Chapter 22

Reality inside the twisted structure was completely different. A short series of starts and stops. Followed by backtracking and switching directions. The rain sounded muffled and distant. Each drop echoed and pinged against wood and metal. Kind of peaceful, like one of the desktop waterfalls so popular for stress relief and relaxation.

Nick wiped his forehead on his sleeve, grit digging into his skin. Sure. He’d start chanting right now. Forget about releasing tension. The sound would probably bring the rest of the mess down and bury him alive.

He stilled at the thought, panting for breath while his heart rate increased. Okay, not going there again. Nope. No way. He needed to think about something else.

John’s flirtatious brown gaze came to mind. Nick seized on the distraction. What would he say when Nick found them? Would he be surprised? Would John even remember asking Nick out?