Page 43 of Even If the Sky is Falling
“Yeah?”
The tension in his chest uncoiled as he slid his hand down her arm to one of her busy hands. He gave it a gentle squeeze before letting her go. “I guess I was waiting for you to make a move. I hoped that you coming by every week wasn’t just about the books. I mean, I don’t mind ordering them, but you spend so much money at my store that I think I might need to start you on a punch card.”
She laughed that time, a husky chuckle that shook her shoulders and made his own relax. “You probably think I’m silly.” She sighed, shaking her head.
“I think you’re very beautiful,” he said seriously. “But I’d love to get to know you more.”
Shea’s smile reappeared. “Yeah?”
“Yes, ma’am. I even left my phone number in your book order.”
“Really?”
Nick shrugged. “I figured after fifty-’leven orders, I might need to help you along.”
“I think you’re really handsome,” she blurted out. “As long as we’re confessing things in a bunker.”
His face warmed upon hearing her admission. “Thank you.”
“Oh god,” she said, bringing her hands to her cheeks. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
Nick leaned back on the sofa. “This, being the emergency or what you just said?”
“Yes.” She sighed. “I mean—”
He laughed heartily. Shea Anderson was a trip and getting to know her would be a delight. “You’re fine. Let’s just get comfortable down here, plug in our phones and wait for the all-clear. Although, I never got around to getting a radio...”
“I don’t have my phone charger,” Shea said with a frown. “It’s in my car.”
“Don’t worry,” he said, patting his pocket. “I’ve got mine.”
Little good it would do though. Nick quickly understood the drawback of holing up in a concrete bunker with an already mediocre cell service.
“You’ve got no signal, right?” Shea asked.
He shook his head. “Nothing,” he said. “But I got another charger down here somewhere. I’ll hook you up and we’ll keep an eye on things. Never know when the danger might pass. We’re supposed to hear three blasts for the all-clear, right?”
She nodded, but anxiety furrowed her brow and made her nibble on her bottom lip.
He stood from the sofa and offered his hand to her. “Come on,” Nick said with a smile. “We’re going to take that tour and I’ll show you what kind of amenities you can expect at Hotel Hendrix.”
When she took his hand, warmth traveled up his arm and sent a shiver down his back. “This is exciting,” she teased.
“Over here, I’ve got the bathroom, complete with a standard toilet and sink. For as long as the plumbing lasts.”
Shea peeked past him and inspected the tiny closet. “Ooh, look at that Dial soap...and all these face towels.”
“I keep plenty on hand,” he said, steering her toward the kitchenette. “This right here is the breakfast nook/bistro corner.” Nick made a big show of placing a hand on the tabletop and moving it back and forth. “You’ll notice there is no annoying wobble.”
Shea nodded with approval while hiding her smirk behind her hand. “You’re quite the IKEA craftsman.”
“I am. The pantry is mostly full of nonperishable snacks and canned foods. A lot of bottled water and a ton of alcohol.” He pointed to the bed on the opposite side of the room. “Past the living room, you’ll find the bedroom. A queen-sized bed. The mattress has a long Swedish name that had little dots over some of the letters.”
“So you know it’s legit.”
“I know we were supposed to start with coffee, but would you like a cocktail for now?”
“Yes, please,” she said, glancing through his booze collection. She picked up a bottle of Stoli Vodka and presented it to him. “This is probably the best option for a Cold War bunker.”
