Chap. 4 - Louis and Her

4

November 25th, Tuesday.

I didn't go to work in the morning the next day, I needed to rest since I didn't get a wink of sleep thinking about what had happened, I think Richard is right, as of today I'm going to change my way inside the office and try to get her away from me. Maybe it works.

I received an email from Byarn informing me that the project would be underway and soon the contract would be signed. It will be a great opportunity for me and for whoever will work with me.

As soon as I arrived at the office, I spoke to whoever I met on the way and sat down, looking directly in front of my desk at the left side of her body. She's been focused on something since the elevator opened and hasn't lifted her head yet, but it's me looking directly at her that her head turns to me and our eyes meet in that small distance of about 16 or 19 feet away. She smiles and lowers her eyes again, turning to face the computer.

I suppressed my lips in a thin line to keep from smiling too and turned to the computer.

- I can't and I shouldn't! – I spoke through gritted teeth to myself.

From now on I would be someone else, and I can't treat her badly just because it’s her, I'll have to be the bad-tempered boss with everyone, nobody will like it, but it will be necessary.

***

Deadlines will be shorter. Delays won’t be tolerated. Reports must be delivered when and on time I request them. Jokes with me? Not anymore, just between them.

Little by little it started to kills me, I'm not like that and it wasn't working at all, because every time I set a shorter deadline, or argued with someone about the tickets or delays, she was the one who took the lead in the work. leaving me more and more impressed by their professionalism and collegiality.

December 5th, Friday.

The company will close from December 22nd to January 5th so today we will have a meeting to let everyone know about our ongoing projects, open tickets and new projects.

I'm already in the living room waiting for everyone to arrive, sitting in the chair furthest from the door and closest to the air conditioning, with the computer in front, there's still twenty minutes to go before the scheduled time. In addition to my three Musketeers – Ana, Miguel and John – I have nine more employees with me, which makes us a relatively large team. I turn my chair slightly to face the large window on my right, and it's blazingly sunny outside.

Gradually the room starts to fill up and people talking to each other fill the sound of the room, which was silent before, I still don't turn my chair, I just look at the clock and wait for the meeting time, I notice that people come in talking, but when they realize that I'm already there, they lower their voices and as I don't turn around, I don't even get a “good afternoon”. Crap! At least the plan is working, I'm getting everyone away from me, except her out of my head.

At the appointed time, I turn to the table and speak to the person closest to the door:

- Juliano, can you close the door?

- Of course sir.

He gets up and when he's almost closing Ana appears pushing the door hard to get in last. She straightens up after the door opens, apologizes to Juliano and turns to me:

- Good afternoon sir, sorry.

I look at her, who has a blouse hanging over her left arm, a small bottle of water between her arms, clutching the computer to her chest and still holding her cell phone between her fingers, her face red from running here. I want to smile at her, but I can't.

- Good afternoon, Miss Gusmão. Just in time, close the door and please sit down.

Damn Louis, it didn't have to be so harsh! But now it's done.

To my bad luck the only vacant chair is beside me, after all, nobody wants to sit next to the boring boss. She crosses the room holding the computer in her arms and coming to my side, leans over to put things on the table and then has her free hand to pull out the chair. I can't be that indifferent to the situation.

I turn around and pull out the chair to help her sit down holding the water bottle that had nearly fallen between her arms.

- Thank you sir! - She answers me seriously without looking at me. Congratulations Louis, you managed to push her away for good! You don't even have a look anymore.

- You're welcome Ana!

I took a deep breath and looked at everyone in the room, who had their respective computers open and now waiting for me to say something since I was already standing.

- Good afternoon everyone. As you know, the company will close from December 22nd to January 5th so I want you to give me the status of all existing problems now. If there’s something very serious, the person responsible for it will continue working until it’s resolved, understood? That's why we're here, two weeks before the collective vacation so that it doesn't happen to anyone. I don't want anyone to work during this period!

The buzz started in the room and everyone had problems, the only three who didn't were Miguel, John and Ana, that's because I always gave them the worst cases. I really hope to solve everything, because if someone comes to work I have to work! And I really don't want to! But with two weeks' notice, I'm sure these people will race against time to get everything in order.

- Sir?

- Yes Ana...

- We can help the staff, just pass a few more tickets to our queue!

- Is not fair! – I spoke loudly and without thinking. That's not a manager's phrase!

She kept looking at me with those big almond eyes and I continued:

- But you're right again! We are a team.

She opened a sincere smile and I tried my best to hold mine, which closed into a side curve. I turned to my computer and got all the existing ticket listings and we were splitting it all up again among the twelve.

At five o'clock I dismissed everyone as I continued in the room checking my emails and my cell phone lights up with the arrival of messages:

Richard: Are you leaving on time today?

JP: It's with Louis right?

Richard: Of course it is! You can leave whenever you want.

JP: It's not like that either.

Richard: Louis?

Louis: I don't think so. A meeting just ended and I'm still checking my emails.

Richard: Have you seen Byarn's?

Louis: No, just a minute.

“From: Byarn.mol@tch.com

To: Louis.nurs@tch.com; Richard.sanches@tch.com; Carlos.santos@tch.com; jose.duarte@tch.com

Subject: Signed contract

Guys, good afternoon

It is with great satisfaction that I inform you that we have won the Recife account.

Now I need to know which of the four of you, to help me choose who will lead this project.

Until June of next year, I will need the full scope and the names that will be part of the team. Talk to each other and next week we will have a meeting to align the points.

The signed contract is attached. But this one, everyone already knows.

Good weekend,

Byarn Mol,

CEO Brazil"

JP: What is it?

Richard: JP, work thing.

JP: So why didn't you send a private message to Louis?

Richard: I sent the first group I had opened, now don't piss off.

Richard: Louis?

Louis: Fuck, it worked!

Richard: So I thought it wouldn't do.

