Far from Blind

by S. J. Maylee

  Evernight Publishing ®

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2015 S.J. Maylee

  ISBN: 978-1-77233-546-0

  Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

  Editor: Melissa Hosack

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  To my sweet Jeffrey, for months before we met, you were right in front of me. Once we finally met, I was no longer blind. That was all we needed and it’s been a fairytale ever since. Thank you for loving me and supporting my dreams.

  FAR FROM BLIND

  Club Blind, 2

  S.J. Maylee

  Copyright © 2015

  Chapter One

  Candy double checked the schedule and made notes regarding a couple clients. She never would have guessed she’d enjoy event planning. Parties weren’t a part of her wheelhouse growing up after all. The shelter where she’d spent most of her youth had done a fine job of keeping her fed and warm, but parties were hard to come by. That all changed the day Ivy Reed walked into Candy’s life. One day they were sharing a meal through the mentor program and a short time later Candy started working for Ivy. Life hadn’t slowed down since.

  Candy had a career now as one half of the power team at Reed & Company. Her future was as bright as she could imagine. She’d even collected things for the dream house she knew she’d have one day.

  She turned in her seat and admired the matching set of sugar bowl and creamer jug in her favorite china pattern. The whimsical black design on the creamy china made a simple statement and she loved its uncomplicated look. The pattern was new for the classic china company, traditional yet unpredictable, simply beautiful. The set had one more piece, a large jug, and, now that Candy had saved the funds, she was on a hunt for it. She had a good feeling she’d find it soon.

  Right now, she needed to concentrate on work. The calendar revealed how busy they’d be not only this week but next as well. They’d had several repeat customers lately and, from all the referrals they’d been receiving, they were booked for months to come. Maybe Ivy would finally take Jane’s advice and expand. Regardless, change would come. Nothing ever stayed the same for long.

  She checked her watch. They’d need to leave soon for their walkthrough at The Drake. Mr. Marsh, Ivy’s husband had come into the office with her this morning and the pair were still in her office. Those two lovebirds reminded her she need to make some sort of move forward in her personal life.

  Candy never had a problem getting a date, but getting the attention of the one man that had been occupying her thoughts for the last year had turned into a serious lost cause. He was a client of course. She didn’t have a life outside of work. Unfortunately, it was quite obvious he had a crush on Ivy. It didn’t seem to matter that Ivy was now married. Brad remained smitten.

  That first day Brad walked into their office was a day she’d never forget. Sure, he was a tall drink of water she could sip from him all night long. With his long lean frame, trim haircut, and crisply tailored suits, he made her mouth water. But there was something else simmering under the surface. Control radiated from him in everything he did, from his choice of words to the way he moved around a room.

  Normally when they ran events they heard all kinds of gossip from support staff. It was sometimes quite embarrassing to know personal details about the customers. But she’d run into the opposite with Brad. They clearly respected him and Candy couldn’t help to feel the same way.

  He was a gentleman, nothing remotely like any of the men Candy had dated. However, Brad was simply a fantasy. She may crave Brad with everything within her, but it didn’t mean he’d ever notice her.

  It was time to find a way past her infatuation. With her shoulders rolled back and her back straight, she read through the latest email from Mistress Charlie. Candy’s membership to Club Voyage was finalized and she needed to choose from one of the ice breaker events they offered. Ivy thought she should try Club Blind’s blind date service. Mistress Charlie had a pretty good track record at matching Doms and subs for the new monthly event.

  She pulled out the invitation for Blind Date Night and rubbed over the raised letters. Mistress Charlie already had a match for her. All she needed to do was show up on Saturday night, remove all her clothes, and walk into a pitch black room to meet him, a leap for sure to find a connection. However, the man would already be vetted by the club and he’d for sure be into the kinky activities that drove her wild.

  The bell on the front door woke her and in walked the man of her dreams. She hid the invitation under her stack of paperwork.

  “Hello, Candice.” The man was perfection, nothing out of place. She adored his easy non overdone smile.

  “Hi, Brad.” She attempted to fluff her hair, hoping it hadn’t already turned into a fuzzy mess.

  He stopped at the corner of the counter at the front of her desk. The man knew how to dress, from the dark charcoal suit, vest, crisp white shirt, and the silvery blue tie to match his magical eyes. He was gorgeous.

  “I’ll let Ivy and Mr. Marsh know you’re here.” After entering a code on her phone that would alert her boss to their visitor, she tapped her toes. It had been a long time since she’d tested his interest. Maybe her new sex kitten heels would do the trick.

  “Thank you. Seth and I have a meeting to attend.”

  She got up and sauntered over to the sideboard, turned her sugar bowl, and then shifted just enough to catch his reflection in the mirror. Her gaze locked onto his. His focus was on her and her alone. Awareness woke her whole body, from the damp heat coating her pussy to the intense need to walk to him and show off any one of the positions Mistress Charlie had her practicing, but she didn’t move. She waited.

  He put his hands in his pockets. “You must be very busy these days.”

