Ellery smiled at Brandon. “I know I did, but it’s very late and I’m absolutely exhausted. Maybe tomorrow—” He touched his finger to her lips. “Come up to my room, just for a little while, and I’ll give you the best foot massage you’ve ever had.” She chuckled. “You always did know exactly what to say to lure a girl away from her good intentions. All right. A half-hour, no more.” Brandon’s hand rested lightly on the small of her back as they walked to the elevator, and she had no reason to object to that small familiarity. When the elevator doors opened, she paused to prepare herself for the trip. It took him a moment to remember about her phobia. Holding the doors open, he saw her hesitate to enter and said, “I’m sorry. I forgot. We could take the stairs.” “What floor are you on?” He grimaced. “Eleven.” “I’d never make it,” she said, stepping inside the mirrored box. “Anyway, I do this a lot better since someone taught me a few tricks.” Finding a way to cope with her multiple fears had become mandatory in Washington.
