Chapter 6

Not a Salsa Dancer

"Ha! That's the best reason ever to skip work! Oh my God! I'm so happy for you Marilyn!" A gleeful Claribel clapped like a school girl after telling her about me and Marcos. "Seriously, this takes it to another level" raising an eyebrow, I knew what she meant.

"Marcos is a wonderful man. He's kind, smart and generous." I sighed.

"I know it's too soon, but, are you in love with him? It looks like to me."

Without saying a word, I glimpsed at Claribel's green inquisitive eyes. The question pin-balled in my mind, trying to find an answer, a more mature and honest answer as I walked towards the window and stared down to the sidewalk. "Perhaps... I don't know. Oh, I'm such a mess! It's true I feel attracted to him, physically speaking, and I enjoy immensely his company and miss him to death when he's not around... Oh God and sex with him is otherworldly!"

"If that's so, you better tell your heart to make it quick. There are just a few good men left out there and if you think Marco's the right one, let him know."

"Yes, I know. I just don't want to rush it. Let's wait and see how everything goes at the party tomorrow."

Girls' talk got interrupted when Roberto knocked at my office's door. "Two lattes, courtesy of our favorite barista", the handsome man placed the coffee mugs on my desk.

"Aww, that's so sweet. You see, he's so romantic." Claribel placed her hand on her chest and took a deep overacted breath, fanning her eyelids at Roberto in the most hilarious manner.

"Awwwww. Soooooo romantic", the man mimicked in a childish tone that made us giggle.

"Oh, shut up!... no, wait! Rob, what did he tell you?" Stirring the coffee in my hands.

"Who, Marcos? Nothing... well I didn't let him talk that much about you. See, I was myself more interested in asking about his sister."

Twitching my mouth, I gave him a conspiratorial look. "I see now why you both disappeared last Friday night even before Marcos and I had left the bar."

"A gentleman never tells. I pledge to the fifth amendment." He raised opened palm solemnly.

"And I would never ask... well, not you", I smiled.

"I foresee a double date soon", Claribel bantered, her eyes darting at us while she sipped some coffee. "I'm so envious."

"Tomorrow at the Chiefs of Agencies ball, perhaps." the man winked an eye at me.

"Oh, no way! You two are so lucky." The assistant protested in a humorous pitch.

"Are you two going together?" Both Roberto and I asked each other at the same time and it cracked up the three of us.

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Heat flushed all over my face the moment Marcos arrived. "Oh... wow... God...", His stuttering was as funny as charming, and by the way his jaw dropped to his chest, I can say he really liked the way I looked, eyes inching me from top to bottom and the other way around.

"I expected a more articulated reaction from you." I closed the gap between us.

"You've just left me speechless. You look beyond my words... stunning... Right now, pondering if I want to go to that ball, or just rip that dress off and take you to bed. " He placed his hands on my hips.

"Oh, my... straight to the point. Tempting though..." Leaning closer, I bit my lower lip.

"It does?"

  "Yes. You know we can have both... once we're back, you can rip this dress off."

  "Sounds like a plan... After you." Marcos escorted me to the door and closed it behind us.

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Hotel El Convento always has been one of my favorite historical buildings in Old San Juan. As one of the most expensive and elegant resorts in the island, there was no other place better than El Convento to celebrate The Heads of State Ball.

Welcomed by the Governor and the First Lady at the lobby, the guests paraded their way towards the salon. Greeting senators and other heads of agencies, definitely made me feel VIP. No one bought Marcos and I were just friends, instead "you make a lovely couple" came repeatedly.

And talking of lovely couples, standing in a corner arms  in arms with Bianca, Roberto waved hands to us.

"Oh gosh, you are a princess doll!" Bianca gave me a warm hug. "You better take good care of her, brother. She's precious", she kissed him on the cheek.

"I know she is. Precious", Marcos placed a kiss on my forehead.

Silver trays loaded with champagne and wine glasses  hovered all over the salon while in the back, the band marked the key to kick it off with a salsa. "Ooh, I love salsa! Come on Marcos, let's heat up the dance floor!" I grabbed his hand.

"I'm not a good salsa dancer, I'm afraid", he gave me a sympathetic look.

"Oh, never mind. We can dance something else. I'm sure there's much more in tonight's repertoire." I reassured him a smile.

"I heard someone wants to dance salsa here. "There's no need of missing a dance Marilyn, if you have the right partner."

I froze to the sound of the familiar voice. A shiver running up my spine erased the smile on my face as I turned. "Carlos. Hi. What are you doing here?"