The idea of having Johnny in my home shouldn’t make me as nervous as I am…but I can’t seem to sit still. The house is spotless, which isn’t usual since I don’t use most of it, and after the break in, I had to do a deep cleaning just to feel comfortable sleeping at night. But it still feels like I need to do stuff before he arrives. Like, I need to get ready in some way. But that doesn’t make any sense since there’s nothing to prepare. He’s going to count windows and doors and make a recommendation on a security system.

Nothing more, nothing less.

But as many times as I repeat those four words to myself, the dirty Dom in my head keeps telling me to wake the fuck up and accept the gift the universe is placing right in front of me. The signs that Johnny has a submissive side are there. At least, to someone who is trying hard to find them. But it’s just as likely that he was vulnerable because of his concerns over losing his vision that had him responding to the subtle demands I gave him.

But he definitely responded.

In fact, I haven’t been able to get the image of his eager eyes staring up at me as if waiting for more directions out of my mind since he walked out. And now that he’s on his way, my cock is sending completely inappropriate and unrealistic ideas up to my brain that shouldn’t be there.

The bookcase in my office gets one more wipe down before the doorbell rings, forcing me to make a decision on how to behave tonight. Johnny is probably the first person who has ever seen both sides of my personality. He knows me from The Vault as a demanding and dominant man who likes to get rough with the boys, but he’s also seen mine public persona. Who is he expecting to see tonight.

My dominant side is only unleashed in the safety of The Vault. I’ve never had the courage or the opportunity to present that version of myself in my home. I’m not one for casual encounters at bars or online. I go to The Vault so I can get exactly what I need from someone more than willing to provide it to me.

If I’ve misjudged Johnny and that’s not what he’s looking for or maybe just not looking for it from me, then I’d humiliate myself. It’s not worth the risk. Which leaves me to believe I should stick with the soft spoken, people-pleaser I always present to the world. That will ensure we don’t have any awkward misunderstandings and save me from the inevitable rejection that will come if I approach Johnny with any unwanted advances.

He knocks twice just as I’m about to open the door. His fist is still hanging in the air when I pull it open. “Hey, sorry. I was upstairs.”

His eyes narrow, and he glances at the door knob. “Was this door locked?”

Oops. That’s probably important to a security type. “Oh, well…no. I just got home a little while ago and I knew you were coming…”

He shakes his head and steps inside, gently nudging me out of the way as he takes a closer look at my door locks. “These won’t keep anyone out anyway. One good kick right between these hinges will make the whole thing buckle. You’re lucky you haven’t been robbed before.”

I hold back a smirk at his lecture, pleased that he’s back to his old self, but still slightly disappointed that my theories are obviously wrong. Johnny is a man who likes to take charge and take care of others. That’s who he is.

Unfortunately, that’s who I am too. Which is why any crazy ideas that might have been running through my head today are completely unrealistic. “Sorry. I’ll replace those.”

He pulls out an iPad and snaps a picture before typing something onto the screen. “No, I’ll order replacement locks with the rest of the system. I want to make sure everything works together seamlessly.”

For the next thirty minutes, Johnny and I travel from room to room, measuring, counting, and assessing my security needs. Honestly, I think the break-in was a fluke and I don’t truly believe I have many long-term security needs now that they took what they wanted. But it’s nice to have someone in my house because they want to do something for me, so I play along and agree to every suggestion Johnny makes.

And when he finally closes out the app he’s writing into and clasps his iPad with both hands in front of his chest, I wonder if our brief friendship, if that’s what you would even call it, is over. In all likelihood, it probably is. Johnny saw an opportunity to step in and take care of somebody and did it. Now that he’s done, there’s not much more for him to do.

I slide my hands into my pockets and rock back on my heels, not sure what’s left to say.

Johnny seems to feel the same awkward tension in the air as he clutches his iPad like it’s a flotation device keeping him above water.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help with this.” I hold his gaze, urging him to give me something—anything to know.

He shrugs, glancing away. “I told you, it’s no trouble. I’m happy to help, and I’ll sleep better tonight knowing you’re not completely unprotected.”

I cock an eyebrow, not sure what he means. “You said the installers will be here in a couple days, right?”

“Yeah, but I brought a few stick-up cameras that’ll connect to your phone wirelessly. They aren’t a great long-term solution, but you can at least keep an eye on things when you’re not here.”

“You did?” I glance down at his hands, wondering how tiny these cameras are if he’s got them hidden in a pocket. “Where are they?”

Johnny reaches into his pocket as if he’s going to pull something out before busting out with a soft chuckle. “They’re in the car. I wanted to get a good look at everything before I made a decision on whether to use them. But since there are just a few entry points that we have to worry about, those cameras will be sufficient. If I put one on the garage, it’ll cover your kitchen door and the slider in your dining room. The other will go on your front porch.”

I can’t believe he did all that. “Wow, I didn’t expect you to come so prepared.”

Johnny looks like he’s about to say something else before thinking better of it. As he turns toward the front door to retrieve the cameras, I swear I hear him mumble something that sounds a lot like, “You have no idea.”

While Johnny is adjusting the angles on both cameras, the oven timer dings, indicating my casserole is done. The chicken and broccoli dish isn’t fancy, but it’s one of my staples when I’m in a hurry.

Johnny glances at me when I jump up to turn off the timer. “Is everything okay?”

“Dinner’s ready. Will you join me?”

Johnny’s eyes go wide, and I can see the debate going on in his head. He wants to say yes… At least that’s what I think I see in his hesitation. “Oh, I don’t want to intrude…”

I clear my throat and place my hand on his bicep, holding him firmly as I look him in the eye. In a slightly lower register than I’ve been using tonight, I say, “I’d really like you to join me, Johnny.”

His mouth closes and he swallows hard before nodding. His eyes never leave mine as he says, “Okay.”

Okay. This is good. Maybe there’s hope for us yet.