Dillan made his way down the street without paying much attention to anyone. But, as he passed by, a number of people -- all of the opposite sex -- watched him.
As he continued towards a dental appointment (he'd never liked dentists and always got worked up about his visits) he was completely unaware of the effect he created in the street.
A shop assistant decorating a window stopped what she was doing and gaped
Two mothers twisted their necks to gaze at him while pushing their prams blindly forward
Two schoolgirls came to an abrupt halt, placing hands on each other's arms for support as he sauntered passed
And Dillan, deep in thought, missed the beautiful blonde easing her sunglasses down her nose to look at him while offering her most seductive smile.
When he reached the dental surgery, he held open the reception door for an exiting mother who was praising her "so brave" toddler son. Dillan smiled, remembering similar words he'd chosen for his own kids after their visits.
When the woman looked up to thank him, she stumbled slightly. Dillan shot out a hand and grasped an arm, steadying the lady.
"Thank you," she stammered.
"You're most welcome," said Dillan and turned to the boy "Any tips?"
The boy shrugged and Dillan stepped into the reception area. The woman still gazed after him as the door slowly closed and her son tugged on her arm.
Approaching the receptionist's desk, Dillan didn't recognise the young girl on the telephone. Although outwardly calm, he was somewhat irritated by her manners, thinking she should have at least acknowledged his presence with a smile.
As the call went on, he scanned the waiting area. Two elderly women and a man -- one of their husbands, he assumed -- sat in silence. They didn't look at him.
The receptionist was now examining her painted black nails as she hummed agreement down the line. Dillan guessed it was a personal call at the same time he noticed the girl's white shirt was being stretched to a button-popping point by generous breasts. He moved closer and placed an arm on the desk, hoping to capture her attention. Looming over her, Dillan saw a black nose ring attached to one nostril and the hint of a cleavage tattoo. Just a hint.
Impatient now, Dillan raised his gaze before strumming his fingertips on the desk. The girl huffed and slowly looked up at Dillan. Then something changed. Even Dillan noticed that the receptionist's brown eyes appeared to come alive, a fire began to burn, and a sudden attractiveness flowed through her. He'd been aware that she had the beauty of youth -- but now she also had that special energy, an energy that is infectious, that spreads and makes them so desirable.
The girl immediately hung up the phone and Dillan worried that he'd misjudged the girl based on her gothic look. She gave him her full attention, smiling as she ran fingers through her long raven hair.
"Hi... how can I help you, sir?" she asked, wriggling in her chair.
"Hello... Dillan Wheeler, I have an appointment."
All irritation of being kept waiting had disappeared -- but the spectre of the dentist's chair loomed again.
"Yes, Mr Wheeler." She tapped long fingernails on the computer keys.
"How do you type with those nails? I mean, they must surely get in the way," Dillan added, aiming for humour while trying to forget his appointment.
She laughed. "Oh, you'd be surprised what I can do with these nails."
Dillan blinked.
"Can I take some details, Mr Wheeler?"
"Sure."
The girl's dark-glossed lips flashed a cute smile. For a second, Dillan wondered how her bosses had come to approve of her appearance. He'd always regarded this place as rather staid. His appointments, and those of his family, were usually with Dr Sandra, a slightly heavy but very professional and well-groomed lady who seemed to be a similar age to himself and his wife. Over several sessions in the dreaded chair, he'd also learned that Dr Sandra had two girls about the same age as his daughters.
"Age?"
Dillan snapped out his reverie. "Forty-six," he said automatically, then asked, "But don't you usually ask for date of birth not age?"
"Are you joking?"
"No, not really. Anyway, look, it's there on my record." He nodded at the screen.
"So it is," she said, adjusting her posture and staring straight at him. "Hmm, you're really fit."
"Sorry?"
"I mean, you must keep really fit."
"Not really."
"Relationship status?"
