Chap. 7 - Louis and Her

 7.       

May 5th, Tuesday.

We were all in the meeting room and nothing of Ana showed up, I kept looking at my cell phone every minute. I placed my computer next to Byarn and joined him as he stood at the window to wait for the appointment.

- Good morning sir, is everything okay?

- Good morning Louis, all good, thank you! I just want to talk to everyone right before the gossip gets bigger than the truth.

- Ah, that's wise. I've heard some people talking about Recife itself.

- Good morning gentlemen.

- Good morning Miss Monteiro – Byarn replied politely and I could only nod my head and smile forcedly. It was 8:25 am when my cell phone lights up with an answer from her, I took a step to the side to step back a little:

Ana: Good morning sir, sorry, but I just saw the message. I'm already at the office. Is there anything I need to know?

Louis: Good. It's in your email. You have 3 minutes to be here, bring the computer.

I smiled when I saw her photo, which Paula noticed, but she doesn't know who it was on the phone, so there's no danger. In two minutes she was pushing the door a little awkwardly to enter saying to everyone who was already in the room “Good morning”.

She looked around the table looking for a place to sit and there were four chairs still empty, mine, Byarn's, Paula's and one more. Paula is here just because, once she didn't even bring her computer. Ana came towards an empty chair and sat down without looking to the side, her eyes fixed on her computer. She was probably reading the email I had sent. As soon as Ana sat down, coincidentally next to my computer, I smiled again, that way Paula would have to sit somewhere else. This girl is an angel in my life! I was still talking to Byarn, standing but with my back to the room, I mean I was agreeing with his words without even remembering what he was talking about. Soon Paula noticed Ana and left us alone, standing beside her for a while, but Ana didn't even look to the side, concentrating on her computer. I saw Paula take a deep breath, take her cell phone on the table and sit in the other available chair, next to Byarn who had just sat down too. We all sat down, and I turned to her, getting a little closer than necessary:

- Good Morning. She turned her face slowly towards me and I could see her breath until her eyes met mine.

- Good morning sir, sorry for not having answered before.

- No problem, it was late and I knew I would be here on time.

The meeting was not quick and ended at 11am, she wrote down everything and a little more about what was being discussed. On Friday we will have another meeting to talk about Recife, but it will be just us. When the meeting ended, everyone got up in a hurry to leave. She quickly grabbed her cell phone after she closed the computer and it slipped out of her hand. In seconds I saw the cell phone and she was unbalanced, I put my arm around her waist and pulled her body to mine, holding the cell phone with the other hand, she closed her eyes tight and held my arm tightly, resting her head on the my chest, then after a while I realized I had to let her go and said against my will to loosen my arms:

- Everything is fine? Did you get hurt?

- Yes, I'm fine thanks, my phone, where's my phone?

- This one? - She took the cell phone with both hands looking and turning it around, checking if everything was ok.

- Didn't he fall?

- No, I caught you two before you fell.

- Thank you sir.

- You're welcome, it would be a very serious fall and a tragic death that your cell phone would have, for you to almost commit suicide.

I said jokingly and seeing her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Even so, she looked up at me with her cell phone close to her heart and said, smiling:

- Yes sir, it would. Thanks.

- I'll always be around. Take care Miss Gusmão.

Ah, Miss Gusmão, if you let me, I'll be much closer! I took his hand briefly, saying goodbye, then my computer and strode out of the room, I crossed the door with my heart pounding in my ear when I came face to face with Paula:

- Can you explain what happened there?

- What?

- You making out with your employee!

- What? I held her to keep from falling, if you didn't notice. Now stop imagining bullshit and let's get to work!

I walked away so as not to prolong the conversation. If I want to do this it will have to be very carefully and out of sight of that person! But surely that's not going to stop me!

 

May 8th, Friday.

