Page 1 of Elevator Pitch

1

GRAHAM

I straightenthe lapels on my tux and wait patiently for my best friend, Jace. Any minute now he’ll appear alongside his fiancée dressed to the nines for their Vegas wedding. No doubt the Venetian ballroom cost a pretty penny, but the hotel feels like a dream. Almost like you’ve been transported to an Italian countryside with their old-world fixtures and painted ceilings. It’s easy to ignore the rumbles of thunder and cracks of lightning from the storm raging outside when all you see above you are gold sconces, fluffy clouds, and blue skies.

The gondolas are a bit much but seeing Jace and his soon-to-be husband, Rob, riding on one last night was pretty epic. Even more so while a hunky guy sang to them in Italian. I didn’t feel a tug in my gut at all. Besides, me and relationships don’t really mesh. I’ve tried and failed one too many times. Jace says it’s because I always choose unavailable men, but I don’t buy that. If someone wants to be with you, they’ll put in the time and effort.

Jace’s parents are all smiles from the front row. The hotel provided just enough bright white chairs for the intimate ceremony. I give them a thumbs up as I consider the post-nuptial plans. The reception takes place immediately after thevows, and then we have a couple more days of sightseeing, gambling, and delicious food until I’m back home to Seattle.

The speech I need to deliver at the reception will come easily enough. These two are meant for each other. More than likely the guests will be too busy eating from the delicious menu I helped Jace and Rob select to listen to me blather on about our friendship. I’m a bit of a foodie, so I was more than happy to help them settle on the chocolate buttercream cake as well.

Jace got all choked up choosing the two grooms as a topper, so I already know he’ll be crying during the vows, and again after I hand them the rings.

My back straightens almost painfully. “Holy shit, the rings! How could I forget them?”

My gaze swings wildly around the room noting that some of the seats are still empty. I think I have just enough time to retrieve them from my room before the ceremony starts.

“Be right back,” I whisper to Jace’s parents, then turn and hightail it toward the hallway, trying not to alarm anyone as my panic builds with each step.

The moment I get to the lobby I jog at a good pace heading toward the bank of elevators. Any sweat that accumulates from my harried state will be worth it if I get those rings. One of the elevators stands open on my approach.

“Hold the door!” I yell to the person inside, and given his raised eyebrows, I’ve startled him. Despite wariness crossing his features, he still thrusts his arm out to stop it from closing, giving me enough leeway to sprint inside.

I bend forward to catch my breath as the doors shut. “Can you punch fourteen?”

“Sure thing,” he mutters, and I lift my gaze to see a long finger on a large hand make the button light up.

When our eyes meet, my heart kicks up a notch noticing his shaggy chestnut hair, tall stature, long and lean muscles, andbroad shoulders. He averts his eyes, obviously not interested in a conversation, and I get it. I wouldn’t want one with me either. Not while I’m a sweaty, disheveled, gasping disaster.

I straighten fully as we start to climb, and I count the seconds going by, hoping I get back downstairs before Jace even notices. I blow out a sigh of relief when the elevator slows as it approaches my floor.

All at once we’re jolted forward as the elevator comes to a hair-raising, screeching halt. “What the hell?” The lights above us flicker on and off for only a couple seconds before we’re thrust into total darkness. My hand reaches out to grip the wall for leverage.

“Looks like we lost power,” the man mutters and I can hear the edge to his voice.

“How—because of the storm?” It’s hard to hear any thunder and lightning in our current location, which only emphasizes the fact that we’re essentially trapped in a steel box.

“I’d assume so.Fuck,” he swears under his breath.

“This cannot be happening!” I slouch against the wall, feeling nauseous. “Oh God, the wedding!”

Jace is going to be so devastated. And when he realizes I’m not even in the ballroom, he might panic. Like I’m doing right now.

“Is that why you’re wearing a tux?” the guy asks.

I breathe in and out, in and out, before replying, “Yeah.”

“Shit, that sucks. Is your bride waiting somewhere for you?” I can hear the sympathy in his tone.

“Oh, I…I’m not getting married, my best friend is,” I sputter. “I’m the best man and I forgot the rings in my room. That’s why I was running for the elevator. God, I’m such an idiot.”

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself. It could happen to anyone.” His voice is coming from the opposite side of theelevator now, so he must’ve placed distance between us. “Besides, it’s more than likely that the entire hotel is out.”

“You’re right.” I suddenly remember I have a phone. “I can at least try to call him and explain. Maybe he can send help.”

“Good idea.” Both of our phones light up. “Shit, no service. How about you?”

“Nope.” I make a frustrated sound. “Fuck my life.”

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