Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“Jansen shouldn’t have fired him, and I should’ve taken your side, but I couldn’t handle the thought of him with his hands on you. You belong to us.”
Ana levels me with a look of disappointment that’s like a kick in the stomach. “I don’t belong to anyone but myself. Even if I was your girlfriend, I don’t belong to you in the sense that you can control me or try to control who talks to me.”
“I understand that, even though I haven’t acted like I do,” Jansen says. “We’ve acted like idiots, but we want you to be ours and no one else’s.”
“Bossing me around when we’re in the bedroom is one thing, but I don’t want someone acting like they’re in charge of my life.”
Jansen nods. “We’re learning, and we’ll learn fast, because we don’t want to lose you.”
“It hurt so much to know that we hurt you,” I tell her.
She looks conflicted and lost in her thoughts, her eyes on her feet.
“Maybe you can bring us in on a trial basis?” I say, earning a curious look. “We’ll fill the position of boyfriend for six months.”
“Temp-to-hire,” Jansen adds.
She shakes her head, smiling a small smile.
“We’ll prove to you that we’re qualified for the job.”
“I haven’t even interviewed you yet,” she says.
“I know a conference room filled with great memories that we can use for the meeting.” She’s still grinning when I add, “I’m sorry, Ana.”
“I’m sorry, too,” Jansen says. “Can you forgive us?”
“I forgive you.” Her voice is quiet.
“Please take us back. We won’t let you down.”
“Was it one of you who sent mystery gifts to me at the office?” she asks. “The dolphin figurines?”
“Both of us,” I tell her. “I noticed the ones you brought to the office on your first day.”
“And did you change out my wiper blades a few months back?” When I nod, she asks, “Why didn’t you tell me that was you?”
“Foolishly, we thought you’d know it was us.”
“I didn’t, because I had no idea how you felt about me.”
“We’ll make sure there’s never any question about that again,” Jansen says. He reaches for her hand, and she lets him take it. On her other side, I do the same thing.
We sit like that, not speaking, for several minutes, as a warm glow travels up my arm, spreads into my chest, and brings my heart alive.
SIX MONTHS LATER
Performance Review
Names: Derek Brooks and Jansen Bennett
Position: Ana’s Boyfriends
Reviewer: Ana Flores
Ratings by Skill Area (0=Poor / 1=Fair / 2=Good / 3=Excellent)
Communication Skills - 2.5
Notes: Derek and Jansen tell me daily that they love me, often several times a day, and also demonstrate this clearly through their actions. They still scowl frequently, and sometimes need to be prompted to elaborate beyond one-word answers when asked questions, but their grumpy demeanors are somehow a big part of their charm. They are excellent and patient listeners, even when I’m telling them every plot detail from books I’m reading.
Team Collaboration - 3
Notes: The two of them work together very well, coordinating their work and travel schedules with one another so that I rarely eat dinner alone, and never spend the night without at least one of them in bed with me. Where they really excel in collaboration is when all of us are together in bed, and they have me do that thing where my hips are at the edge of the bed and my legs are spread so wide that both of them … well, let’s just say their combined efforts yield results that reliably shake my world off its axis.
Quality of Work - 3
Notes: See above. Work in the bedroom exceeds all expectations. Outside of that, the men are accommodating and empathetic, making space for me in their lives both physically and emotionally, and they strive to understand and consider my feelings in all situations.
Overall Performance - 3+++
Notes: With sexual performance factored in, this rating is so far off the charts, it can’t be quantified.
Challenges Faced: Though it took a while for them to accept that I wouldn’t be returning to Community Bean, and a few small arguments were had, both men are now very supportive of my career path.
In the early days of their boyfriend position, there were a few obstacles having to do with jealousy and trust, but improvements were quickly made, and this challenge has turned into a strength. Both men make me feel valued and respected.
Strengths: Though they often seem to intentionally disguise it, their biggest strength is their kind-heartedness. They care a lot about so many things, and though they don’t often verbalize it, their actions make it clear.
They regularly give me gifts, both big and small and often made of paper and print, to let me know they’re thinking of me. They continue to do excellent charitable work through their growing company, and they step in to help wherever and whenever they can.