This weekend is Mother's Day and I was going to stop by Isabela to get a bracelet that my mother wants, but I don't want to go there! Isabela has been a friend of my mothers for many years and she is always pissing me off asking about my love life. I go into the pantry to get a coffee and see Miss Gusmão all flustered trying to carry the coffee cups, a paper bag and napkins to the trash with her hands full of stuff. I watched for some time, amused by her way, and I decide to go help, I look up and mentally thanks God one more time for this opportunity:

- Let me help you! Good morning Ana!

- Good morning sir and thank you.

- I decided to help because I didn't want to see an accident at work today, with one of my employees.

- Nothing was going to happen today!

- Aham. I was seeing! Watching you, right there, from the coffee machine as everything was right around here.

- Everything was under control, sir. I was at that exact moment...

- Dropping the backpack to have both hands free, I saw it. But come on, I've already taken the cups. Do you want me to clear the table too?

She turned running and went to the trash and I went towards the door to not get that stupid smile in front of her and I was holding the door waiting for her to pass.

- Thank you sir.

- You know Ana. I know I asked for it, but you don't seem to listen to me. - I spoke seriously to her who made a face of concern.

- Sorry sir. But I really don't know.

- First you could go through the door so we don't just stand there in the middle - I put a hand on her back to lead her body into the hallway, but that light touch warmed my body from where I was leaning against her to my spine, I took a breath and continued to speak - Afterwards, you need to stop calling me sir! Only you call me that here and I feel a little old next to you.

- You? Old? As if! – He patted his arm three times, almost like JP does to me when he comes to my house, like old friends. But that's okay, it's something!

- I will consider this moment as an evolution for our relationship, ok?! Good job Ana.

“Our relationship” Did I really say that out loud? I walked now with the certainty that I was blushing, as I felt my head heat up. She didn't say anything and didn't even kick my ass, so it's good!

Around noon my phone rings:

- Hello

- Hi Louis, how are you?

- Hi Isa, everything great with you? – I even drop the pen that was in my hand and lean back against the chair, crossing my leg over my knee.

- All right! Are you coming to get your mother's gift?

- Oh sure!

Shit! I have to go get it! I then lift my gaze to Ana and call her to my desk with my hand in the air. As soon as she stops in front of me I excuse Isabela and ask if she can't do me a favor.

Isabela continued to chatter on the line while Ana said that she still had to buy her mother's gift. I put the phone between my ear and shoulder and clasped my hands up, palms together and elbows resting on the table, just moving my lips, "please". She smiled and nodded, saying:

- Okay, but it has to be fast!

- It won't take five minutes! – I spoke to her and went back to the call – No, half an hour; at most one. Her name is Ana Gusmão.

- Is this your girlfriend Louis? And will she come here? How beautiful! I will love meeting her! - I didn't answer any of these questions. I handed over the jewelry store card with Isabela's name on it and she left in a hurry.

- Isa, it's nothing like that!

- Is she beautiful?

- She is beautiful! – I won't lie either!

- Of course it must be! But why don't you come?

- I'm very busy here at the office...

- Then I'll wait for her. Bye my son.

- Bye Isa. Thanks.

After about an hour and a half I was still at the table and about to go out to lunch after Isabela called again to tell me how beautiful she was. Polite. That we made a beautiful couple and that she already knew everything and was very happy for both of us. Knowing all what? What is this crazy woman talking about? So she leaves the elevator and comes straight towards me with the gift in her hands as soon as she got close I said:

- You're an angel in my life!

- And you owe me lunch for that!

- I didn't want to go there - I leaned back in the chair with my hand on my head a little embarrassed, she sat on the chair in front of me so I leaned my body forward saying:

- Isabela is a great friend of the family, when I asked you to go there earlier I was with her on the phone. It took me about 40 minutes to get the phone off.

- Interesting, now it makes sense.

- She kept asking about me?

- Yea.

- Did she ask a lot of questions?

- No.

-She called you to get in, sit down, hug you?

- Yea.

- Will you just answer me “yes” and “no”?

- No

I flopped back down on the chair laughing at her answers and shaking my head at that nonsensical conversation.

