Page 14 of Fear of Falling

“If you’re sure?”

“Really I don’t mind.” And I truly didn’t.

As the floor numbers moved closer to the lobby, I squeezed his arm one last time.

“When the doors open, I’ll distract them with what happened, and you can slip past and head over to the stairs on the right,” I instructed.

Wyatt looked down at me, his expression unreadable. “Thank you, Josie.”

“Anytime,” I smiled. “And don’t forget the pepper paste,” I added as he smiled back and the elevator doors opened.

The bright lights of the foyer startled me, but I didn’t waste any time nudging Wyatt out of the elevator as several people gathered around. I was taken aback by the crowd and was glad Wyatt and I had had the foresight to come up with a plan. It seemed like news of the tenants stuck in the elevator had spread throughout the building. All at once, the questions came as they talked over each other, eager to know what happened.

“How long were you in there?”

“Are you injured?”

“What happened?”

I was only vaguely aware of them as I cast a discreet glance towards the staircase, catching a glimpse of Wyatt’s broad shoulders as he disappeared. Staring at the empty stairs, I hoped it wouldn’t be the last time I saw Wyatt Boone.

7

JOSIE

Thankfully, the building manager ushered the onlookers away, but it still took another half hour or so to answer his questions as I sat on one of the foyer chairs with a blanket around my shoulders and a hot cup of coffee in my hands. I watched the maintenance crew as they propped the elevator doors open and got to work.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, Miss Scott, but wasn’t there someone else in the elevator with you?” the building manager asked. I stared into my coffee, knowing I didn’t have the best poker face.

“Yeah, there was, but we kept to ourselves. I’m not even sure of his name,” I lied. I felt bad, but I wanted to keep my promise to Wyatt. Sure, I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again, yet I wanted him to know that he could trust me, that I wasn’t going to cash in on my fifteen minutes of fame by selling him out. Besides, I didn’t want to share the time we spent together with anyone. It already felt like a strange, yet wonderful, dream.

“Now are you sure we can’t get you some medical attention?” the business manager asked, though I could tell by his tone that he asked because he had to. It seemed like I wasn’t the only one that just wanted to get on with my day.

“Really, I’m fine. I just want to head up to my apartment and take a shower.”

The manager nodded quickly. “Yes, of course. By all means.” He stepped aside and I got to my feet, holding out the blanket and cup.

“If there’s anything you need, please call down. And again, I’m profusely sorry for what happened.”

“Thank you,” I replied with a tired smile.

If only he knew how much I enjoyed my evening with Wyatt.

There was no way I was tempting fate by getting in another elevator, and so despite my fatigue, I headed up the stairs. By the fourth flight of stairs, I began regretting my decision. There were still four flights to go, and I was exhausted. My back hurt from laying on the floor of the elevator all night, and I longed to take a hot shower and crawl into my soft bed.

Thank God it’s Saturday and I don’t have to work.

Finally, I stood in front of my apartment, unlocking my front door. I slipped inside and closed it behind me with a sigh.

Home sweet home. Finally.

I dropped mycamera and handbag on my counter and dragged my feet to my bedroom. Kicking my shoes off in the corner I went over and plugged my dead phone onto the charger, eyeing my bed from the corner of my eye. As much as I wanted to sleep, I needed a shower more.

In the bathroom paused as I took in my appearance. I looked a total mess, and I groaned aloud at what Wyatt had witnessed.

Good luck ever seeing him again!

Though, there was a silver lining to the situation as I ran my fingers along the edge of Wyatt’s jersey. With everything going on, I’d forgotten I was wearing it. I guess it didn’t seem odd that out of the ordinary given there was a game last night. Pulling it over my head, I realized I’d have to return it at some stage, and the thought of seeing Wyatt again made my heart flutter. Don’tget me wrong–I knew nothing would ever happen between us. I mean, look at the guy. Women literally threw themselves at him. At least I could see him one last time before we went our separate ways.

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