The Girl he Wants

28- There is Nothing Much we Can do.

***RUTH'S P.O.V***

"They said they have units on the way and for us to sit tight." Hanes tells the entire group that stands in the hallway, which is more than ten people. One of them is Mr.Gaz, who paces back and forth on the carpeted floor.

He suddenly stops pacing. "I can't believe this is happening!

Ruth rolls her eyes at the hysterical teacher, but all the while she bites her pretty nails off, one by one. Her best friend is stuck in an elevator for God knows how long without a heater and without the knowledge that they all know. She could be bawling her eyes out down there for all Ruth knows.

   "They'll be okay." Ruth says aloud, half to reassure the people around her and half to reassure herself.

   Ruth can tell it's Hanes who is beside her, his phone in his hand. "I have to call my parents."

   Sam steps next to Hanes. "No way! That would just worry them."

   It's dark, but Ruth can still see the bewildered glare Hanes sends his brother. "You're crazy. Mom and Dad should know."

   Sam takes a step toward his brother. "Hanes, Elizabeth will be fine. The police are on their way. It's just an easy, fixable problem. Okay?"

   Hanes lowers his phone, taking his time until he nods. "Yeah. Okay. I guess that makes sense."

   "It does." Sam replies, and Ruth can almost swear he looks at her. "In just a few minutes, we'll have Elizabeth, Finn, and Jay back."

***ELIZABETH'S P.O.V***

    Asher is never soft, but he is right now on the inside and out. Confessing his thoughts only turned Elizabeth's insides to mush. Holding her warmly and closely the way he is now only spreads warmth throughout her body in a way she can't even fathom. It rocks her to the core how different he acts when the two of them are alone, and she likes it. She likes this side of him.

   Both of Asher's arms are wrapped around Elizabeth's body like a cage, his hot breath splaying over her skin in refreshing waves. "Are you warm yet?"

   "Yes." Elizabeth replies, her voice muffled because her face is pressed against his chest. He begins to take his arms away from her, but she stops him short. "Please don't let go."

   He hesitates, and she can sense his gaze on her, but she doesn't look up. He holds her once again, making sure she is tucked in his arms like a small child. Sheepishly, she mumbles. "Thanks."

   "No problem." Asher replies, his voice breaking off. He clears his throat, and the pounding in his chest speeds up its pace against her ear. "I think we need to keep our minds off the cold."

   "My mind isn't on the cold." Elizabeth admits, her heart leaping at the hint that rings in her voice. What is she doing?

   "What is it on?" Asher asks the question she was wishing so badly he wouldn't ask.

   Elizabeth takes a second, but then shifts her weight and responds. "You act so different when we are alone."

   The sound of Asher swallowing bounces around in Elizabeth's mind, but she continues on. "Whenever we are alone, you share your thoughts and feelings. You seem to let go of your badass attitude."

   "What?" Asher chuckles. "I'm always badass."

   Elizabeth smiles. Then, Asher begins rubbing her back and the sensation is overwhelming. Knowing she can't trust herself to speak, she remains silent.

   "I..." Asher doesn't stop rubbing her back as he speaks. "I think that you make me let my guard down."

   "I make you?" Elizabeth giggles. "I don't think so."