- I'm kidding sir, sorry. She asked some questions about the project, I didn't understand very well but I hope I didn't do too much wrong by saying that we'll be going to Recife soon because of it.

I laughed and started to understand. Ana commented on the project and Isabela already thought I was going to travel with my girlfriend. She's completely freaked out. How can she?

- No, no problem. Once again, thank you so much for coming there for me.

- No problem sir, whenever you need I'll be around.

She repeated the line I had spoken and I was quite pleased to know she remembered it. She turns back to me when she's already going to her table and says:

- Ahhh sir, she asked me to tell you that it was Sonia who chose it.

- Yes, my mother will like it! She warned me! Thanks!

She turned on her heel quickly and went to her desk fiddling with her cell phone. This girl intrigues me! At 3pm we had a meeting with Byarn, John and Ana. But as always, Byarn talks too much and I noticed that Ana was already freezing cold inside that meeting room. I stopped the meeting for us to have coffee and I texted her even after she told me she wasn't cold:

Louis: Go get a coat now!

When we came back from the pantry she was already seated and with her coat around her body, I glanced at her and a little calmer because she was gone. The meeting ended at 6:20 pm and I stayed there until 9 pm talking and aligning some points still with Byarn. When I was in the elevator, Miss Luana enters:

- Good night, working late Luana?

- Good night sir. I just came to get this – And she held up an envelope – And we're on our way.

- We?

- Ana, she's downstairs waiting for me.

- And how are you leaving?

- From the subway to the bus station - My chance to do something!

- I can leave you two if you want, for me it won't be any problem and it will be faster for you!

- She will be very happy!

- Happy?

- Happy I don't know. At least she won't be so mad that I made her wait...

I straightened my backpack and as soon as we walked out into the lobby she was sitting on the couch, almost asleep. I followed Luana to her who said:

- Ana, shall we? Mr. Nurs will drop us off at the bus station!

- What?

- Good night Ana – I spoke as naturally as possible with both hands in my pockets as she opened her eyes wide at the new information. Luana turned to call the elevator and as soon as Ana tried to get up, she fell back on the couch again. I couldn't resist and smiling I said:

- Come on girl, I'll help you again.

She took my hand accepting the help and when she was standing in front of me she made an angry face and replied turning abruptly with her back to me:

- If you rub it in my nose all the time, you don't need to help!

My God, she was mad at me and I didn't know what to do, I put a hand on her shoulder almost instantly to apologize and she turned around again, laughing.

- Sorry, I didn't mean... Hey, you're laughing!

- Of course, your face was hilarious! I should have recorded it! By the way, I'm going to ask the building security to send me, they must have, no?

- You were naughty with me now!

- You have no idea sir!

My lips curved automatically with that promise said by her thinking about everything I wanted to see.

- You mean you are a naughty girl?

She turned very blushed and began to take off the scarf that was around her neck, changing the subject:

- But tell me, did you stay late then?

The Elevator arrived and it was really hot, I think they turned off the air conditioning, we walked to the car and as soon as I opened it, Luana jumped in the back seat and Ana opened the passenger door beside me. I asked her to put my wallet and the gift that was on the bank inside the glove compartment and she entered, after about two minutes while I was maneuvering the car still inside the parking lot I hear a hollow noise on the floor, she had dropped my wallet in her foot. She hastily stuffed the gift into the glove compartment and tried to see the floor.

I turned on a light that overlooked her feet, she smiled and thanked me. I was grinning at her like a fool as she tried to get her wallet off the ground and the gate was still opening in front of us. She then takes off her seat belt and lowers her body and practically goes under the seat to pick up the object from the floor, lifting it up with a "ta-dã" like a magician. I can't resist and laugh again. To contain my laughter I try to speak more seriously:

- Very well miss, now put the seat belt again.

- Hahahah you don't have a sense of humor?

- I have a sense of humor, but I don't want anything to happen to you inside my car.

- Fair.

We looked back and Luana was already sleeping, I turned on the sound and with the volume low we went to the bus station. I kept tapping my fingers on the steering wheel and I could see her feet tapping the floor of the car and her hands on her thigh in time to the music, not taking her eyes off the street to her right.

