New Years

He was my New Years kiss at midnight that year, and it wasn't some innocent kiss on the cheek. Derek was drunk as a skunk hitting on poor Hailey who would much prefer to be left alone. Theo and I sat him in a corner handing him a bottle of beer filled with water from the melted ice in the cooler. He was so drunk he didn't even notice. With Derek inebriated, Theo and I were free of interruption. And I thought getting drunk with Theo was an experience.

The hour struck with the announcement blaring from the radio station and I was pulled into his kiss. My hands met his chilled arms, still without a jacket, and our frozen noses barely navigated around each other. His lips against mine, cold from the frost yet still soft, it sent a chill down my body. I wasn't the only one reacting like this. His heart was racing against my chest. There were all these little details to pick up after that first real kiss.

"Happy New Year Dana." He hadn't let go of his hold on my hips.

"Happy New Year Theodore."

"Theo."

"Sure." I smiled and rested my head on his shoulder.

We stood watching the flames in the oil barrel like that for a few more sentimental minutes.

"Better get Derek home," he said.

I nodded.