Page 16 of Code Red Chemistry

And just when I’m about to kiss her, long and slow, a familiar crackling voice comes over the speaker.

“Um, guys? Just a reminder that you’re on camera…”

Zoe bursts out laughing against my chest, her face flaming red. I can’t help joining in, even as disappointment courses through me.

“Sorry, kid,” I call out, stepping back but keeping hold of Zoe’s hand.

She squeezes my fingers. “Come on, Romeo. Let’s escape this room.”

The moment is gone, but something between us has shifted. We throw ourselves back into the challenges with renewed focus, though neither of us can ignore the electricity charging the air. Working with Zoe feels natural. Like something I want to do every day for the rest of my life. She thinks fast, picks up on details I miss, and isn’t afraid to call me out on my wild suggestions. The trust and communication flowing between us is everything that was missing before.

When she unlocks the exit door with an antique brass skeleton key with two minutes to spare, Zoe lets out a whoop of victory and throws her arms around my neck. I lift her off her feet, spinning us in a circle as her laughter fills the air. The sound wraps around my heart, squeezing tight.

“We make a pretty good team,” I say when I set her down, tucking a strand of honey-blonde hair behind her ear.

She leans into my touch, her eyes soft. “We do. And you haven’t slipped away yet.”

We may have escaped the room, but I’m more trapped than ever. Only this time, it’s exactly where I want to be.

“I won’t disappear this time. You have my word.”

Challenge and possibility war in her expression. “Prove it.”

Zoe

“So,” Levi says aswe step out of the escape room after posing for the requisite ‘We escaped the room’ photo, “I believe with the win comes a chance to let me explain.”

I shove my hands into my pockets as he gestures left, and we turn down the sidewalk, falling into step together.

“Having second thoughts?” There’s an edge of uncertainty in his voice that makes me glance up at him.

“A little,” I admit, taking a deep breath of the city air, heavy with the scent of cherry blossoms. “I mean, I’ve spent five years wondering why you were such an asshole at brunch but also hating your guts because of it.”

“And…” he prompts.

“And maybe, that was easier.”

“Because the truth might change things between us?”

“Things are already changed between us,” I scoff. “I mean, you have to admit running into each other and the auction and thecoat closet and now this,” I say, waving my hand between us, “proves there’s still chemistry. It’s…”

“Confusing?”

I heave a sigh. “Maddening, really. That night, at the wedding, everything between us just felt so…”

“Real?” he finishes softly.

Damn. It’s almost worse that he confirms it. But I’m not ready to admit that aloud.

“Where are we going?” I ask, glancing down the treelined street.

“Somewhere you’ll hopefully enjoy more of that respect and the unforgettable evening you won. If I’m delivering so far, that is?” he adds, fishing for a compliment.

I arch an eyebrow. “The jury’s still out.”

He nods toward a converted brownstone, halfway down the block. There’s a chalkboard sign out front I can’t quite read. “Thought we could try something different. For us, at least.”

“So not a coat closet?”

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