Louis: What do you think?

Richard: That the name of the time is yours!

Louis: Me?

Richard: I just picked up a new client and I'm hardly in the office. Joe won't want it because of his daughter.

Louis: There's still Carlos.

Richard: Between someone married and someone single, who do you think goes to Recife?

JP: Recife?

Louis: You might be right.

Richard: Do you want?

Louis: Damn of course!

Richard: So memorize this contract for next week's meeting.

JP: Changing the subject, what are you guys doing this weekend?

Richard: Barbecues here at home, deal?

JP: Deal!

Louis: All right.

I leaned back in the chair smiling like I hadn't done in the office in a long time with my cell phone in my hand, so Ana knocks on the door and asks:

- Sorry sir, may I come in?

- Of course Ana, what can I help?

- About the tickets, it wouldn't be a problem if I sat down a little with the staff, right?

She came walking towards me as she spoke.

- Of course not! It would be a big favor.

- Thank you sir.

- Ana...

She turned to me, almost leaving, and placed her hand on the back of the chair that had previously been sitting beside me.

- Nevermind, you can go.

- Sure sir

You're an idiot Louis, just saying "thank you" won't hurt!

- Ana… – I called again and saw that she had forgotten the bottle of water on the table – Is this yours?

- Oh yeah, thank you!

She went back to get it, but before handing it to her outstretched hand I got up from the chair and leaned against the table, my back to the door and passed the bottle to my other hand, putting it back on the table. She looked at me confused and stopped in front of me.

- Thanks!

- For what sir?

She stretched out and grabbed the bottle that was beside me still looking at me quizzically at the simple word I had just uttered.

I saw her opened the bottle to take a sip, and I was transfixed looking at her parted lips as she slowly turned the liquid inside her mouth, at that exact moment her cell phone rings in her pocket, causing some of the water to trickle out of the corner of her mouth. She runs her fingers in a hurry to clean it up and puts the bottle in my hand taking the cell phone from her pocket. I looked at the clock, five-fifteen. Same time as usual, it must be an alarm clock.

Before returning the bottle, smiling I take a big swig of her water and return it to her hand:

- For everything, always. And for the water.

- You're welcome sir. Gotta go, good weekend.

- You too.

She left and I stood there, leaning against the table looking out the big glass window, watching the cars scurry back and forth as another day wore on.

It's not fucking working!

***

december 10th, wednesday

After the meeting with Byarn, I ended as the responsible for the Recife project, and I didn't have to make any effort for that since none of the three wanted to get him anyway.

- Louis, you will choose two names for this project and I hope they are your best employees! I don't want absolutely anything to go wrong with this project.

- Of course sir, I have three names in mind, I just have to choose between them.

Richard kept looking at me with a weird face and as soon as the meeting was over he came to talk to me:

- Tell me her name is not among the three!

- Of course it is! She is my best employee!

- And who are the other two?

- Miguel and John.

- Then take them both!

- But she's the best. Didn't you hear me?

-Are you listening to yourself?

I scratched my head and looked between his shoulders at the hallway that led to the pantry, the three of them were going together for coffee. He followed my gaze and put his arm around my shoulder saying:

- Louis. No!

- I know!

- Then why are you smiling?

- I'm not smiling!

- Yes you are.

- I thought about the bet...

- Nothing yet!

- Exactly.

- You're a romantic kid, that's it!

- No, I’m not. What if it's just desire?

- Maybe, now we started talking like a real dumb men, as I like.

- I feel something when I touch her...

- Lust?

- Speak the fuck down!

- Lust? – He repeated in a whisper and I laughed in agreement.

- Fuck! I feel like a lot of things.

- That's abstinence! You should go out with JP one of these days just to catch up.

- How’s my sister with you?

- I am a gentleman!

- I know what a gentleman you are!

- If I say that she likes, you'll be mad!

- Then don't say anything!

- That's why I don't!

- Then you could take that toothy smile out of your mouth too, right!

- My bad!

- OK...

- Tell me: Have you ever jacked off thinking about her?

- I don’t do that!

- So you're really dry since the carnival?

- Well...

- Well what? Explain to me once I couldn't understand these two pieces of information with your face.

- These days I dreamed of her...

- And you were doing...?

- Er...

- Damn Louis, your case is more serious than I was imagining!

I looked at the pantry door the three were going back to their desks, Richard slaps me on the head so I turn my attention to him and I look at him cursing:

- What was the shit?

- Do you think you have a chance?

- I do not know.

- Do you want to try?

- Perhaps...

- Okay. I'll support you in this one just because you're my friend, you need and she's really cute.

- What do you mean by that?

- That she's pretty, duh.

- I got this! - I glared at him - What do you mean by "I'll support you"...

- Go talk to her!

- I can’t. What language do I have to speak for you to understand?

- First make sure this shit isn't platonic, because it can even be reciprocated. You're not ugly either!

- What?

- I won't repeat that!

I laughed and walked towards the pantry. He came after me saying:

- What do you think?

- You want me to try to take her to bed!

- Yup.

- And if I can? How will I come to work afterwards?

- That's why you have to be sure! If she hasn't dated anyone until today, she must be a smart person not to mix things up.

- Smart she really is!

- Then go. Wait for the right time and attack!

- I don’t know.

- Do you want to fuck her or not?

- I do...

- Then that's it. Let's probe the territory first.

I agreed with him and it was the worst thing I could have done!

If before his curious eyes already invaded my thoughts even though I didn't want to, imagine now that I've decided that I wanted to. I looked at her and already imagined what it would be like under her dress clothes. Whenever I saw her drinking water, she would close her eyes a little before swallowing the liquid and then run her tongue over her lips and I would dream of her mouth on my body.

I woke up several times with these thoughts and had to get up to take a shower, but I never made the same mistake of taking a hot bath again. I would duck under the icy shower to clear my thoughts and my blood would return to normal and my heart would beat just the right rhythm.

