Page 194 of Carved in the Shadows

All mixed with the impression of her arousal.

I finally forced myself back, hoping it was enough to knock some sense into myself.

“Give me the broom,” she said.

I passed it over, and she swept while I tossed the cups and few plates remaining into the bag. I tied it off then moved to roll the displays back into place.

Music still played, though it was quiet. Silently, we worked together.

Easy and in sync.

Still, there was a tension that wound through the atmosphere.

Sticky yet somehow light.

This dream that she was living that I was a lucky bastard to even get to glimpse.

“It feels right.” Elena let go of a tiny, incongruous laugh. Like she wasn’t sure what she was saying made any sense.

In question, I peered that way.

“Just you and me being here,” she whispered. “After everyone else has gone…you’re still here.”

My chest squeezed so fucking tight I thought I would pass out, and the only thing I could manage was a slight nod of assent.

Then I rushed out, “I’ll clean up the bar.”

I bolted into action, basically flying across the store to where it had been set up.

I kept trying to get my shit together, but every second only knocked another brick free.

Most of the guys had snagged the remaining bottles of booze on their way out, and the only thing swimming in the melted ice water was a half bottle of champagne.

I loaded the tray with the ice bucket, champagne, napkins, and a small stack of clear plastic cups.

Scooping it up, I headed for the back, my boots thudding down the hall before I hooked the left into the darkened storeroom and moved directly for the breakroom.

Trying to clear my breath.