Asking For It by Alyssa Kress Page B

Ricky, himself, had only discovered the whole deal by chance. While researching how to get a permit for an expansion Kate wanted to construct at the camp, Ricky had looked through previously granted permits for construction in the area. He'd seen the plans for Wildwood, and the numerous documents that had been required for building the water channel. The approved water channel.
    Sweat broke out beneath Ricky's suit as the bell for the elevator binged. He needed to find his ammunition against Griffith soon, something bad enough to get Griffith to back away from his fancy housing project below Camp Wild Hills.
    If he didn't, Kate would have to walk away from the whole camp: buildings, fields, everything. She'd lose it all.
    And kids like Ricky would lose the chance he'd had. If it hadn't been for Camp Wild Hills, Ricky would probably be selling drugs right now, or even more probably languishing in prison.
    A man like Griffith just shouldn't be allowed to — to exist.
    The elevator doors opened and Deirdre glanced in Ricky's direction before starting inside the posh conveyance. Something of his thoughts must have shown in his face, for she stopped dead. "What's wrong?"
    "Hmm?" Ricky immediately schooled the expression he'd allowed to harden. "What? No, nothing's wrong except..." He thought fast. "I have a lot of work waiting for me tomorrow."
    Deirdre stepped into the elevator, looking back at him. "Even though you worked so late tonight?"
    Ricky heaved Deirdre's stack of file folders as he followed her into the elevator and gave her an ironic look. "I think you know what I mean."
    She laughed. "Yeah, things have been even more crazy than usual." But she looked away, not giving any more information. Not confiding.
    He leaned across to push the button for the garage.
    "P1?" Her eyebrows knit.
    "Visitor parking. We're taking my car."
    "Oh?"
    "Don't worry. I'll drive you back to work tomorrow morning." Ricky grinned. "As early as you like."
    The worry lines on her forehead smoothed. "God, it is so good to be with you, especially when you understand — " Her words, bubbling forth, abruptly halted. The expression on her face went from relief to horror. "I mean, it's nice to know somebody who understands crazy schedules," she finished, and manufactured a limp smile.
    "Yeah," Ricky said. "It is." He'd seen her do this before, and knew exactly what she was thinking. She wanted to be closer, more of an item, but she was smart enough to know pushing in that direction would scare him off.
    Normally, he'd have been scared off by her a long time ago. Ricky enjoyed the company of women, he certainly enjoyed having sex with them, but he had no desire for a bona-fide relationship.
    But what he had with Deirdre didn't fit that category. He was only with her because he was using her. She couldn't scare him off. In fact...getting closer to her was probably exactly what he should be doing. If she felt they were close, if she could trust him more, then she might tell him more...
    The idea pulled at Ricky as the elevator descended to the parking garage. How could he get her to trust him?
    "We get off here?" Deirdre asked, as the elevator doors opened.
    "Yup. My car's to the right. This way."
    "You know," Deirdre mused. "Every time I'm down here I pray there won't be an earthquake until I've driven out to the street."
    "Where, no doubt, a big chunk of falling building would get you just when you were feeling safe."
    Laughing, Deirdre bumped her shoulder against his side. "Don't rain on my delusions, please."
    Ricky chuckled. Moments like this... Well, they were getting there. Easy with each other, joking. It wouldn't take much more.
    Their walking feet were the only sounds in the deserted garage. Ricky could feel his body respond to the intimacy of the situation. Intimacy, yes.
    Once they got to his car and unloaded their things, he stopped her before she could climb in. Leaning her against the side of the car, he opened his mouth over hers.
    She