Okay. Not always.

There were times when I came home straight to the hot bath, because as soon as I felt the water warm my body, the steam around me brought her smell and the silence of the bathroom mixed with my breathing and my most obscene imagination excited me. to the point of reaching orgasm just holding my hard body, no sudden movement was necessary. It didn't even have to be in the bathtub, sometimes just with the water running hot on my back and a hand leaning on the wall I exploded into my thoughts.

***

December 19th, Friday.

It arrived, the Friday so dreaded by everyone and thanks to the efforts of the entire team we had no urgent tickets or pending. Lucas and Guilherme will take turns during the recess period, to stop being muggles and not bet with something so serious.

They weren't very happy, because I made it clear that I didn't want to be bothered by the inability of one of them to answer some clients. I wasn't sorry for the two of them at all and they were scared to death of shit during that time.

Well after today, we'll see each other next year, on January 5th. I made sure to buy a box of candy for each of my employees with a Happy Holidays card. As Ana is the only female employee I have, no one could say anything when they saw that along with the gift there was also a red rose, on the card was written the same thing as for the others. Happy Holidays.

From a distance I could see John and Miguel mocking her for the flower, I turned my eyes to the computer laughing as I noticed her face turning towards me. A Flower, beautiful, soft, striking, unreachable.

Yes, I did it on purpose.

It doesn't matter what Richard said.

Even though I'm lying to him, saying it's just sex.

I won't lie to myself anymore, I've already admitted my insanity.

She I was going to have for myself and it wouldn't be just for one night!

Not even.

Chap.3 - Louis and Her

3.

I stayed looking at him, who was smiling from the corner of his mouth as he took another sip of his beer, my hands were cold, even with the absurd heat he was doing today in São Paulo. I felt my feet sweat at the dreaded confession I would have to make to him, and speaking out loud about something that shouldn't be happening just makes it more real.

He snapped his fingers in front of my eyes and I brought the beer to his mouth, which was starting to get dry and the other hand I brought it to the back of my neck.

- It's no use looking at me with those wide blue eyes! It looks like the look of Duda when she buys a shoe for five hundred and says it cost a hundred.

I gulped down the liquid that was still trapped in my mouth and with my legs splayed on the floor, I rested my elbows on my knees, still holding the bottle, clasped both hands in the center and lowered my head to them, feeling like shit.

- Hey – He called me after a while – I got it? Really?

I turned my face to him, still leaning with my forearms on my legs, and lifted the little bottle that was in my hand saying:

- Long live Louis! Yay!

- Geez Louis, when I said I was kidding! I didn't think it would be...

- Well, I wish it was a joke!

- It's not possible! Who is the mystery woman? Speak up, you can say it!

- It's Ana, Richard. - Then I repeated in a low voice - It's Ana...

- Louis, she's your employee!

- You think I don't know that?

- She knows?

- Of course not!

- You will talk?

- I can't say anything! Biggest problem I'll get!

- Yup...

- Can you finish telling me what happened last night after we left?

- You don't want to know!

I threw myself on the back of the sofa, heads back and looking at the ceiling:

- Maybe I'll get her out of my head!

- You'll like it even less now!

- Speak up Richard!

- Nothing!

- Nothing? What do you mean, nothing?

- Nothing, nothing happened! From what Joe told me now, Lucas tried to kiss her, but he must have been a little tipsy, it was late, almost time for them to leave, he grabbed her around the waist to kiss her... - My blood froze when he said that – But she kneed him in the balls, so he let her go.

I raised my head to him, not understanding and delighted with the discovery. My flower!

- Why did you say I wouldn't like it?

- Because she's still available, which for you and that little romantic head is the same thing as: She's mine!

I looked at him trying to hold back a smile as that was exactly what I was thinking! I couldn't imagine Ana with anyone and if she wasn't with anyone until today, it's because I have a chance!

- I'll get another beer, will you?

- Louis, come back here!

- Would you like? – I was already standing in the middle of the room.

- I do! What will you do?

- Nothing!

- Are you sure?

- Richard – I handed the beer into his hand – What can I do?

- I don't know.... Nothing I think.

- See!

- And so?

- I do not know. But it's fucked! I can't think about going out with someone else that I start to think about her.

- How old are you really going to be? 28 or 18?

- I don't want neither Duda nor JP to dream of this information!

- OK!

- Really! No way to have someone in my life, who is great without anyone!

- You should focus on that sentence to stop thinking about this girl.

- I know!

- Tomorrow is your birthday, what will you do tonight?

- Sleep!

- Not even a pizza? You'll have to have dinner, won't you?

- Only if it's here at my place!

- For me, it's a deal!

We watched television until Duda arrived, at half past six, but soon they left! Our team lost so I was extra sullen so helped that she wouldn't stay too long or ask too many questions.

- Good night Lu.

- Hi Duda!

- How about tomorrow?

- Pizza. Here at home!

- Geez. Why can't it be in a pizzeria at least?

- Because I don’t want to! Otherwise I won't!

- Boring! What happened?

- My team lost!

- Big Deal! - She look to Richard who was almost asleep on the couch - Shall we love?

- Hey? Who? Let's go!

- Bye then until tomorrow Lu!

- Bye Louis, see you tomorrow!

- Bye, are you going to the office tomorrow?

- No, I'll be on the client...

- Okay. See y’all tomorow!

As soon as they closed the door I plopped down on the couch again and put my feet up on the coffee table. I turned off the television and stared at the ceiling with my head lying on the couch with both arms behind my head.

- Why? – I spoke loudly and smiled thinking of her, when she gets embarrassed and her cheeks get all blush. Her skin so white and eyes the color of honey. She has straight hair and frayed at the ends, but they are darker than her eyes, they look like brown. In the sun they are a little reddish, it's a little below the shoulders, but it's almost always with them tied up in a ponytail. Standing next to her I look like a gangly giant at six feet. She is short and thin, has a perfect hourglass figure, with her full breasts and wide hips.

