Page 58 of Forbidden Desire

A knock sounds at my door and Jessica pops her head in warily.

“What is it?” I bark.

“Sorry to bother you, Mr. Vallejo,” she says warily. “But one of our writers needs to speak with you.”

“I hardly have time for that.”

“She says it’s urgent.”

I roll my eyes and impatiently gesture for Jessica to send the writer in. The woman walks in hesitantly and I motion for her to take a seat in the chair in front of me.

“Sorry to bother you, Mr. Vallejo.”

“What is it?” I ask impatiently.

“I-I…”

“I’m a busy man.”

“I was hoping to talk to you about a promotion.”

I let out a laugh through my nose.

“I’ve been here atThe NY Daily Newsfor a few years now. I’ve never asked for much. I work hard. The truth is, I really need the money to help pay for my son’s school. He got accepted to—”

“I don’t need your life story,” I snap.

“I-I just hope you can consider it.” Her eyes glaze over and I see she’s on the verge of crying.

Normally, I would say “no” outright. Normally, tears would have no effect on me. But now, all I feel like is an asshole who just made this innocent woman upset because of my own mess of a life. It isn’t fair to her.

I take a deep breath, releasing my pent-up emotions on the exhale.

“I’m sorry,” I say softly.

She looks up at me curiously.

“I’ll have HR bring me your file, and see what I can do.”

“Thank you, Mr. Vallejo.” She stands up suddenly and takes my hand in hers, shaking it gratefully. “Thank you.”

When she leaves, closing the door behind her, I put my head in my hands. I should have just stayed in the Hamptons. I’m in no state to play boss.

Chapter 29

Erica

Josie and I walk into the expansive lobby of my work. She coos as she looks up at the large chandelier. The security guard, Dominic, gives me a warm, but confused smile as he looks at the baby in my arms.

“Ms. Gunner, who is this little one?” he asks, looking at her fondly.

“This is my daughter, Josie,” I say. “She’s starting daycare here today.”

“I didn’t know you had a baby! She’s beautiful. She must be around my daughter’s age,” he says, holding up his hands to play peekaboo with her.

“It’s a fun age. I can hardly keep up. Soon, she’ll be walking,” I say fretfully.

“Then there’s no stopping her,” he says.

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