I’m ready for you, Valentina San Ramón.Ready for it all.
6
VALENTINA
Lucy: Um hellooo? I’m looking for my friend, Val. Have you seen her? Tall and beautiful with a body to kill for?
Me: Stop it, you weirdo. I’ve been busy. I have a new client and he’s driving me mad.
Lucy: Well, if you would text me back maybe I would know about your new client? Who is it?
Me: Luce. You know I can’t tell you that.
Lucy: Yet you always do. Come on, Val. You know I’m a good secret keeper. I’ve never told anyone about that time you talked to a mannequin for half an hour before realizing it.
Me: Not fair. I was drunk.
Lucy:And still, no one knows. Don’t be stingy. Share the love, baby.
Me: Fiiine. I’m working with Nico Loving, the new player for the Drillers.
Lucy: Shut UP!! Omgod. Val! He’s so hot. Please tell me you’ve slept with him.
Me: No! He’s my client. That’s unethical. Plus, that’s the exact thing I’m trying to cure him of.
Lucy: Cure him of what? Making women happy all over the world with his gorgeous body and athletic prowess? Leave that man alone. He’s perfect. Also, can you give him my number?
Me: No. Bye!....I’ll call you tomorrow.
Lucy: Kisses.
His hand is large and warm, and the calluses scratch against my smooth palm. It’s not a touch I thought I’d find tempting, but visions of him, sweating and snatching balls out of the air, send a tingle straight to my nipples. And that is not a feeling I welcome.
Guests stare at the two of us as we step off the elevator, and hushed conversations mix into one loud secret. The feeling I had while on the red carpet downstairs reappears. That was enough to send me into a full panic attack. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m thankful Nico was there to help me through it.
I pride myself on helping movie stars and athletes, CEO’s and politicians. Individuals used to being in thespotlight. But I amnotthe type to want the spotlight on me. I’ll accept all the praise and accolades my clients want to give me. So long as they do it without the assistance of flashing lights and newspaper articles.
“Do you know any of these people?” Nico leans over and whispers into my ear.
I shiver with chills from the way his breath licks over my already sensitive skin.
My eyes search the faces that crowd the space when I spot a friendly and familiar couple.
“Yes. To your left. Woman in red heels and man in the expensive Italian suit,” I point out.
“How do you know if it's an expensive or Italian suit?”
I nudge him in the direction of the gorgeous couple and he leads. “Because that is Luca Amato. Italian billionaire turned owner of the Houston Wranglers. It’s a no brainer.”
We slide between bodies, smiling and passing polite hello’s. Luca and his wife Cecilia see me, and both send a wide smile our way.
“Valentina. Ciao bella.” Luca Amato lifts his hands, welcoming me into their small circle, and quickly hugs me.
He kisses both cheeks and I do the same. “Ciao Signore Amato. Signora Amato. Come stai?”
I release Luca and am immediately pulled into the same greeting with Cecilia.
“Bene,” he replies. “Very well.”