I went to the gym to tire my body a little and get to sleep faster. I ran almost 7 miles and still went to do weight training. I need a peaceful night's sleep!

***

November 24th, Monday.

At nine I was already at the bakery ordering black coffee and grilled bread, the usual! There was a waitress who always made a point of attending to me, she was very attractive, I believe that if I had been in the ass spirit of a year or two ago I would have already given her a lead, but today I can't.

- Good morning sir, what do you want?

- The usual, please.

- An espresso and a grilled bread?

- Exactly. Thanks!

And there she goes, waddling to the counter to meet another customer. Well, today she was wearing a black bra and the pen tucked between her breasts. Very suggestive! I might not want anything to do with her, but she leans over my desk, can't help but look into her cleavage.

I slung my backpack over my right shoulder and headed toward the cashier. First message of the day:

JP: Happy birthday asshole! See you later!

Louis: Thanks brat!

I put the cell phone back in my pants pocket and thought: Today is my birthday. I'll get a hug, will I? I straightened my body and got in the car again, heading towards the office. It would only be a five-minute journey. I might as well leave the car in the building's parking lot and walk to the bakery, but no! I come here by car, cursing the traffic on this street every day and then going out and cursing the traffic again.

But today, the streets were incredibly quiet.

My lucky day?

I got off the elevator in the hallway of my department, it was nine forty, everyone was already at their desks, and talking about the weekend. I strode straight to my desk.

I greeted two people as I crossed the hall and sat down.

She was sitting in her chair, with John standing beside her, talking and laughing about something. Across the table Miguel was laughing too. I'm curious, I think I'll go there!

I arranged the suit around my neck and walked to Miguel and Ana's table:

- Good Morning!

- Good morning sir!

- How was the weekend?

- Great fun Louis – John replied.

- That's good!

- You don't know what Lucas did... - Miguel started to speak and Ana cut him off:

- Miguel. You won't be saying these things!

- Now I want to know! What’s up?

- Yeah Ana, soon the entire TCH will know! – John said.

- So - He looked at her and continued - Lucas and Ana were at the same club this weekend, then he was half drunk and tried to kiss her...

He started to laugh and couldn't finish the story, I was already smiling because I knew what had happened, but I turned to Ana and John to finish the story. John continued:

- Then he grabbed Ana...

- He didn't grab me!

- Yes, he did! At least he tried.

- Grab? – I spoke angrily, then trying to change the tone for a joke.

- No sir, he tried something with me, but it didn't work!

- Yeah – Miguel composed himself and finished counting – I didn't know why she kicked him in the balls!

- Didn't kick! Knee! - She corrected.

- Wow! Are you alright Ana? – I spoke to her with concern.

- I am, sir. Nothing happened!

- I want to see Lucas come talk to you today! – John still said jokingly and I looked towards his desk, which was empty, but with the computer on, he had arrived at least.

- That's good! So, since everything is fine with everyone, let's get to work!

-Louis – Miguel caught my attention – I received an email from HR informing him that today is your birthday, is that right?

I was already facing away from my desk when he said this, I took a deep breath and turned to them again:

- It is! Good morning people! – I was about to turn around again when I feel John's heavy hand on my shoulders:

- Congratulations boss! Many years of life!

He gave me a hug with a pat on the back, as did Miguel who stood up next, pulling me by the hand first.

- Congratulations Louis! I promise to try not to give you any problems today!

- I hope so! Thanks.

As soon as he walks away I see Miss Ana getting up from her chair, leaning her hands on the table and stepping forward to greet me too, she gives me a sheepish smile and starts to reach out to congratulate me, John says something in her ear, which makes her a little red instantly, then takes my hand.

In those few seconds, I felt a shiver and heat go through my body, she was still taking a step forward, so I gave her hand a slight tug, almost imperceptible to the others, forcing her to come closer and so I got a hug.

She raised her left arm and went around my neck, our right hands were still together between us, so I let go and went around her waist, she bent her body a little and wrapped this arm around my neck too, I had to lower it a little to fit my body into hers and I took a deep breath of the scent of her hair.

- Happy Birthday Mr Nurs!

She spoke with her mouth close to my ear, her voice soft and began to separate our bodies. Before letting her go, I spread my two hands beside her waist and looking into her eyes I thanked her:

- Thank you Miss Gusmão!

She lowered her eyes with a slight smile on her lips and her cheeks turned a little pink, but soon she was no longer in my arms so I went back to my desk.

Does my presence also affect her as she does me?

I worked the rest of the morning with that unhappy thought haunting me.

- Happy birthday Louis!

I heard a syrupy voice beside me, nothing like Miss Gusmão.

- Thanks!

- Won't you even get up so I can give you a hug?

- Paula, we're in a work environment. Please!

- Okay. How about you go out to lunch with me then? It's already noon.

- No thank you. I'm going with Richard.

- He's not even at the company!

- We'll meet for lunch! He is part of my family, and you know it very well!

- And Am I nothing?

- Yes! You are nothing!

- Okay, bye Louis and congratulations!

- Thanks!

After ten minutes of curling up in the chair, I couldn't stand it any longer with irritation and went out to lunch alone. I got in the car and went to the furthest mall, sat at a table inside the restaurant and ordered meat and chips. It's perfect! Happy Birthday to me!

- Hello, hi mom!

- Happy Birthday son!

- Thank you mother!

- Where are you?

- Lunching...

- And at night?

- JP and Duda are going to my house, but that's it! Will you come?

- I think so, I'll talk to your father!

- There won't be anything, just pizza!

- The important thing is to be together!

- Yes it is mother!

- Speak a little with your father, bye son. Love you!

- Bye mom...

- Congratulations son, almost thirty huh!

