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His edgy drop-fade haircut is hot, hot, hot, I love how he leaves it long and textured on top. If he weren’t such a dick, he’d check off every physical characteristic category on my list. Good hair—check. Square jaw with ever-present stubble—check. Solid, buff physique—check. Strong, capable hands with tidy, clean nails—check. Manly cologne used sparingly—check, check, check.
Austin dresses well too. Casual, of course, but upgraded. He wears his shirts a tad too tight, which shows off his muscles. His jeans are designer and he has a thing for cool, funky boots that look custom made. I’ll give him credit where credit is due; the former geek has leveled up.
He’d be a five-star flirt alert if I were to use my old high school rating system.
Mainly because he’s successful too. Austin and Miles are the youngest billionaires in the region. They’re both well-respected and wickedly smart, but have entirely different leadership styles. Austin is serious where Miles is relaxed. Austin is all about numbers, data, and implementing corporate processes. Miles is passionate about creating and innovating. It’s a great partnership. It definitely is.
Oooh. Austin’s furrowing his brow at the caller. It’s a look I’m used to having directed at me. Is it weird that I’m beginning to find it kind of…sexy?
Oh. My. God. I wrench my gaze away.
No. No. No. No. No.
What am I doing? I am not getting a crush on Austin Andrews, a man who hates me and who I’m beginning to hate too.
My heart beats wildly. Not out of fear. It’s pure anticipation.
Crappity crap crap crap.
Why-oh—why does he have to be so infuriatingly attractive?
I furtively sneak a glance back over at Austin to find him staring at me like I’m the most exasperating person on the planet. He motions for me to come in so I push his door open and slip inside his office. Our eyes lock as I approach his desk. An unexpected burst of electricity ignites me to my core and almost makes me take a step backward.
Whoa.
Austin shudders like he feels it too then flicks his eyes to his monitor and snarks, “What do you need, Shay?”
Huh.
Maybe I was wrong about the zing. Probably for the best. It’s not like I’m going to hook up with my brother’s best friend. My boss. That would be a terrible idea.
Rolling my shoulders back, I stride closer, take a deep breath and try not to let his coldness derail me. “I need your sign off for the corporate retreat budget. I’ve mapped out a three-day schedule for you to review and approve.”
“Christ.” He barely glances up. “I don’t have time for this so let’s get it over with now. I can spare ten minutes, tops.”
Trying to exude confidence in his presence is challenging, but I give it my best effort. “I sent you the agenda in Slack, but I’ve also printed it out.” I hand him the schedule. “Miles told me it should be a mix of teambuilding, corporate planning, and fun. If you have any input, I’ll be happy to make adjustments.”
“Let me see.” He picks up the schedule and studies it while I chew nervously on my thumbnail.
Day 1:
6:00 am: Meet at Office to Board Buses.
8:00 am: Arrival, Check in & Welcome Breakfast (Traditional Buffet and Coffee Bar)
10:00 am: Welcome, State of the Union and Outline of the Retreat (Miles, Austin)
11:00 am: Team Icebreaker Activities (Shay)
12:30 pm: Lunch Break (Taco Bar)
2:00 pm: Overview of Upcoming Releases and Strategies (Each Department)
4:00 pm: Recreational Activities (Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing) or Free Time
7:00 pm: Group Dinner & Optional Karaoke (Salmon Bake)
Day 2:
