by Jamie Knight
He turns around and hesitates for a few seconds when he sees the look on my face. After that, I realize how silly I must look. "I'm sorry. Of course that was all," I mumble and drop my gaze to the ground.
"Um, would you like to, maybe have dinner tonight?" He asks, interrupting me.
I look up at him in shock, like I can't believe what he's saying. "Of course! I mean, I'd love to!" I reply happily, stumbling over my words in my excitement.
Dom chuckles a little at my reaction. I grab a pen and paper and write down my address for him. I give the paper to him and he puts it in his pocket. "Great, I'll pick you up around 7?" He asks.
"Sounds perfect," I say with a smile.
"Good. I'll call you when I'm on my way,” He says before backing slowly out of the store.
Happily, I watch him walk away. I stand behind the register with a big smile on my face the whole rest of the day. I can’t believe the way today has turned out. I’m start to feel that maybe there is hope for Dom and me after all.
Chapter 17 - Dominic
After the meeting with Juliette I feel a little better. More like myself. I leave her store and get back in my car. I was gone for quite a while, but I feel like my life can finally go back to normal. Or at least, some kind of new normal.
I actually enjoy the drive back to the office, taking my time a little and choosing more “scenic” roads. It's a nice day out, and I find myself rolling down the window to enjoy the sunshine a little.
I’m a tech guy, not much of an outdoors guy. I don't usually act like this. I can't decide if I like it or not. But I think I do. I shrug, and think about something else.
I'm quickly back at the office and walking inside. I pass someone in the lobby, we both nod to each other on greeting. As I look past them, I see the clock on the wall. I notice the time and frown. I was sure I had something to do right around now, but I can't remember what. I go to the elevator and push the button.
While I wait, I pull out my phone. The elevator doors open and I step inside. I push the button for the top floor where my office is. The doors close and I'm in the elevator alone. It's quiet in the elevator, not even the sound of music. Maybe we should invest in that? I chuckle to myself at the thought.
I look at the calendar on my phone to try and figure out what was so important I needed to do today. At that moment an alert flashes on my screen, "Conference call 1PM”.
I stare at my phone, then at the time, then frantically push the elevator button again, as if that will make it go faster. Fuck, fuck, fuck, I can't believe I am about to be late for this meeting, or that I even forgot about it in the first place. This is what happens when I let my guard down and do things outside of my comfort zone.
The elevator reaches the top floor. The doors open and I practically run to my office and burst through the door. I slam it behind me and click on the phone, as it’s ringing. "Good morning, Gentlemen, my apologies, I'm here," I say, joining in on the conference call.
I try to sound calm and collected as I sit behind my desk and pull out the papers I will need.
"Good of you to join us, Dominic. Not like you to be late," One of the directors remarks.
I shuffle my papers and try to hide my annoyance at this whole situation. "Yes, I'm sorry about that. I can assure you it won't happen again." I reply to the board of directors.
They quietly cough and clear their throats. I still can't believe that happened. I'm starting to question whether or not it was worth it to go down there? I'm only digging myself into a deeper mess with Juliette, and on top of that I have thrown myself off schedule today. That's really going to mess with my head.
"Okay, down to business…" one of the directors says.
I force myself stop thinking about her. I need to concentrate now. "Business here has been going really well. We are progressing nicely…" I explain to the board of directors.
I present them with different facts and figures, even giving them the good news about our major increase in profits compared to last year.
"That's all good news Dom, but the first thing we need to discuss is the opening of the new branch in Nevada." One of the directors says, interrupting me.
I look through my papers and find the memo and the email I had printed out with all of this information. "Okay. How is that going?" I ask.
"Well, the building is operational already, we even have a team out there. The only thing we are missing is someone to be in charge of everything, who will oversee the entire operation," the director explains.
"Well, who did you have in mind?" I ask, while trying to think of colleagues I could nominate for the job.
"Actually, we want to send you. Your company is thriving right now. Point blank, you're the best in the business. We have no doubt that you can do the same with this branch. What do you think?" They ask.
I honestly have no idea what to think. It's a great honor to be complimented on your work like that. I've been selected for things like this before, I always accept without hesitation, but today I'm shocked by the opportunity.
I'm speechless for a long time. "Dom? We really need an answer." The director reminds me.
"Um, yes. Sorry," I reply, clearing my throat.
I fidget with some of the papers on my desk for a moment before I finally blurt out, "If it's all right with you, I'd like some time to think about this."
There is silence on the other end of the phone. I've shocked them and myself. "Very well. Just try and get back to us as soon as possible, because we can't afford to waste time on this," the director says finally.
We go over some over business matters for about another half an hour before the call ends.
After I hang up the phone I lean back in my chair and stare at the wall, the silence echoing in my ears. "Why did I tell them that? Why do I need time? This is work, this is my career, what the hell is wrong with me?" I ask, talking aloud to myself.
I frown as I try to figure it out. I have no attachments to this city, so it's weird that I wouldn't want to leave it.
