Page 26 of Crude Heir

“I had the same thought.” I let out a shaky breath.

He steps back, giving me space. “We can work on this together, if you’re up for it.”

That would give me access like he did yesterday so I can log in and not be worried someone will walk in on me. Realizing he’s still waiting for an answer, I force an airy tone, trying to hide my excitement. “Yes, I think that’s the best thing to do.”

I’m glad to have someone to talk to about this. So I don’t feel like I’m driving myself crazy. Since it’s clear we won’t be talking about what just happened. Which means, I shouldn’t be thinking about how I was nestled against him, my breast crushed against his hard body.

I wasn’t so far gone I didn’t register the solid wall of muscles hiding under that shirt. He isn’t built like any IT guy I’ve worked with. The replay of how he pushed the heavy desk out of the way then pulled me to him instantly sends my mind straight to the gutter.

I stifle a grin. How many of the women I work with would kill for an opportunity like that. Sadly, it’s not something I could ever share. If they find out he came to my rescue, they’ll be faking injury to life and limb to get him to play the hero.

Lightning flashes across the sky, illuminating the room. I roll my shoulders, trying to ease the tension. It’s not as bad when I’m not in total darkness. Seconds pass then thunder rumbles in the distance.

“Sounds like the worst of the storm’s moving past us. Are you good to head home?”

“Yes.” I swallow hard, knowing nothing else can be done if we don’t have power. “I think so.”

“I’ll go get your things.” He turns, stepping away.

My stomach clenches. If he goes in, he’s going to see the flash drive on my computer and know I was going to take documents out of the office without permission. It shouldn’t matter now, yet somehow it does.

I stand abruptly. “I can get it.”

He tilts his head as he studies me. “Seriously?”

Thunder rumbles in the distance, inspiring an idea. “I don’t want to be here alone,” I say in a rush. I’m so glad the lights are off, or he’d see how my face is burning up at the lie.

His shoulders settle. “Okay. I get that.”

I follow him into the hall, needing to hurry if I’m going to keep up with him. Tension is building with each step.

He pauses in front of my door.

I peek in and realize there’s a problem. The room is still pitch-black. With the emergency lighting in the halls on either side ofmy office, there isn’t enough light to illuminate the area. I lick my lips and stare at the spot my desk is supposed to be. “Do you think you can shine the light in here?” I ask, feeling like a helpless child.

His brow furrows. “You sure you’re okay?”

I wring my hands, while I feel like I’ve gone on too long again. “It’s the darkness that gets me.”

He pulls out his phone, taps the button for the flashlight, and leads the way. I skirt my desk and swoop down to grab the flash drive then reach into the drawer for my purse. “Looks like I got my chair caught on my sweater.”

Usually the offices are so cold, I have to keep something on hand.

“Let’s go. I’ll grab my stuff and walk you to your car.”

We go to his office and collect his laptop. With the power out, the elevators aren’t working, so there’s no choice but to take the stairs. More easily said than done from the 20thfloor.

The stairwell is roomy enough to allow for a crowd to use in an emergency, but right now it feels like a sardine can. Thankfully there are fixtures which cast a clinical light along the entire route down to the garage. Down. Down. Down…

I grip the railing tightly as I take the next step, my knuckles a stark white against the dark handrail snaking down the concrete wall. Concrete. My gaze flicks to Derrick’s back, broad and strong. A solid anchor when I needed him.

He glances over his shoulder to check on me as we reach the next landing. I give him a weak smile and turn my attention to the floor ahead of me. I don’t need to be distracted and end up falling…straight into his arms again.

Our footsteps echo hollowly in the empty space. I try to focus on the rap of my shoes, grateful for the fact I chose something with sturdy heels for today. Still, I’ll be on edge until we make it all the way down.

“Here we are.” Derrick pushes the bar on the door marked Level 5, Garage. Relief rushes through me. At this point, my leg muscles are rubbery. I’m ready to drop to my knees and kiss the ground.

As soon as the door opens, I’m hit by the cooler air brought in by the storm. The openness of the garage, allowing the view of the surroundings, instantly lifts the weight I had pressing down on my chest.

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