  “Yes, we have three parties this week.” She took a deep breath.

  “I’m sorry to be bothering you. I’m sure you’d like to get your work done.” His gaze remained on her.

  The door opened behind her and she squeezed her eyes shut. “Damn,” she whispered.

  Mr. Marsh came out, adjusting his tie. “Brad, thanks for making the time.”

  “Not a problem. Glad to help,” Brad said.

  Candy walked back to her desk and kicked her shoes off before plopping in her seat. The most captivating moment she’d ever had with Brad and it lasted only a few minutes.

  “We better get going. I do believe they’ll be waiting for us.” Seth checked his watch.

  “Okay, let me say hi to Ivy at least.”

  Candy cleared her throat and tried to shut them all out.

  “Alright, Casanova.” Mr. Marsh stepped into Ivy’s office doorway. “Ivy, Brad’s here and needs to remind you how charming he is before we can leave.”

  “I’m coming,” Ivy called from her office. A second later she walked past her husband and into Brad’s arms. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen you.” She stepped back from Brad and took hold of his hand. “Isn’t that right, Candy?”

  “Oh yes.” Heat flushed over her cheeks. Thankfully Ivy didn’t mention what else they’d been saying about Brad.

  “I know. I’m still adjusting to my new schedule.” He kissed Ivy’s knuckles. “You look happy.”

  “She’s well taken care of.” Seth’s voice filled the room.


  “We all know you won the girl.” Brad leaned on Candy’s counter.

  “I did, didn’t I?” He pulled his wife into his arms and gave her a look of love Candy had only seen in her dreams. “I’ll see you at home later.”

  “Have a good day, you two,” Ivy said as the men walked out the door.

  Candy resisted the urge to watch them go. She twisted the ring her mom gave her last year. A simple gold band her father, whoever he was, had given her mom shortly before Candy was born. She needed to face reality. Brad was never going to take an actual interest in her. “We better get going to The Drake.”

  “I almost forgot. Do you have the list we put together yesterday?”

  “I have it right here.” Candy set her tablet on her desk, knocking over her stack of papers.

  “You got an invitation to Blind Date Night.” Ivy took the card from the bottom of the pile. “I love the dark stock they use. The ridges in the paper are so sensual. After hearing Jane and Anne praise the club last weekend, I’ve been thinking about booking a date night there with Seth. Hey, this invite is for this Saturday. Are you going?”

  “I don’t know. We have several events this week.”

  “I don’t get you and Brad. The two of you are always working. You both need to take time for yourselves.”

  “Brad is still getting over you.”

  “Hardly, he only keeps it up to tease Seth.” She put the card down and picked up her purse. “I still think the two of you should date.”

  “I don’t think he’ll ever think of me that way.” Candy picked up her old reliable bag with the torn lining. “We have nothing in common.”

  “Candy, look at me.”

  “It’s nice of you to think Brad and I could be a match, but it’s never going to happen. I’m just not the right girl for him.” It was past time she faced reality. Men like Brad were simply out of her reach.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I’m completely out of his league.”

  “Nonsense. Brad would be lucky to date a woman like you.” Ivy dropped everything and clutched Candy’s shoulders. “You’re passionate. You’re brilliant. You’re honest. Not to mention beautiful.”

  “I know.”

  “You’re a catch. Brad would be lucky to deserve you.” She tapped Candy under the chin before stepping back and grabbing her purse.

  “You’re right. Of course you’re right.” Candy stood a little straighter. “It’s his loss for not seeing what’s in front of him.”

  “Exactly.” Ivy shook her head. “You had me worried there for a minute. Don’t do that.”

  “Sorry.” One of the first things Ivy helped her with was self-respect. She knew better than to sink into those worthless thoughts. “Those who can’t see me don’t matter.”

  “That’s right.” Ivy handed her the Blind Date Night invitation. “You’ve been waiting for this for weeks. If you’re done waiting for Brad, then what’s standing in the way of your next big adventure?”

  “Hell, Ivy, you sure know how to get to the point.”

  “Well?”

  “You think I should go?”

  “Don’t you?”

  She picked up the phone and dialed. “Hi, Mistress Charlie. This is Candy. I’ll be there Saturday night.”

  ****

  Brad flipped through his phone looking for a distraction. Having dinner with Seth and Ivy used to be the best way to end his stressful week. Ever since he left the CPA firm, he not only had time to breathe but he had time to witness what was missing in his life.

  The career change to the estate planning firm set him up to have the time he’d need to treat his woman right, even have a family when the time came. Only problem was he couldn’t seem to attract the attention of the one woman who’d caught his eye. Seth liked to tease him about having a thing for Ivy and he’d encouraged the abuse. How else would he be able to cover the real object of his affection?

  It was hard to approach a woman when in the office seven nights a week though. However, now that he’d changed jobs, he couldn’t use lack of time as an excuse for not asking her out. He needed to find a way to get a feel for her level of interest, but he’d barely been able to get her to talk with him in weeks. Their simple conversations and her smile used to light up his world. Now, he guessed she’d figured out how completely dull he was. How could he possibly attract a woman as alive as her?