A look of horror crosses my face. No, it can’t be. Am I really considering putting down roots here for the first time in my life? I shake my head in disbelief and throw myself back into my work. I really don't want to think about this right now, but I know it's going to gnaw at me all day.
I know the real reason I don’t want to leave. But it’s crazy. Am I really willing to throw away an opportunity like this? It’s not that I need the money. I could live more than happily for the rest of my life off of what I have in the bank.
And it’s not like I’d really be moving up, either, so much as just moving on…
But do I really want to move on?
Chapter 18 - Juliette
I'm so happy and excited. I'm almost ready. I check the time and realize that Dom will be here any minute. I let out a happy little sigh. I still can't believe he asked me out to dinner.
I really feel like tonight will be different from last time, especially after his apology. I'm wearing my best dress with my hair up. I check my makeup in the mirror, then run around making sure the house is cleaned up, even though I always keep it spotless.
I grab my purse and make sure I have everything I need. I close it and put it on the coffee table. Basically, I’m fidgety and nervous, and I can’t sit still, so I smooth a few wrinkles out of my dress when I hear a knock on the front door. I can't keep the happy smile from my face as I go to open it. I see him standing there, somehow looking even more dashing than I remember. "Hi." I say softly.
"Hi. Ready to go?" He asks in response.
He returns my smile, but it doesn't seem to meet his eyes. "Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to come in for a minute?" I ask hopefully.
He hesitates. "I don't think that's such a good idea. I already have reservations for us, we don't want to be late," He replies, sounding a little uncomfortable.
I pretend not to notice, but I can’t help but wonder why he seems
so stiff. "Oh, well, I won’t keep us long. It's only for a moment, please?" I ask, opening the door wider for him.
I can still see the hesitation on his face but he nods in agreement and walks inside. I close the door behind him.
Last time we were at his place, I noticed how sleek and modern everything about it was. Smart devices everywhere, and a lot of chrome.
I want him to get a little taste of retro, much like what I’d done before with the records. "A lot of the furniture in here is vintage, also from my grandparents. As you can see I have my own record player and small collection of albums," I explain with a little smile.
I'm pointing out things to him that I'm proud of. He just stands there nervously with his hands in his pockets. It almost seems as if he doesn't want to be here. I'm about to show him something else when he blurts out, "Do you mind if we leave now?"
"Oh. Um, yeah of course!" I answer, thinking we must be running late for our reservations.
Dom’s pretty clearly a punctual guy, so I chalk up his weird mood to that. I grab my purse as he opens the door for me. We walk out together, then I lock up and follow him to his car. I'm so thrilled to be out with him again.
We get into the car and start driving to the restaurant. He is strangely quiet, and after a few minutes of silence I finally look at him. "Is there anything wrong?" I ask softly, unable to keep the concern from my voice.
He is acting so different from earlier today, no trace of his smile to be found. "Nope everything is fine," he replies coolly, keeping his eyes on the road.
I just nod, but I know something is up. I can hear the tension in his voice.
We arrive at the restaurant and hurry inside. We’re shown to our table immediately, and he cracks open a menu without a word. We order our food and drinks, but once again he is silent.
The silence pervades so long, I start to feel uncomfortable. I try to get him to smile or engage him in conversation by saying, "This place is nice."
His only reaction is to nod in response. Our food arrives and we start to eat. "How is your food?" I ask after we’ve been eating for a few minutes.
"It's fine," he replies blandly.
I can still feel the tension coming off of him. I sigh and pick at my food.
The meal goes on, but I can't take it anymore. During the middle of it I wipe my mouth on my napkin and stand up. I lightly toss my napkin on the table. Dom stops eating and watches me. "I think we should just go. Clearly you don't want to be here with me. It was such a mistake to try to force this," I announce.
I'm angry, hurt and sad. My voice trembles a little with emotion. I try to walk off but he grabs my wrist. "Please, sit down?" He asks, his face screwed up with some emotion I can’t decipher.
I hesitate, but eventually comply. I sit and look at him. "I assure you, that that is not the case at all. I do want to be here with you. I just…I have a lot on my mind," he explains.
"Why don't you talk to me about it? Maybe that’ll help." I offer, but he shakes his head.
"No. Let’s just forget about it. So tell me about your shop, how's it doing? How's the music?" He asks with false cheer.
I just give him a doubtful look. I know he's trying to force me to change the subject. "Please? I just want to get my mind off of this shit for a little while,” he says, his eyes pleading.
Reluctantly, I agree. "Business is going about as well as it can I guess…" I start to explain.
We both go back to eating and drinking. Soon we are both laughing and smiling as I relate a story about me dropping a stack of records the first week the shop was open. "I was so devastated." I admit.
"Oh my gosh! I hope all of them didn't break?" He asks curiously.
"Only a couple. I cried a little as I swept up the pieces," I admit.
We both smile at each other. It occurs to me we’re actually enjoying our evening now, but at the same time, I’m still worried. Whatever was bothering him didn’t just disappear.