So I was able to observe her rosy cheeks and her nose, which formed a small, straight line to her full lips. She blinked slowly looking out with her long eyelashes, making her look even more enigmatic. Arriving at the bus station, faster than I would have liked and unable to say anything because of Luana who was in the back seat, she left:

- Thank you sir, have a great weekend! Let's go Luana!

-I'll always be here – I said looking into her eyes, begging her to understand what those words mean.

- Thank you Louis, by subway it would take us about 50 minutes to get here. Half of that was wonderful!

- You're welcome, Luana, take care.

Before closing the door she turns to me and says softly:

- Good night.

I come home like a teenager, laughing and happy to have talked to the girl without even having laid a finger on her. There was an order for me at the reception and as soon as I opened it it was from Isabela with a card:

“I hope she likes this necklace and ring set I chose, I thought it was perfect for your girlfriend and I'm sure she will love it! It's as delicate as she is, and if you really want to ask for her hand in marriage, let it be with a diamond, a woman's best friend, as they say and I agree! We all have to have at least one. I love you my son and I hope you are very happy!”

I opened the box with two beautiful jewelry, with a solitaire, rounded in each piece and that perfectly matched Ana's natural beauty. I couldn't help but think about what it would be like for me to put this ring in her hand. I put the gift in my backpack and thought to myself. I'll give it to her!

Well, today I have to take a hot shower! I need it!

Tomorrow I'm going to my parents' house in the countryside, after all it's Mother's Day. I went down at ten o'clock with a small suitcase to sleep there, on Sunday I'll be back.

- Good morning family!

- Good morning brother, are you in a good mood today?

- Yes, can't I?

- Of course you can! But I've already said that men are only in a good mood because of women!

- JP! – Mom had a fight with him.

- Hi Mom! How are you?

- All my son. How’s the office?

- All okay!

- And that problem?

- She is no longer a problem mom! It is past! – I kissed her forehead and Duda grabbed me from behind.

- Hi Louis, how are you?

I grabbed her around the waist and lifted her up like when we were kids, she always laughs about it pressing my head against her stomach.

- Hi Duda, everything is great! Hey Richard, are you okay?

- You're in a good mood huh!

- I already told him that!

I looked angry at JP then Duda said:

- Tell me who she is!

- There’s no she.

-She does exist! Isabela was here just now and said she met her yesterday.

- What?

I opened my eyes wide at the same time and I must have turned pale because of Richard's reaction, who started to laugh, and JP who said:

- She just confirmed what we already knew. She is a beautiful!

- Wow Lu, tell us who she is!

- There is no she! Isabela is crazy!

- Oh yes? So why did she say you're going to ask her to marry me next month?

- She said what?

I left the three of them talking to themselves and went straight to my old room, Isabela is crazy and ruined my weekend. When my mom knocks on the door and asks if she can come inside.

- Of course mom! I'm just packing up my stuff.

- You can talk with me?

- About?

- Who is this girl that Isabela spoke of?

- Oh mom...

- Son!

- Can we talk another day?

- Yes, but just answer me: Are you liking someone?

I couldn't deny it to my mom looking so intently into my eyes. She hugged me and said:

- Ok, this weekend I won't say anything, but I want to know who she is later! And where is my present?

-I'll get it, it's in the car!

I went downstairs without looking at them who were in the room playing poker while lunch wasn't ready and I realized it was really cold today! As soon as I opened the passenger door to get the gift from the glove compartment, I saw a gift box in the backseat. But Luana came down with a bag! I'm sure!

Hell, it was Ana's gift! I pick up my cell phone and text her:

Louis: Can you call me?

She doesn't see the message and so I call while I'm still away from the three of them. It rang twice for voicemail and she didn't answer. I was still a while in front of the car looking at the cell in the hope that she would return and bingo.

- Good afternoon sir, do you want to talk to me?

