Talk to Me

by D K Sutton

  I hugged Cameron, surprising us both. “Thank you,” I whispered.

  Later, back at home, I thought of Max, and processed the things Cameron had said. I wanted to trust Max again, but I didn’t know how. Were we really right for each other or would it all just fall apart again? I fell asleep to thoughts of Max and how much I missed him.

  ~~~

  The next day, I still hadn’t figured out what to do. I tried turning my brain off for a while. Maybe if I just didn’t think about it for a day or two, my path would seem clearer. Turning off my brain wasn’t the hardest part. I was able to focus on work and the customers and figuring out the specific problem each one had. No, it was my heart that was the problem. My eyes strayed toward Max’s cubicle even though I couldn’t see him from mine. I missed him. I’d become attached to him in such a short amount of time. But I felt like I’d known Max forever. Which was crazy. Okay, so maybe my brain wasn’t cooperating either. Another phone call distracted me from my moping.

  At lunch, I decided to go to the breakroom. Ignoring Max wasn’t helping me at all. I had to get back to normal at some point. I sat down beside Amica.

  “Hey, stranger.” She grinned at me. I realized I missed hanging out with her.

  We chatted about work. Thankfully, she didn’t mention Max at all. I was glad to talk to my friend again. Why had I sequestered myself away? My eyes strayed every once in a while toward the door.

  “I saw Max and Dylan leaving when I first got here.”

  “That’s nice,” I said, trying and utterly failing to sound like I didn’t care. Amica didn’t call me on it. She really was a good friend.

  I thought I spotted Max when I took my afternoon break. I needed a soda to keep myself focused. He was walking away from me. Was it a metaphor for something? Or just the way it needed to be? Still, maybe if I could have seen his eyes, it would have helped. Every time I passed by signs on the copy room, storage room, and snack room, it made me smile. I thought of Max and making out with him.

  I was about to sign out for the day when another call came through. It didn’t matter when my shift ended; if we got a call, we had to take it. Not that I really minded. I had an empty apartment to go to.

  “Hello, this is Chase from Cox Communications. Can I have your name and account number please?”

  “Hi, Chase.” The voice at the other end of the line was familiar. Very familiar and I wasn’t sure how I’d missed it before. “My account is under the name Howard Hernandez.” He rattled off the number.

  I placed my hand over my pounding heart, trying to calm down. “How can I help you?”

  “I’ve broken something, and I’m not sure how to fix it.”

  CHAPTER 21

  MAX

  CHASE HADN’T HUNG UP. I took that as a good sign. I wasn’t sure what I expected him to do. Maybe scream and yell at me? I was taking a chance by calling again. If I lost my job, I could find another. But it would be devastating for Chase. I almost chickened out several times for that reason, but the thought of Chase going back to Cameron was enough to steel my resolve.

  “Let me see if I can help you with that,” Chase said. “Your account looks fine. Can you tell me more about what’s broken?”

  Was there a hint of amusement in his voice? “Everything.” I sighed. How was I going to do this without both of us losing our jobs? “Nothing’s working for me anymore. I fucked up.” I thought I heard a quickly stifled laugh. “I just need help fixing it again.”

  “So, it’s your fault. Is that what you’re saying?”

  “It was fine before I touched it.” I halted those thoughts. I couldn’t think about touching Chase or I’d never get through this. “And now it’s broken.”

  “Well, is it really just one person’s fault?” Chase said.

  My heart beat faster. Was he giving me a chance? “It is my fault. I’m sorry I messed up.” I hoped he’d hear me. This might be my only chance to apologize.

  “But you’re willing to fix it?”

  “I’ll do whatever it takes, Chase.” Hope made me giddy. Would he really give me a chance?

  “And how will you keep from breaking it again? How would you keep from making the same mistakes over and over?”

  I could hear the seriousness in Chase’s voice. This was an important question for him. “I know what I did wrong.”

  “What was that?”

  He surprised me with the question. I couldn’t just spit it out. Not when anyone could listen in. “I didn’t respect…the technology,” I said.

  “And now you do?”

  “Yes. And I’ll do anything to make it right.”

  “I’m not sure if it’s something we can fix,” Chase said, and my heart plummeted. “Not here and now, anyway.”

  “Maybe you could send someone over. Someone who can show me how to do it the right way.”

  “And if there’s no one available?”

  “I’ll come to you. Just tell me when and where, and what you want me to do.” I swallowed the tightness in my throat. “Chase, I think you’re the only one that can help me.”

  “I’m just not sure,” he said. “I may have to call you back.”

  I didn’t want to end the call. Just hearing Chase’s voice again filled my heart with joy. What if I never got to talk to him again? I couldn’t risk another call. This was it. This was my final chance. If this didn’t work, I had to let Chase go. “Thank you for your help,” I said. “I appreciate you. I want you to know that.”

  “Thank you…Mr. Hernandez.”

  I laughed and said goodbye one final time before hanging up. We had a chance. Now it was all up to Chase.

  By the next day, that hope was dwindling. I expected Chase to call last night or maybe stop by. I checked my phone at least a hundred times to make sure I didn’t have it on mute or had accidentally missed his call, but there was nothing. Toby seemed to sense my restlessness. He barked at everything, even the TV.

  And by Friday, I’d convinced myself that it was over. Nothing I could do would bring Chase back to me.

  I ignored all my friends. Dylan, Sadie, even Amica had all tried to talk to me. My stomach was in knots. Was this really the way it was going to be?

  I finished my call, scooting my chair back. It hadn’t gone well. I couldn’t focus. I glanced up and noticed Chase standing in front of my desk, looking gorgeous as ever. His long, blond hair framing his face. But it was the half smile on his face that made my heart race. He didn’t say a word. He raised an eyebrow up and slipped a note on my desk. I didn’t even look at the note. I watched Chase turn and walk away, his hips swaying.

  When I couldn’t see him any longer, I picked up the note, remembering the last one I got from him. I smiled as I opened it up.

  Appointment Reminder for Howard Hernandez (AKA Max): Tonight-7:00 p.m. Your Place. Be prepared to grovel.

  “What’s that?” Dylan asked, rolling himself over.

  “Redemption.” I showed him the note.

  “This time,” he said with a smile. “Don’t heck it up.”

