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 first day of the company outing arrived with clear blue skies and the sound of waves crashing gently against the shore. Callie stepped out of her room, her sundress flowing around her legs as she made her way to the main beach area where everyone was gathering.

She could already hear the excitement in the air—laughter, chatter, and the occasional splash of water as some of her colleagues wasted no time diving into the ocean. Ava had convinced her to wear something "extra special" for the trip, and Callie had complied, slipping into a bikini that was just revealing enough to make heads turn.

She felt the weight of several gazes on her as she walked down the sand, her confidence wavering slightly. Some of the guys from the office stole obvious glances, while others attempted to be more discreet—unsuccessfully. Callie did her best to ignore them, reminding herself it was just a swimsuit. It was the beach, after all.

Still, a slight unease crept over her. She wasn't used to being the center of attention like this. Back at the office, she blended in—just another hard-working employee in professional attire. But here, under the sun, everything felt different. Exposed.

Dave Howard stood near the lounge chairs, his broad shoulders and defined chest on full display in a fitted navy blue swim shirt. Paired with his dark swim trunks and the ever-present serious expression, he looked both effortlessly casual and infuriatingly attractive. His arms were crossed as he talked to another manager, but the moment Callie stepped closer, she caught his gaze flickering toward her.

It was barely a second—a brief, unreadable look—but it sent a strange shiver down her spine.

Ava, catching on, leaned in and whispered, "Oh, he definitely noticed. And so did every other guy here."

Callie scoffed. "You're exaggerating."

"Am I?" Ava arched a brow. "Just watch."

Callie refused to entertain the thought and walked toward the group setting up for volleyball. But as she moved, she couldn't shake the sensation of someone still watching her. When she turned slightly, her suspicions were confirmed.

Dave's gaze was still locked on her. His jaw was clenched, his expression unreadable. And yet, it felt different from the others.

Chapter 24 - Heat and Tension