A New Beginning
Anne's Point Of View
There was a pleasant quietness on our way back to Mr. Miller's house, which was only interrupted by the peaceful engine noise and a distant wind. I also tried to glance at him once in a while as I was still dazed by the turn of the events that night. The auction, the kiss, and - a dinner with a star after? This was definitely too much.
"Is there something wrong with you?" This question shook me for a moment as he turned his head from the road to me.
"I'm more than okay," I answered with a grin that was finding its way to my lips. "Tonight was amazing. I can't believe you actually happened to bet on that auction and win it!"
He laughed, and his expression depicted some mischievous look. "I had to. Many people wish to have dinner with Celeste Parker."
"Is she that famous?" I was inquisitive, not able to control myself from asking.
"I mean, she's a strong black woman in Tinseltown. Her family has always been involved in the charity functions to aid her. "I think you would enjoy her."
"Of course, I will," I said, a wave of eagerness rushing through me. "But then, why did you want me to come?"
"Because I want you to be in my world," he said, and his voice was earnest. "And I want to demonstrate how much fun the two of us can be."
These words of his made my heart rejoice. "You talk about it like it is just a walk in the park," I said barely above a whisper.
"It can be," he said, smiling at me openly. "If we are together."
As we reached the mansion, a warm feeling enveloped me. It was especially comforting since it was dark yet the lighting was low enough to be warm. When we actually got inside, the feeling was even more pronounced.
"Wait a second before doing anything else," he said and started walking into the living room with me following him.
The decor was sophisticated, with soft seats and a fireplace that produced soft crackling noises. I plopped down one of the chairs being surrounded by the soft warm air.
"Would you care for a drink?'' he asked and advanced towards the bar.
"Yes! What's good?'' I answered, feeling quite at home.
"I have a nice one for you. A glass of wine? " He poured out two glasses and handed one to me.
I took the glass from him and our hands met, sending a wave of heat inside me. Thank you, I said after taking a very pleasurable sip.
As we darkened the light and made ourselves comfortable, I noticed layers of fatigue starting to peel off, starting with the knot engraved in my stomach. "And what do we do now?" I inquired regarding the agenda.
He relaxed in his seat and appeared to be contemplating something. "I was considering the option of sharing some more time between us. There is a lot which I want to tell you about and proper mounting requires some time."
"I would want that," I said, looking forward to it. "What is it that you want to say?"
He inhaled deeply and shifted his gaze to the fire. "To start, let me tell you that my family, like any other, has its own set of imperfections. We do have our share of issues."
"I understand that too," I said after a while. "There are such problems in my family as well. It's difficult sometimes."
He bowed his head; the look on his face was sombre. "I want you to be able to feel at ease and tell me anything. You don't need to conceal anything."
"Thanks for that," I said, appreciating his reasonableness. "It's reassuring that I can tell you the truth."
"Of course," he said, leaning closer and fixing her with a steely stare. "I want to know everything about you, Ophelia. Everything about your wishes, your expectations – anything."
His words caused my heart to skip a beat. "Okay, well… I've always wanted to go on a trip. There is a lot in this world I would like to see."
"Where would you go first?" he asked and I saw his face light up in interest.
"I think I'd want to go to Paris," I replied, my excitement palpable. "The Eiffel Tower, the art, the culture; everything that seems so appealing."
He got closer as if he was interested. "I have been to Paris a couple of times. I can always take you out there."
"Really? That's great!" I gasped, thinking about how fun it would be to explore the city with him.
"And what else?" he asked, looking impatient for more.
"I want to make an impact," I admitted. "I want to assist people, maybe through something like charity work or something similar."
"That's a decent aim," he said, that parental approval dawning on his face. "You are a good soul Ophelia."
His compliment warmed me. "Thank you, Alex. It is nice to be appreciated by you."
As the conversations progressed, there was more of an attraction from both sides. We talked in a very easy manner and I found it surprising how easily I was revealing several things about me.
"What about you?" I said I was interested in his plans… "What are your aspirations?"
He tilted his head back and mused over my question. "I want to leave something behind that people will remember me by. My relatives have always been engaged in charity, but I want to do something else – something where I would leave my signature."
"And what is that for you?" I couldn't help but ask.
"I want to help people with my wealth. To give people that do not have such chances, chances," he stated with burning zeal.
"That is really great," I countered while still being motivated by his dream. "It is obvious how much you love."
He smiled again, looking a bit softer than he had previously. "It matters to me. And I would like to take that journey with someone who knows what it means."
At that moment, I could feel a warmth around me – I was a part of something, and someone. "I would love to take part in that journey," I said quietly.
"I would rather you make it happen. And he said so as we continued to gaze into each other's eyes."
As the talk progressed, we became more engrossed. We talked about dreams and fears, and everything in between.
Soon enough, however, eyeing the same glasses on the table and filling them periodically, we couldn't stop ourselves from getting closer to one another, feeling the unsaid simmering in the air.
"May I kiss you once more?" he said in a husky voice.
I agreed, my heartbeat rising sharply. He inclined towards me and our lips interlocked, engaging in an electrifying kiss that was soft yet seemed to last forever.
Once we let go, the strangest thing happened. I found myself gasping again. "I could easily love this," I mumbled, this time, shy smile on my face.
"Good, because I intend to do this often," he grinned, his eyes dancing with mischief.
We kissed some more, and more. The kisses were increasingly ardent as each kiss followed the other. The outside world ceased to exist and all that mattered was that bond at that very moment.
In due time, however, I eased back and put my head on the arm of the chair. "What time is it?" I asked, looking somewhat dazed.
"Late but who is keeping track?" he grinned playfully.
I chuckled lightly "I should probably try and catch some sleep. It has been a long day."
"True," he answered and stood up, extending his hand to me. "But before you leave, I need you to understand that you are very safe with me. You can always come to me whenever."
"Thank you for that," I replied, overcome with emotions. "It means more than you think."
As we walked up the stairs to my room, I basked in the comfort that came over me. The mansion seemed to serve its purpose as a shelter, a place where I can fully express myself.
"Goodnight Ophelia" he said gently as we arrived at my door.
"Goodnight Aelx," I said back with a racing heart.
He inclined towards me and kissed my forehead. "Good night sleep tight"
I looked at him as he walked away from me and was more than full in my heart and latched the door behind me. I was also optimistic about what lay ahead of us as I could now clearly picture where this journey was taking us.