Adored (on hold)

Chapter 3 ~ An All Too Eager Start

"Sorry"
The word left Annabelle's lips in an effort to jolt her from the dream like haze he had her in, but all it did was further the effects of his spell as at the sound of her voice, his eyes lit up like 4th of July fireworks.

He sucked in an enormous breath to not only capture more of her deliciously sweet scent, but to also regain the breath he had been holding since he first made contact with her. "No, please, it was my fault. All mine." He seemed to once again become lost in her eyes, tilting his head ever so slightly, gazing at her in wonder.

The strangers hands still held onto Annabelle's waist and, at noticing this, she attempted to take his hands off of her. Not that she wasn't enjoying the sensation that his hands brought, but the man was still a stranger. No matter how handsome nor kind this stranger was, she still was not comfortable with how their proximity and the duration of which he had been holding her affecting her. She wasn't entirely 'uncomfortable' but the fact that she wasn't irked her even more.

Annabelle grasped the mans hands that were currently positioned on her wasted and lifted them away from her. At this action, the man took another deep breath and closed his eyes in euphoria.

If he had thought that the feeling of his hands on his waist was good, words couldn't describe how his hands in hers felt. He had never felt more grounded yet light. Her hands felt like home. Her smooth, dainty fingers clutched the palms of his hands and he had the urge to intertwine his with hers. But before he could, the feeling was over as she let go of his hands once they were off her waist.

He almost scrambled to hold her hands again, to press them against his face and let her hands hold the curve of his jaw and feel the heat of his cheek. Alas, he could not. He was still but a stranger to her. She didn't feel what he felt, at least not with such an intensity as he. He had a burning desire to hold her close and never let go and never let anyone else bask in the bliss that was her presence. He knew it was selfish but he has been waiting 25 years to experience this, her.

25 years of hoping, wishing and waiting to lead to her. She had exceeded all expectations but he must contain his excitement in order to receive the chance to hear her expectations in which he would eagerly meet.

No, he couldn't scare her away. So instead, he opted for the less stalkery option, introducing himself.

"Sorry, I was just a bit lost. My names Nicholas Lorenzo- yeah, Nicholas Lorenzo." Nicholas brought his hand up to receive a handshake.

He was so used to using his formal title, but in order to not intimidate her, he stopped at his first middle name, using it as if it where his last. The handshake would not only be used as a friendly greeting, but allow him to again hold her warm hands.

Nicholas' voice wasn't what Annabelle had been expecting. That wasn't to say it didn't make her knees weak, but ... not what she had pictured nonetheless. It wasn't deep and rough, instead, it was soft and kind. His English accent thick. His tone tender. It wasn't necessarily high but defiantly not deep like Morgan Freeman's either. The lull of his voice held a sense of childlike wonder while still maintaining maturity beyond his years. His words came out breathy but refined, even with his stumble. His speech was charming and each word was utterly enthralling, even if they were simple. Overall, not what she had been expecting.

Annabelle accepted Nicholas' hand and shook it. "Well, hello Nicholas, I'm Annabelle Bailey."

His name on her lips once again brought upon him an onslaught of emotions. Nicholas internally fought down his primal urges that shouted at him to claim her then and there. No, he wouldn't claim her in such a barbaric way. He respected her too much to take her choice away so early.

Dismissing how heavenly his name sounded on her lips, he then thought of her name.
Annabelle, beautiful.
Cheesy, yes, but the two words felt like they were made for each other.
Just like us.

Not wanting the conversation to end just yet, Annabelle continued. "You said you were lost? I'm actually from around here, I could help you if you'd like?"

Almost forgetting his status, position and the fact that he could reveal his identity in public, Nicholas all but jumped at the opportunity to spend more time with her.

"Yes! I-I mean I would appreciate that, yes, thank you."

She eyed him warily but continued nonetheless.

"So where was it you wanted to go?"

Caught red handed, Nicholas spoke sheepishly. "Well I'm not necessarily lost as I didn't exactly have a place in mind, but I am definitely open to the idea of a stroll around ahh... Brisbane! That is if you are?"

Obviously he was not from here and judging from his confusion and skittishness, barely even knew where he was. So, in order to help the poor man out, Annabelle agreed to his offer of wondering around her home city.

"Sure. I myself am not going anywhere either so we can walk around the river and about for a bit. Maybe even visit some of Brisbane's famous attractions. Though I warn you, we don't have many."

His eyes again lit up, this time at the confirmation of more time within her company and her playful attitude. All to eagerly, Nicholas grabbed at Annabelle's hand and motioned his other forwards.

"Let's go then. Please, lead the way."

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Word Count: 978