The Final I DO

Working in 2 is more fun

- Come in, Xavier said looking out the windows of his office and out scaping the city. The last had been difficult, he barely slept thinking on and on about her and their child...for God's sake he had a child he had no idea of, who didn't knew him...who didn't knew he had a father...or had she another man?? the thought of another man raising his child annoyed him...the thought of another man in her life annoyed him even more... He looked over the city but barely noticed the busy and noisy streets as he was seeing her eyes all the time...she was f*****g hunting him...he needed to do something about it.

- tell me, he continued to the man who just entered his office, what did you find out?

- Hmhm, the man cleared his voice, I found out some info of course, but I will need more time to dig a little deeper just so you know. 

- More time, Xavier retorted angrily, I thought you were the best PI there is Mike...you let me down precisely on this? WTF?

- Xavier, trust me, I will find out more, there is something really odd...because most info on her are like secret or something...its like she exists, but aside the birth certificate, schools and job there is nothing...nothing personal, and I also know why...

- WHY?? Xavier asked anxiously

- She is an IT pioneer Xavier, she knows how to hide anything. I just wonder why she will want to hide it? I will dedicate the next period exclusively to finding out even her favorite food, trust me. For now you have her work place and what she actually does for a living.

- I'm not the most patient man there is Mike...you have 2 extra weeks, but not a second more. He took the file from his friend and opened it. After reading a few moments he was stunned..

- Are you serious, this is her work? How the f**k was I not aware of this? I am supposed to know every IT genius there is...and she even works for one of my friends ... great...that is just great...he said most to himself as a plan was starting to form in his mind.

- Thank you. Let me know as soon as you find out everything on her - I NEED to KNOW everything, he reinforced his words.

- Will do, Xavier, replied his friend and left the office, leaving Xavier with his own thoughts.

So, Ms. Light, if you're that good, I'll see you soon...sooner than you think he said smirking.

- Hi Sebastian, he said as the other person accepted his call. I need to talk to you about something...it's more like a favor I need to ask you. Can we meet somewhere?

- Hi Xavier, I understand, sure, we can meet at the new restaurant in the center in one hour.

- See you there, Xavier said, and hang up. For the first time in days he had a clear plan on how to get to her. Hopefully his friend will agree. He then took his coat and exited the office.

The drive was possibly one of the fastest in his life... Aside the child that he needs to meet and acknowledge ASAP, he was more and more intrigued by this woman. What was she doing to him, that every time he saw her he was like bewitched?? He was never able to forget her...what the f**k was going on with him...was he starting to lose self-control?? He was not sure at this point, but he will figure it out.

- Hello Mr. Xander, the hostess said as he entered the restaurant, Mr. Knight is waiting for you; I'll show you there, she said motioning for him to follow her.

- Thanks, he said to the hostess that was obviously ogling him almost pushing her breasts to his face. He entered the private booth.

- How are you Sebastian, he said saluting his friend?

- You know me Xavier, busy. Sebastian answered. So, he got straight to the point, what's the favor you need? You know this is quite odd...we know each other for so long, but never have I heard you needing favors...he almost laughed

- It's a personal matter Sebastian, I need your guarantee that this will stay between these walls.

- Sure man, Sebastian answered seriously; you know me.

- Look, I have a project that will need your company's involvement, or better said one of your employees involvement. On the outside I need this to look as a normal project, and it will be rest assured, but I will be particularly managing it and I need one and one person only from you. Can you guarantee me that she will manage it from your side?

- She, you say...so its a woman...Sebastian smiled... Tell me her name...

- Nicole Light.

- Sebastian was stunned and raised his brows questioningly..

- I can't tell you more Sebastian, but I assure you this will be a very important project, and I need the best person to handle it from both parts involved. And you can't tell she's not the best... I did my homework, he added.

- I will not try to tell you otherwise, but I'm not sure she will agree. She's weird you know...

- How? Xavier asked

- She was focused only on her professional growth the last 5 years, she grew more and more each year, but when we offered her a promotion this year she refused - she said she is happy in her actual position - that is why I'm not sure she will agree...

- I'm sure you can tell her how vital this project will be for the company and that since she is the best, it's only natural to have her handle it.

