In the Blind by S.J. Maylee

with Rob and then we’ll figure it out.”
    “Oh,
Anne, I pushed him away today.”
    “Why?”
    “I
thought it would be best for him to get settled into his new job first. Now
with him working from home, I’m not sure what to do.”
    “I’m
calling Mistress Charlie and scheduling a session for you. You’re making levelheaded
moves, but you need to talk to Rob about all of this. No assumptions. No
secrets. Communication is key . The Mistress is what
you need, you’ll see.”
    ****
    Rob
spent the afternoon on the court, bouncing the ball, and taking shot after shot
and missing every one. His head wasn’t in the game. He was thinking of Jane and
what happened to turn her off. He was going to love his new job, and he was happy
to be helping her company in the process.
    He
meant what he said to her today. He didn’t think Gina would be a problem. He
couldn’t say for certain how she’d treat anyone he dated, though. Keller’s work
from home idea was a good one. He was glad they’d had a moment alone to discuss
it. He’d have the best of both worlds. He could continue his patterns and work
for Keller.
    He
hoped Jane didn’t read anything into it.
    He
thought back to how beautiful she looked in the car. Her stubborn streak would
light his life. Their first date needed to be special. His instincts told him
they’d be great together. Her hand in his felt right, and her lips were sweet
heaven.
    He
bounced the ball several times and took his shot. The ball smacked the board,
bounced off the court and into the grass. Rob gave up on the game and stole
another look at his watch. Maybe he should call her, but that’s not what she
asked for, unless she changed her mind.
    He
ran back to his apartment and checked his email. Keller kept his word. Jane
sent him the contract and instructions for questions and acceptance. Nowhere
did it suggest he give her a call. She’d sent him a neat little package. Either
she was good at her job or she really didn’t want to talk to him. The only
surprise was the signing bonus. He wasn’t expecting even half that much, and
the benefits package was quite generous.
    First
things first, he electronically signed the contract that he couldn’t possibly
say no to and sent it back to her. Somewhere along the way he’d taken a misstep
with Gina, but she’d never been as clear with her wishes as Jane had been. He’d
continue to honor her request. Next up was his first day. Then, he would call
Jane and get his second chance.
    His
phone buzzed with an incoming call. Disappointment ran thick when he didn’t see
her number on the caller id, but his buddy was the next best thing at the
moment.
    “Marcus, or should I say co-worker.”
    “Are
you sure about this?”
    “Ah,
yeah, you know the size of Keller’s signing bonuses.”
    “Tell
me that’s not why you’re taking the job.”
    “No,
this is really the right job for me, and I have a feeling this will help Jane
and her business.”
    “Chivalry
is dead.”
    “No
wonder you’re single. All jokes aside, I’ve been getting bored with my
assignments lately, and I know Keller will push me to stay on top of new
technology. Plus, I’ll get the opportunity to stretch my career.”
    “That’s
why I’m here.”
    “He’s
going to let me work from home.”
    “I’m
not surprised. We have several team members telecommuting. There’s even a few
I’ve never met in person. Jim lives in an RV and is in constant travel around
North America. Keller’s only rule is he has to be able to reach you during
office hours.”
    “Yes,
that’s stated in the contract.”
    “I
don’t think Gina is going to be a problem, but if she is, I’ll take care of
it.”
    “I
had a feeling you’d say that. I think you’re what she needs.”
    “What?
That’s not why—”
    “Marcus,
it’s okay. You probably don’t even see it yet, but it’s okay with me.”
    “Well
… change of topic. I think you should come back to Club Blind this