- I've just turned twenty-eight and you're saying almost thirty?

- Closer and closer!

- It is true!

- I'm kidding, son! But we’ll go! What time?

- I leave at half past five! Six or seven pm I'll be home!

- Ok, we’ll leave here at half past five too, the time will be fine!

- Yes father. We’ll be waiting for you guys!

- Kisses son, see you later.

- Bye dad.

My parents live about 60km from here, in the interior. We don't always see each other, but we see each other whenever possible! When I got the rib tattoo, my mom was a little mad at me, but after I said it means “family” I managed to soften her heart.

Also, after I made the skeleton suit on my right calf and a Mayan bracelet on my left forearm, she either gets used to it or she gets used to it! I'm dying to get another tattoo, I just don't know what or where yet! Another thing I love, and my mother not so much, is my motorcycle, but I only use it on the weekend, usually to go to their house, the city is quieter there.

I got back to the office at about two in the afternoon. I finished an important report and received confirmation of a new project that we are working hard on, but it's still a secret. In early December as soon as they sign the contract I call my team to talk!

Carlos and Joe appeared in front of my desk at half past four in the afternoon, shouting and getting up to wish me a happy birthday, as soon as I got up, all the employees in the sector got up and came towards me singing happy birthday and Paula was holding a cake with several candles on top.

How absurd!

I looked around and everyone was there, including her! Clapping, smiling and singing to me. Okay. It might not be that bad!

Soon that line formed to congratulate me again, Paula took longer than necessary and with her body tighter to mine than I wanted, I could only smell the cloying smell of her cloying sweet perfume, taking all the shine from her little body. runway model and commercial smile. The three Musketeers, which was how I secretly calls John, Ana and Miguel, were further back, talking to each other and waiting for the people to disintegrate from my table.

Miguel then places a small box in Ana's hand and pushes her one step forward. I give her an easy smile, following her with my gaze until she's in front of me again.

- Happy birthday again, Mr Nurs!

- Thank you, Ana!

- Here's a gift from your entire team, I hope you like it!

She reached out to hand me the gift and I put my hand underneath it, so I felt that wave of heat going through my body again. I closed my eyes quickly to absorb that tension and let go of her hand that pulled her then crossing her arms in front of me waiting for me to open the package.

I placed the box on the desk and ripped the paper. Inside was a miniature of my motorcycle, a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail, beautiful. I took that little acrylic box very carefully out of the wrapping and lifted it up to my face, staring at every perfect detail it had! I put my present back on the table and grabbed Ana just like I do to my sister. I lowered my body a little to put my arms under her arms and held her head with one hand squeezing her body against mine:

- Damn Ana, how beautiful! It cost! I loved it!

- You're welcome...

She hugged me back for mere seconds, until I realized she wasn't my sister, that I wasn't home and that there were a lot of people around.

I released her slowly and then pulled Miguel and John by the hand to hug them tight too! Thanking you for the gift and disguising my excitement, so it wasn't just one person.

- Guys! I loved it! Now, what about this cake? Is it to eat or not?

Soon the office was already a mess, with people eating the cake and no one was going back to work until half past five! I leaned back against my desk and picked up my bike again, it was really beautiful! The three were apart again, talking, so I went to them again:

- Who came up with the idea? – I asked the three, and Ana started to answer:

- We asked Richard for a picture of you...

- Photograph?

- Yeah, for the card, it's inside the package! So, then Richard sent one of you to the side of the bike. I thought it would be cool!

- Damn Ana, I really loved it!

- That’s awesome sir!

I got closer to her while the boys were in a side conversation, I rested a hand on her waist and kissed her cheek, very close to the curve of her lips and said:

- Thank you so!

- My pleasure!

I turned away very happy with myself, because she didn't try to kick me in the balls because of that and I could still see her face flushing before she left.

As soon as I sat in my chair, looking at the bike I thought about what I had just done, how crazy! What was I thinking?

We are inside the office, during business hours, she is my employee and I have just almost kissed her.

Damn Louis, are you crazy? This can't happen anymore!

- Hello - I spoke sharply into the phone without looking at who it was.

- Geez, today your team lost again?

- Hi Duda, sorry.

- Congratulations little brother! I just called for this...

- Sorry and thanks! It's just that things got a little tense here in the office just now. Are you coming tonight?

- Of course!

- So, see you later!

- Bye brother! Love you!

- Goodbye.

I raised my head and she was already packing her things to leave, she put her backpack on her back and looked in my direction before pushing the chair to tidy up against the table, smiled and said goodbye shaking her head almost imperceptibly, and I did the even back.

It's Louis, you're fucked up and in love!

*********

As soon as I got home, Richard was already there with Duda, I went through the kitchen, went straight past the back of the counter and with a brief wave of my hand I went to my room first. I threw the backpack on the bed, along with the suit, which was already in my arms, and began to loosen my tie. As soon as I put my bare feet on the floor Richard knocks on the door:

- Are you going to drink today?

- Certainly!

- Hadn't you stopped drinking on a weekday?

- Today I need it!

- Can I enter?

- No! I'm naked!

- Fuck that rubbish! - And entered anyway. I was still in my pants and my shirt was out and starting to unbutton.

- Shit Richard, let me take a shower!

- I will! I just want to know: What happened?

- Nothing happened!

- No?

I pulled the shirt over my head without unbuttoning it completely and took the cup that was in his hand taking a big gulp and almost spat it all back:

- What is it you're taking?

- It's ice tea in a whiskey glass. To get a bundle!

- Did you take your meds today?

- Hurry up, tell me! Downstairs, Duda will be close.

- I fucked up!

I told about the hug and the kiss...

- Fuck Louis!

- Yeah, I know....

- I'll bet on you now!

- Can you focus on my problem?

- Okay... What are you going to do?

- I need to get her away from my mind!

