Jackie Prescott thought today was going to be like any other day at the office. It started off just like any other day, she woke at the normal time and managed to get to the gym before work. She had plenty of time to stop at her usual coffee shop to grab a cappuccino before heading into the office. She needed the caffeine hit to get through the mundane morning staff meetings that were held before the doors of the bank opened. After the meeting there was the usual banter between staff, and clicking of the keyboards, as they hurried to get the money stations set up, ready for the rush of the early bird customers that were already lined up outside.
As Jackie walked back towards her office she was thinking about all the work she had to do that day. She had seen a young couple late yesterday afternoon that had just seen the perfect house and needed the finance to purchase it, approved by the end of today. Sitting down behind her desk she reached down and turned on her computer. As the computer whirred into life, she opened up her cupboard and stared at the pile of work in her tray.
"I need to see someone now about investments."
Jackie turned to see what the commotion was all about. She could see the flustered looks on the tellers' faces. It was Dominick Tyrell. The son of Philip Tyrell, the owner of Tyrell Developments, One of the biggest property development companies in the country. Dominick was considered something of a greek god amongst the staff, and they were always falling over themselves to help him in any way they could when he came into the bank. He was about 6ft tall, with golden curly hair that always looked like it was just a little too long. He had a solid frame that was dressed impeccably in a crisp white shirt and dark blue denim jeans. The shirt showed off his bronzed skin. It was obvious he worked out often, but Jackie thought that the converse high tops looked a bit out of place.
Luke, the branch manager, came running out of his office. "Dom, How are you?" Luke asked with such a cheesy grin that Jackie thought his face would split.
'Great Luke,' Dominick replied with familiarity. Dominick knew Luke from the many functions that they had both attended. These functions were always about entertaining the big clients and making them feel like they are the most important people in the world. As Dominick was heir to the Tyrell fortunes, he was also invited along to the functions. Being similar in age, the conversation between them was easy. It was like they were old school mates.
"I just need to have a chat about investment options. I have some funds coming in soon and I want to know what options I have.'
'Sure thing Dom. Unfortunately I am just on my way out the door to another meeting in the city. I do have someone else who is very capable of being able to help you out today. If you don't mind?"
Jackie knew Luke was talking about her and she slowly slid a little further down in her chair.
"I do need to talk to someone today as the funds are due to come through overnight into my account."
"Great!, I'll just see if Jackie is free. She is my protégé and I have every confidence that she will be able to tailor something to suit your needs"
Jackie cringed as she heard her name. She was extremely busy and had actually booked herself out of the diary this morning so she could catch up. Jackie had seen Dominick a few times in the branch and didn't find him as drop dead gorgeous as the other girls in the office. In fact she thought he was pompous and arrogant, and felt a little peeved at the thought of having to drop everything else just to keep him happy.
Luke strolled into her office. 'Jackie, I have Dominick Tyrell out here and he ....'
'I heard,' Jackie interrupted. 'Can't someone else see him?'
'I would like you to take care of him Jackie. You know he is Philip Tyrell's son.'
'Yes yes' Jackie replied with annoyance. 'I actually have a lot of work and I had blocked myself out of the diary this morning so I could catch up.' Jackie was hoping, but knew this wouldn't persuade Luke to ask someone else. Jackie is an extremely hard worker and all her clients loved dealing with her and Luke considered Jackie his 2IC.
Luke was young for a branch manager at only 29. He had climbed his way up the corporate ladder quickly after starting out as a teller when he left school. He had seen the potential in Jackie during her interview. Her determination and positivity reminded him a lot of himself. He had taken Jackie under his wing since employing her in his branch, and became her mentor. "Winning friends and influencing people is what it's all about in the finance world Jackie. Getting to know the right people both within the bank and outside the bank, can take you anywhere you want to go." Luke had spoken to her recently about her future plans within the industry and she had told him that she wanted his job. He knew that she was saying this with tongue in cheek, but also knew that she would be ready to step up into his role if he ever left. All the staff loved her too.
'If you do this for me now, I will help in any way I can, when I get back from the managers meeting. Dom is a Tyrell and I know that you are the best person to take care of him.' Luke also knew that Jackie wouldn't be swayed by Dominick's good looks and wouldn't go all gushy on him. She is a straight up girl that knows what she wants out of life. That kind of attitude is what also helps her steer her clients in the right direction.
'Thanks for the vote of confidence. Just let me clear my desk and I'll be out shortly.' Jackie sighed knowing there would be no use in trying to argue the point any longer.
After putting the pile of work that Jackie had scattered over her desk trying to sort it into some kind of order, back into the cupboard she walked out of her office. Luke was busy making Dominick a coffee at the automatic coffee maker that is set up for waiting customers. He was making small talk with Dominick and doing what Luke did best. "Courting ritual" she thought to herself. 'Just the same way a nobleman would court the king, back in medieval times.' She giggled a little as she approached. Maybe Luke was quite taken with Dominick too? Yeah okay so he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. I guess you could call him a bank manager's dream. Jackie still couldn't see why he should get preferential treatment over her other clients though.