- Hi Ana, yes. Sorry, but I think it's important! Did you forget anything?

- Me?

- Yes, in my car!

- Me? Did I forget something? Yesterday in your car? I don't remember, sir.

- Well, then I believe that your mother will not miss anything tomorrow.

- Oh no! Holy shit!

One more curse word, who would say Miss Gusmão. I can't contain my smile and ask:

- Want me to take you?

- No, imagine sir.

- You did me a favor yesterday...

- I don't want to bother with it...

I asked her parents' home address even though I already knew where it was and I waited for her to respond. I put my cell phone in my jacket pocket and went in for lunch. The three stooges were bugging me all through lunch, until Richard, who already knew who it was, jumped on their bandwagon. I left my jacket on the chair so I could have lunch and for a moment I forgot that I was waiting for a message from Ana. So long without expecting anything from anyone that we get used to it.

When it was half past five I put my blouse back on, because the weather cooled even more and I took my cell phone in my pocket, which had her return with the address, I put it on the GPS and it wasn't even twenty minutes away. I replied immediately:

Louis: Ok, I'll be out of here in half an hour

I take the stairs two at a time to brush my teeth, fix my hair, look at my clothes; blue jeans, faded at the knees, a white T-shirt, and an open plaid shirt on top. On her feet were black sneakers with white laces. Very relaxed! And I go back to kiss my mother:

- I will be back in a moment!

- Where are you going?

- Visit a person!

- What person Brother? – JP asks with a smirk on his mouth.

- Nobody!

- Louis....

- What Mary Eduarda?

- Nothing geez! Have fun!

- Will you come back son?

- Of course dad! We still have that pool game before bed!

Almost in the car, Richard approaches me:

- Where are you going? Can I at least know?

- I'm meeting Ana!

- Serious?

- Serious! And you will be very quiet about it!

- And so? Have you talked to her about it?

- No, I'm going there to do just that.

- Make sure she wants the same thing as you!

- I won't do anything she doesn't want, rest assured.

- But you'll make her want to! Huh? – He emphasized the words “make her”.

I looked at him with a bad thoughts face. From the same time we had a rock band and gave every ridiculous line to the girls, I can't even believe how it worked.

- Do I still have a way?

- Go there stud!

I got in the car laughing at his line  and at 6:15 pm I was in front of the number she told me. I stopped a little at the corner and texted her, stopping behind a red car, when I was leaving she storms into the seat beside me, making me go back and close the door inside the car in the darkness of the dark windows:

- Hi, good afternoon sir.

- What a scare Ana, I was going to deliver you.

- I know, thank you! Same!

- It's cold here! - I said trying to start a conversation.

- Yes, it does. Arrived fast, no traffic?

- Not much, it was very quiet, and I was very close.

A man then knocks on the window and I open it to listen, it was Ana's father who asked me to remove the car so her brother could put his in the garage. I shifted into reverse and turned my body to face her to look back, putting my right arm over the seat she was sitting on. She watched me, not turning her face while I was in that position, so close to her mouth. I stopped the car for them to get in and looked into her eyes:

- You already wanted to send me away!

- No sir, no way.

- Aren't you cold without a coat? - I spoke as an excuse to touch her arm with the palm of my hand, but she was hot and soon her cheeks turned red.

- It's hot inside! Here too, just outside it's freezing.

- It's true, it's hot here too!

I put the car forward again and her father called us inside. I saw in her eyes how startled she was by my answer, which of course I accepted, yet another opportunity delivered to me on a platter. We got out of the car and soon she was standing in front of me beside the driver's door with her hand outstretched:

- The gift!

- Oh sure. Right here ma’am.

She put it in the red car in front of us, it must be her car and we entered the room, I put my key and wallet along with her key next to the TV and we followed a hall to the back of the house, which was covered and smelled a barbecue. It was really hot there too, so I took off my coat and left it on a chair beside it.

