Who Did I Sleep With?

CHAPTER 5

I finally finished the campaign draft Daniel asked me to amend. And I finished late, very late.

Which was why I was practically fidgeting in the back seat of the cab, my fingers tapping anxiously against my bag. This had never happened before. I was always early and prepared. But somehow, my alarm had gone off and I hadn’t heard it or maybe I had and just didn’t wake up. Either way, I was late. And Daniel was definitely not going to like that.

I had already texted Lizzy, asking her to cover for me if he asked any questions. That didn’t make me feel any better. The cab finally slowed to a stop in front of the building. Before it could fully park, I was already reaching for the door.

“Thank you!” I called quickly, rushing out and heading straight toward the entrance.

The lobby was cool and polished, the marble floors reflecting the overhead lights. A receptionist sat behind a sleek desk near the entrance, typing away on her computer.

“Good morning,” she greeted as I hurried past.

“Morning!” I replied quickly, barely slowing down.

A few people stood around some waiting, some on their phones but I didn’t pay them much attention as I made my way to the elevator.

I pressed the button repeatedly, shifting slightly from foot to foot as I waited. Come on… come on… The doors finally slid open. I stepped in quickly and pressed my floor.

The elevator doors began to close slowly. And just as they were about to shut completely…

They stopped.

My head lifted.

A hand held the door open.

Then he stepped in.

Oliver.

For a brief second, he looked just as surprised as I felt. Then his expression shifted as if he recognized me.

“You’re the one from Reid’s office,” he said, stepping fully inside as the doors slid shut behind him.

The space suddenly felt smaller. I adjusted my grip on my bag.

“Yes,” I said, giving a small nod. “I am.”

He studied me for a second longer than necessary. Not in a rude way. Like he was curious, like he was trying to figure something out.

He looked like he was about to say something when suddenly the elevator jerked. Then stopped. My heart skipped. The soft hum of movement disappeared, replaced by a heavy, uncomfortable silence.

“What?” I looked around quickly, my chest tightening.

Oliver frowned slightly, stepping forward as he pressed a few buttons on the panel. Nothing, no response.

“What's wrong?” I asked, my voice lower now.

He pressed another button. Still nothing. Then he exhaled lightly.

“I think the elevator’s stuck.” My eyes widened.

“What? No, no, no. This can't be happening, I need to get to work.”

“But you are at work,” he said casually, glancing back at me.

“I’m not at my desk,” I snapped, a little more anxious than I intended.

The confined space suddenly felt smaller. Like the air had thickened. I quickly reached into my bag, my fingers fumbling slightly as I pulled out my phone and dialed Lizzy’s number.

The call rang.

Once.

Twice.

Then…

No signal.

I pulled the phone away, staring at it.

“No network?” I muttered under my breath.

Of course.

Of course this would happen now. I let out a shaky breath, pressing my back lightly against the elevator wall. Beside me, Oliver didn’t look nearly as concerned. If anything… he looked amused.

The air felt heavier with each passing second, like the walls were slowly closing in on me. My chest tightened painfully, and I struggled to take in a full breath.

No… not now.

Everything started spinning. The numbers above the elevator blurred. The walls felt like they were pressing in, suffocating.

I backed up until my shoulders hit the side of the elevator, then slowly slid down to the floor, my legs giving out beneath me. My bag fell beside me. My phone slipped from my hand. My heart was racing too fast. I couldn’t breathe properly.

“Hey…” Oliver’s voice sounded distant.

“Hey, look at me.”

I couldn’t. My vision was unfocused, my hands trembling as I tried to steady my breathing but failed.

“Are you okay? What’s happening?” I shook my head slightly, unable to form any words.

Air, I needed air.

“Are you claustrophobic?” he asked, his voice more serious now.

I nodded weakly, tears gathering in my eyes.

“Okay… okay, it’s fine,” he said quickly, moving closer and kneeling in front of me. “You’re fine. Just breathe, alright? Slow down.” His hand came to my back, gently rubbing small circles.

“Focus on your breathing. In… and out.”

I tried.

I really tried.

But my chest still felt tight.

“Hey… I’m just going to loosen this a little, okay?” He didn’t move immediately. I gave the smallest nod.

Carefully, he reached forward and undid the top button of my shirt, just enough to ease the tightness around my chest. Before he reached for my back. He tilted my head forward slightly as his fingers hesitated briefly before gently pulling the pin loose. My hair fell around my shoulders, the tightness easing slightly.