Rei8

At twenty-nine, Callie Morgan had everything she thought she wanted—a steady career, a devoted fiancé, and a perfectly planned future. She and Kyle had spent nearly a decade building their love story, with their upcoming wedding meant to be the grand finale. But just as she prepared to step into forever, an unexpected event shatters everything, leaving Callie to pick up the pieces of a future that no longer exists.

Desperate for a fresh start, she escapes to a quiet town, hoping to find clarity in a life far removed from the one she left behind. What she doesn’t expect is to cross paths with an arrogant, frustratingly handsome stranger who challenges her at every turn. Their undeniable chemistry is as maddening as it is electric—until she discovers the twist. The man who’s been getting under her skin? He’s her new boss.

Callie begins to question everything she once believed about love and happiness. Sometimes, the most unexpected detours lead exactly where we’re meant to be.

Will Callie find the courage to embrace the unknown, or will she cling to the familiar, even when it no longer fits?

My Stranger Boss

The restaurant buzzed with laughter and conversation as Callie sat with her colleagues, trying her best to blend into the background. The office had organized a welcome dinner for their new boss, and while everyone was either trying to make a good impression or indulging in office gossip, Callie remained quiet.

She wasn't in the mood for forced pleasantries, especially with Dave Howard seated just a few tables away, looking as unbothered as ever.

Ava nudged her. "You've been too quiet tonight. Are you really okay, or do I need to order you something stronger than soda?"

Callie managed a small smile. "I'm fine, just tired."

Before Ava could push further, a waiter approached their table, holding a massive bouquet of roses. Callie's stomach twisted as the bouquet was placed right in front of her. The room fell into a hushed murmur as everyone turned their attention to the scene unfolding.

"What's this?" Ava asked, eyes wide.

Another co-worker, Jake, reached for the attached card before Callie could stop him. With a mischievous grin, he cleared his throat and read it aloud.

A wave of cheers and teasing whistles erupted from their table, and Callie's face burned with embarrassment.

"Oh, Callie!" someone cooed. "Looks like your man isn't giving up!"

"Come on, at least hear him out!" another chimed in.

Callie clenched her jaw, forcing a tight smile. She grabbed the bouquet and placed it beside her chair, out of sight but not out of mind. The last thing she needed was Kyle pulling another stunt like this.

Just as she was about to get up and grab her plate from the buffet, a familiar deep voice cut through the noise.

Callie stiffened. She turned to find Dave Howard standing beside her, his gaze flicking from the bouquet to her unimpressed expression.

He tilted his head slightly, his voice calm but cutting. "A desperate ex sending flowers in a public display? It screams desperation. Or stupidity. Maybe both."

Callie's fingers curled into fists. "You don't know anything about my relationship."

He shrugged. "I don't need to. But if you're going to entertain this, at least pick someone with a little more dignity."

Her blood boiled. The audacity of this man.

"You are unbelievably rude," she said through gritted teeth.

He smirked, completely unbothered. "And you're unbelievably predictable."

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Callie seething in her chair.

For the second time that night, she had lost her appetite.

Chapter 14 - Unwanted Attention