Her father came to greet me again with a handshake, I looked again at Ana who was wearing tight jeans and a black t-shirt, on her feet a boot. Soon Bruno, one of her brothers came to talk to me and the other brother, identical to this one, only greeted me with the glass raised on the other side, Daniel. His mother walked behind me holding a platter of cake and came back to talk to me:

- Hi Louis, you who works with our Aninha?

- This is my mother, Lucia.

- Good afternoon Ms. Lucia, sorry to arrive unannounced.

- No problem boy, in this house there is always too much food! Sit down, I'm making a fresh coffee.

- Thanks. And this cake looks great!

I smiled, thanked her and sat down. If I don't make Ana look at me today, at least her mom will think I'm the perfect man for her daughter after I'm gone!

Ana got up to get coffee, handed me a cup and sat next to her brother Daniel, while I was talking to Bruno and her father, Mr. Carlos. In between a game or two about football and music her mother placed a piece of cake in my hand. We talked about a lot of things, where my parents lived, football, music, that I worked with her, the conversation was flowing wonderfully well, omitting the part that I was her boss, of course!

Everything was going very well! I got up to go to the bathroom, which was one of the hallway doors we came through. It was pretty easy to impress the parents, but I needed to impress the daughter. And I still had to find out, how? When I came back down the hall, I heard her mother asking Ana, Aha, I got it! Slow down to listen before entering the hall:

- Why didn't you bring him before for us to meet him?

-Oh mother ... - I came to her side and said:

- It's just that it didn't have such a good opportunity as today Mrs Lucia. I was around and decided to say hi to Ana.

- Yeah, and we live far away mom.

- But you never talk about anyone to us...

- Would you like another coffee? - She tried to cut her mother off by offering me more coffee, smart ass! But it won't do!

- Of course Ana. But what were you saying Dona Lucia?

She looked at me through hooded eyes as she picked up the coffee, her mother told me in a lower tone:

- She's a very sweet girl!

- I know! – I replied sincerely holding her hand between mine and letting out my breath slowly.

I sat down again and she sat beside me, holding a plate of baked bananas fresh off the grill, sugar and cinnamon, and a giant scoop of ice cream. I said holding the coffee cup:

- That must be delicious!

- Would you like? Louis ...-She offered me a spoonful full from her plate, I took her hand that was holding the spoon and pulled it to my mouth, which was now holding the empty spoon in the air.

- Yes!

- Is it tasty?

- A delight! – I replied still with my mouth full and asked for a napkin – This mixture of hot and cold is very good, don't you think?

She was going to say something but stuck another spoonful of dessert in her mouth and I realized it was to not answer what had been on her mind, something inappropriate as she started to blush and beautiful with shame at her own thoughts. I've already passed this stage! I've admitted that I think about her inappropriately almost every time. Normally in my bed with her clothes off and her hair spread out on my bed sheet, I thought about it smiling and flirting, still looking at her reaction. Her mother passed by and asked:

- What was it dear? Is everything OK? -The mother put her hand on her forehead to see if she was warm.

- Uh. I just burned my tongue with the hot banana.

- Then have ice cream that passes! -And she left.

- Your mother is very practical, right!

- It is yes! Want more?

- No thank you. I just wanted to taste a little.

At that time Bruno, one of the brothers, who are twins, shouted: POKER TIME!

- Poker?

She plays poker! I'm saying that with each passing day I fall more in love with this girl!

- Want to play Louis? - Her father asked me putting a hand on my shoulder.

- No sir, I have to go, it's getting late.

- Are you going out?

- I'll stay here father!

- Only I will, sir. Thank you so much for the afternoon.

- No problem, it was our pleasure! Hope we meet more often!

- Bye Mrs Lucia, I'm leaving.

- But it’s early? Why so soon?

- I'll just get a blouse and take you to the door.

I took her arm and spoke close to her ear in a low, gravelly voice, letting out a little of what I had been feeling for so long:

- Can you get my coat that I forgot back there too?

- Uh! Of course! - She replied in a shaky voice and ran down the hall. Did she feel?

- But you play Louis?

- From time to time.

- Is it good enough to beat us?

