56. Maddox

FIFTY-SIX

My smile drops.

I read her words a second time.

Please give me your phone number.

How the fuck did we let that happen again?

I swallow and lift my gaze to hers.

Her lips are pressed together, and I can see the stress in her features.

I'm sure she felt this same crash of anxiety when she realized she didn't have it.

I don't waste a moment pulling out my phone and sending her a text.

I saved her information off her résumé but never shared my number back with her. Like a fucking idiot.

There's no answering notification or vibration, and Hannah doesn't move, so I'm guessing she left her phone in her office.

"You're correct." I strive for my usual business voice. "An oversight on my part. Good catch."

"Thank you." Her posture softens, then she reaches for the pen again.

And thank you for the coffee.

I take the pen from her hand and pull the folder closer so I can write back.

I accept hugs as payment.

Hannah bites her lip as she takes the pen back.

Put it on my tab.

Remembering how our last hug went, I'll definitely take her up on it.

I close the folder and slide it back over to her. "If you need anything more on this, I'll be out of the office tomorrow."

Disappointment crosses her features.

I don't want to make her sad, but I do like her reaction to knowing I won't be here.

"Appreciate the heads-up." She picks up the empty folder and steps back from my desk.

"Have a nice morning, Hannah."

"You too, Mr. Lovelace."

Unable to help myself, my eyes stay locked on Hannah's ass until every glorious inch of her is out of sight.