Page 37 of Desperate Pucker
“Hey, we’re in the elevator. It stopped for some reason, and we can’t get it going again.”
“Well, I’ll be darned. Hang tight, I’ll get maintenance over there right away.”
More static, then silence.
I plant one hand against the metal wall, the other on my chest. My heart is beating so fast, I can feel it slam against my palm.
“No…no, no, no…”
Ryker looks at me. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I can’t…confined spaces…it’s too small…I can’t breathe…”
His eyes go wide, finally registering my panic. “Wait, are you claustrophobic?”
I nod frantically as I start to pant. Tears prick my eyes. It feels like a million invisible needles are digging into my skin.
“Shit.” He punches the emergency button again. “Can you guys hurry? The person I’m in here with is claustrophobic.”
“We’re doing our best,” the tinny voice says. More static, then nothing.
I’m panting so hard, it feels like my chest is collapsing into itself. My heart is beating so hard and so fast…it’s on the verge of busting through my ribcage.
I’m so dizzy. I close my eyes and fall against the wall.
“I can’t…I have to…” My throat tightens as I fight a sob.
I suddenly feel cold and wet. I glance down and see that I dropped my coffee. It’s all over my pant leg.
A split second later, I feel warmth on my shoulders, steadying me. I look up and see Ryker staring at me, his eyes focused and…kind.
He’s looking at me with kindness. And worry. He’s worried aboutme.
He doesn’t even like me.
“Just breathe with me, okay?” His tone is low and soft and soothing and…wow, I really like how his voice sounds right now.
He breathes in slowly, deeply, holds for a second, then slowly, softly exhales. I try to copy him. I can’t breathe in as long as he can, but it’s better than how I was hyperventilating a second ago.
I breathe out, slow and steady.
“Good, Maddy. You’re doing so good.”
My skin tingles at how sincere he sounds when he compliments me. That’s when I notice my skin is tingling where he’s touching me.
He leans his face closer to mine, holding my gaze. “That’s it. Keep breathing. Just like that.”
The elevator shudders suddenly, and I cry out. Tears fall down my cheeks.
“Hey.” Ryker cups my face in his hands. “It’s okay. We moved just a little bit, but we’re fine now.”
I shake my head, and my body starts to tremble. “I-I don’t wanna fall…”
“You’re not gonna fall, Maddy. I’ve got you.”
I go still, instantly comforted by his low, coaxing tone.
“Keep breathing, okay? Just like you did before.”
