A Dance of Desire

I look at my wristwatch, and it's already seven o'clock in the evening. We're on the eve of the big day. With the special schedule, we had a lot of work to do for the presentation to the new investors. We included new partners, and created something completely new, with X's guidance, who actively participated in everything, surprising me in a way because he never tried to flirt with me. Instead, he was helpful and enthusiastic about everything. Maybe he's just genuinely trying to help, and if that's the case, I don't see any problems with having him around... until the inauguration.

I stretch in my chair, drawing the attention of Filomena and X, who are at the other table arranging the seats for the investors. My back is killing me, as is my neck. X gets up from his chair and comes over to me, standing behind me. His face gets close to mine.

"Relax," he whispers.

His hands touch my neck, massaging gently. His touch is soothing, and he moves down, massaging my shoulders... back... his breath on my neck... his hands exploring carefully... touching my arms, gliding slowly... our bodies gently touching... hand in hand... a dance we both know so well... my breathing is rapid, in sync with his... my skin is on fire with the heat of his touch... ecstasy...

He turns my chair to face him, takes off his jacket, and rolls up his white shirt, then kneels in front of me. He holds one of my feet and takes off my high heels, then does the same with the other. He caresses my feet with care, massaging from the tips of my toes, and moving up to my heels. I thought he'd stop there, but his hands glide up my calves... knees... and the back of my thigh, causing me to let out a soft moan. I don't know if it's luck or misfortune that I decided to wear a skirt today, but his touch bewitches me, and at that moment, he could do anything to me... anything... His eyes lock onto mine, his slightly parted lips showing that he desires the same... We're lost...

"Hi," Filomena says from the other side of the room. "I want that massage too... right now."

X moves his hand down to my feet, slipping my shoes back on. He stands up, smiling, and walks towards my face.

"You're welcome," he says, then goes towards Filomena. "As you wish."

I turn to them both, seeing Filomena almost reaching orgasm just from X massaging her shoulders. I look at X, and he's staring deeply into my eyes, while his hands explore Filomena's back, arms, and hands. Then he turns the chair towards him, and I get up from mine, pick up my bag, and leave the room.

X

I run my hand through my braided hair, admiring the black blouse and plain black skirt I chose for today's presentation. I kiss Juan as he rests in Mercedita's arms, our babysitter, who agreed to stay extra hours because of the event. Despite being exhausted from the busy day, I managed to reserve some energy for the evening. I'm about to leave when my phone rings and Filomena's name appears on the display.

"Hey, friend, I'm on my way out," I say, answering the phone. "I'll be there in a little while..."

"Well, Dalia," Filomena begins, choosing her words carefully. "You don't need to come here, as I won't be able to attend the presentation. My husband scheduled a last-minute business dinner at home... and now I have to stay."

"Filomena, what now?"

"Now, it's up to you and him. I'm really sorry, but this time I won't be able to help you. But I'm sure everything will go well."

"Okay, I need to hang up now," I reply, ending the call.

I take a deep breath and then leave home. Now, the presentation depends only on me and X – mostly him.

As I arrive at the foundation, I find X talking enthusiastically with some investors who were already there, waiting for it to begin. I approach them, and X looks at me from head to toe, stopping at my blouse and giving me a slight smile. He moves closer to my face and whispers, "Does this mean we're on our third date?" referring to the slightly transparent blouse. I blush immediately, remembering our encounter in Africa when he mentioned the lack of transparency.

"This means I take my work seriously," I reply with a faint smile. Then I compose myself and say aloud, "Well, let's go inside and start the presentation. I'm sure they will love it."

X

It's past midnight, and our presentation has finally come to an end. Despite Filomena's absence, we managed to handle everything smoothly, with good synergy during the exchange of speakers and while presenting the Foundation's proposals. The confirmation we needed was written on every face in the room – everyone wants to invest in MAMA AFRICA.

"Congratulations," one of the investors says to both of us. "Beautiful presentation, and very convincing."

"She's the visionary behind all of this," X says, lightly holding my waist.

I smile back at the investor while trying not to think about X's warm hand gently squeezing me.

"What an amazing presentation," a lady says. "Count us in. I have to admit, you both have incredible chemistry. Are you two married?"

"No," I reply quickly, my face already turning red.

"No, we're not," X says, now rubbing my shoulder gently. He turns to me with a smile and says, "Unfortunately."

"I'll talk to the other investors, but it was a pleasure speaking with you," I say, stepping away.

I walk to the other side of the room, trying to pay attention to everyone, but now and then, I catch myself watching X talking to some people, our eyes meeting awkward smiles... Until we say goodbye to the last investor. I check that everything in the headquarters is locked up and then walk to the front, locking those massive wooden doors... with his help.

"Well... congratulations," I say, locking the door. "You were right, and now we have enough investors for the inauguration day."

"Congratulations to both of us," X replies, looking at me. "You know, I think we should have a drink to celebrate."

"I think... not," I respond, biting my lip. "I'm already past my working hours, and Juan's babysitter will cost me a lot."

"I understand," X says, hands in his pockets. "I also have a similar problem. The presentation ran a bit late, and my driver was dismissed. So I need a ride back to the hotel... Do you mind giving me a lift?"

"No, of course not. I'll give you a ride to the hotel," I reply, feeling uneasy.

We walk in silence to the car, as well as the whole ride until we stop in front of the hotel.

"We've arrived," I say, turning off the car.

"We have," X responds, looking at me. "Thank you."

"It's the least I could do after today," I say.

We stare at each other for a long moment. Then X's hand slides until it meets mine on the gear shift. His fingers settle into mine... I open my lips, but he puts his finger on them, silencing me. Then, he places both hands on my neck, leaning his face close to mine. I know what's about to happen... I know I should avoid it and how to do it, but a part of me refuses. His lips part towards mine, and mine eagerly wait for his. It doesn't take long... and our lips meet, driven by mutual desire.