Page 59 of When Annika Met Thom

“Good,” Ty said, tipping his head back to look up. “It seems bigger every time.”

Annika laughed. “Wait until the surfaces come. It’s going to look like rock, all dark grey and organic, just the way you wanted it. I can really imagine it in the space. It’ll be dramatic and imposing.”

“And the grips will be black?”

She nodded. “They’re from the number-one manufacturer, the one I prefer. From a distance, they’ll be harder to spot, but climbers will be able to see them. It will simulate climbing a real rock wall quite well.” She nodded at the glass wall. “And it’ll look amazing when the sun is out.”

“And when the lights are installed.”

Annika nodded with an anticipation Thom shared. “I can’t wait to see it at night.”

“You’re happy with it,” Ty guessed and she laughed up at him.

“I’m thrilled. Like I said before, it’s the biggest we’ve built and it’s coming together like a dream. You should give Thom a promotion for his design contribution.”

They turned as one toward Thom, clearly having been aware all along that he was there. Thom felt the back of his neck heat.

“I think we’ll just put him in charge,” Ty said and Thom smiled.

“That’ll do it for me. I can’t wait to climb it.”

“Another eight days,” Annika said. “Then you can have at it.”

“Everything good?” Bruno asked, appearing behind Annika.

“Yes,” Ty and Annika said in common.

Bruno smiled. “Client’s happy. Engineer’s happy.” He pointed to himself. “The city’s happy. Sounds like something to celebrate.”

His intention was so obvious that both Ty and Thom excused themselves. Ty waved and headed for the office while Thom strode toward the doors to the street.

“Thom!” Annika called and he glanced back to see her closing fast. “Just wait for me to get my coat and we can ride the subway together.”

“You don’t need an escort,” Thom said, flicking a glance toward Bruno, who was clearly crestfallen.

“But I need an excuse,” Annika whispered. “You promised to show me that Latin place,” she said, a bit louder. “I want to try their empañadas. Wait up?”

“Sure.” He shrugged and held his ground, trying to hide his pleasure as she hurried back to the office to get her coat.

“Something going on between you two?” Bruno asked when he sauntered closer.

“Some reason it’s your business?” Thom asked, knowing he sounded a bit rude and not caring much.

Bruno flushed. “Well, I was just…”

“You should talk to Annika,” Thom said. “It’s not up to me to tell you anything about her.”

“Of course,” Bruno said, studying him for a moment. “What about you?”

“Me?”

“Are you interested in her?”

Thom shrugged but held the other guy’s gaze. “I don’t think that’s your business either.”

“I’m just asking if the coast is clear,” Bruno began but Thom interrupted him.

“And I’m just saying you should ask Annika. She can speak for herself if you ask her.”

---