- I see Xavier, I will help you of course, although I know there is more to this than this "I want the best"... Sebastian finally said smiling.

Xavier refused to give more and kept a straight face at his friends remark. Afterwards they ate and chatted about nothings.

Leaving the place, Xavier was finally satisfied that things were starting to move.

---

Nicole's POV

- Hi Sally, she said entering the office after the lunch break that day. The last days had been pretty ruff and she barely slept.

- Hi Nicole, you ok? her colleague asked.

- I'm just tired, Nicole responded simply.

- I think you need a few days of vacation...you worked too much lately, Sally said.

- You know its not a bad idea Sally...I think I will actually try to talk to Sebastian and ask for a few days off, she told her colleague smiling, as her colleague had really reminded her of something important. true that a few days off will help her rest, she thought to herself, and as she entered her office saw Sebastian also entering.

- Hey Sebastian, she said, can I talk to you a little, she asked him.

- In fact I was about to ask you to my office too Nicole, I need to talk to you about something, he said with a serious tone.

- Let's go then, she said simply... I hope he will not offer me the manager position again, she thought to herself...

- Have a seat he invited, as they entered his office. His office was on the corner and with the glass walls you could see a wonderful view of the city. She loved the view, and the black and white theme in which the office was decorated.

- Thank you. What did you wanted to talk to me about, he asked her?

- No, you tell me first, it seemed important, she replied.

- Ok. So...we have a new project and it is quite important, and I want you to manage it, he said simply expecting her response.

- Sebastian, I already told you last time that I'm not really interested in a managing position, she replied calmly.

- I know, and I was sure you'll say that, but I have to insist Nicole...this project is a major one, and I really want the best to handle it. Trust me when I say it's of crucial importance he said with a deadly serious tone, which made Nicole frown a little.

- I don't know Sebastian...she was silent for a few seconds...

- Nicole, look, you know I don't usually insist, you know how much I value you and I understood the last time you said no, but this is not the case to say no...

Seeing herself forced in a way, she said - OK, I'll do it. Give me the details.

- I'll send you the mail with everything you need to know, but there is also one condition - you will need to work from the client's office. 

- What??? she asked shocked. Sebastian you know I can do my best job from here...why do I need to work from his office? 

- This was his condition Nicole, and although we usually don't agree to this, I'm telling you this is an exception. Anyway its in this city so no worries, you don't have to worry about anything. You'll just work from there until the project is completed, so 2-3 month tops - it depends on you, you know that.

- Fine Sebastian, I'm tired and I'm not really in the mood, but this must really be an exceptional client... she added wondering.

- It is, I assure you. You just go there and do your best. Look, he said more softly, take the rest of the week off, and on Monday you'll start there. In the meanwhile I will forward you all the details about the project. You'll also meet the person in charge there on Monday. Is that ok?

- OK, thank you Sebastian.

- Take care Nicole, he said smiling.

- You too Seb, she replied with his short name and exited his office.

Sebastian stood there thinking what this could be about...he had an idea, but couldn't swear on it. He had also shown a lot of interest in Nicole when he took over this company 4 years ago - who the f**k wouldn't with the body she has, and those eyes that left everyone breathless - but she clearly told him she will never be interested in being more than colleagues and friends, so he gave up in thinking of her as a woman. She was an excellent professional, an innovative genius in her field, so he preferred letting anything else go as long as she worked for him.

Getting back to her office Nicole felt slightly annoyed by the news that she will have to handle a major project and even from the client's office...she somehow hated getting out of her comfort when it came to the place she worked from, but she will need to make an effort and adjust for this one - it seemed really important for Sebastian, and even though he was her boss, she also saw him as a friend, so she just couldn't refuse. Anyway, she knew her job, the office change will not impact that. Plus she did have the next days off, so she will try to rest as much as possible. She gathered her things, and left the office.

The next morning she woke up a little more rested and with a good mood. On the way to the kids school she noticed a black car following her - You're being paranoiac Nicole - she thought - there are hundreds of cars on the street, how would this one follow you? However the feeling of being watched didn't left her even after getting back home. 