But I ignore my worries and just enjoy the time we’re having as we finish our dinner and head home. After the drive, the two of us end up lingering outside my front door. "Thank you for a wonderful night," I say softly.
He smiles "You're very welcome. It was a nice dinner," he replies.
We both smile at each other, and gathering my courage, I ask him, "Would you like to come inside?"
To my surprise and delight, he smiles and nods. “Sure.”
Once we are inside we stand in the living room in a brief silence. Our eyes meet. I feel it again. That spark between us that I felt in the record shop. I don't know what comes over me, but I walk towards him and put my arms on his shoulders.
There's no trace of hesitation now. I lean in on tiptoe and he lowers his lips to mine. The kiss is tentative at first, but soon we are devouring each other, pulling off our clothes into between kisses.
He starts kissing my neck. "The bedroom," I manage to gasp out.
I quickly pull him down the hall. We continue kissing, scrabbling at each other’s bare flesh "Oh Dom, please." I gasp.
He lies me on the bed. I didn’t even see him grab the condom from his pocket, his pants are halfway down my hallway, but it doesn’t matter, he rolls it on quickly and parts my thighs.
By the time he puts his hand between my legs, I'm already wet. He strokes me and rubs me so gently. I moan and rock my body back and forth. He rubs me and strokes my clit in those magic little circles of his.
I can't hold back my emotions and my moaning gets louder. Just when I think I'm about to climax, he stops and starts kissing me again. I let out a reluctant whimper as I'm forced to hold everything back, but it's so worth it though when he's on top of me and his erection slides easily into me.
My tits bounce with each thrust until he cups one in hand and teases my nipple while he drives his cock inside me. I try my best to hold on, but in what feels like seconds, I'm already cumming.
He keeps thrusting and I wrap my arms around him. Pleasure is already building again and I greedily buck against him for more. I wrap my arms tightly around him and he drives into me faster, his breathing growing ragged.
“Cum with me,” I plead, urging him on.
He looks at me, those dark eyes slicing right through me, and that eye contact is all it takes to tip me over the edge. I spiral into blissful oblivion and hear his groaning as he joins me in climax.
Afterwards I fall loosely back into the pillows, limp and sated. He tosses the condom before settling into bed beside me, pulling me into his arms and kissing my forehead tenderly.
I know I should say something, but the exhaustion creeping in is stronger than I am, the comfort of his embrace too soothing. I find myself drifting quickly into peaceful blackness.
Chapter 19 - Juliette
The sunlight blazes beautifully through the curtains, stirring me with the brightness and heat. It seems like it’s still relatively early. Maybe 7 or 8. Could be 9. I don't know, but I don’t think I’ve slept this well in a very long time.
I sit up and stretch, my body feeling sore and tired. I smile as I remember what made it feel that way. I'm naked in my bed. I go to pull the blankets around me, I reach over and feel someone. I turn and am shocked to see that Dom is still here with me. He’s asleep with the blankets around his waist.
He looks even more dreamy when he is asleep. I didn't think that was possible. Maybe this can be the start of something between us?
I mean, I don't want to get my hopes up but it must mean something, the fact that he stayed the night. He's already made it clear he doesn't like to do stuff like that.
Although I imagine after last time, he probably didn’t want to just ghost me again.
I ignore those negative thoughts, however, and simply watch him for as long as I can. This is the happiest I have ever felt, more than our other dates. This one feels…real. Like the start of something. I really want to think that it is, but I don't know for sure.
I'
m so touched and happy that he stayed. I knew the night was going to be a good one. We had a rocky start during dinner, but after that it was beyond pleasant. My cheeks flush as I think about our night together.
I hope it's not foolish of me to get attached to him so fast, but I can't help it. It's like each time we’re together, I feel complete. Like a new person. Or maybe….maybe like my real self. It’s like I’m finally waking up after being asleep for the last year and a half.
I hope that him spending the night is the start of him feeling something as well. It's hard to tell, though, because his mood always seems to change. Almost like he’s afraid to commit, or maybe just doesn't want to. I know his past and his childhood probably has a lot to do with that.
I sigh, I don't want to get too deep into my thoughts and ruin this moment. So instead and gently touch his cheek. He moves but doesn't wake up. His skin is soft and smooth. No stubble. He must have shaved for our date.
Today is going to be a wonderful day because I am here with him. A silly thought I know, but that's how I feel at this moment. I can't get this happiness out of my heart.
I'm just about to snuggle back under the blankets with him when I hear the buzzing of the phone. I get up and grab my purse off the floor, but when I dig my phone out, it's not mine. That's odd, what other phone could be ringing? I look around the room to try and find out.
In the middle of the floor is another cell phone, the latest and greatest model smartphone, and I realize it must be Dom’s. I guess it must have fallen out of a pocket in the chaos last night.
I look at him, he is sound asleep. I hesitate, wondering if I should, then pick up the phone. There's no harm in it, I’ll just say he’s unavailable. I click the button to answer it and before I can say a word the person in the other end of the line starts yelling. I'm shocked to hear the angry flood of words: