Just Us Box Set

And This Is Ed-5

By Friday afternoon, I was ready to crash. I’d worked late Wednesday and Thursday, and the prospect of having to get up at eight on a Saturday morning for a stupid picnic did not make me happy. Especially since it would cut into my regular extracurricular activities that meant a lot more to me than enduring my coworkers.

Interestingly enough, a memo had gone out via email on Thursday afternoon from Titus to all management heads. In it, he stated that Workspeed software would be installed in a month or so to help streamline property management activities. Training would take place, then it would trickle down to the rest of the building.

Wow, I guess he really had listened to me. He sure worked fast. Barb probably wanted to have his babies by now. I sent a quick reply, thanking him for the heads up, then went back to getting the schedule straight for next week, since Monday was Memorial Day and that would mess with things a bit. We’d have to play catch-up on Tuesday to make up for being off the day before.

I had just placed the schedule on the huge tackboard in the hallway when Liz called me on the walkie-talkie. “Need you in the lobby right away, over.”

I pressed the button to reply, “On my way, over.” A call like that usually meant something happened that needed two of us to sort out.

I jogged the four flights of stairs up to the lobby level and raced around the corner, past the unmanned security desk. Gee, I felt so secure. Immediately I saw the problem. A delivery guy was flat on his back on the floor in front of the nearest elevator, lying in a pool of clear liquid, the tattered remains of its packaging all around him. He was trying to sit up, but was having a little difficulty. Two members of my staff had cordoned off the area, for which I was thankful. Another member had already retrieved a mop and bucket and begun the cleanup.

Liz motioned me over. “The box he was carrying burst open and down he went.”

I went to check on the man. “Sir, are you hurt? Do we need to get you to a hospital?” I asked, stepping carefully on the wet surface and crouching beside him.

“No, I’m okay,” he wheezed. “Just knocked the breath out of me. Help me up?”

I did so, and grimaced at how soaked he was on the backside. “Do you have a change of clothes? I can loan you a shirt and pants, if you want to borrow them.” Though they might not fit, since this guy was a little taller and broader than me.

“I’ll be okay, I think. I just need to head back to my truck and get myself sorted out.” He looked around the floor and shook his head. “Sorry about all this mess.”

“It’ll dry,” I said, smiling. “I’m more concerned about you.”

He waved that away. “Nothing to worry about. And no, I won’t sue.” He winked at me and I laughed.

“That hadn’t even crossed my mind, truly, but it’s still good to hear.” I picked up his dripping clipboard with now-soggy papers. “Let me accompany you to your vehicle, okay? Least I can do.”

We walked together down the narrow hallway to the backside of the building where delivery trucks were supposed to park. Titus Leung passed us along the way, his gaze curious even as he nodded at me. Great, I’d have to deal with him when I got back.

* * * *

When I returned fifteen minutes later, the floor was mopped, caution signs strategically placed, and neither Titus nor Liz were anywhere in sight.

I went back to the basement, and there they were, standing next to Liz’s desk, deep in conversation about…hair products? Okay…

I nodded to both of them and went into my office to check my email. Titus knocked on my door a minute later.

“Quick job on the cleanup, Ed. You run a tight ship.” Well, that was a first. People rarely noticed how efficient my staff could be. They were well trained and did a great job, every one of them.

I sent my email, then focused on him. “My staff would be happy to hear that from someone else other than me, I bet.”

He smiled. “You’re coming to the picnic tomorrow, right?”

I did my best not to grouse. “I usually do. Probably won’t stay long since I have other things to do with my day.”

His brow furrowed. “You don’t normally have a good time or something? This seems like a fun group of people. Everyone’s been real friendly and helpful.” Yeah, they probably kiss your ass every second of the day.

I went around the question. “I’m glad you’ve been made to feel so welcome. I’ll probably see you tomorrow at some point.” I waited a beat to see if he would say anything else. “Well, if you don’t need anything, I have to finish up some stuff here before heading out tonight.” Thankfully I wouldn’t have to work late again, so I could get a little sleep before tomorrow’s nightmare.

Titus hesitated, then said, “Okay, well, see you Saturday.” I nodded and watched him walk out of the office after he waved goodbye to Liz.

As soon as he left, she bounced into my office. “Isn’t he dreamy? And he’s so nice, compared to some of the other jerk-offs we work with.” Her upper lip curled at the thought.

“He seems to be taking a real interest in things. I hope he lasts.”

Liz sighed. “Yeah, me, too.” We’d both watched senior managers try, and fail, to make a difference here. But Titus may be cut from a different cloth.

* * * *

At five-thirty, Liz left, then it was just me to make sure the night crew had everything it needed before I locked my office and went home.

My cat, Voldemort—he who shall be named, though what was the point when he rarely listened to me?—greeted me at the door, then promptly fell on his side so I could give him a belly rub. Right, must do the Dark Lord’s bidding.

After five minutes of that, I stepped over him and shed my clothing on the way to a very hot shower. I took my time, letting the water ease away the stress of the day. I soaped my body, and found my hand lingering at my c**k, thoughts of Titus making me hard. It was useless to go down this road, but my d**k would not be denied. A minute later, white spunk spattered the wall, his name on my lips, and I finished my evening ritual.

What the hell was I in for tomorrow? They usually played stupid games and had karaoke contests. I never bothered to participate in those, not seeing the point. It wasn’t that I couldn’t sing. I simply didn’t want to. I didn’t need others to stroke my ego.

I prepared dinner, fed the cat, and tumbled into bed two hours later, too exhausted to even turn on the TV. God, tomorrow would be the pits.

* * * *

When I arrived at the park where the event was being held at nine the next morning, the sun was shining, damn it. I’d wanted gloom, rain, or a nice scary thunderstorm. Dry lightning? No such luck.

I was dressed in old jeans and a faded light blue T-shirt since it was a warm day in May. I waved at Liz, who was being hit on by one of the maintenance guys. She looked ready to swat him one upside the head. I hoped someone took a picture of that when it happened, which seemed likely. It might become my new screensaver.

Barb practically skipped over to where I stood by the food table, dragging an amused Titus behind her by the arm.

“You’ve met Titus, right, Ed?” She beamed at us both before abandoning us for other prey. Woe be unto them.

“Barb is…high energy,” Titus said with a grin.

I gave him a small smile. “You’ll get used to her.” I tried not to notice how hot he looked in knee-length jeans shorts and a fitted, purple, short-sleeve button-down, tucked in with a thick black leather belt and Vans to complete the look. Dude, the muscles in his legs…those calves…

I mentally shook myself back to reality. “I’m sure they’ll have something you’re interested in today. There’s a softball game in the afternoon, some volleyball and basketball, too.”

“Outstanding!” Yup, I thought so. “You’re going to join in, too, right?”

Great. “I’m not much of a—”

My words were cut off by a hefty, unexpected shove from behind. I turned to see Myron, head of security, grinning at me, like he thought he was funny. His partners in crime, Bryce and Gus from maintenance, stood next to him.

“Hey, Titus. What’re you doing over here talkin’ to the trash man? He don’t play sports and the day’s a-wastin’. Come on, let’s go shoot some hoops!”

Before Titus could even respond, they dragged him away. They were soon laughing and backslapping each other like long-lost jock buddies. Well, at least Titus treated me like a human being with a brain, which was more than I could say for most of these people. I looked at my watch. It was only fifteen past eight. God, noon couldn’t come soon enough.