Hey everyone!! Hope you're having a good morning 💗
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I was glad to see that on our way out of the office, we didn't run into either Cole or Tawnee, though we received some concerned stares from employees.

I felt mortified over the entire ordeal.

Hero, on the other hand, made jokes about the matter, commenting about how sex in an elevator would go down.

Sex, in an elevator? Did other people even do that?

He had granted my wishes, taking me to the nearest deli, buying me a pesto sandwich. One of my favorites.

He ended up getting a simple barbecue rib.

We sat down at the picnic tables, discussing real-life matters I hadn't expected Hero to bring up.

"I know I don't have much in the way of a job," he began, "but I don't intend on returning to the frat."

"Why?" I asked, taking another bite. "Isn't that your life? You joined to fit in."

Hero dropped his sandwich, staring at me seriously.

"Kristina, I don't need to fit in anymore. I don't want to involve myself with any of those people anymore. They hurt you and are fucking toxic."

I stared down at the concrete table.

"What about your college classes?"

"I don't need them," Hero replied, "I mean, I haven't needed them for a while. I never really went to much of my classes anyway."

"Yeah," I agreed, "I never really saw you in English much after that first time..."

Hero laughed.

"Baby, that wasn't a class I ever wanted to attend. Unfortunately for me, it was what you were taking at the time."

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Hero sighed. "Are you really going to make me spell it out for you? I knew you were taking the class and purposely joined it last minute."

I smiled. "You did that... to see me?"

"I've told you before," Hero replied, "I can't be away from you."

I suddenly remembered something vital.

"Where are you getting all this money for the apartment? I mean, you can only have so much in savings."

Hero groaned. "If you have to know, my mom gives me as much as I want."

After hearing this, a certain thought nagged at the back of my brain.

Are you sure it isn't Diedre that gives you all this money?

I didn't bother arguing over this matter. Charlie and Elouise always gave me money without a second thought. How could I judge him for it?

"Now that I think about it," he went on, "She's been more insistent about giving me money more than usual. She practically forces me to take it."

I huffed. "I just don't want to feel like I'm taking your family's money."

Hero immediately took my chin in his hand.

"Our money. It's our money. Come on. We should get you back to work."

Once Hero had returned me to the enterprise, we had a sensual departure. Our lips seemed to be connected for the longest time. I was clung around him, as he anchored me against his body.

He reluctantly pulled away, his hands still cradling my face.

"You're not going anywhere, right?"

"What do you mean?" I giggled. "I'm just going to work."

Hero stared at me longingly, causing me to lose my breath.

"I'm serious, Kristina. I know I don't show it, but when you left, it fucked me up. It forced me to take a step back and reevaluate everything. No girl in the world can compare when it comes to you. I'd rather die than be without you."

I knelt up on my feet, kissing his cheek.

"I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

"Good," Hero grinned, "I'll see you later."

I stared as he made his way down the street.

As the day went on, I was able to sift through documents faster than ever. There were a few distressed calls that came through my phone, because of suspected fraud, though they had mistaken me for reception.

I dealt with it better than I would have thought.

There were also quite a bit of meetings towards the end of my shift that I had to sit through, taking notes and handling lunch runs.

A lot of directors seemed intimidating, watching my every move, as if ready to fire me on the spot.

Then again, there was a good chance I was overthinking things again.

Throughout the day, Cole found every excuse possible to walk by my office. He was like some smitten schoolboy, following me around. I didn't know whether to be creeped out or flattered.

Brendan must have noticed because he popped in my office as Cole did another round.

"Girl, are you seeing Cole in secret? I really don't mind."

I instantly flushed. "What- no! Of course not. I'm..."

Brendan raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? I've seen him pass by at least twenty times."

I slammed down a textbook. "No, I am not seeing him. I'm back together with Hero."

Brendan's eyes widened. "Oh, is that why I saw him come in here for an- oh girl... did you... Oh, you didn't..."

I smoothed a hand over my hair self-consciously.

"What?"

He closed the door, stepping inside.

"Were you two fooling around in here?"

My heart skipped a beat. There was no way he could have known.

"Who do you think I am?" I scoffed. "I would never do something so scandalous."

Brendan snorted. "Whatever you want to call it, you both have guts. Oh, by the way, when are you and your friend going to be ready for a girl's night?"

I rubbed my forehead. "Oh, Josephine. Yes, she should be returning from Tahiti any day now. She was excited when I told her about it so we'll get something together when she lands."

Brendan did a thumbs up as his phone rang.

"Crap- got to go!"

A few moments after he disappeared, Cole materialized, entering reluctantly.

"Kristina, just making sure everything is going accordingly. I understand that you had a dispute with a customer earlier."

I sucked in a deep breath. "Yeah, I only had to transfer them to reception. It wasn't a big deal."

"Good," He replied, straightening his tie, "I actually wanted to offer you a ride home. If you need one of course."

I offered a friendly smile. "I'm sorry. My boyfriend is picking me up."

I expected Cole to look hurt by this, but he seemed fairly calm.

"Sweet... cool..."

He then exited without another word.

The last thirty minutes passed in a blur. Soon enough, co-workers began piling out of the building, shutting off the utilities, making it eerie and dark.

As I spent time making sure my office was clean enough for tomorrow, Brendan popped in, announcing he was headed out.

When I finally finished, I texted Hero letting him know I was off. He'd responded saying that he would be running late, but as ten minutes had passed, I had begun to imagine the worst.

I needed sleep, though it wasn't that late.

Cole rapped on my door, looking at me lounging around.

"Planning on spending the night?"

I sat up, realizing I'd been drooling on my hand.

"No. My ride's running late..."

"Are you sure you don't need that ride?"

I sighed, knowing that I couldn't wait any longer.

"Sure, why not?"

I stared down at my phone screen the entire way to the double doors.

I need to put it to a vote ✍

Elevator scene? 🤔

Or nah 💩