She spent the day cooking and listening to music, something she rarely got to do...

In the afternoon she went to take the kids from the school. - Hey babies, she saluted them joyfully when they entered the car. Guess what I did today? she asked them smiling

- What?? her daughter asked curious - Tell me mom, what? she continued

- What mom? her son also joined.

- I cooked your favorite food.. she said and looked at them in the rearview mirror smiling widely

- You cooked, OMG mom, thank youuu, they both said happy

- C'mon, let's gooo, I'm already starving, her son said to her laughing

The evening passed quickly with them watching TV together and dancing with her daughter. She really felt better. The next 2 days also passed really quickly and she spent some more time with the kids, which they enjoyed. However, she kept on having this nagging feeling that she is being watched, although she didn't saw any other suspicious car or anything that could encourage her paranoia.

- She had received the information on the new project from Sebastian, but strangely the person in charge in the other company was not named anywhere - I guess I'll find out on Monday morning anyway, she told herself and after sketching the main point for the project she closed her laptop. The weekend passed even faster with the piano lessons the kids had, and then going to the cinema and shopping. They spent the Sunday inside, just resting for the week to come.

- On Monday morning she had a really good mood, and she sent kisses to her kids as they left the car.

- Bye babies, have an amazing day, she said happily.

- Thank you; enjoy your day too, mom, they both replied!

As she got out of the car in the parking lot of the building she was going to work from the next couple of months, she got again the annoying feeling that something is about to happen, but she decided to ignore it as she was there to work, nothing more.

- Hi, I'm Nicole Light from KT, I'm supposed to meet someone here, but unfortunately I don't have the name, she said to the receptionist.

- Yes, Mrs. Light, we have been informed of your arrival; just take the elevator to the 22nd floor, and the person will meet you there.

- Ok, great, she said and turned to the elevator.

- As the elevator moved up, she felt anxiety taking over her stomach, but she fought to keep control, and as she left the elevator she was stunned by the beauty of that area - the walls were decorated with black and white, with some grey insertions, the couch in the middle seemed to comfortable but she didn't dare sit, but went impatient to the secretary. 

-Hello. I'm Nicole Light from KT..

- Oh yes, Mrs. Light, you can enter the office, and she motioned towards the black door.

- Thank you, Nicole said, and went to the door.

As she opened it she was again stunned by the décor of the office - all carbon black nuances, with some glittery black insertions, a dark grey couch on the side, and a black and grey office in the middle. She also notices the view which was stunning...The rising sun was almost blinding her...as he turned in his chair and saluted her

- Hi Mrs. Light, he said in his deep voice that could scare one not paying attention.

She just froze and frown, but didn't utter a word for a few minutes...Finally she came to her senses

- What are you doing here. this must be a mistake, and she tried to turn around and leave

- Stop! He said in a rough voice. It is not a mistake. I am the person you were supposed to meet here regarding the project I have with KT. I'm the one who will manage it.

- What?? this cannot be...she said in disbelief...I cannot work with you. I'll call my boss right now...

- Go ahead call him. Sebastian is a friend of mine, just so you know, he told her..

She could barely breath...- You're friend... You f*****g arranged this...things started to align in her mind...I would've never..

- What, he interrupted.. You would've never thought what?? That I will find a way to get to you..to talk to you??

- Oh no, she said laughing ironically...from you I expect anything...but not from Sebastian - I never thought he could betray me...

- He didn't...he doesn't know anything about the real reasons you're here....well, I guess he does suspect something, but I didn't tell him. I just asked for you and told him if its not you it will be no deal.

- Isn't that extortion?? You would do that to your friend?? she looked at him slightly shocked..

- Don't use such big word...its merely a favor he's doing me, and I can go way further to get what I want..

- Yes I know...she yelled back...I'm more aware of that than you can imagine... Anyway, you're effort was in vane...I will not work with you.

- Are you ready to lose your job? Even more to put Sebastian's company at risk because of your personal issues?

- She was stunned for a while... At risk...you wouldn't do anything to him...fuck you would, wouldn't you...she said out loud even though she seemed to talk more to herself...

- So, what's your decision Mrs. Light, are you capable of doing your job while working with me, or you're not the professional Sebastian told me you are??

