Chapter 1 First Encounters

• In the bustling cafeteria of Thorne International, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sounds of clattering trays and lively chatter. It was the kind of atmosphere where new friendships could blossom with ease, and for Briar Hollis, this day felt particularly significant. She sat across from a striking woman with a curvy figure and shiny brunette hair, who immediately brightened the mood.
• "Hi, there!" the woman exclaimed, flashing a warm smile. "I'm Sarah Tate. Welcome to Thorne International - you're the new records secretary, right?"
• Briar nodded, a bit apprehensive but eager to make a good impression. "I'm actually a temp. They hired me to fill in while Linda's on maternity leave."
• "Ah, well, you've already made quite an impression," Sarah said, leaning in conspiratorially. "All the receptionists love you because you're so nice, but the executive secretaries... well, let's just say they're not your biggest fans. It's hard to compete with someone as gorgeous as you."
• A warm blush crept up Briar's cheeks. She self-consciously tucked a loose strand of her wavy red hair behind her ear. "Thanks, but it really isn't anything special. I style it myself."
• Sarah sighed dramatically. "Okay, now I hate you. Unless you give me your cake, then all will be forgiven," she joked, pointing at the delicious dessert Briar had brought with her.
• As they laughed together, Briar felt a sense of ease wash over her. It was nice to connect with someone, especially in this bustling environment where the weight of her surroundings sometimes felt overwhelming. However, her attention quickly drifted to the upper level atrium, where her gaze fixated on a tall, fair-haired man dressed in a beautifully tailored black suit.
• There he was-Damien Thorne, the CEO of Thorne International. She had seen his portrait hanging in the lobby since her first day, and with each passing glance, she found herself more mesmerized by his striking features. His sun-streaked blonde hair, chiseled jawline, and those piercing dark brown eyes that seemed to have a magnetic pull on her.
• If only, Briar thought wistfully, admiring the way his broad shoulders filled out his suit. He doesn't even know I exist.
• "You look a little lost," Sarah observed, pulling Briar back from her daydream. "You're not having trouble with the job, are you?"
• "Oh, no," Briar replied quickly, shaking her head. "I am having an issue with calls for other departments coming in on her phone line. I guess Maintenance is working on it." Then, her curiosity got the best of her. "Who's that woman up there with Mr. Thorne?"
• Sarah turned and smirked knowingly. "That's Nora Bonner. She's Mr. Thorne's personal assistant," she explained, lowering her voice slightly as if sharing a secret. "Her dad, Beau Bonner, is the king of used cars. I think she took this job for the money, but there are rumors that she's angling for wedding bells-literal wedding bells with little thorns on them."
• Briar felt a tiny twist in her heart at Sarah's words. "Really?" she tried to sound disinterested, but anxiety bubbled beneath her surface. "Are they involved?"
• "Nope," Sarah replied, rolling her eyes. "But Nora should have done her research better. Everyone knows the boss never dates anyone in the company. No one really knows who he's dating, but gossip says he enjoys the company of multiple women."
• Briar frowned, trying to push away her thoughts about Damien. "Have you met him yet?" she asked, attempting to sound casual.
• Sarah shook her head, a mischievous smile dancing across her lips. "Not yet, but you never know! He might just show up at your desk one day. For a billionaire CEO, Mr. Thorne is surprisingly hands-on. The problem is, he won't put his hands on any of the help," she added with a wry grin.
• "Right..." Briar murmured, feeling slightly deflated. She wished she could shake off her unrealistic hopes and fantasies about Damien Thorne. "By the way, have you heard if he's seeing anyone?"
• "Well, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it?" Sarah stated playfully. "But no, I haven't heard. The guys in Accounting would love to know if you're seeing anyone, though."
• Briar chuckled nervously. "I'm actually taking a break from dating for a while," she confessed, feeling slightly embarrassed. She couldn't bring herself to admit that it was all due to her overwhelming crush on the CEO himself.
• Sarah gave her a playful nudge. "Taking a break, huh? Or maybe you're just waiting for a charming billionaire to sweep you off your feet?"
• Briar rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips at Sarah's teasing. "I think I prefer a little less drama right now."
• As the two women continued to chat and share laughter, Briar felt a growing anticipation. It was a new job, a new environment, and already she felt something stirring within her. She couldn't shake the feeling that this place was going to bring unexpected twists and turns, both professionally and personally.
• Seizing the moment, she decided to focus on making the best of her temporary role. After all, it was a chance to step out of her comfort zone, not just at work but in her life as well. And who knew what other surprises Thorne International had in store for her?