  ~~~

  Chase arrived right on time, wearing the same clothes he wore the first time we met, all the way down to his sexy black boots. I immediately wanted to rip them off him. I stared at him for a good minute.

  “Well, are you gonna let me in?” His voice was sassy, and I resisted the urge to kiss him until he promised to never leave again.

  I invited him in. Toby, the traitor, barely barked at him. Instead, he scrambled around his legs, wagging his tail.

  Chase laughed with genuine joy as he picked up the small dog. “Hey there, Toboroni. I missed you so much, buddy.” He kissed him on the head. There was no reason to be jealous of my dog but at that moment, I was. Chase set the dog down and took a step toward me. “Did someone call for a technician?”

  “Are you here to fix what I broke?” Our eyes locked. My pulse raced at his nearness. I wanted to touch him.

  “No, I’m here to help us figure out how we can move past
this. Maybe work together to keep it fixed?”

  “So you’re taking me back?”

  “Only if you stop talking right now and kiss me.”

  “Done.” I pulled him into a kiss, holding him tightly as I explored his mouth. Chase moaned.

  “I missed you so much.”

  “Me, too, babe.” I tangled my hand in his hair, pulling his head back to kiss his neck. “I know there are things we need to talk about.”

  “Later,” Chase said. “We can talk about rules and boundaries and not stepping all over each other, but right now I only want to get into this.” He slid his hand down below the waistband of my pants and squeezed my ass.

  “You have all the best plans.” I started undressing him, undoing each button on his shirt to expose his firm chest and slim waist. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you a good rating.”

