked at it as it shone brightly. It was two hours away from the countdown and Jessica's palms were already starting to sweat.

"Jessica.." Jake called out as he held her hand. 

Jessica took a deep breath and shakily smiled at him. 

Oh no, not now! It's not midnight yet, Jessica panicked in her mind. 

"We've been together for three years now and..." Jake chuckled lightly as he continued to speak nervously. "You know how much I love you, right?"

"Yes... and I love you, too."

"Jessica," a deep voice called, interrupting them. Jessica tried not to roll her eyes as she pursed her lips. She looked at the owner of the voice as an eyebrow raised. 

"I'm sorry to interrupt but the Japanese investors are here. They wanted to meet you," continued David who shoved his hands on the pocket of his pants. 

"Now?" replied Jessica and tried to fake a smile. Then turning to Jake she asked, "Would you excuse us, babe?" 

"Sure, babe," and Jake gave her a peck on the cheek. 

"I can't believe we're still working on New Year's Eve," grumbled Jessica as they went inside the elevator. 

Dave chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. 

"I might have just saved you from embarrassment."

Jessica glared at him. "I can't believe you. You think this is funny. He was about to propose to me."

Dave laughed and shook his head. 

"What?"

"Nothing," and soon the elevator opened to the floor where the boardroom was. 

The supposed meeting didn't end in an hour but lingered more than that. Jessica anxiously glanced at her watch as the clock struck a few minutes before midnight. Soon the meeting ended and Jessica could not be more relieved. 

"Should we all go to the party?" invited David as he led them towards the elevator. 

As soon as they reached the rooftop, Jessica launched hurriedly towards the crowd, looking for Jake. 

Her heart pounded loudly in her chest as the crowd gathered around where she used to stand with Jake. 

"Jake!" she called as soon as she saw him. He turned his head towards her and they both worked their way towards the center as the countdown began. 

Ten 

"Jake..." she started. 

Nine

"Jess...." he called back.

Eight

"What is it?"

Seven

"I need to tell you something."

Six

"What is it?"

Five

"Will you-"

Four

"Yes."

Three

"Break up with me?"

Two

"What?"

One

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" the crowd cheered happily to each other as they tossed their glasses to the air. Others kissed there partners while some hugged each other as the song 'Auld Lang Syne' was played. 

Jessica stared at Jake, stunned.

"I'm sorry, Jess," he whispered as he kissed her cheek. Hot tears formed in her eyes, making their way down her cheeks. 

"Why?" was all she could say as Jake disappeared from her sight. Her knees felt weak and she felt they were about to give in as strong hands held her waist. 

"Easy," the voice whispered and as she turn her head she saw him. David, her boss, was holding her close. She spun herself around as she looked at him. 

"You okay?" he asked, concerned. 

"Guess you're right, Dave," she said weakly.

"About what?"

"Happy New Year," and in a second, her lips landed on his. It lasted for a second before she realized her mistake.

"Dave I-"

"Too late," and he pulled her tightly back to him, capturing her lips once again. Surprisingly, she kissed him back and lingered longer than they expected. 

A small chuckle escaped David's lips. 

"Happy New Year, Jessica," whispered David amidst the shaking breath. 

Now what? she thought as her eyes stared at his lips. 

And the New Year just started...