Chapter 3: Rising Action
The sterile office building had taken on a different personality during after-hours. The absence of other employees in the building, coupled with dimmed overhead lights, created an eerie stillness. Exposed electric wires dangled next to the light switches, and the smell of latex paint that coated the walls still lingered in the air.
Alice’s heart beat against her ribcage as she looked around the empty conference room and double-checked the lock on the door.
The mere thought of getting caught in her current state was enough to quicken her pulse and heighten her senses. She nervously smoothed out her wrinkled blouse and looked across the table at David, who sprawled out in a chair, his long legs crossed as he smirked at Alice. Their eyes met, and the silence between them was charged, a crackle of energy pulsing between them.
David’s voice broke through the quiet room.
“You’re tense, Alice. Let me help you relax.” He uncrossed his legs, leaned forward on the table, and reached a hand toward her. Alice hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and placing her hand in his. The warmth of his skin flooded through her, and Alice felt her body instinctively react to his touch. Her heart thumped in her chest, and she felt a slick of sweat form at the base of her spine.
David stood and walked around the table, pulling Alice up with him.