Italian Obsession

Chapter 2

Valentina

During lunchtime, I was blasted with different questions. "By the sounds of your accent, I assume you are not from here."

I looked at Micah and nodded. "I am from Mexico City, but my family and I went to Nashville when I was 5."

"Oh, no way. What made you choose to move to Austin?"

"Honestly, it is a long story."

"We have plenty of time."

"Well, a lot of things happened but I guess if I could simplify things, I've had many problems with my sister. After my mother cheated on my father, he left Mexico City without saying goodbye and it really affected me because I always had a close relationship with my dad."

Micah shook her head. "That's awful."

"It still honestly hurts to think about but at the time, I hoped that it would bring Natalia and I closer, but it did not happen."

"How so?"

"She got a bug up her ass after he left and completely cut me off ."

"That's not nice."

"It wasn't but now that several years have passed, I've realized how selfish, and entitled my sister is." As I took a bite of my turkey sandwich, I heard my phone vibrate in my purse and I was beyond shocked when I saw his name come across my message requests on Facebook.

"He just messaged me."

"Who?"

"Who do you think?"

"Oh my god," Tatiana smiled. "No way!"

"Yeah."

"How exciting! What does it say?"

"He just said hey."

"Well, what are you waiting for? Are you going to answer?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because. Like I said, I don't get myself involved in any type of relationships at work for one and two, he is married."

"Well, you never know."

"Why, so he can try and take advantage of me? Absolutely not. He is married and I just can't do it."

"Any girl would kill for him to even make eye contact with him, Valentina. This is your chance! You only live once, right? So, go for it."

"Tatiana, I am not like that. He can try all he wants, but it is not happening. Period."

Tatiana shrugged. "Your loss."

"No, it's not. I want nothing to do with that."

"Give it a few months and you'll end up changing your mind."

After lunch, we went back to our desks, and I avoided eye contact with him at all costs.

*** One month later: I was in the middle of doing paperwork when I noticed Mr. Esposito hovering over me. "Ms. Martinez, may I have a word with you?"

"I am right in the middle of doing paperwork that you told me to finish by the end of the day."

"That can wait."

"But you gave me a specific task and I know how you are in terms of having work completed on time."

Danny shook his head. "You can resume that after we are done."

"But I like to finish things on..."

He scowled and interrupted me. "Now, Ms. Martinez."

Knowing that I couldn't argue with him, I stood up and followed him to his office. "What can I do for you, sir?"

"Shut the door."

"What?"

"Shut the door and take a seat please."

Nodding, I sat down and looked at him. "What can I do for you, Mr. Esposito?"

"I am glad that we are alone now."

"Why?"

A small smirk formed on his face. "I am sure you know why."

Shaking my head, I stood up and as I grabbed the doorknob, he grabbed my wrist. "Can you let go of my wrist?"

He stepped closer to me and slowly tried to unbutton my blouse. "Mr. Esposito, I..."

"It's Danny." He whispered in my ear.

"This is not appropriate behavior, sir."

"Come on, Ms. Martinez. You are beyond beautiful and hard-working. You don't want to be my dirty little secret?"

I stepped away from him and shook my head. "I am not interested."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes, I am positive. Have a good day, Danny."

After I left his office, I could sense that he was angry and maybe slightly confused by my rejection, but I had no business messing around with my boss.