“Hey, Stryker. What can I get you, ma’am?”
“A burger with everything but mayo. And a side salad.” She peered up at Stryker. “Are you getting fries and do you share?”
That made him smile. His upbeat expression far too beautiful to be gone so fast.
“Two burgers, two fries.”
“Is that the entire order or just your order, Stryker?” asked the bartender.
“My order. Detective Easton gave you her order. Text me when they’re ready.”
I’m back to being Detective Easton.Something’s definitely wrong.
He turned and bumped into an unmasked woman.
“Hi, Stryker.” She smiled at him. “How’s it goin’?”
“Another glorious fuckin’ day in paradise.”
As he moved around her, she said, “I’m with Local 8 News. Who do you think broke into your company?”
Emerson stared at him.What the hell? What did she just say?
He glared at the journalist. “How did you get in here?”
“Through the front door.” Her annoying laugh had Emerson biting back a grimace. “I’m a member.”
“No comment,” Stryker bit out.
The woman looked down her nose at Emerson. “I need to steal him. You don’t mind, do you, honey?” Her lips split into a smile. “Stryker, let’s me and you grab a booth. There are a million rumors flying around on social. Help me set the record straight.”
Emerson squared her shoulders. “Honey does mind.”
“Back off there, sweetie,” said the reporter.
“No,” Stryker growled. “Donottalk to her like that. If you want to keep that membership, don’t hound me again.” He clasped Emerson’s hand and pushed through the crowd toward the private stairs leading to his office. Instead of stopping, he continued to an elevator marked “Private”.
Oh, no.Her heart rate quickened.
The scanner cleared him, he punched the down button and the doors slid open. After leading her inside, the doors closed and the elevator descended to the basement.
Emerson swallowed down the scream while her heart thundered in her chest. A muffled cry escaped her throat and she started shaking. The doors opened into the basement and Stryker stepped out, but she couldn’t move. She hated being in the elevator, but she was too keyed up to go into the dungeon. Neither space was safe. She needed to get upstairs or she’d pass out.
He turned. In that brief second, a sea of emotions swept across his face.
“Oh, fuck, Emerson. I’m sorry.” He rushed back into the confined space and held her in his arms.
She clung to him, trembling and humiliated. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
He pulled away and stared into her eyes. “I’m right here.”
“I want to face my fear, but my body reacted before I had a chance to walk myself back.”
“That’s on me. I was being a total dick.”
“It’s not your responsibility to help me.”
Sadness filled his eyes. “I can help you, but I failed you.” He kissed her forehead. His soothing touch helped calm her, but she wanted him to kiss her on her mouth and distract her from the panic.