As Jackie approached, Dominick turned and looked her straight in the eyes. His eyes were as blue as the Mediterranean Sea, and seemed to sparkle like the moonlight on the still water of the lake. All of a sudden Jackie could feel her knees start to give way a little and her hands felt clammy. Normally she would then see men like him glance down over her slender body and then back up to her ample breast before resting again on her face. But Dominick was different. There was no checking her out. Jackie felt a slight pang of dissatisfaction mingled with curiousity. He stretched out his right hand towards Jackie ready to greet her. Quickly brushing her palms against her navy pencil skirt that was standard uniform issue, she told herself sternly to harden up as she lifted her hand to meet his.
'Hi, I'm Jackie Prescott,' Jackie blurted out a little more urgently than she liked. Their hands met in a firm but not overly aggressive handshake. His hands were warm and soft like a new born baby's bottom. But then Jackie expected this from someone that has never had to work a day in his life.
'Hi, I'm Dominick Tyrell.' His smile seemed to beam from his whole face. Perfect white teeth, behind full soft lips, that just begged to be nibbled. Jackie was expecting his nose to be something sculpted from a Michelangelo statue, but it did have a slight kink in the bridge making it slightly crooked. "So he's not so perfect after all,' Jackie thought to herself.
Their hands held on to the hand shake for a little longer than normal and Jackie could feel her face start to blush slightly. 'Get a grip Jackie!!!! ' she scolded herself. 'you know what type he is and he is trouble.' She is normally pretty hard to impress and she certainly didn't go after guys like Dominick. They could never understand the kind of up-bringing that she has been through. Having to wear second hand clothes with holes in them to school and being ridiculed for it. Being left to look after herself, while her mum worked long hours, earning just enough money to barely cover the bills.
Dominick must have seen the blush as he had a small smirk in the corners of his mouth. Luke turned and handed Dominick his coffee. Luckily he stood between them and thrust the coffee mug towards Dominicks right hand, finally breaking the hold he had on her.
'Ah Jackie you're here. I see you have introduced yourself." Luke smiled at her and she recognized that glint in his eye. She had been working with him long enough to know that he was up to something. She glared at him to let him know that she would grill him later for the details on whatever it was he had planned.
"Yes." Dominick responded "Luke has told me that you are the best person to speak to and that I will be in good hands." His right eyebrow lifted as he spoke the last few words and the smirk on his face grew a little wider.
Dominick was used to seeing flushed cheeks on the women he met. He was pretty sure that Jackie was going to be just another one of those flustered little school girls, and couldn't help himself throw in that little comment to see what sort of reaction he would get.
Jackie saw the playful look on Dominick's face and immediately straightened. A veil fell over her face as she resumed her professional persona. "I will certainly go over the options that we have and help you decide which one would be best for your circumstances."
"Great," Luke butted in, recognizing the slight tension in Jackie's voice. "Now, I do apologise once again Dom, But I really do need to get on the motorway if I am to get to this meeting in time. Will you be going to the awards on Friday night?" Luke asked Dominick.
"Unfortunately no." Dom replied. "Dad is sending me over to Sydney on business and I won't be back until next week."
"That's a shame. It would have been good to see you there. Anyway if there is anything else I can do for you in the future, feel free to give me a call."
"Sure thing Luke."
Luke turned and headed for his office to grab his briefcase before heading out the door. Jackie suddenly felt all alone. "Shall we get started then Dominick?" Jackie asked gesturing towards her office with her arm.
"Please call me Dom. I feel like I'm in trouble whenever I hear that name."
"Yeah I feel the same way when I get called Jacqueline." Jackie replied as they headed towards her small office.
As Dom entered the room, Jackie indicated towards the clients chairs just inside the door to the left. "Please, take a seat." Jackie suddenly felt a little claustrophobic.
Jackie had her own little cubicle that was just big enough to have a standard corner desk that was turned, so that she was facing the door and a small filing cabinet that sat on the floor in the back corner of the room. The cupboards that hung above her right shoulder were just big enough to hold her work tray that was currently overflowing with paper, and the stack of "how to" manuals on the multitude of programs that she uses every day. The main wall facing out towards the main chamber was glass, with frosted swirls that were placed strategically to provide enough privacy for the customers, while still allowing Jackie to be able to see the general hustle and bustle of the day.
Turning to close the glass sliding door behind her she caught her best friend and work colleague, Rose, pretend to faint behind the counter. She was always going on about the gorgeous Dominick Tyrell and Jackie could see her green eyes glowing with envy.
When she turned back, she saw Dom inspecting the cramped office. Lowering herself into her chair she reached for a pen and paper so she could take notes for future reference, as she did with all her clients. "Do you mind if I take some notes as we go?" Jackie asked in her most professional voice. She knew that this was an important account for the branch and reminded herself to keep her opinions in check. "It helps me ensure that I am providing the best options based on your goals."
