Hi everyone, I'm back! Apologies for the hiatus; just a combination of work pressures, life stresses, and lacking energy. I am writing again, though, and enjoying it, so maybe they break was good for me! :) I hope you enjoy. Thanks for reading and reviewing, if you can.

Looking Up

The training had gone better than I could have hoped. The men had seemed to relax in each group after the introductions and overview, and the atmosphere and camaraderie I tried to encourage seemed to break down their barriers. Most of the men seemed to have at least minimal exposure to computers, although there were three or four that had never really used one. A couple were gamers, and some had used computers some in their military careers. However, the business aspects were newer to nearly all of them, and the internet was explored with interest and curiosity.

I was pleased that I had kept the training very practical and applied; it seemed to reassure the men that they were not doing this for nothing. I suspected that a few of them thought initially that the boss was just pandering to his girlfriend to bring me here. I focussed on sharing a little about my experience and background; and the examples I used, along with a couple of anecdotes about my own efforts with FTAs seemed to change their minds, and the men had gained some respect for me.

I had just finished with the training for the management team. This group of men naturally knew a lot already, and I spent the first hour of the day outlining the training I had provided to the other groups, acknowledging that these people needed to know what the other men had been exposed to. I then spent a half-hour talking through with the group about what they already knew, and where they may have gaps or limited knowledge. I ended up splitting the group in half, with the four more experienced people looking through some resources I had prepared and working through some exercise sheets for another hour, while I ran the others through a shortened version of the business applications. After lunch, I did the internet overview and asked the four men who had more experience with searching, Silvio, Lester, Tank, and Leonard Slone, to pair up with one of the other managers to work through the exercises and examples to find information.

I finished up their training session by brainstorming on a whiteboard that Tank had wheeled in, for where they saw the business computing applications impacting on their various work areas. At three o'clock, Ranger and Marco came into the room, followed by Carol with fresh coffee and some healthy snacks, and we talked through all the information on the whiteboard and continued some brainstorming. For the last twenty minutes, I asked them to break into three groups to work through a planning template I had prepared in the word processor to implement two of the ideas we had brainstormed. Ranger, Marco, and I alternated between the three groups, listening and adding input where appropriate.

By the end of this day, I felt like I could just lie down and sleep for a week. But still I felt exhilarated and thrilled. The management team had been very enthusiastic about the training, and the energy and commitment in the room had been high. Marco and Ranger also seemed impressed and satisfied with what they had seen.

Today was my last day of training for the Miami Rangemen. I was working with Carlos and Marco to make sure they were comfortable with everything I had covered with the men, and then a review of the training and some planning for the future. Instead of the conference room, we met in the smaller meeting room between their offices. Carlos and Marco brought in their own laptops, IBM ThinkPads, and I used the computer set up in the room. I had not seen Carlos use this laptop in Trenton, and when I asked, Marco explained that he had bought them while Carlos had been away, to help them be more mobile in future, particularly as the Trenton office opened. There was a short, slightly awkward pause at that.

Carlos spoke, "Marco, Steph, I intend to go ahead with the Trenton expansion. I apologise again for delaying our plans and causing uncertainty. I've had a chance to review all the reports from Trenton, the exceptional business plan that Steph prepared, and the offer from Ramon in the last week and it all looks excellent. I have contacted Ramon, and he is going to come for a meeting tomorrow at 0930 to discuss it. I'd like you both there.

I took a deep breath and Carlos leaned over and wiped a tear from the corner of my eye. His hand went to mine and squeezed it comfortingly. I had not even realised I was crying. Marco and Carlos both smiled at me gently. I felt the last of the lingering tension from the last four months drain away, like water down a drain.

I took another breath and brought the topic back to the laptop computers. "I've never really used a laptop, so you'll have to tell me if anything works differently. I assume you have all the Microsoft programs installed?"

Marco nodded, "I haven't noticed any big differences. The keyboard is a little harder to use with my big hands!" he grinned at us, "And I have to remember to take the mouse with me when I pack it up, but otherwise it seems to be pretty similar to using my computer. Laptops seem to be really taking off. I liked the Apple PowerBook, but it doesn't seem to be seamless to integrate the Apple systems with Microsoft systems, and we are using Microsoft systems a lot. So, I went with a Microsoft-compatible one instead. I thought Carlos and I could test them out and then see if we should roll them out with Steph, Lester, and Tank in future. I don't think they're really powerful enough for Silvio or Leonard as everyday options, but we may want to have a couple that other men can borrow if they travel." Carlos and I nodded thoughtfully. This seemed like good future planning.