- I can try! What if I win?

- That I want to see! I was very curious about you boy!

- I'll definitely come back for this poker game!

- Then just show up! I will be waiting!

I smacked her mom on the cheek and when I turned around she was laughing standing beside me:

- What now?

- Nothing! Here's your coat!

- It cost. Thanks for the afternoon. Saved me again!

- Did I save you? You came to do me a favor.

- That’s nothing! You do not even know.

- So tell me.

- My mother was going at my house today to interrogate me. But that can wait for tomorrow.

- Are you always running away from the women in your life or is it just me?

- Sometimes I have to run away! I stared at her, thinking exactly what I was doing there that I couldn't. I should be running away too, but no. I am here!

- What do you mean?

I ran my hand through my hair, a little awkwardly and started to talk, I'm going to play nice with her, I won't make any lines just to take her to bed, that's not what I want! I just hope I don't frighten her completely.

- You know the lady from the jeweler? So, as soon as you left she called me telling me how beautiful and wonderful you were. Claim I couldn't deny, of course!

She was interested in the story and I was even more embarrassed by my sincere words, I looked down at my hands that were holding the keys and cell phone, then she called me by name. It wasn't Mr Nurs, she said my name, making me look up at her:

- You can say Louis!

- So she hung up the phone with me and called my mom this morning to congratulate us on our engagement.

- WHAT?

- Do not fight with me!

- Fight with you? Is that woman crazy?

- Let's go outside? – Her voice was getting a little higher than normal.

- OK.

-I knew she was going to ask you a lot of questions and think she was my girlfriend. But she thought I was going to ask you to marry me in Recife. I never thought she would go that far.

- Let me see if I got it. Did you know she was going to think I was your girlfriend and didn't tell me or recant her?

- Yup...

- Now your mother thinks you have a mysterious girlfriend that you're going to ask her to marry in Recife?

I just smiled and returned my hand to my head, she looked at me and taking a deep breath she calmed down before saying:

- And worse, you ran away on today's date from a confrontation with your mother to explain the whole truth to her.

- Exactly. And now I'm leaving. Thank you so much again and see you on Monday. Goodnight.

I quickly turned my back on her, dying with embarrassment. Now that she repeated aloud what happened I realized how absurd it was. I can't stay here with her and try to play my little game of seduction anymore, no way.

- No sir. You can come back here, lil’ boy.

I stopped walking and started laughing. “lil’ boy”. She called me lil’ boy.

- Are you laughing at me? Again?

- You called me “lil’ boy”?

- That's right, lil’ bad boy! A little boy who will promise me to tell your mother the truth tomorrow!

- Said the person who cannot even say that she forgot the gift.

- That's different. Much less serious.

- Your mother also thinks we have something!

We are arguing like two teenagers! She almost choked when I said that and we walked to the sidewalk, it was late, 8:50pm. And as soon as we stepped onto the sidewalk I felt the icy wind hit my face, ruffling all her hair. She brought both hands back, holding it in a ponytail. I took a step forward, joined the zipper on her jacket that was open and zipped it up until I reached her chin.

- Is cold! – I said still holding the zipper.

- And you closed my coat.

- I did!

We were very close, my heart had accelerated at an absurd speed, I was standing looking down so I could look her straight in the eye, when a street lamp went out and we were half in the shade of the tree that was furthest to the right of the gate. The oxygen decreased along with the brightness when she said:

- I'd rather you were opening...

- Screw this!

And unable to hold back my instincts I held her face with both hands and kissed her. A desperate, anxious, needy kiss that I thanked her for returning! She let go of her hair and running her fingers through mine I laced an arm around her waist, holding tight and pressing her body into mine, after a brief time of reciprocated passion. She broke away from me, taking a step back saying:

- Sorry - But now I had my confirmation, and I was back in the game! Then I said flirting again:

- I see you're better!

- What?

- Your tongue. Didn't you burn with the banana?

- I do not believe!

