Page 32 of Connectio

Will scoffs.

“What?”

“Nothing.” He bends down, and his shorts pull tight against his thighs, which are like tree trunks—stout, solid, defined.

My nipples tingle as they peak under my blouse, and I shiver then press my arms to my chest, my thumbnail finding its way between my chattering teeth. I’m desperate to change clothes, but that involves a trip home, which I can’t do right now.

“Find anything yet?” I ask.

“Did Mr B-unt turn off the shutoff valve?”

“No, Mr Tims did. He also turned off the mains for the building.”

“Mr Tims is a smart man.”

“I know.” I smile.

“Should I be worried?”

“About what?”

“About you and Mr Tims?”

Drawing in a deep breath, I huff it out, letting him know I’ve no patience for his silly game.

“I’m kidding, Elizabeth. You need to lighten up.”

“As you can see, I’ve had a”—I whisper—“shit of a morning. I’m far from feeling light.”

“Fair enough,” he says, scrubbing his hands together. “I’ll need to turn the mains back on for pressure testing.”

“Yes, of course. Whatever you need to do.”

“Anything else happen?”

“No.”

He stands up, unfurling like a giraffe, and I’m almost transfixed.

“Oh, yes, there was also a loud growling noise before the avalanche of water.”

“Growling noise?”

I nod.

“What kind of growling noise?” He leans closer, all serious-like. “What did it sound like?”

“Um… it was like…” I do my best growling grumble noise. “Kinda like that.”

Will throws his head back, his rumble of laughter nearly louder than the pipes. “Good impersonation! I was almost scared.”

I somehow smile and frown at the same time before cottoning on to his childishness, my eyes narrowing, my patience paper-thin.

Forgetting where I am for a second, I punch his arm. “Very funny.”

“Hey!” Dylan shouts. “You can’t punch Master Will.”

Both our heads snap in Dylan’s direction, and it’s then I notice Oliver glaring at us.