He takes off his coat, kicks off his shoes, and sits on the bed with his computer and notebook. The way he sits cross-legged is just…
Did I mention he’s adorable?
I know, I know. Bad,baaaadDom.
Catching sight of the shiny new campaign photo ID badge he’s wearing, he takes it off and smiles as he studies it. I didn’t have the heart to tell him not to wear it out of the office, unless we’re at an official event, or he’s on campaign business. He looks too damned happy.
I hope DC doesn’t grind that sweet enthusiasm out of him during his brief tenure here.
He starts asking me questions about the changeover process, Inauguration Day, and more. I pull a chair over from the table and stretch my legs out, more interested in watching him than anything else.
I have a thought and take out my work phone so I can make a note. “We’ll need to get you a phone.”
“Oh, I have my own phone.” He adorably holds his up.
Yes, I know.Thatword.
Shoot me. “You need an official phone. A work phone. Trust me, you don’t want everyone having your private number. Plus, there’s the issue of, once the senator’s sworn in, doing government work on a private phone.”
“Oh. Is that a worry?”
“Yeah.” I look up from my phone. “Don’t worry—the campaign will pay for it. I’ll arrange it with our IT staff.” In fact, I shoot the head of our IT staff a text right then, so I don’t waste any time tomorrow.
I then also make sure I have his number stored in my contacts, and that he has both of mine, personal and work cells.
I’m keeping an eye on the time but I’m having fun chatting with him. He’s brilliant, even if he’s a total newbie when it comes to politics. He doesn’t need to know a damn thing about politics, because that’s not what he’s been hired to do.
A little before eleven, I pull out my burner phone and text Elliot. It’s our nightly ritual when we can’t be together.
Meaning it’s what I do nearly every night.
Good night, pet. Love you. See you tomorrow.
I’m evil and sadistic but I’m not soulless. I want Elliot to know I’m thinking about him.
Tonight, he immediately texts me back, like he was waiting for me to text.
Love you, too, Master. Miss you.
Well,that’snew. Themiss you.
Usually, I only get that when it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other in person.
Hmm.
I opt to press my luck and go fishing.
Miss you, too, pet. Do you want me to come by?
I’m willing to bend my own rule if it finally means a long-overdue breakthrough with this situation. I’m not trying to be rude to Jordan. I’m listening to him, and I think we’re now talking about the place he was interning at, while I’m watching the burner phone’s screen for Elliot’s reply.
Which arrives seconds later.
I don’t want to make you come back out tonight.
That’s not a no. Meaning Elliot’s changed his mind. Either because he’s lonely, or jealous, or both.
Here’s where it might get sticky.
