Midnight Lady, I was appreciative, rather than offended by your comments. Any remarks that my wonderful reviewers can make that will help be become a better writer are always appreciated. You definitely weren't a whiny complainer, but a helpful reviewer. You showed me a point of confusion, and as a writer who tries to put out a good product, I don't like to have points of confusion littering my work. So honestly, I thank you.
To everyone else, I likewise thank you for all your lovely and encouraging comments. I know the last few chapters have been short--my apologies. They're short because I want to keep your interest up while I frantically try to scribble an ending to this thing! I'm hoping to finish it before I run out of chapters to post, so that I can just keep posting 'til it's complete. So bear with me, folks, I've got lots more chapters on their way.
To ML, Angela, Deanna, and Dragon Lady -- thanks for your reviews, but maybe you could register and login at some point? When people review my work, I always like to check out theirs in return--or at least, see what other authors they like. I've found some truly enjoyable fanfic this way. So think about it, wouldja? Thanks, and thanks to everyone else as well. --CL
Chapter 9: Don't Cut in on a Goblin King
The song was a slow one and Sarah was mildly surprised when Jareth placed her arms around his neck and drew her close, instead of going into the more formal stance they had used the night before. He spun her around the floor, weaving effortlessly among the other couples who swayed drunkenly in place hanging listlessly on each other.
As they danced, Sarah became aware of two things: one, Jareth and his dancing were getting quite a few admiring looks from the sorority sisters clustered around the room, and two, Jareth was dancing very, very close. She could feel his body heat through her thin knit top, and his leather-clad fingers caressed the bare skin of her lower back where her top had ridden up.
She blushed as his thighs nudged hers, and his body led her easily into the formations of the dance. In the heels, she was the same height as he -- a fact she understood quite suddenly when she felt Jareth's lips touch her neck. Sarah was disconcerted to realize that not only was she a perfect height to return the favour, but that she was definitely tempted to.
"Uh, excuse me - may I cut in? Paris said you might like me better than the 'old lady.' I'm Cindy." Paris' blond bubble-headed pledge was tugging at Jareth's sleeve.
Jareth stepped back and firmly into his Goblin King persona. Head tilted in a haughty manner, he lowered his brows and looked down his nose at the diminutive blonde. "Certainly not!" he snapped. "I'm quite happy with my choice of partner, and you'll tell Paris I do not appreciate her meddling!" He turned his back on the girl and pulled Sarah back into his arms with an expressive roll of his eyes.
Sarah smiled. "I'm flattered."
He snorted. "That I prefer the company of a lovely woman to that of a biting pixie? I assure you," he added dryly, "dancing with you is hardly a chore."
His tone was sarcastic and his manner disdainful, but Sarah thought she'd never had as nice a compliment. She leaned closer and gave him a sweet, soft kiss on the cheek. "Thank you," she whispered. The reference to the biting pixies was especially apropos.
Jareth nearly stumbled. Why should she be so grateful that he hadn't let that tse-tse fly cut in? He caught his balance and drew her in closer, sliding a hand down the mohogany waves that rippled down her back. He brushed her lips with his own and smiled at her just as the song ended.
Don't worry, there's more coming in a minute! --CL