Chapter 177

Olivia

I stifled a yawn, staring at my computer screen while stretching my arms above my head. My back cracked in three distinct places as I twisted side to side. After hours of tweaking, our concept boards were polished to perfection.

“And we’re officially finished, I announced, saving the file one last time.

Dylan pumped his fist in the air. “Thank god. I was starting to forget what sunlight looks like.”

Ava closed her laptop with a dramatic thud. “If I had to adjust that logo placement one more time, I might have thrown myself out the window.”

“Top floor,” Marcus reminded her, gathering his sketches. “You’d definitely die. And then who would make our presentations look pretty?”

“Someone less talented and twice as expensive,” Ava replied, flashing a tired grin.

I checked the time on my phone, 9:37 PM. We’d been at it for nearly fourteen hours straight.

The team began gathering their belongings, moving with the slow, dazed movements of people who’d been staring at screens for too long.

“Anyone want to grab a drink?” Brandon suggested halfheartedly.

A chorus of groans answered him.****

“My bed is calling,” Ava declared. “And it’s saying very dirty things about how good it’ll feel to collapse into it.”

“TMI, Ava,” Marcus laughed, slinging his messenger bag over his shoulder.

by one, they said their goodbyes and filed out of the conference room until only Dylan remained, hovering

and help clean up?” he asked, clearly hoping I’d

You’ve done enough.” I waved him

washed over his face. “Thanks, Mrs.

breathe. The quiet felt good after hours of discussion and debate. I gathered the scattered printouts and coffee cups, tossing them into the

tidied, I collapsed back into my chair and pulled out my phone

Finally finished. Team just left.

reply came almost

Still

About to head

come get you. Don’t drive yourself when you’re this

fine to drive. I

Wait

the parking garage, perfectly capable of getting me home. But the thought of Alexander coming to pick me up sent a warm flutter through

See you

gathered my things and headed down to the lobby, waving goodnight to the security guard who looked as tired

Mrs. Carter?”

into one of the plush chairs in

boss making you work overtime?” he

yes. But I volunteered for

hit me with a refreshing chill that was far cooler than I had anticipated. I stood alone at the curb, taking a

nearby tree accompanied the distant hum of traffic, each car’s headlights slicing through the darkness in a

buzzed with a

tomorrow?

stepping in, and Alexander showing up

day after tomorrow

Her response came quickly.

fancy. Maybe that rooftop bar

Perfect. Just text me

did things end with Alexander last night? You

her not-so-subtle fishing for

tell you everything the

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