Love, Utley (Love Letters #1)

“Why are you asking? Did Maddox do something stupid?”

Hannah’s laugh is more natural this time. “No, it’s, well, I got fired today.”

My eyes widen. “Maddox fired you?”

Her scoff is instant. “No. And he’s going to lose his shit when he finds out. But I can’t have him just rehire me.”

I shake my head even as she says it. “Yeah, best intentions and all that.”

“Exactly.” There’s a pause. “Maybe it’s dumb of me to reach out to you for those same reasons. If the spot is even still open, people might assume I got it because I’m dating your friend. Even though, I have to add, I’m more than qualified.”

It’s my turn to laugh. “I know you are. I was gonna call you in for an interview before I realized who you were.”

“You were?”

“Yup.” I tap my fingers on the desk. “But then I called Maddox, and he told me I couldn’t hire you. But that was when he was still—” I cut myself off, not sure how much I should say. “But if you’re no longer working for him…”

“Considering I just got escorted out of the building, I think it’s safe to say I no longer work at MinneSolar.” I can hear her smile. “So… is the position still open?”

I grin. “The position is still open.”

ONE HUNDRED TWELVE

MADDOX

Standing on the parking ramp below the office, I check my phone again as I wait for the elevator.

Hannah replied to my good-morning text when I first got up, but I sent another one before I left the house asking if she’d like to sneak away for lunch today since it’s been almost a week since we’ve seen each other. And now it’s been— I tap my screen again— twenty-eight minutes, and she hasn’t replied.

The elevator dings, and as soon as the doors slide open, I step in.

This week away has solidified my plan.

I need Hannah closer.

My life isn’t completely chaotic, but MinneSolar isn’t the only company I own, and it’s hardly my only investment. Add on appearances and brand deals, and I’m busier than I really want to be. Which means I travel. Which means I’m not at home every night. Which means the nights I am at home, I don’t want to be alone.

I check my phone again.

Nothing.

Even worse than the now thirty minutes is the fact that Hannah wouldn’t let me come over last night.

Sure, it was late on a Sunday night when my flight landed, but all I needed was a hug. Maybe to hold her while she slept. But no. She told me she’d “see me tomorrow.” Well, it’s tomorrow, and the first thing I’m going to do is see my Hannah.

The elevator finally stops on my floor, and I step out.

Maybe I should go to my office first or try to run into Hannah in the break room, but I can’t wait that long.

Her office door is pretty much always open. I’ll walk past and happen to see her at her desk. I’ll even stay in the doorway so it’s not inappropriate. And then I’ll change the company policy and write a fucking press release letting everyone know she’s mine.

My steps slow as I near her door.

Her closed door.

I slow even more.

There’s no way I beat her here.