- How, you're the boss. Do you want her to go to another project?

- No, you freaked out? She is one of my best employees!

-Stop being so nice, starts being that idiot boss.

- How?

- Think everyone is Paula!

- Then I'll want to kill them!

- It's a beginning.

As today is Monday, at ten pm everyone was already leaving. Another night I lay in bed with my head full of shit and to help, it was just me closing my eyes that I could smell her again and feel her skin against mine. Result?

I woke up in the middle of the night with a painful erection between my legs, it took me even to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. I put the tub to fill and while I waited I rested my hands on the sink and looked at my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks were red, my hair plastered to my forehead from sweat, my skin glowed sensitive to the touch. My eyes, which normally had a shade of light blue, were gray.

I took a deep breath and felt her scent again invading my brain, the silence of my house just with the noise of the water falling into the bathtub, made my heart pound inside my ear, louder and louder. I tightened my grip on the sink until my knuckles turned white, and again my skin began to sweat.

I was still wearing my underwear, I had gone to sleep, the feeling of the fabric on my body started to bother me, I put my right hand on it, which was stiff and sore, took off my underwear quickly and went into the bathtub , releasing my breath at once, so I leaned my head back and closed my eyes to try to relax.

Immediately her eyes invaded my head, her perfume permeated my entire bathroom and mixed with the steam rising from the hot water I had placed in the bathtub. A few random phrases in her voice banged in my ear meaningless: “Mister Nurs” “you're welcome” “good” “pleasure”.

With my head back, I squeezed my eyes closed and my hands on the edge of the tub, my brain fantasizing about her body and her touch like a wet dream. And so, without even touching my hands on me, I came moaning low, uncontrollably, I looked at my body that was not obeying my commands and was pulsing in the hot water so that little by little I could really relax.

I let out the breath that had been held, hard and fast.

Shit!

What the fuck was that?

I got up with everything from the bathtub after a few minutes still not understanding what had just happened. It felt like I was still in the dream, but I had just gotten up to push away the same thoughts that woke me up, and that came back even more intensely due to the heat of the water, my heartbeat, my sensitive skin and the blood rushing through my veins making my body throb in a fantasy created by my psyche and I finished showering.

I need to do something about this! Urgently!

Chap.2 - Louis and Her

2.

November 22nd, Saturday.

- JP, I already said I'm going in my car!

- Brother, we decided to make it a surprise, we will pick you up at your place so be ready at 11pm.

What the fuck are they up to? After a quick shower I quickly got dressed into simple jeans, a black t-shirt and sneakers, checking the mirror, looks great! I’m not out to impress anyone tonight. My phone rings on the bedside table pulling me from my thoughts, must be JP:

JP: We're here. Come down!

JP has the same blue eyes as mine, and Duda's,. To be honest the three of us were very similar physically: blue eyes, dark blond hair, tall. But our personality is very, very different! Duda lightened her hair more, always looking very blonde, but fits her very well with her slender body, she’s always in a good mood. She also is the youngest, at 24 and loves a party. John Pedro, better known as JP is 27 years old and exactly the same height as me: 1.81 also slender like Duda and always very elegant with his fine clothes, well-made beard, trimmed hair and tanned skin. He is always ready for adventure and enjoyment. A womanizer like I said. Always was and always will be! I'm quieter and in my corner, I don't like big parties and I never did, when I was younger, I was just in my room studying music playing on the computer or reading. Today I go to the gym every day to destress myself from everyday problems, physical exercises are great for calming my mind and it's something I can do on my own.

With JP hanging out of the sunroof helping himself to a bottle of champagne yelling in between pulls from the bottle. It’s going to be a long night I thought to myself.

- Come on brother, today is the day to celebrate!

I was still twenty-eight years old, and my last three years weren't very pleasant! I went from hell to purgatory and was now in rehab. He and Richard wanted me to have fun, I can't condemn them, but it wasn't what I wanted. This time of ballads is over, I've done a lot of mistakes, enough!

- Come on Louis, how long has it been since you met another woman?

- What?

- Did you listen to me!

- Damn Richard, I think… maybe two months

- Two months my ass! It does a lot more!

- Okay, since carnival, satisfied?

- Carnival? Have you been going through a dry spell since carnival?– Joe said and I changed the subject.

- And how did you manage to go out today with JP in a limo?

- We went to JP's house and we came with him from there. – Carlos spoke very proudly.

- I didn’t! Duda knows!

- Duda knows everything! – Duda is my younger sister, as I said before, and she’s also Richard's wife  A nosy woman that gets into everything!

- And she agreed??

- She got a tantrum...

- There will be consequences!

- Yup!

- What time are we leaving?

- At four...

- We're not even there and you're already asking about going back?

You know what, let me have fun with my friends! A night to laugh! JP brought about three bottles of champagne into the car and when we arrived at the club a VIP space was reserved with a bucket with more bottles.

We sat on the rounded red leather bench with a small table in front, while downstairs several sweaty bodies danced to the music. A lot of beautiful people!

- Go Louis, get someone!

- I haven't seen anyone interesting yet!

- It's not to find the love of your life in the club! Look at a pair of boobs and go!

- Stimulating Carlos!

- I will! – JP stood up with his glass in his hand snuggling up to a girl who was dancing on the floor, I continued to sit with the guys.

- Aren't you going, Louis?

- No... I'm not in the mood for a skirt today Richard!

- Is there anything I don't know?

I looked at him in alarm, how can the even drunk bastard manage to interpret me like that? I stretched out on the bench, putting a hand to the back of my neck and said:

- No - I lied - Why?

- Well, I want you to tell me exactly what it is!

- Man, I just said it's nothing!

- Scratching your head! You only do this when you're nervous!

- I don't want to talk about it here!

- Tomorrow?

- In my place!

So we continued drinking and talking in our VIP area, without being bothered by the hoochies around.