  Chase laughed. “I always aim to please.”

  I led him to the bedroom, ignoring Toby’s whine as I shut the door. “Sorry, Tobes,” I said, “he’s mine tonight.”

  “And every night,” Chase added, pulling me over to the bed.

  We undressed quickly. I missed everything about him. His smell. His taste. I couldn’t get enough. He was lying on his back, staring up at me. “Chase,” I said. “Let me take care of you. I know you like to take control, but tonight I want to make you feel good.”

  He nodded, his eyes bright with tears. “I’d like that.”

  “I love you, Chase.”

  “I know.”

  I laughed. I didn’t need to hear the words yet. I could tell by the look in his eyes. I kissed him deeply, before trailing kisses down his neck. I licked and sucked at his skin. His nipples peaked as I took each one into my mouth. He groaned, arching his back. I continued exploring down his abs to the light blond hair that trailed down to his cock. I teased him before taking him into my mouth.

  “Max,” he cried out, threading his fingers through my hair and guiding my head. I could tell he was getting close already by the way he was tensing up.

  “I’ve got you, babe. Just let go.”

  “Wait,” he said, panting. “Don’t want to come yet, Max. I want you inside me.”

  We’d never done that before. Chase always wanted to be the one on top. “Are you sure?”

  “I trust you.” He pulled me up for a kiss. “I love you, Max.”

  “I know,” I said with a wink. And I did, but hearing lit up something inside me. I grabbed the lube and condoms from my nightstand. I watched his face for any signs he’d changed his mind as I prepared him. His skin was flushed with desire, and red marks stood out from where my stubble had scratched him. He was stunning, and I was so lucky to have him.

  “Anytime today.” He pushed back against my fingers. “I want your cock now, Maxwell.”

  “Yes, sir,” I said. ‘You’re the boss.” I pushed into him, letting him adjust, before my balls slapped against his ass.

  “Move.”

  I pulled out and slammed back into him. He felt so good. I didn’t usually top, but with Chase I wanted to give him whatever he needed. We soon were both panting and ready.

  “Not going to last,” he said. His eyes were screwed tight and his breathing shallow.

  “Come for me, babe.”

  That’s all it took. I came soon after he did, pulling out gently and tying off the condom. I got up and retrieved a warm washcloth. He watched me as I took care of him.

  “Don’t ever leave me.”

  “Never,” I said.

  We cleaned up and snuggled on the couch. Toby settled between us, happy to finally get some attention. We watched some stupid comedy that made Chase laugh. His giggles reached in and grabbed a hold of my heart. I never wanted to be without him. How did I ever think going from guy to guy was the best thing to do? I was no longer worried I’d get bored of Chase or the life we had. That would never happen. He was all I wanted. All I would ever want.

  CHAPTER 22

  CHASE

  EPILOGUE

  MAKE-UP SEX WAS THE BEST SEX EVER. It had been two weeks since I showed up at Max’s apartment, and we were still making up. Surely, it would fade a little. I talked to Max about throwing in an argument here and there so we could make up again. Max said we could argue as much as I wanted as long as I never left him. I happily agreed.

  We had dinner again with Max’s family. I apologized for leaving so quickly. No one blamed me, and the story became legendary. They all enjoyed the retelling of it. It didn’t bother me anymore. I thought it was funny. I was able to take down the great Max Sloan. The girls at the office and probably some of the guys were heartbroken. They thought they had a chance.

  We also had dinner with my sister and her family. She no longer wanted to murder Max in his sleep. At times, I thought she might like him even better than me. But I still had my adoring nieces. Most of the time. If Max wasn’t around.

  The only downside was worrying over what to do about work. Most of the time, it was great. I had lunch with Max, Dylan, and Amica, and although the participants varied depending on when we’d get our lunch break, I could engage with others even if Max wasn’t there. I had more confidence in myself. The doubt about my anxiety that I always attributed to Cameron, right or wrong, was mostly gone. It would never be fully gone. It was part of the disorder. I was happy most days, although I still had some bad days. Max took care of me. Never making me feel less because of it.