"OK, so, about my training with the men…" I went on to give a detailed overview of the training results from my perspective and how the men had engaged and participated. It had been mostly positive, especially considering the varied experiences. I indicated men I thought might struggle in future with using computer applications and men I thought may be good as mentors and champions of the technology. I had taken notes of ideas and discussions during the training where men had indicated possible options for the future. Combined with the planning sessions from yesterday, there seemed to be a lot of possibilities for increased use of computers within Rangeman.

Marco spoke again, "Wow, Steph. You blow me away. This is so comprehensive and so full of ideas. It's above and beyond any of my expectations. Though I shouldn't be surprised after your amazing research report and business plan for Trenton!"

Carlos agreed, "He's right Babe. This is exceptional, and you've proven yourself to be a terrific trainer and exceptional planner. You're going to make a huge difference to Rangeman." He paused and then smiled at me his intimate smile, "Proud of you, Babe." I felt like the sun had risen inside me at both of their praise.

I cleared my throat, "Well, I wanted to ask you both if there's anything you need more information about with this kind of thing? Are you both comfortable with all the email, word processor, and spreadsheet applications? How are you both with internet searching and finding information?" I had not wanted to assume either of them was incompetent with the technology, but I knew there was no point in training the men and then not having Marco and Carlos capable.

Marco outlined his previous usage of the business applications. He had some experience with Word and email, but limited searching experience and was very hesitant with spreadsheets. Carlos was more experienced with spreadsheets but had only a basic understanding of internet searching. I spent the next two hours talking, demonstrating, and getting the men to run through some of the practice exercises I had used. They were both very intelligent and quick to learn, so it was not long until I was confident that they would both be very comfortable using all the applications with some practice.

We had lunch together in the meeting room, joined by Lester, Tank, and Silvio, and it was relaxed and fun with the men gently teasing each other and Lester cracking jokes. After lunch, I worked with Carlos and Marco another couple of hours to go over the brainstorming and planning from yesterday again, and we made a couple of decisions and more concrete plans. I was going to start drafting up some templates for incident reports, as well as look into timesheets that the men could fill in on the computer and print out to submit. I was also going to look into some more advanced training to see if there were automated systems we could implement, that would streamline processes and provide easier tracking for the men's time and activities.

I was pretty tired from the intensive training schedule from this week and, seeing me yawn for about the tenth time, Carlos spoke to me, "Again, Steph, this is amazing work. Why don't you head up to the penthouse for a few hours and have a nap?" He seemed to hesitate a moment before saying, "Would you like to go on a date tonight? Dinner? Maybe a movie?"

I beamed at him, "I'd love to Carlos. I'll plan the movie if you plan the dinner. I'll aim for a late session, so we might need to eat a little earlier, but I will take a nap. I'm kinda beat from this week."

Carlos nodded, "I'll make reservations for 1830." He grinned at my exasperated look, "Six-thirty, Babe." I rolled my eyes at him.

Marco spoke up, "Steph, I thought we might all go out, the management team and us, tomorrow night? A big celebration? I think you've earned a big night out too, and, other than the meeting with Ramon tomorrow, you've got the day to yourself. I thought maybe dinner and dancing? We could introduce you to some Miami nightlife. Some of the men will probably bring partners or dates, so you wouldn't be the only female. What do you think?"

I smiled at Marco, "I'd like that too. It would be great. Only… I'm not sure I brought any clothes with me that would really be very appropriate. I might have to go shopping…" I trailed off uncertainly.

Carlos soothed, "Like Marco said, Babe, you've more than earned a day off. After the meeting with Ramon, why don't you take the rest of the day? My cousin runs a spa at one of the beach hotels. I could get you an appointment, you can relax, get a massage, and go shopping at the boutiques nearby. Would you like to?"

I nearly swooned at that, "Would I like to? Are you kidding that sounds like heaven to me! I'd love to. Although…" I trailed off, "I guess it would be pretty expensive?"

Carlos said, "It's covered, Stephanie." I must have looked mutinous at that, as he continued on quickly, "Steph, you've worked exceptionally hard this week. Long hours, and very few breaks. Consider it a bonus for all your hard work."

Marco nodded decisively and agreed, "You've definitely earned it Steph."

I still felt like I should argue, but I could see it meant a lot to them, especially Carlos. I nodded reluctantly. Carlos smiled, his two-hundred-watter, "Great. So, nap and date now. Meeting, spa, shopping, and party tomorrow." I grinned back at him.