After a couple of hours I saw. I don't know if it's because of the alcohol already ingested or if she really was there! But I saw them! Ana and Luana! The two were dancing in the middle of the floor to the beat of the music, some guys came over to say something in her ear, I rested my elbows on my knees and bent forward so I could pay attention to the scene, she laughed, but she shook her head with her forefinger up on his nose. The guy still insisted something, so Luana turned to him saying something else and he left. I smiled and took a sip of my drink. This is my flower, full of thorns!

- Did you see anything you liked down there?

- Don't scare me, Richard!

- Who is it? Show me?

- Nobody!

- You were smiling!

- I wasn’t! – I looked at Joe and Carlos who were just confirming, looking at the track trying to see who it could be that attracted my attention. But I leaned back against the seat and drank the rest of the champagne saying:

- You are crazy! I was seeing JP coming to the mine and getting dumped, so I laughed!

- It makes sense! – Joe said!

I want to leave! And I want to go now! It's still two-forty and they won't let me go!

- See that girl over there in the black dress? I'll take it her home! So don't wait for me in the car, kids!

- Oh yes, the Louis that we were waiting all night!

I got up toasting them loudly and got to the girl, talked to her for two minutes and took her to the dance floor. I don't want to meet Ana! I don't want her to see me with a woman, and I also don’t´ want to take the risk of seeing her with another guy.

I went around the club, bought the girl a drink, I don't even know what her name was, and then I lost her too! I left and called a taxi.

In the car my cell phone beeps with the arrival of a message:

Richard: I know you left! Tomorrow we talk!

I read the message and didn't reply. I was going to tell him the truth anyway. At least he didn't stop me from going home! I'll have to talk to him, otherwise I'll go crazy!

I went straight home to take a shower to get rid of that smell of various perfumes and drinks that the club has, I looked in the mirror and could only see someone very fucked up!

Three years ago I managed to get rid of a weed that was killing my life, then I found out that my best friend was dating my sister, so I immersed myself in JP's life running around town to every club possible. I think I needed this time to get my head together!

But just as I've solved my internal problems, putting all the witches to run, an external problem appears to me, a problem with a first and last name: Ana Clara Gusmão.

I got into the cold shower to get my thoughts away from her, after all it's almost three o'clock, I've had too much to drink and I'm sleepy, my brain isn't working right! But what the hell was she doing in São Paulo? She shouldn't be here, she lives so far away! How would she get home, should I go back and check on her?

- Stop being a muggle Louis! Surely she knows how she's going home! She´s no child! She's a grown woman and knows how to get by, if she wants to, she'll even find someone to take her home – I said that out loud in the bathroom.

Shit! That thought only pissed me off!

I rubbed my eyes hard to see if it worked., to get her out of my head! I sat on the bed, still drying my head and remembered how she was dancing carelessly at the club, with her friend Luana, who didn't even care for that John Doe who came to her! I threw the towel on the armchair next to the bed and lay down smiling.

- She's not there to go out with anyone, as I am, just to talk and have a laugh with friends – It was me talking to myself again. And I was still smiling like an idiot. After all, that's what I was! A real idiot!

***

November 23, Sunday.

At eleven in the morning my cell phone starts ringing, who's calling me now?

- Hello...

- Louis, get up, I'm coming over!

- Good morning to you too!

- Good Morning! Get ready! No excuses!

- Ok Richard, I really need to talk to you! But how did you wake up so early?

- As soon as you left I also left!

- I understand, are you coming alone?

- Yes, but Duda will be over later.

- How long do I have to rest before she arrives?

- I think she won’t be there till after the game so you have some time,

- Okay! Do you have the key?

- Of course!

- Of course my ass? The house is mine, you know?

- Go fuck yourself Louis! I’ll be over shortly so get your ass up and get ready.

I awoke without the slightest desire to get up. I dreamed of her all night, dancing inside the club with her warm body next to mine, but every time I would touch her someone would come in front stopping me.

Bath! I need another shower!

So that's it, I'm going to tell Richard! Let's see if he gives me a great idea or a spanking. More likely it's a spanking, and since I really need to see if my head snaps back into place, I don't really care!

Richard arrived just as I was making coffee and yelled from the living room door, which gives a wide view to the kitchen with a counter as a partition:

- Fix me a cup would you?

- You didn't have breakfast, did you?

- Yes, but coffee is coffee!

He sat on one of the benches in front of me and waited, not sure if for the coffee or me to start talking. For now I pretended it was just the coffee he wanted, I finished making it, still with my back to him I took two mugs, filled them and placed them on the counter in front of him, I stood on the other side, for now at a safe distance from him.

- Sugar?

- Please!

He sweetened his coffee, took a sip and continued to look at me with those green eyes that looked more like glass. I don't know what my sister sees in this asshole! I thought about it and smiled as he set the mug down on the counter again.

- What's up? Are you going to tell me the reason for that smile, or not?

- What smile?

- Don’t play dumb with me!

- Regarding that smile, I was here thinking about: what did my sister see in you?

- Douchebag! Okay, and what else do you need to talk to me about?

- So.... It's not too early for that?

- Louis! Fuck!

- Calm down, no need to scream!

He kept looking at me. Drank the rest of his coffee, rested his elbow on the counter with his hand on his chin, tilting his head to one side to continue looking at me in that strange way. He changed his hand position once between gripping his chin and supporting it with clenched fists, I took a deep breath to gather my courage and start talking, opened my mouth but closed it again.

He then rubbed his eyes and rested his chin with both hands clasped in front of him with his elbows on the counter, he blinked a few times and I opened my mouth again to speak, but I didn't say anything...

- Damn Louis! Speak up soon!

- I think I'm liking someone...

- Damn bro, this is great! All this to tell me that?

- Err...

- She knows?

- No! - I replied with apprehensive eyes - And she can't even know!

- Someone I know?