- f**k you! How dare you insult me, she exploded... 

He got up from his office and got right in front of her making her shut up...merely inches apart...he could feel the warmth of her body and he knew she felt his power too, he saw her getting nervous as he approached her...

- So?? he questioned again dead serious tone

- OF course I can do my job. I just hope you prove to be the professional everybody says you are. You want me here, fine, she said, but I have a few conditions.

- I'm listening...he said raising an eyebrow..

- 1. You will not try any personal advances on me. Not even the slightest. 2. At 5PM I start at 8.30 and leave the office at 17.30 every day; no exception. there will be no extra hours. 3. You will not ask any personal question, anything about me. We simply work to complete this project in the best possible way and as soon as possible.

- That's it? He asked

- Yes.

- Lets see, for 1 and 2 I agree, I will not try to seduce you and you can have your daily program, but for the 3rd its a hard no, as you know that I need some answers, and I WILL HAVE THEM. You can try and refuse to respond, but I will get to know what I want.

- You'll have s**t from me.

- Don't, he cut her words, do not even dare provoke me Nicole, he said lowering his eyes to her level. Let's get to work, he added.

- Fine. Where will I sit, she asked furious? She couldn't believe how far this man can go...threatening his own friend...he was despicable; but Sebastian was her friend and she will not risk his work; maybe it was time to fight this man directly. And she will win. He will see who the f**k she is. 

- I will have your office installed here this morning, but now let's go show you around. I hope you can behave yourself in front of my employees.

- I do know how to behave, she retorted coldly, you're the one throwing insults. as she said that she followed him and fought to control herself as he took her elbow escorting her out of the office and introducing her to his staff. - Tell the workers they can enter now, Sheila, he said to his secretary, and she just nodded knowingly.

He showed her all the departments and introduced her to them, showing a shocking politeness in front of the others. at some point she even felt she had calmed down and seeing the others smiling at her, she relaxed. Its not their fault their boss its a monster.

Getting back in his office, she was amazed to see the changes... the couch was now close to the glass wall and a second office in nuances of white and grey sat right in front of his.

- Do you like it, he asked from behind her?

- Yes, its beautiful, she replied simply.

- You can organize your things while I order lunch, he said. What would you like to eat?

- A salad and a well cooked chicken breast she said almost without realizing, but then she realized she will eat with him, so she tried to have him cancel the order.

- In fact I think I'll go have something at the restaurant around the corner, she said without looking at him.

- Too late. I already ordered. He said sternly.

- I'm sure you can cancel mine...she replied irritated.

- No. I ordered for both of us, and you will eat it. End of story. He said coldly, staring at her who didn't dare look him in the eyes. Look at me, he said suddenly.

She lifted slightly her eyes and threw him a cold look, but felt her heart getting crazy. Why was she feeling like this?? she thought. She hates this man...so why does her heart skip a beat every time he speaks, every time she looks in his direction?? She just couldn't understand her own reactions...She hates him.

Thinking of this, she started wondering how will she be able to do her work with him so close..

- Are you ok? she heard him ask.. You became extremely pale...what's wrong? he insisted

- Of course I'm ok, she opposed, I'm just hungry, she tried to explain. He didn't believe her, but decided to let it go for now.

As the food arrived, he took it from the secretary and closed the door.

- Come on, he said to her, and she was scared for a little. We'll eat in the kitchen, he added to respond to her wondering look.

- You have a kitchen here? she asked incredulously.

- Yes, I hate eating in the office. It's a complete apartment actually - it has also a bedroom and a bathroom, he added to see her reaction, and she didn't fail him - she didn't look him in the eyes, but he felt how nervous she became at his remark.

- Relax, he added coldly, I'm not going to r**e you. It's not my style. He said coldly.

She just followed him in silence, but starting to wonder how will she be able to keep her calm next to him.

They opened the package and started eating. Nicole looked down at her food the entire time, while Xavier was watching her eat. - You should eat more, he said out of nowhere, causing her to look at him straight in the eyes.

- No I don't. I eat enough, she replied.

- You could use some extra pounds, it's all I'm saying, he continued.

