Page 103 of Thrill

“All the luck in the world. I’m proud of you, son.”

With a last grin, Danny popped open the door and stepped out into the sunny afternoon. His heart raced as he walked across thesquare. No matter what happened, this would be a moment he would never forget.

Tyler’s face flashed into his mind. God, he missed him. He hoped he wasn’t pushing his luck too far. Yet every fibre told him he had to achieve this on his own.

He’d reached the door. Trying to keep his heartrate as steady as possible, Danny stepped into the bank.

TWENTY-FIVE

TYLER

Tyler was still learning the ropes at Pleasure Seekers. Still, he dared to allow himself to believe that he had made a great start. His love life might be in freefall—his professional one appeared to be booming.

“I think we should be doing more environmental stuff,” he said.

Molly pulled a face. “Pretty much everything downstairs is plastic. That’s going to be quite the task.”

“All the more reason everything else should be as environmentally friendly as possible.”

Amanda took a breath. “I bet the guys downstairs would go on strike. The weight of wooden dildos wouldn’t be much fun.”

Everyone stopped dead. Then they all laughed. Genuine, proper laughter. Amanda reddened and returned to her laptop screen.

Tyler was overjoyed. He also caught a look shared between Simone and Molly. He truly hoped they were waking up to the wonderful colleague they had all been sleeping on.

Then his thoughts turned to the warehouse and who worked down there. Just beneath his feet. The smile faded.

No news from Danny since the wedding. The fear was palpable.

He caught Amanda watching him. Tyler tried to look cheerful. He feared he’d failed miserably.

“Anyone want a drink?” Amanda said, jumping to her feet.

Once again, Simone’s and Molly’s jaws dropped open.

“That would be lovely, Amanda. Thank you,” Simone said. “I’ll have a green tea.”

“Make that two,” Molly added.

Amanda gave Tyler a meaningful stare.

“I’ll give you a hand,” he said. “I’m so fussy about my tea.”

They wandered over to the kitchen area. Tyler had to admit he was intrigued.

“What’s up?” he said.

“I was going to ask you the same question,” Amanda replied. “I’m not very good at being personable. It makes me uncomfortable. That doesn’t mean I don’t know a friend when I see one. You’ve only been here for five minutes and already things are better.”

Tyler didn’t know how to respond to this speech she’d probably rehearsed in her mind on the walk over.

“Thank you, Amanda.”

“What I mean is if there is something bothering you. I wouldn’t tell a soul. I promise.”

The urge to throw his arms around her was strong. Tyler fought it. He didn’t think Amanda would welcome such a display.

“You know when you said that you got involved with someone from work?” Tyler whispered.