- I think so.

- Explain something to me. What do you mean…. you think you liking her?

- Oh I don't know Richard – I turned my back to him and walked around the counter, towards the pool table I had on the right side. I picked up a pool cue involuntarily and started chalking it. Richard got up and came towards me, taking the box with the balls and place it on the table, just watching me and waiting for me to continue talking. I looked at him who was now facing away from me, arranging the balls on the table, and dropped my arms down, trying to relax my body. – I kind of can't get her out of my head!

- Give me a pool cue! - I passed it to him, who positioned himself in front of the white ball and hit it hard, making me take a little fright, taking me out of my thoughts - Your turn!

I thought it was strange that he stopped asking, I went around the table and when I went to hit the ball he kept talking:

- Are you in love?

- What? – The ball came out all crooked, not hitting anything that was on the table. He grinned then burst into laughter almost pissing himself in the process.

- You can take another shot. – I glared at him who gave me back the ball asking again – But are you?

- No!

- Are you sure?

- I am!

- Then why make a move and see if it's worth it!

- Like?

- Don't make that silly face! How many women have we done this with?

- I can´t!

- Why not?

- This time I just can't do it!

- Who’s this mysterious woman?

I hit the pool cue dropping a ball and looked at him leaning the stick on the floor with one hand and scratching my hair with the other

- So…

- Aren't you going to tell me it's Paula again? If so I'll kill you, kid!

- NO! Geez. Are you crazy?

We both made the sign of the cross and started to laugh.

- So, who?

I missed the next ball and passed it to him. While he took aim I started:

- Yesterday, at the club.

- Hmm...

- I saw her dancing on the floor!

- At that time you got a silly face smiling?

- I didn't look like silly, I just smiled!

- I know... And then you wanted to leave. You should’ve talked to her!

- Not in front of you!

He lowered the pool cue to the ground pointing at me and said:

- Now we’re making head way, Your turn!

- I didn't say anything about that! – I missed the ball – Your turn!

- Damn Louis! You never make mistakes like that!

- I can't talk to her!

- Who is she'?

- Shall we change the subject a bit?

- Will you tell me today?

- I will! You're worse than a teenager!

- Shall we have lunch at your brothers?

- Is he in the 'Insignia' today?

- I don’t know! I'll call him, calm down, let me just finish this game.

He hit the last two balls and sat on the couch to talk to JP. The ‘Insignia’ is a restaurant, basically Italian, but it has everything and JP owns it. He studied abroad for a while and when he came back he thought he was going to have a restaurant, his words: “Food always sells”.

It's still true! He managed to make the restaurant look like a typical Italian village full of life, plants everywhere and a decor that makes anyone wish travel to Europe, I might even be a little poetic, but it's true! He is a wine specialist, who in addition to being a Sommelier is also a winemaker. And he also runs the restaurant tooth and nail, he's doing a great job! Despite his reputation as a womanizer. He’s also very responsible!

- Come on Louis, let’s go! He will be there until four today!

- Did he mention what’s on the menu for today?

- Does he ever say?

- Fucking brat!

- I'll be quiet for the whole lunch, and let you do the talking

- I really don't want to talk around JP! Not even Duda, are you listening to me?

- Hey, you haven’t  even told me and you're already accusing me?

- She's not supposed to know that we even had a conversation about it! Much less that there is a person!

We had lunch and got back in less than an hour, JP was there, but he hardly paid any attention to us, thank goodness! Still in the car, Richard takes my cell phone to change the music and says:

- Louis?

- Yes...

- How can you like this band?

- RPM? Damn Richard, we played their songs in college!

- Yeah, but I only played because I helped with the girls!

- I like it! But don't worry because it's in shuffle mode and it won't play the full album!

He changed songs anyway and kept my cell phone in his hand, looking at it.

- Do you already have the phone of girl?

- I do!

- Do I know her?

- I don't know if you know, you must know who she is! - I said shrugging my shoulders.

- Is she from the office?

I stopped the car in front of the iron gate that led to my house and waited for it to open. He was looking at me and holding the phone. With both hands gripping the steering wheel, I looked at him, decided to count, so he continued:

- And it's not Paula! For God's sake huh Louis!

- I already told you it's not Paula!

I drove through the streets of the condominium until I arrived at my house, put the car inside and closed the private garage behind us. We made the walk up up the stairs adjacent to the garage in silence, as we reached the top Richards phone rang.

“Hello / What’s up Joe / Who? / Serious..."

Then he looks at me with a strange face, still with his cell phone to his ear and closes the kitchen door behind him, goes to the fridge, gets a beer and keeps talking on the phone:

“Hmm... / I'm at Louis's house, can you talk / The two of you? / And you call to say that? / Okay / See you tomorrow"

- Do you want a beer?

- I do!  I picked up the television remote and started browsing the sports channels to find which one my team was going to play on. He sat next to me, putting a beer in my hand and said:

- It was Joe...

- Did they stay late yesterday?

- Until the agreed time, then they returned in the limo to JP's house to pick up the cars.

- And what did he want?

- Just to let you know that he saw Luana and Ana there yesterday.

- Oh yes? – I kept looking at the television – And?

- Lucas too, he saw them there on the dance floor.

- Serious?

- He called me about the bet...

I turned to him, eyes wide open and my heart in my mouth. It began to beat fast and I didn't even know the rest of the story yet.. Had someone won the fucking bet? I held the bottle tightly between my fingers and took a big swig of beer before asking,

- From the bet?

- Yeah, remember? That they want to take Ana, your employee, to bed and stuff...

- I know what the fuck the bet is! And so? – I said through gritted teeth.

He rested an arm on the back of the sofa and lifted a bent leg over the sofa, turning his whole body towards me, took a sip of his beer and laughed saying:

- Louis, you are a son of a bitch!

- What did I do?

- The mysterious woman is Ana, isn’t she?