Bernard's POV
The elevator had already started its ascent when Penny burst through the closing doors, clearly rushing to make some appointment. Her breath came in short bursts as the metal panels sealed us inside together.
"Good morning," I offered, working to keep any hint of tension from my voice.
"Morning," she responded, shifting her bag higher on her shoulder while fixing her gaze on the ascending floor numbers. "At least I'm not wielding hot coffee this time."
Her mention of our near-kiss moment hit me unexpectedly. A quiet chuckle escaped me.
"My wardrobe is grateful," I replied. The instant our gazes connected, the confined space seemed to compress around us.
Penny's attention darted away immediately, that familiar rose flush creeping across her cheeks. I was convinced she was reliving what had almost transpired between us in this very elevator. God knows I was.
A gentle chime announced the tenth floor, fracturing the charged atmosphere.