I was feeling a little shy as I dressed for our dinner-and-movie date. I wasn't sure why, since we had been on many dates in Trenton and Newark, but somehow this felt different. I took a deep breath and tried to steady my hand to finish my makeup. I was wearing my favourite hipster jeans and a sparkly, blue top that showed a modest amount of cleavage and a sliver of my tummy. I added some dangly earrings and a few extra coats of mascara for courage. I walked out to the bedroom to put on some pretty blue sandals when Carlos came in. His eyes swept over me and darkened noticeably. "You look edible, Babe," he murmured seductively.

I blushed a little. We had been sleeping together every night since I arrived in Miami, but we had yet to do more than cuddle and kiss in bed. We hadn't really talked about it, and I was not sure how or when we could move forward. I felt so much better after Carlos had said he was going to go ahead with Rangeman Trenton, though, and I couldn't help my hopes that tonight would be the night for us to resume our more intimate relationship.

Carlos moved into the bathroom for a lightning-quick shower and emerged, barely eight minutes later, dressed in dark trousers and a silver-grey button-up shirt. His hair was slightly damp and hung around his face in an enticing curtain as he leaned forward to add black shoes and socks. I noticed a silver earring glinting in one ear through his hair and an expensive-looking black watch on his wrist. He too looked edible.

He looked up and smiled at me. I returned the smile, and he reached out a hand as he stood. I picked up the small clutch purse I had readied with lipstick, mascara, a comb, and some id and a credit card. We walked out and rode the elevator down to the ground floor. Naturally, we were taking the Porsche 911 Carrera and I slid into the luxurious leather seats with a soft sigh. Carlos drove us to a small, Cuban restaurant in Little Havana. It was a short drive, barely fifteen minutes from Rangeman. The host welcomed us with a warm smile and knew Carlos by name. He shook hands and the man led us to a small table against the wall. The décor was tropical and colourful and lively music played.

Carlos ordered us each a Mojito cocktail, his a classic Mojito, while I opted for guava. I sipped it slowly, it was delicious. We shared an appetizer of green plantains stuffed with shrimp and pineapple, and I ordered oven-roasted Cuban pork with Moros rice. Carlos ordered classic Cuban chicken and rice, which he said he could only enjoy when it was cooked here or by his mom or Abuela. After dinner, Carlos sipped some café Cubano and watched indulgently as I moaned over a traditional flan.

We drove to a nearby cinema, where I had chosen for us to see a movie called Crimson Tide, a military thriller that I hoped Carlos would enjoy. I figured, even if it wasn't my favourite type of movie, I could enjoy looking at Denzel Washington for a couple of hours! The movie was good, plenty of tension and great performances. Carlos seemed to enjoy it. He told me jokingly that he had never served on a submarine, so he couldn't point out too many inaccuracies. I rolled my eyes.

We headed back to Rangeman, and my senses heightened as he held my hand in the elevator, caressing the back of my hand with his thumb. His scent teased my nostrils, and the warmth of his body sent a thrill of anticipation through me. We walked into his penthouse apartment, and he came up behind me, pressing his body into mine as he nuzzled my neck. A full-body shiver rippled through me, and I shuddered again as his hand slid up to cup my breast. He turned me gently in his arms and I looked up at him. "Babe," he breathed, his soft breath tickling my ear, "Babe, I want so much to make love to you. Can I?"

I nodded, mesmerised in his dark eyes and magnetic pull. He still waited, not going any further, and I wondered what he was waiting for. I looked at him closer and saw the lingering shadow of uncertainty in the back of his eyes. "Make love with me, Carlos." I told him, "I want to make love with you so much."

He breathed out in a long, slow breath, and slowly his hands roamed my body as his face came closer and he kissed my lips, at first gently, exploring, and then passion built as the kiss deepened and lengthened until we were both gasping for air. By now the heat was burning low in my belly and my nipples were standing to attention. I could feel his length pressing against his zipper, showing his arousal and passion. He stripped my clothes and shoes, paying loving attention with his hands and mouth to every inch he uncovered. When I stood before him, naked, I reached out to unbutton his shirt and slide it off his shoulders. He unzipped his pants and they slid to the floor, and I couldn't help reaching out to grasp his erect member, caressing and stroking. He drew in a breath and stilled my hand, "I won't last long if you keep going, Babe." He said softly, "It's been so long. So long…"

He picked me up and carried me to his bed, laying me on it reverently and coming over me to press his whole body against me as I gasped and shivered in arousal and anticipation. We made love for a couple of hours, pleasuring each other and taking pleasure. When we fell asleep, exhausted, and satiated, my heart felt like a hole had been healed.

Thank you all for your reviews of the last chapter. I had a couple of reviews that indicated I had been overly detailed about the training. It was constructive criticism, and I accept it as such. I do tend write very descriptively, that's just my style. But I also note that I need to keep on track, and not go off on tangents! So, heard and understood! ;) Robyn