Page 26 of Keep Your Friends Close and Your… Work Enemy Closer?

"It just struck me looking at all those bones packed together, how utterlyforgottenall those individual people now are. No names. No identities. Just thousands, millions actually, of people that time has pretty much erased. And I guess that happens to us all eventually."

"Damn, Dee. I didn't expect you to get so deep on me." But I should have known she would. I'd sensed from day one that this woman had a lot going on under her take-charge, confident surface.

She let out a laugh. "Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. It's incredible actually. And now I'm not so sure I ever want to visit the catacombs."

"You should, though," she argued. "It makes you realize how fleeting time is, how close to death we all are, how every single person on this planet will someday die."

"Uh, you're not really selling it very well."

She laughed again, a sound that sent a buzz of warmth through me. "No, but it's a good thing, because it makes you want to seize the day. Grab life and get the most out of it, you know?"

"I suppose." I didn't want to argue, but I did anyway. "In my opinion, there are better ways to do that, though."

"Oh, yeah? What other ways has the wise and wonderful Jared found?" she said, any trace of softness gone from her voice, leaving that smart-ass tone that I was used to. "I'mdyingto know."

I grinned. "Well, for starters, sharing a moment like this with you. Nothing forgettable about that."

She rolled her eyes, but I could see the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Smooth. But seriously, what do you think makes a person unforgettable?"

I paused, thinking it over. "Honestly? I think it's about the connections we make. The way we touch other people's lives, even in small ways."

Her expression became thoughtful, and I stared at her a moment longer than I should have, something about the setting giving her an otherworldly glow. Cordelia's face, I had to admit, was beautiful, her pretty features amplified by the lighting, her eyes bigger, her cheekbones more prominent.

It wasn't the first time I'd noticed her beauty. I couldn't help but notice. But it was the first time I'd let my eyes linger, and her eyes lingered too. Like she was really seeing me. Or Jared rather. And I wished I could be myself with her. Wondered what she'd say if I told her the truth right now.

But as swiftly as the thought entered my mind, I banished it. Cordelia had made it abundantly clear how she felt about Max Sterling, and it was absolute hate.

There was a loud noise outside just then, followed by the sound of distant voices.

"We're getting rescued?" Dee asked.

"Looks like it. And good thing because you're really starting to—"

She swatted my arm. "Whatever you're about to say, shut it."

"It was nice," I insisted. "What I was going to say."

"I don't care."

More clanking noises echoed through the elevator shaft, and suddenly, the doors jerked open. Above us, a group of firefighters in full gear appeared, their faces a blend of concern and focused professionalism.

One firefighter leaned in, offering a reassuring smile. "Hey folks, sorry about the wait. We'll have you out of here in no time."

Extending his hand, he gestured for Cordelia first. She had to navigate a huge step up, something that would normally requirea stepstool or a ladder. I stood behind her, ready to assist any way I could.

Cordelia hesitated for a moment before accepting the firefighter's outstretched hand. I watched as he gripped her firmly, his fingers wrapping around hers in a tight hold. Without thinking of the consequences or Cordelia's possible reaction, I put my hands around her waist and lifted her, all three of us working together to get her out.

I kept waiting for her to snap at me, to yell at me to get my hands off her, but she didn't, and I squeezed a little harder in that final push to lift her out, her ass right in my face as she scooted and wiggled her body through the opening.

Once she was out, the same fireman assisted me, helping to hoist me over the edge and back onto solid ground. Which felt fucking great. And so open compared to the confines of the elevator.

I glanced around for Dee and found her sitting on a chair and talking to an EMT, a woman, thank goodness. Thinking about her earlier comment, I wasn't too keen on all these firemen milling about.

Another EMT took me aside and gave me a quick exam, asking me questions about dizziness or shortness of breath.

Once we were both done, we were handed bottles of water and told to hydrate.

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