Total pages in book: 13
Estimated words: 12091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 60(@200wpm)___ 48(@250wpm)___ 40(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 12091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 60(@200wpm)___ 48(@250wpm)___ 40(@300wpm)
“Looks like we lost power,” the man mutters and I can hear the edge to his voice.
“How—because of the storm?” It’s hard to hear any thunder and lightning in our current location, which only emphasizes the fact that we’re essentially trapped in a steel box.
“I’d assume so. Fuck,” he swears under his breath.
“This cannot be happening!” I slouch against the wall, feeling nauseous. “Oh God, the wedding!”
Jace is going to be so devastated. And when he realizes I’m not even in the ballroom, he might panic. Like I’m doing right now.
“Is that why you’re wearing a tux?” the guy asks.
I breathe in and out, in and out, before replying, “Yeah.”
“Shit, that sucks. Is your bride waiting somewhere for you?” I can hear the sympathy in his tone.
“Oh, I…I’m not getting married, my best friend is,” I sputter. “I’m the best man and I forgot the rings in my room. That’s why I was running for the elevator. God, I’m such an idiot.”
“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself. It could happen to anyone.” His voice is coming from the opposite side of the elevator now, so he must’ve placed distance between us. “Besides, it’s more than likely that the entire hotel is out.”
“You’re right.” I suddenly remember I have a phone. “I can at least try to call him and explain. Maybe he can send help.”
“Good idea.” Both of our phones light up. “Shit, no service. How about you?”
“Nope.” I make a frustrated sound. “Fuck my life.”
“Looks like we’ll have to wait.” His screen illuminates his face, and I marvel at his attractive features again. His full lips, sharp jaw, and aristocratic nose. Suppose it could be worse. I could be stuck with Jace’s totally obnoxious cousin instead of a gorgeous straight dude.
“At least our flashlights work.” We both flip ours on and aim them around every corner of the small space.
He punches the emergency button that sounds an alarm, then aims the flashlight toward the doors. I notice they’re open a crack, and when my gaze scales to the top it’s easier to tell we’re not exactly level.
“I think we’re stuck between floors.”
“I think you’re right. Do you hear anyone?” I feel a bit off-kilter, which makes me desperate to get the fuck out of here. “Help!”
There’s no response. I try again, this time louder.
“You might want to save your voice—and your battery. We’ll try again if we hear anyone.”
I sigh because he’s right, and with one click, we’re plunged into darkness again.
I find the wall behind me and lean against it. “Poor Jace and Rob.”
“Are those your friends?”
“The grooms.”
“The grooms? Oh, okay…I get it.”
“Yeah, two guys getting married. It’s legal now for us gays.”
I try to tone down the sharpness in my voice, especially since I have no idea what his views are.
“Of course, I knew that. Since 2014.”
“2015, actually.”
“I was close.” He chuckles. “Can’t say I’ve ever been to a same-sex wedding.”
“Well, they’re pretty much all the same, aren’t they? Two people committing to each other, reciting vows, and exchanging rings?”
“Did I say something to offend you?”
“No, sorry.” Chill, Graham. “My bad. I think it’s my automatic defense mechanism to people thinking straight is the default.”
There’s an awkward moment of silence before he says, “How do you know I’m straight?”
His voice is sort of shaky and quiet, and I wonder if he’s ever said that out loud. I rub at a stitch in my chest, feeling guilty.
“I wasn’t making any assumptions…okay, maybe I was.” And you know what they say about assumptions. “I should probably stop talking.” I huff out an exasperated breath.
“It’s okay. You wouldn’t be the first,” he says. “I’m not out. Yet. Or ever. Not in my profession. Christ, why am I even saying any of this to you? You’re a total stranger.”
“It’s all cool.” My lips pull into a smile. “Besides, there’s something about spilling all your secrets when the other person can only hear you but not see you. Probably why that one reality show is popular.”
“Which one?”
I try my best to describe the premise. “The one where they can’t lay eyes on each other for days, so they just sit and talk from separate rooms. Damn, what is it called?”
“Love is Blind,” he blurts out.
“That’s it!” My voice is a little too loud. “There have been a few love connections on that show. Not that we’re trying to make one now—so, what profession?”
“Huh?” Likely he has whiplash from my sudden change in topic.
“You said you’re not out in your profession.”
“You…you mean you don’t know?” His voice pitches up an octave. “Oh, I…was sure you recognized me.”
I wince. Likely I stared a little too long when I got in the elevator.
But, I mean, he didn’t look familiar. At all.
“Are you someone famous?” Now I’m more than curious.
“Sort of. To my fans, at least.” He sounds shy now, almost self-conscious.