- I'm fine as I am, thank you for your worry, she said irony in her tone.

- Yes, I can see that you are fine trust me...he said trying to irritate her, and seeing her angry eyes knew he succeeded

- Not even half a day has passed and you're already braking rule no 1...

- No I'm not he said...I'm not trying to seduce you...it was just an observation. he added 

She refused to continue this matter, so she threw away her leftovers, and returned to her office. He stood there and watched her.

- Why are you so defensive? He asked when he got back in the office?

- I'm not. she replied without looking at him.

- Yes the f**k you are. You don't even have the courage to look at me when you speak to me. And that's just common sense; you kept your guard on the whole time - relax I told you I'm not going to r**e you. And I'm not your enemy either.

- Riiight...she said sarcastically looking him directly in the eyes. you're my best friend I suppose...she continued in the same tone... Regardless of what you say Mr. Xander, she became serious all of a sudden, my experience with you already proved me right. You have thought me that I am the only one responsible for myself, so YES, I am extremely cautious...around everyone, don't think you're special, she said almost yelling the last part. Now let me do what I came here to do, she ended the discussion and got back to her laptop.

He was shocked by her attitude...could it be that she's like that because of him... But he only acted trusting the proofs he had at the time...how was he supposed to know otherwise... he left her alone and got back to his office himself, but continued to look at her from time to time, observing her body language, her face expressions and gestures while working, and some were pretty funny...specially when she frowned...he found it actually cute...he thought but killed the thought almost instantly.

- I need some details, she said suddenly...Do you prefer that I send you an email with what I need, or can I ask you directly...

- I'm right here...ask ahead...he looked irritated...seriously now - you would've send me an email when I'm standing across from you ??? he questioned 

- I usually communicate via mail, I never did this face to face...that's why I asked...it's just a situation I'm not familiar with, she explained simply.

After she got all the necessary info from him, she got up and stood there for a few seconds after deciding to go to the secretary..

- Where are you going? he asked

- I need to ask your secretary something.

- What? he insisted..

- MHM...I need to ask where the bathroom is, she said without looking at him...

- You can use mine, he said.

- Thank you, but I wouldn't want to disturb you...she added slowly, even though she felt this was an extremely personal issue..

- Nonsense, he added simply. Come, I'll show you. And she had nothing to add, but followed him. 

- Thanks, she said slowly while entering the room, and leaving him at the door.

She locked the door and lent in the door to calm her nerves - what is he doing?? she asked whispering to herself in the mirror. Do not give in Nicole, she told to her reflection. It's hard being face to face, but remember what he did, remember everything you've been through because of him. Don't let him win. She wiped her hands and got out of the room, just to be startled finding him waiting at the door.

- What are you doing? she asked angry

- Waiting for you, he replied lifting his shoulders and showing an innocent smile.

- There is no need, I won't get lost, and I also won't run...there is no secondary exit...she said looking at him.

- So you're still considering running?

- No. she replied annoyed. I have work to do, she added immediately and started towards the office, but he caught her hand and held her between his body and the wall...

- You're like a match...you get angry so fast...I love it...he said smiling and wrapping one of her hair strands around his finger...

She felt her throat dry and couldn't say a word to what he just said...she felt exhausted and just leaned against the wall feeling him getting even closer and caging her...

The kiss was so sudden that she didn't even realized when his tongue got in her mouth, exploring her teeth, touching her tongue...he held her head and had wrapped his fists with her hair...and kept on kissing her...she tried fighting but it was pointless...she got lost in the kiss herself...she hadn't felt that way since so long ago... she put her hands around his neck as he was deepening his kiss even more...until she just couldn't feel her legs...she was melting...

Just as sudden as he had started the kissed he stopped it and stepped back... Looking so angry at her he left her there went to his desk. She stood there a long moment before gaining the power to walk and go to sit down. She refused to look at him anymore, but felt his gaze burning her the rest of the afternoon. At 17.30 point she took her purse and exited the office without a word.

- Great...What the f**k Xavier??? he yelled alone after he heard the elevators door close. You couldn't restrain yourself from kissing her??? what are you thinking ?? he continued angry at himself, then got up and left the office too.