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 night air was crisp, a stark contrast to the heated atmosphere inside the bar. Callie took a deep breath as she and Blake walked along the sidewalk, away from the noise and flashing lights. The city had a way of humming even in the quiet, but in that moment, it felt like they had stepped into a bubble of nostalgia.

"I still can't believe it's you," Blake said, his voice laced with genuine surprise. "How long has it been?"

"Years," Callie said softly. "Too many."

He let out a low chuckle. "And yet, you look exactly the same. Well, maybe even better."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the small smile that tugged at her lips. Blake had always been effortlessly charming, and it seemed that hadn't changed.

"So, what have you been up to?" she asked.

Blake shrugged. "The usual. Work, travel, pretending to have my life together. You?"

Callie hesitated for a moment before responding, "Work mostly. Moved back to the city after... everything."

Blake studied her carefully, sensing the shift in her tone. Callie took a deep breath, deciding she might as well say it.

"Kyle cheated on me," she admitted, the words falling from her lips with surprising ease. "And I guess, after that, everything just... fell apart."

Blake's jaw tightened slightly, but his voice remained gentle. "I'm sorry, Cal. You didn't deserve that."

Something about the way he said it—soft but firm, like he truly meant it—made her throat tighten.

"Thanks," she murmured, looking away. "But I guess it's all part of life, right? Lessons learned."

Blake nodded, his expression unreadable for a moment. "If you ever want to talk about it... or anything, really, I'm around."

She looked at him then, the warmth in his eyes something familiar, something safe.

"I appreciate that," she said sincerely.

They continued walking in comfortable silence, memories of the past filling the gaps between their words. It was strange how easily they had slipped back into their rhythm, as if no time had passed at all.

When they reached the parking lot, Blake gestured to his car. "Come on, let me drive you home."

Callie hesitated. "You don't have to. I can just—"

"Callie," he cut her off with a knowing smirk. "Let me be a gentleman for once."

She sighed but relented, climbing into the passenger seat. The ride was filled with easy conversation, the kind that made her forget, even if just for a little while, about everything that had weighed her down these past few months.

As they pulled up in front of her apartment, Blake shifted in his seat, turning to her. "Well, this is where I leave you. For now."

"Yeah." He pulled out his phone and handed it to her. "Give me your number. Let's not lose touch again."

She hesitated only for a second before taking his phone and typing in her number.

"There. But no drunk calls at 2 AM, okay?" she teased.

Blake laughed. "I make no promises."

She shook her head, smiling despite herself.

"Goodnight, Callie," he said, lingering for just a second before she stepped out of the car.

As she watched him drive away, a strange sense of comfort settled over her. Tonight had been unexpected, but maybe, just maybe, it was exactly what she needed.

Chapter 21 - Familiar Comfort