"No problem with that." Dom replied, noting that her voice sounded a little clipped. "And please relax. Am I really that scary?" Dom could see that Jackie had closed off. She had changed from the fluffy little girl that walked over to him in the waiting area, to someone that was now all about business. It made him feel uneasy. Maybe he took the game a little too far before.
"No, you're not scary at all Dom." Jackie responded with a smile, hoping to ease the tension a little.
"Now how can I help you out today?" Jackie lifted her head from the desk where she was concentrating on the pad and looked straight into those eyes. Instantly she felt like she was diving straight into the deep blue ocean and placed both hands onto her desk in an unconscious effort to stop herself.
"Well I have been offered a major opportunity and the funds are going to be deposited into my account today. It's just a small amount to start but hopefully, if things go well I will be granted more." Dom had leaned back in the chair and seemed to be studying her face. Jackie felt like a bird sitting on a fence that was being watched by a hungry cat.
"Okay, so will you be needing regular access to the funds?"
"Not immediately. I still have some ground work to do before the funds will be needed. But in the next few months I will be making regular withdrawals. I would like to earn interest on the funds while they are not being utilized. "
Jackie noted 'available' and 'earn interest' on her pad. "And how much are we talking about?" Jackie asked.
"$500,000 overnight tonight, with maybe another $2 million or so over the next few months."
"That is a little more than a small amount Dom," Jackie suggested.
Dom chuckled under his breath. "When you are used to the kind of wealth that my family is used to....." His voice trailed off, and a somber look clouded his face.
He didn't want to talk about his wealthy family. Truth be told, he actually resented it. He still hadn't told his father what he was planning. He knew his father wouldn't be happy about it.
"Well, looking at that amount of money I need to refer you to a specialist wealth advisor." Jackie thought she noticed a looked of disappointment flash across Dom's face.
"But Luke has assured me that you can look after me." Dom stated. He didn't want to talk to anyone else. He was confused about Jackie and really did want to find out more about her. He sensed there was something about her that he had to know. How was he going to find out what she is all about if he gets referred to someone else. Besides she wasn't bad to look at either. She had long shiny brunette hair that hung down to just below her shoulders. It was cut in delicate layers that created waves of molten chocolate as she moved. Her slender body was dressed in a simple pencil skirt, under a 2 button blazer that was open to reveal a white figure hugging merino top. He was pleased that she wasn't excessively skinny like the other women he met in high society circles. Her make-up was understated with just a little mascara on her lashes and just a hint of lip gloss to highlight her bee-stung lips. Her skin was smooth and flawless. He could imagine the wealth advisors being some old decrepit grandpa who had been working for the bank for 100 years and the thought sent a shiver down his spine.
"I'm not really qualified to give you the level of advice that you should be receiving." Jackie knew the rules and wasn't about to break them for him. But she also knew that Luke would come up with a solution, as he wouldn't want to lose this account to another department.
"What I can do though, is open an account where you will be able to access the funds, and they will earn some interest, until an advisor can organize a time to meet with you and cover off all the options that would be appropriate." Jackie felt pleased with herself. This way she was still meeting the customers' expectations while not jeopardizing her job.
"Okay that sounds great. But I really don't think I will need to speak to an advisor. I will have a chat to Luke and ask him if you can continue to look after my accounts."
Dom's smile was so inviting that she once again had to place both hands on her desk to stop herself from leaning towards him. "Well I think we have everything covered. I will open the account today, and arrange for the money to be deposited into this account once it arrives. I will get Luke to send you the details once it has all been completed." Jackie then stood up from behind her desk and opened the door to let Dominick out.
"Awesome," Dom replied. Stepping past Jackie, in the confines of the closet sized office, he suddenly felt very aware of her presence. The sweet smell of flowers from her perfume filled his mind with images of the cool summer days that he spent as a child at the park. As he continued out the door he turned to shake her hand once more. "It was lovely meeting you Jackie. Luke was right when he told me you were very capable and competent. I do look forward to meeting you again."
"No doubt we will." Jackie tilted her head in reply. "Here is one of my business cards with all my contact details. If you have any questions at all just give me a call." His fingers briefly touched hers as he took the card and she felt the sparks race through her body.
"Thanks Jackie." Dom met her gaze again and flashed his dazzling smile. "I'll be placing this card where I won't lose it. I have a feeling I will be needing it again." And with that he turned and walked out of the building.
Jackie was used to this kind of gratitude after dealing with her clients. It was just the usual polite talk that people use in the corporate world. Part of the 'courting' ritual. But Dominick was different, and she didn't like it. She couldn't afford to have any feelings towards any clients. Least of all have feelings for Dom! She was just having a bad day surely.
Thanks for taking the time to read my first chapter! I would be happy to find out what you thought of the story so far. Please feel free to leave comments on what you liked, didn't like etc. Thanks