I don’t go around breaking hearts. Even if it’s the right thing to do, it still doesn’t sit right with me.
I said yes to Corey when I shouldn’t have. But I can’t keep stringing him along. He doesn’t deserve that, even if he’s had a complete personality transplant.
I shove my phone in my drawer when it buzzes again and pull out the paperwork for my next meeting. A new project Leo has brought me on board for.
The client requested LEED Platinum certification, and since that’s my niche, I was the first name on the list.
So I lose myself in technical jargon about passive ventilation systems and modular construction. By the time I’m sketching initial concepts for Leo, another two hours have slipped past without me realizing.
I only notice because my back starts aching. I groan, stretch, and?—
“Ahh!” I yelp, practically levitating from my chair when a familiar face suddenly appears across from me.
“Corey. What are you doing here?” The hitch in my voice is clear as day, as I glance around the office to ensure no one is around.
He grins, stands tall, and walks around my desk, like he owns the place, towering over me as I sit motionless, still shocked to my core.
I take him all in. A three-piece suit, dark, slicked-back hair, and even darker eyes.
I feel nothing.
Nothing besides regret from what I know is coming.
“I wanted to surprise you. I missed you.” He holds out his arms, and I rise stiffly, giving him a quick hug.
He leans in slowly for a kiss, but I turn my face, offering my cheek instead. His furrowed brow speaks volumes.
“I’m at work, Corey. Sorry.” I look around again. “How did you get up here?”
“The security guard was easily bribed.” He smirks. “I couldn’t wait for the big surprise this weekend, so I figured, why not fly out now and hear it today?”
Oh god.
My stomach drops like I’ve been sucker punched from the inside.
Today.
He swipes my bangs off my face; he’s hated them since the day I cut them, even after I told him how much I love them.
Nate likes them.
A cough interrupts us, causing me to jump out of Corey’s arms, ignoring the scowl to swiftly pass over his face.
“Maddie.” Leo’s voice is like ice. “My office, five minutes.”
He turns to leave before I can speak, and now I’m nervous for more reasons than one.
This day is turning out just perfect.
I know I need to escort Corey out before a scene breaks out.
“Who was that pompous asshole?” Corey crosses his arms, and I sometimes wonder how I ever got sucked into his charm.
When we met at his father’s bank, he played the part well.
Charming, ambitious, attentive.
I genuinely thought he might be the one man capable of making me forget Nate.