  The reality didn’t hit us until we received an email from Ben and Sean. They scheduled a meeting for us to meet with them at four today. I wasn’t sure what to do. It was obvious to everyone we were back together. They’d insinuated we could stay if we were together, but I wasn’t sure if that was true. Max talked about transferring to sales. He didn’t want us to have that constant worry that we could be fired at any time. He was right, but I hated the idea of him not being there. It was only a few floors up, which was definitely better than across town. And exponentially better than either of us having to quit. My stomach twisted in knots as I walked with Max to Sean’s office.

  The door was shut when we got there.

  “Should we knock?” There was an unwritten rule about not bothering their bosses if the door was closed. They were usually on a conference call or meeting with employees or some other activity they didn’t want interrupted. As far as I knew this rule went for every single boss in their department, but I couldn’t be sure since we’d always had Sean and Ben as our bosses. Workers came and went from the company, but the bosses usually stayed the same.

  Max shrugged. “We have an appointment.”

  “True, true.” I knocked at the door softly at first but then harder when no one answered. We heard some scuffling like a chair hitting the wall. We looked at each other again.

  The door suddenly flew open. Ben stood there, slightly disheveled. I couldn’t put my finger on it exactly. He just wasn’t as put together as normal.

  “Gentlemen,” he said, sounding composed. “Thank you for joining us.”

  Sean stood by the desk, holding a file in front of him. My heart rate tripled. What did he have? Was it transcripts of the calls Max had made to him? Was it transfer forms? Were we about to get fired? My eyes darted back to Max, but he seemed calm. His eyes narrowed as if he was trying to figure something out. His hand rested on my back, helping me not freak out. Maybe he shouldn’t be touching me in front of them, but I figured they already knew something was going on. And I needed the support. His touch grounded me. Max was there no matter what happened. We would get through this. Together.

  We sat down in the chairs. Ben and Sean looked at each other as if they weren’t sure how to start. At least they didn’t appear to have their minds made up or maybe they just weren’t sure how to say it.

  “Are we fired?” I didn’t know why I blurted that out. If they didn’t have the idea in their head, why would I want to give it to them?

  “What?” Sean said, with a laugh. “Of course not.”

  “Should you be
fired?” Ben stepped over to stand next to his counterpart.

  “Just excuse my friend here. He’s a little nervous.” Max gave me a warm look.

  “Things have been going well over the last couple weeks,” Ben said. “That gives me some hope.” He looked at Sean and then focused once again on us. “Are you guys back together?”

  I started to say something when Max put his hand on my arm.

  “Before we answer that, we need to get something straight,” Max said. “Is this conversation confidential? Or will it be used against us? Because, honestly, I’ll say whatever it is you need me to say.”

  “We’re not recording this.” Ben held out his hands. “I guess I’d like a little of both. Honesty is appreciated, but we also need to tow the company line. Does that make sense?”

  “Not really,” I said.

  Ben hesitated and glanced over at Sean.

  Sean stepped forward, putting the file on the desk. I still couldn’t figure out what was in the file and if he was going to use it against us. “We like you guys,” Sean said. “You’re fantastic workers. You get the job done and usually with a minimal amount of trouble. In the last several months, we’ve had a problem not only with staff turnover, but with the amount of drama on the floor. That’s why we’ve had to enforce the no-relationship policy.” He glanced at Ben who quickly looked away. “If I’m being honest, and this is something I would deny later if asked, I don’t care if you guys are dating. What I care about is you doing the job and doing it well. You guys usually make our job easier. We’ve got plenty of problem employees to deal with. And your worker retention project is exactly what we wanted.” He sighed. “We don’t want to lose either of you guys, but we can’t turn away and ignore a blatant disregard for policy. We just can’t do that because if we let you guys get away with it, then other people are going to do it, and we’ll have more problems.”