25. Hannah

TWENTY-FIVE

As enjoyable as it is to push Maddox's buttons, I need to get out of here.

Tipping my glass back, I finish off what's left of my wine. "It was so nice to meet you," I tell Mrs. Roberts. "But I need to be heading out."

She shakes my hand, then pulls me in for a hug.

Roberts is grinning at his wife's behavior but still gives me a hearty handshake. "See you Monday."

"See you Monday." I step back and spare a quick look up at Maddox. I don't care if I'm rude to him, but I don't want to appear rude in front of other people. "Bye, Maddox."

I turn away too quickly for him to respond and make a beeline for the elevators.

I'm half tempted to swing by the dessert table again, but I've already had three mini cheesecakes, and any delay is a chance I'll get stuck talking to Maddox again.

About half the people are still here, living it up, and there's no one else waiting to leave.

Standing alone, I press the button for the elevator and shift my weight in my stupid shoes.

The wine has helped me forget how sore my poor little toes are, but I'm still more than ready to kick these shoes into the back of my closet.

A ding alerts me to the elevator door opening, and I step into the empty cab.

Remembering I need to get my purse, I press the number for our office floor.

As the doors slide shut, I lift my gaze to get one last look at the party, relieved that no one is looking or heading this way.

The doors are three inches from closing when a large hand sticks itself into the opening.

The doors slide back open, and Maddox steps into the elevator.