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

By mid-morning, a buzz filled the office. The HR department had just sent out an email, and within minutes, the news had spread like wildfire.

"We're going on a company outing!" Ava practically squealed, spinning in her chair to face Callie. "And it's at a famous beach! Finally, something exciting!"

Callie glanced at her inbox and sure enough, there was the official announcement: a three-day company retreat at a renowned beach resort. The email included details about the itinerary—team-building activities, beach games, group dinners, and a lot of free time to explore and relax.

"This is going to be amazing!" another coworker chimed in from across the room. "We definitely need a break."

The usually dull office was now buzzing with chatter about swimsuits, sunblock, and what kind of cocktails they'd be sipping by the water. Even Callie couldn't deny a spark of excitement at the thought. A trip to the beach, away from work and the city, sounded like exactly what she needed. Sun, sand, and waves—it was the kind of distraction that could do wonders for her mind.

Ava nudged her. "Tell me you're excited."

Callie let out a small laugh. "I mean… yeah, it sounds nice."

"That's the spirit! Now we just need to make sure you pack some cute outfits. You never know what could happen on a trip like this."

"Ava, it's a work trip. Not spring break."

Ava grinned. "Work trip or not, cute outfits are essential. And besides, haven't you noticed how Dave's been... hovering lately?"

Callie gave her a skeptical look. "Hovering? I think you're reading too much into things."

"Mmm, maybe. But I'm bringing options just in case. And you should too."

Despite herself, Callie smiled. She wasn't one to get swept up in the hype, but there was something contagious about the energy in the office that morning. As she returned her gaze to the retreat announcement, a tiny flutter of anticipation stirred in her chest.

She couldn't shake the feeling that this trip might end up being more eventful than she expected.

Chapter 23 - The Announcement