Chapter 17
Alice Mendes
I’d really love to know what’s happening to me. Honestly, when I get close to Oliver, everything changes—it’s like my femme fatale side comes out. I don’t even know how to be sensual properly; I barely know how to kiss. I don’t understand what he sees in me.
My head’s in the clouds, remembering my ogre of a boss grabbing me in his office, when Catarina coughs nearby to get my attention.
“What is it? Why are you acting like that?” I asked her.
“It’s time to go—didn’t you notice the time?” My friend points to the clock.
“I didn’t even notice.” I let out an awkward little laugh. “I’m so focused on this contract that I lost track.” She looks at my computer screen and there’s nothing open; she definitely thinks I’m crazy. “Let’s go, then!” I shut everything down.
“Start talking,” she says suspiciously.
“Talk about what? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I feign innocence.
“Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“I really don’t.” I grab my purse just as Oliver’s office door opens and he steps out. Mr. Alberto appears too and says:
“So let’s go, boss—time for our drinking session.” I look at Oliver; his face darkens immediately.
“Let’s go, Cata. We still need to stop by the market,” I say.
“Want a ride? I can drop you off wherever you want,” Oliver offers.
“No need—we live close by and need to stop at the market first. Thank you very much, sir.” I grab Catarina’s hand and drag her along.
We call the elevator. We rush in as soon as it arrives, and the door starts to close behind us. I hear Alberto yell to hold it; Catarina reaches out to stop it, but I pull her back, letting the door close completely.
“Geez, they could have come down with us, you know?” Catarina complains.
“Better not. They can catch the next one,” I respond, biting my lip.
We leave the building, say goodbye to the people standing by the door, and walk home. The weather’s nice for a walk. We stop by the market and buy pasta—tonight I’m making pasta and salad.
As soon as we get home, I run to take a shower. I need to get out of these clothes that smell like him. Under the water, I let it cascade over me and remember Oliver’s hands touching me—the heat I felt, the sensations I’d never experienced before, all of them wonderful. I want more of that.
I finish my shower, pick out a baby doll from the closet, and head to the kitchen. I open a bottle of wine from the rack, grab two glasses—one for me and one for Cata—and soon she arrives, already excited.
“Go on, spill it. Tell me everything.” She sits down and looks at me expectantly.
I tell her everything, from lunch with the supplier to leaving Oliver’s office, describing how my body caught fire at the touch of his hands. She laughs and says:
“Girl, that’s lust. And lust only goes away when you let him touch you and make you come.”
“I’m not ready,” I admit.
“Then you better get ready. It’s the best feeling there is. You’re a grown woman—let yourself go and surrender. Just don’t forget the condom.” She winks, ever practical.
“I’m scared, Cata. He’s my boss,” I confess.
“Don’t fall in love—it’s simple. Then everything’s easy.”
“And how do you not fall in love with a man like that?” I sigh.
“I know it’s hard, but not impossible. Follow your instincts and surrender. Experience pleasure; we’ll figure out what to do later.”
“Easy for you to say. What if he fires me?” I voice my worst fear.
“You’re starting college soon. You won’t be a secretary for the rest of your life. You’ll go after something bigger, like you always wanted. Done.”
“What would I do without you?” I say, getting emotional. “I love you. Thank you for everything.”
“Come here, give me a hug.” She pulls me close.
We finish dinner and sit on the couch. My heart won’t stop racing just thinking about it: losing my virginity.
And as crazy as it seems, I already know it’ll be with Oliver, my ogre of a boss.
When he touches me, everything changes; I’ve discovered sensations I didn’t know existed.
The soft touch of his fingers on my skin—it’s amazing.
I go to sleep with these thoughts spinning in my head. I’m going to be his. I can only be his. I’m going to discover pleasure with him—and that’s how I fall asleep, my face flushed and my body restless with anticipation.