She was holding back laughter and crossed her arms in front of her chest. I took a step forward again and getting serious I spoke again:

- Me either

- Don't you believe it, or are you sorry too?

- I'd rather be opening it too!

I grabbed the end of the zipper and unzipped it to where her arms were crossed. She who then uncrossed her arms and wrapped her arms around my neck, slamming our mouths together wildly, leaning my body against the car to better enjoy the moment and I pressed her waist against me again, unable to control my erection, something that was already hard alone at home, here then, in the middle of that possessive kiss with her warm body pressed against mine, she brought her mouth to my neck and took a deep breath letting out a brief whisper of pleasure.

- Come with me? – I spoke without thinking holding her head and with my mouth on her ear.

- I can’t.

- You're right, we work together... - I started to speak apologetically. Where were you with the head Louis!

- No sir, that's not it! But I have to stay at my mom's house today since tomorrow is her day.

- Ana, you're crazy, you know!? And it's driving me completely crazy!

- Will you be able to live with my madness?

- I think you're being my sanity test.

- We have a deal? – She reached out her right hand to me, which I took without even knowing what the deal would be.

- An agreement?

- We know that couldn't happen, right?

- Yea...

- But I really want to know how it ends!

- Now we're speaking the same language!

- Then nothing can change in the office.

- And when can I see you out of the office again?

- You have my number, besides, we have a long project along the way.

- You're a shrewd girl!

- You have not seen anything yet!

- You already told me that! And since then I've been wanting to find out what I have yet to see.

- You'll have to wait, boss.

I grabbed her body and pressed her against me again, between my legs still leaning against the car and asked:

- And what do I do with this now?

- I don’tt know. Alone is not worth?

- I'm no longer a tomboy to do this alone.

- You mean you’re a big man?

- Don't tease me girl!

- Sir, I'm sorry, but my father is waiting for me to play poker with him. – She wants to drive me crazy!

- Okay, today you won, because my mother must also be wondering where I am.

I gave her a peck on the mouth and got in the car, so I asked:

- What will you say to your mother if she asks?

- She is not going! She never asks! And what are you going to say about your engagement?

- Don’t know yet. I'll think about the way. See you Monday Ana.

- See you sir.

I started the car and got out slowly until I stopped at a red light up ahead. If she thinks this is just going to be a deal, she's so wrong! I see my cell phone light up with a message from her:

Ana: I got all wet too, but I have no problem ending by myself!

Fuck! I stopped the car and slammed my hand on the steering wheel, blasting the horn with the shock of the unexpected message.

Louis: Damn Ana!

I thought about ten times between backing up the car and catching her in the grip and putting her in the car, but I didn't. I need to control myself! I walked back to the house with a fucking hard cock between my legs that insisted on not relaxing. I arrived at my parents' house sore and tense from the trip here.

- Nine-thirty Louis!

- Good night Duda!

- Half past nine!

- Big Ben?

- Can you tell me where you were?

- No!

- Did you meet the mystery woman?

- I did!

Did I really say that to my sister? I turned my back to her and walked up the stairs to my room and she followed like a shadow:

- Tell me!

- No!

- I'll ask Richard!

- He does not know!

- I doubt!

Before closing the door, I said:

- I'll just take a shower and I'll be right down?

- Will you tell me later?

- It depends. Will you beat me at pool?

- If I win will you count?

- Deal!

I took a shower to try to relax and managed with all my strength to avoid a new erection thinking about her! With the help of the cold weather and the almost icy water, of course. I changed into warm clothes and went straight to the back, where everyone was already playing.

- What's up brother? How was your night?

- Very good JP!

- Yeah, and he doesn't want to say who the mystery woman is!

Richard was sitting on the bench just laughing at Duda and having a beer, took his cell phone and texted me while my brothers discussed the mystery woman:

Richard: Got it?

Louis: You are rotten!

Richard: Did you or didn't you?

Louis: Got it! – I replied with a smile that was more stubborn to leaving my face than other parts of my body.

We played there until after midnight, I lay with my hands behind my head thinking about what had just happened.