Chapter Three: The Elevator
The next morning, I marched into the office with one goal: avoid Cole Maddox like my life depended on it. I’d be professional, focus on work, and steer clear of him.
I glued myself to my desk, drowning in emails and spreadsheets.
“You okay, Sierra?” my coworker Lexi asked, popping by.
“Fine,” I said, not looking up. “Just busy.”
I took the long route to the break room, avoiding Cole’s office. I had no texts from him. Good. Maybe he knew I meant it when I said we were done. But my nerves were alert. Every footstep made me jump, expecting his voice, but he stayed away. I should’ve been relieved, but weirdly, I wasn't.
By 5:30, I was done. I bolted for the elevator, the office half-empty. I hit the button, glancing back. No Cole. The doors opened, and I step
