Places like this are not my idea of fun. Truthfully, I rarely socialize, only leaving the house for work and seeing my family regularly enough they don’t report me missing. I’m only here for my brother, and after we were done with the haunted house, I had my excuse to leave at the ready.
I’m going to blame the beer and the fact I have no choice but to be stuck in here with this woman for my next question.
“What’s your name?”
She hesitates. “Why?”
I sigh. “Because referring to you as The-Woman-Who-Trapped-Us-In-Here might piss you off.”
“Oh, that ship sailed the moment you opened your mouth.”
“God.” I swipe a hand through my hair. “You’re infuriating.”
She scoffs. “Me? You’re not exactly a ray of sunshine.”
There’s a swish of fabric and another stomp of her foot, and then we’re both silent before she reluctantly says, “Harriet.”
“Warren.”
“Not nice to meet you, Warren.” I hear her grin, and curiosity has me wondering what it looks like. All in her eyes? Closed mouth? Toothy and wide?
“You said you came here with your friends?”
She shuffles, either uncomfortable or restless. “Yeah. It’s actually my birthday.”
My eyebrows jump. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you.”
“Did you, um, get anything nice?” My attempt at small talk fails miserably.
“Apparently, being locked in a tiny room with a grumpy asshole.” This time, her tone is playful.
I smother my retort. I’m not friendly. It’s anyone’s guesswhy I’m invited to this bachelor party, even if the groom-to-be is my brother. We owe each other nothing, but hearing the sad tilt to her voice makes me uncomfortable. Plus, it’s her birthday.
I feel along the shelf, gauging there’s enough space for two. “Give me your hand.”
“Why?”
“So I can help you sit. Nothing weird. You’re not my type anyway.”
Harriet snorts. “You don’t even know what I look like.”
“Come on. Relax.”
A soft hum sounds while she thinks. “Okay, but no funny business.”
“Scout’s honor.”
I raise my arm, searching blindly until soft fingers meet mine. We both jump at the contact, and a current runs through me. It’s difficult in the dark, but after some guidance, she lowers next to me, our thighs and arms brushing.
“Better?”
“Yes. Thank you.” This close, the mysterious floral scent grows stronger.
This is far from ideal, but the last thing I want is to make her uneasy or think I’m a pervert. Because being myself isn’t working, I change my approach.
“From your accent, I’m going to guess you’re from out of town.”
