Tales Of The Dominion

TEASER FROM: CHAPTER-TWO, SHORT-ADAPTATION

Too busy in my thoughts I didn’t hear any one approaching from the other end of darkness. As I turned a bend I walked straight into someone coming through the tunnel towards me.…...

“I'm so sorry... please forgive me.” He apologised. “I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going. Did I do any damage?” I could hear concern in his voice mixed with a little humor.

“It’s you!” I barely heard him murmur.

“I'm sorry do I know you?” There was no reply. “Do you work here? I can't really see you properly, its umm... too dark and I … well I don't see too well in the dark... sorry....” I was babbling, I couldn't think straight. What was wrong with me? I never babbled.

I needed to get control of my brain, or at least my speech, my behavior was embarrassing.

“I was trying to find a work mate before I started my shift. I was hoping they would be here. I was merely trying to find out if Naiomi had met the owner’s son yet.”

“So this owner’s son, what have you heard about him.”

“Not much. I know he must be pretty old and I know he's not here to change anything.”

“So... what information were you hoping to find out?”

“I'm not sure, I usually don't care about this type of thing. I guess I was hoping, anything that would help me make a good first impression. I've always thought first impressions can be important.”

“I agree.” I sensed him lean a little closer. “So how’s this first impression going?” He whispered, I could feel the closeness of his body.

I attempted to break the current flowing between us. I wanted to get myself together but the pull to him was too strong.

“If you follow me I can lead you back into the foyer.”

“Thank you for the offer but I'm returning to the area I came in from, if it’s all the same to you. I have people waiting for me there.”

I stormed off……..

I decided to push my luck and duck into the ladies’ to freshen up……..

I walked out of the ladies-room, looking over at the front counter. I saw Marcie standing there with Lesley and what must be Mr Hemmesly. They were facing the desk chatting, with their backs to me.

Damn it! Just my luck, what sort of impression will this leave, I wasn’t even at my desk.

As I got closer I noticed Mr Hemmesly was tall and broad shouldered. He was dressed a-lot younger than I expected, with tussled sandy hair, he still looked stylish, discreetly revealing his wealth and masculinity.

I stopped walking, dead in my tracks a few paces away.

No... It couldn't be... It wouldn't... He’s too young… Nooo... I screamed in my head. Please ground, just this once, open-up and swallow me whole. It was too late for me to run. Please don't be him, I chanted, please don't.

I held my breath as he turned. He had a warm welcoming smile, which still managed to look cheeky. I’m sure he seemed amused by the look on my face. There was no doubting this was the guy from the turtle tunnel.

“Amelia, I presume... it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He reached his hand out to shake mine whilst taking two large steps forward closing the gap.

“Mr Hemmesly.” I stammered. The warm feeling ran through my hand coursing into the rest of my body.

He held my hand far longer than necessary. “Please, call me Nicholas.... Amelia..... Mr Hemmesly makes me sound so old... don't you think? …. and I'm far from old.” I was shocked he even got that sentence out without laughing.

Marcie stared at me waiting for a reply. I was beyond forming words into a sentence.

This entire time I felt his eyes on me, I was still staring at Marcie.

“Well Amelia...” He pronounced my name so clearly, sending a shiver down my spine. He paused, waiting for me to look at him.

I turned hesitantly looking into his eyes as he spoke.

“I have heard nothing but praise from your work-colleagues. I hope this means you enjoy working here and we will all be lucky enough to have you around for quite some time.” He smiled.

I wasn't sure if he was just making a statement or asking a question. I was still mesmerized by his white teeth in comparison to his tanned skin as he smiled, lighting up his entire face.

“Do you have a favorite exhibition – Amelia?” Even in my stupor, I knew this was a question and at least an easy-one.

“Yes I do – Nicholas.” Finally I had words leaving my mouth. “Do you have a favorite Nicholas?” I asked after telling him mine.

He took a moment to think, looking amused as he began.

“At the moment I would have to say the turtle exhibit.” He smiled a large stunning smile before turning to Marcie asking her the same question.

I didn't pay attention to her reply. My mind was racing. Did he say the turtle exhibit for the exact same reason I’d avoided saying it? Is that why he had that cheeky grin on his face? That smile, those eyes, everything about him was drawing me towards him like a magnet. This dizziness I felt was confusing and unexpected.

I was brought back to the present hearing my name.

“Amelia!” Nicholas whispered, stepping closer. I looked up into his eyes mistakenly forgetting the effect this had on me.

“So… as far as first impressions go... how’s this one going? I've heard they can be important!” He leaned in without the others noticing.

“The Jury’s still out on that one.” I said cheekily, looking into his eyes, enjoying the playful smile I saw in return.

“Let me know when there’s a verdict reached.”

I was all out of witty-flirty comments, too lost in his green eyes.