Italian Obsession

Chapter 5

Valentina

After reading Danny's messages before I went to the gym, it did nothing to change my mind. Knowing that he is married to Natalia only makes things worse.

I had arrived at the gym and after 30 minutes, I noticed a guy looking at me, a smirk on his face. He appeared to be in his early to mid 30s, and I could easily say that he was hot.

He approached me and I put the weights down that I was holding and took my Bose off. "I don't mean to interrupt, but I must say that you're attractive."

"Thank you."

"I'm Chris."

"Valentina."

"Not to sound creepy, but I've seen you here many times."

"Why didn't you approach me sooner?"

Chris smiled. "I didn't want you to think that I was a pervert or something."

"It's okay."

"Would you be interested in going to brunch after you're done?"

"I don't know, I really am not into that."

"Come on, I don't bite."

"I don't know you."

"Well, get to know me."

"I'll let you know."

"Cool."

I put my Bose back on my head and got on one of the treadmills until I had finished.

I could sense the guy wouldn't take no for an answer, so I felt that I had to suck it up.

I grabbed my bag out of a locker and met Chris outside. "Where should I meet you?"

"Firestone Diner."

"Alright, give me 30 minutes if that's okay."

"Sounds good, see you soon."

After I got home and took a shower, I changed into denim shorts and a t-shirt, topping it off with my Vans. I had no reason to dress nice for a guy who I hardly even knew.

I found Chris's TRX in the parking lot as I got out of my car and went inside, finding him at a table near the back of the diner. "Glad to see that you showed up."

"I like your truck."

"Thanks, I also have a Porsche 911 S/T."

"Oh, no way."

"Maybe I could have you join me for a ride."

"Yeah, maybe."

"So, may I ask how old you are?"

"I just turned 19. How about you?"

"34, I hope that's not an issue."

"Not at all."

"Are you from Florida?"

"No, I moved here a few months ago from Calgary."

"Wow, what are you doing in the United States?"

"I had a good job opportunity, and I couldn't turn it down."

"Where do you work?"

"An accounting company downtown."

"Which one? If you don't mind me asking."

"Esposito & Burnside Accounting LLC."

"Ah, you must do well financially then."

"So far, yes."

"Well, that's great."

As nice as the guy seemed, I really had no interest in calling or texting him back. I had other priorities that I needed to handle. 

Danny

The fact that Valentina not only ignored my text message but has tried to avoid me at all costs, I was more than beyond pissed. No woman has ever turned me down and I refuse to break my track record.

After several hours of her continual sternness towards me, I had just about enough. I dialed her extension, and she looked irritated the moment she answered. "What do you want?"

"Come to my office. We have some things to discuss."

"I have stuff to do, Mr. Esposito."

"You know that you do not have to use my last name, Val."

"Don't call me that."

"Why not? That's what everyone else calls you."

"What's so important for me to stop what I am doing to come and see you?"

"I am not asking, I am telling you. To my office. Right now."

"I will give you 5 minutes."

She stood up and entered my office, a scowl on her face. "Nice to see you too, Valentina."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

I got up from my chair and shut the door behind her. "Why didn't you answer me last night?"

"Really? This is why you needed to speak to me?"

Smirking, I slowly slid my hand up her collarbone. "You know you want this, baby. Just as much as I do."

"No. As a matter of fact, I don't."

"Don't lie to me."

"I am not lying, I want nothing to..." I cut her off mid-sentence and kissed her. Just when I thought she would give in, she stepped back. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"I have wanted you, Valentina."

"I could get fired for your actions."

"Not when I am your boss."

"Oh, really? You do know I can go to Mr. Burnside's office right now, correct?"

"You wouldn't."

"He is your partner after all, Mr. Esposito. Now, if you can excuse me, I am leaving."

She opened the door and walked towards her desk, resuming her work. I could still hardly believe it. I figured that she would give in to me, but she likes to play hard to get, and she will soon pay for that.