Italian Obsession

Chapter 71

Jackson

"I think I'm falling for her, man."

Matt watched Valentina join Courtney near the hallway and looked at me with a skeptical look on his face. "Who?"

"Valentina."

"Are you being serious or are you joking?"

"I am being dead serious, Matt."

"You don't even know her."

"I've done enough research on her."

"Does she have kids?"

"Yeah, she does."

Matt shook his head. "Do you really see yourself getting caught up with a woman who has kids?"

"She has been staying here for three months, Matt."

"Okay, and? She had no clue who you were."

"Well, I want that to change."

"Do you really think that's a good idea?"

"I do."

"I think you're making a mistake, man."

"Am I though?"

"Dude... We're talking about a woman with kids here. You've never been married, nor have you had any interest in settling down with anyone."

"Well, I feel that Valentina is different."

"How is she different from anyone here?"

"She is a beautiful Mexican mother, she seems quiet and innocent, but I can tell she has a different side to her."

Matt shrugged. "Don't bitch and complain to me if you regret getting involved with her."

Shaking my head, I grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator. "I'll be right back."

Valentina

"Mommy!"

Callie ran up to me the moment I opened the door. "Hi, sweetheart. Did you have fun?"

"Yes! Alecia is so much fun!"

"She's a good kid for sure."

I looked at Alecia and smiled. "I hope they behaved."

"They were great. I think they are officially my favorite."

Callie smiled and hugged Alecia. "Are you coming back?"

She nodded. "I'll be back tomorrow."

As I grabbed my wallet, Alecia shook her head. "No need to pay me. This is my job after all."

"No, I insist."

"You don't have to."

"Nonsense." I handed her three one-hundred-dollar bills.

"Are you being serious?"

"Yes. My kids really seem to enjoy your company and that is exactly what I have needed."

"Well, this is not necessary but thank you."

"No. Thank you, Alecia."

She smiled. "Of course. See you guys tomorrow!"

After Alecia left, I went into Callie's room to play with her when I heard a knock on the door. "I got it, mommy."

Callie stood up and ran into the living room. "Hi?"

"Is your mother here?"

"She's in my room."

I immediately recognized his voice and left her room. "Jackson..."

"Hi, Valentina. Did you enjoy yourself today?"

"I suppose so."

"So, I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Is it bad?"

"Not at all."

"What is it?"

"I know we've only spoken a few times here and there considering how busy you've been, but I went to the club that you worked at for several months and I really have been thinking about this for a while."

"Thinking about what?"

He sighed. "I'm not getting any younger and I'm ready to settle down with someone at some point."

"Okay? What are you trying to say?"

"Valentina... I have not felt this way in a very long time but, here it goes. I've fallen for you."