  Seth whispered something into Ivy’s ear, and she blushed a deep shade of crimson. Before long they’d be excusing themselves and he’d be on his way home, alone. The waitress placed their last round of drinks on the table.

  “We’re ready for the check.” Brad took a sip of his martini.

  “It’s all taken care of.” The waitress smiled and walked away.

  Brad scanned the room.

  “Master Marcus.” Ivy kneeled on the banquette and waved her arm over her head.

  The man walked over and stopped at their table. “I hope you all enjoyed that fine meal.” He reached out to Ivy and kissed her knuckles. “It’s always a pleasure to see you, Ivy.”

  “You too, Sir.”

  “You didn’t have to buy us all dinner,” Brad said.

  “I absolutely did.” Marcus patted Brad’s shoulder. “It’s the least I could do after all your help with Gina’s mother’s will.”

  “Happy to help.” His new career may have a different set of stressors, but clients had a completely different reaction to the highs and lows in the business. “Have a seat.”

  “Gina’s step-sister was really hoping you’d reconsider her dinner proposal,” Marcus said while he sat next to Brad.

  “You didn’t tell me she asked you out.” Ivy scowled at him.

  “Our boy Brad here has eyes for only one woman.” Seth leaned back and tucked Ivy next to his side.

  “Who?” Ivy looked at each of the men and then settled on her husband. “You joke about Brad liking me, but I know it’s not me. Who is it?”

  “Why all the poking into my life? My interests in this particular woman have been a waste of time.” Brad tilted his head toward Seth. “Don’t you want to remind Marcus you’re married to his ex-trainee?” He turned to Marcus. “Or how about, when are you and Gina going to get married?”

  “Nice try.” Marcus laughed. “I am hoping sooner rather than later, actually.”

  Ivy picked up her buzzing phone. “The girls are here.”

  “Promise me again you’ll behave tonight.” Seth got up and helped Ivy out of the banquette.

  “I promise, Sir.” She kissed him and hung around his neck for a second. “Who does Brad like?”

  “Nice try.” He slapped her ass.

  “Ouch. Dang it.” She turned back to the table. “Marcus, please let me know if you get a name out of him. Brad, I’ll see you tomorrow night.” She walked through the high top tables and stopped at one with three women.

  His cock noticed one woman at the table. The woman. Her lovely candy apple-red locks were like a magnet. If only he could get her to take notice of him.

  Marcus turned in his seat to look at Brad. “But seriously, tell me who she is. I might be able to make a connection for you.”

  “There’s no need,” Brad said. “I bore this girl. She needs someone a bit more exciting than me.”

  “Well, that’s ridiculous,” Marcus said.

  “That’s what I keep telling him. Mistress Charlie has already told him, this girl is signed up for Blind Date Night.”

  “Then what’s the problem?” Marcus held out his hands. “Your name has been on the potential dates for Blind Date Night for some time.”

  “I highly doubt the Mistress has matched me with her.”

  “The Mistress has called him repeatedly over the last few days. Apparently she has a match for him who wants to attend this week, but Casanova here refuses to go.”

  “Are you crazy?” Marcus shook his head. “If the Mistress says she has a match, you go.”

  Chapter Two

&nb
sp; Candy sat on the bench in the Club Blind locker room and wrapped herself in the short black robe. At brunch last week, Jane, who had visited Club Blind more than once, said the locker room would be full of chatter once someone broke the ice. Although, tonight there wasn’t a room full of women. There were only two other ladies in the locker room.

  “Have either of you done this before?” Candy looked at both of them.

  “Not exactly. I’ve been here before, but it wasn’t a date night,” one of the women across the room said. “I didn’t have to meet my date afterward.”

  “You really can’t see anything?” Candy took a step closer to them.

  “Not a thing,” The woman said.

  “Well, they certainly take enough precautions to keep us all safe and comfortable,” the other woman said. “But I still don’t think I would have even considered it if Mistress Charlie hadn’t matched us personally.”

  “I heard her track record is even better than Master Keller’s.” She hadn’t known her for long, but already Candy would trust her with just about anything.

  “That’s probably because Master Keller rarely takes credit for any of his matches.”

  “True story.” Candy laughed. “I just know he recommended my boss’s company to Master Seth because he thought they’d get along, but he won’t admit to a thing.”

  “They’re still together?”

  “It was a little rocky at first, but he collared her not long after they met and they just got married.”

  “Well done, Master Keller.”

  “Exactly.” She ran her hands through her red tresses. “Here’s to Mistress Charlie having that kind of luck tonight.” Candy thought back on all the questions she’d answered for Mistress Charlie in preparation for tonight. From simple things, like the look of her desk at work and the name of songs she found sexy, to specific details about her life experiences, and all the way to her sexual desires. She hadn’t told her Brad was the one she desperately wanted, but surely some of what she’d admitted would be helpful.