Page 18 of My CEO Neighbor
Monica heard Ted shift position, and suddenly his shoulder touched hers, warm and solid and reassuring.She should probably move away, preserve some professional distance, but the elevator felt less claustrophobic with Ted's presence anchoring her.
And she was so tired of being alone.So tired of going home to an empty apartment, of eating dinner by herself, of falling asleep without anyone to share her day with.The simple contact of Ted's shoulder against hers felt like coming alive after months of just existing.
"How much longer do you think we'll be stuck here?"Ted asked.
Monica checked her watch, though she couldn't see it in the darkness."A few more hours, probably."
"Good."
"Good?"
"I mean..."Ted paused."It's not good that we're trapped.But if we have to be trapped somewhere, this isn't the worst company."
Monica felt that dangerous flutter again, stronger this time."Careful, Ted.That almost sounded like a compliment."
"Don't let it go to your head."
"Too late."
Ted laughed, and her toes curled.She was in trouble.Big, complicated, what-happens-when-the-lights-come-back-on trouble.
But sitting in the darkness with Ted's shoulder pressed against hers, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing and the weight of everything they'd shared, Monica found she didn't mind being in trouble nearly as much as she should have.
For the first time in months, she didn't feel alone.
Chapter Four
Ted
Ted had never been comfortable with silence.Silence meant lost productivity, missed opportunities, competitors gaining ground while he sat idle.But sitting in the darkness with Monica's shoulder pressed against his, their conversation settling into quiet breathing, he was reluctant to break the spell they'd somehow created.
"You know," Monica said, "we could try some actual meditation.Real meditation, not just breathing exercises."
"I don't meditate."
"I know.You think it's nap time for quitters."
