Chapter 3: Rising Action
"How long do you think I'll have to wear this nuisance?" Lucy grumbled, twirling the Invisalign tray with her finger. The clear braces sparked like a row of diamonds against the bright office lights.
Dr. Jameson reclined on his stool, his gaze lingering over Lucy's lips as she played with the invisible braces. "It depends, Lucy. Could be a month or two. Or even six months."
Her pout intensified, "Six months?
That's an eternity!"
"Once you see how straight your teeth look, you might change your mind." He flashed a disarming smile, his own pearl-white teeth dazzling. "But before you put your Invisalign on, it needs to be fitted correctly and that's where those" -- he tilted his head towards the dental chair where the headgear lay invitingly -- "come in."
Lucy followed his gaze and blanched at the sight of the headgear.
"Is that really necessary?" she asked, trying to hide the anxiety seeping into her voice.
Her witty repartee faltered, threatened by the lurking headgear. Dr. Jameson caught her unease and reassuringly put a hand on her shoulder. "It's just part of the process. I won't let you feel uncomfortable, I promise," he said, his eyes warm with empathy.
As they sat side by side, Lucy felt a strange flutter of excitement.
She swallowed hard and asked, "How do we do this?"
Dr. Jameson steered his chair closer to Lucy's. A lock of his dark brown hair fell onto his forehead as he focused on adjusting the headgear with his nimble fingers. "It's not too complicated. First, I have to secure your wrists and ankles to the armrests using these restraints. That way, you won't accidentally move or fidget."
"Bound to the dentist chair?" she asked with a weak laugh, her pulse sprinting.
"Is that a standard procedure in this line of work?"
"Only for the especially fidgety patients, Lucy" he teased back, his blue eyes sparkling as he began to fasten the leather cuffs around her wrists and ankles. With each click, the cold, sleek leather straps tightened around her smooth skin, creating an unfamiliar yet irresistible sensation that coursed through Lucy's body.
"You can relax, Lucy.
You're completely safe," Dr. Jameson murmured softly, sensing the sudden tension pulsating from her as he carefully secured the last cuff. His voice tingled in her ear, and a shiver slid down Lucy's spine. Dr. Jameson traced his fingers along the edges of the headgear, checking the fitting with great attention.
"Now, let's put this on you and start the process, OK?" With a hint of confidence, he unlocked her right wrist from the cuff.
"Alright, Lucy. I'd like you to put on the headgear yourself. Just slip it on, and I'll guide the metal hooks."
Lucy hesitated. She had never felt so thrilling tangles of excitement and trepidation dancing in her stomach. But, she put her trust in Dr. Jameson. Her fingers fumbled with the metal piece, and, after some wrangling, the headgear nestled over her braces and teeth.
His deft hands worked the hooks along the wires of Lucy's Invisalign.
"Alright, Lucy. I'd like you to put on the headgear yourself. Just slip it on, and I'll guide the metal hooks."
Lucy hesitated. She had never felt so thrilling tangles of excitement and trepidation dancing in her stomach. But, she put her trust in Dr. Jameson. Her fingers fumbled with the metal piece, and, after some wrangling, the headgear nestled over her braces and teeth.
His deft hands worked the hooks along the wires of Lucy's Invisalign.
meticulously, guiding the metal into place. Despite the sterile environment, a warm, intimate air blanketed the room. Lucy could hardly believe how the tension coursing through her veins had transformed into an electrifying sensation she couldn't deny.
"There, all done," He concluded with a proud, soft smile.
Dazed by the experience, Lucy barely realized her heart thrumming, "Is that it? Do I wear this for six months now?"
"You have the right idea," Dr. Jameson agreed, retreating to his stool.
"I'll provide you with a special carrying case. Just make sure to wear your Invisalign braces at least twenty hours a day." His fingers absentmindedly tapped on the armrest high above Lucy's wrists.
A few moments of silence passed between them. Lucy, distant and disarmed, dwelled on her new bound-yet-free state.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jameson's gaze lingered on her parted lips, a blush dusting his cheeks.