Disarming Andi by Elizabeth Goddard

Author:Elizabeth Goddard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2012-06-07T00:00:00+00:00

Ten

Andi wanted to say a few distasteful words she’d heard from construction crews but bit her lip instead. After the guys had gone up, she’d climbed into an air plenum, looking for her grandfather’s hidden prize. The air plenum had been secured with screws, which she’d heartily dismantled to allow herself entry. Then she’d heard a slow scraping followed by a heavy thud. At the time, intent on her search, she’d thought nothing of it. But later, when she’d tried to back out of the space, it suddenly dawned on her. Something had fallen—probably sheetrock—blocking her escape.

After several unsuccessful attempts at pushing away the object that held her captive, she gave up. If they found her—no, when they found her—she’d never live this down.

Though embarrassment crashed against her, there was no way around it—she’d have to call for help.

Andi yelled, feeling as though her cries didn’t go much beyond the walls imprisoning her. Unfortunately, the only chance she had of being heard would be if someone were in the equipment building capsule.

“Oh no.” Andi pressed her forehead against the wall. She’d missed picking up Elisa. Hope lay in that disruption—that is, if Elisa cared that Andi hadn’t shown up to get her.

Andi wished she could at least sit or lie down. Even though it was an air plenum, the space was too small for her to do much but stand. The air became stuffy, her body sticky with sweat. She didn’t want to stay here all night.

After minutes ticked into an hour, her humiliation gave way to panic.

A nervous laugh escaped, precluding a whimper. She thought of Vance’s reaction if he were stuck in this small space. But she couldn’t imagine him wedging himself into such a precarious position.

“Andi. . .Andi?” Vance’s voice echoed from somewhere nearby.

“In here! Vance, I’m in here!”

A few seconds later, she heard Vance groan, then heave. Again, then several times more she heard his efforts accompanied with panting. Andi pushed the wall plate she’d dismantled as relief flowed through her. The plate gave way. Vance’s face appeared in her line of vision, as he tugged the wall out of her path.

She smiled, defying the torrent of embarrassment and relief entwining her, and stepped out of the compartment. “Oh, thank—” Shaky legs gave way as her knees buckled under her.

“Andi!” Vance swept her against him, steadying her. “Are you all right?” His words were breathy, laced with concern.

She allowed herself a moment, relishing his embrace. All comfort and strength, his heart beat rapidly. He felt so good.

Breathing a sigh, she became aware she’d stayed too long and stepped free.

“Yes, I think so.” She stood as tall as she could and faced her humiliation. She’d shown herself weak, practically collapsing into his arms. What sort of ninny was she?

“Looks like all that sheetrock fell over and wedged you into that space.” Vance peered into where she’d been trapped. “What on earth were you doing in there?”

This was the part where Andi should tell him she was searching for something her grandfather supposedly hid.

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