Page 34 of The Office Games

Lifting her, I carry her body inside the tent and dump her purse.

I find her epi-pen and press it against her thigh.

She sucks in a big breath and grabs my hand.

“I forgot to tell them to hold the garlic on my order,” I say. “Sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” She smiles weakly. “I should’ve asked before stealing your food.”

“No need to start asking now.” I squeeze her fingers. “You’ve been doing it for years. I’ve adjusted.”

“Do you mind if we rest a bit more before hitting the road again?”

“That’ll cut away time from your holidays,” I say. “We’re already pushing Christmas Eve.”

“I know.”

“Okay. I’ll finish up with the car outside.” I cover her with a blanket and prop her head with a pillow before standing, but she grabs my leg.

“I was implying for you to rest with me.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I’m not going to be able to do that without wanting to fuck you again.”

"That's what I was hoping for," she says.

She pushes off the covers and I join her under them.

SIXTEEN

TARYN

Traveling on I-80 East

The green van in the right lane ahead of us isn’t moving.

A woman and three bundled kids are standing beside it, while a man is working under the hood.

Other cars are passing them by as if they don’t exist.

“Hold on,” James says, pulling next to them and rolling down the window. “Need some help?”

“A boost would be nice,” the guy says. “And a car jack if you’ve got time to help me with one.”

He glances at me. “Do we?”

I nod, and he steps out.

“You’re free to get inside and warm up while we work.” James opens the backdoor for the mom and the children.

I offer them our snacks, and we watch as James and the husband work on fixing the problems.

“All set.”James opens the backdoor two hours later. “Sorry it took so long.”

“Oh gosh, thank you.” The woman wipes tears from her eyes and hugs him. “Thank you so so much, sir!”

“You’re welcome.”

She doesn’t let go of him.

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