Page 14 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

They all turn to look at me. Some look surprised while others look interested. Dylan’s eyes narrow, but I can see a glimmer of curiosity in them.

“It’s an interesting idea, Jocelyn,” he says slowly. “But how would we go about finding that information?”

“That’s where our resources come in,” I reply, growing more excited by the moment. “We can look at what’s popular on streaming services right now and see what types of content are trending on social media. If we can identify what our target audience is interested in, we can create content that speaks to them.”

The team falls into deep discussion, and I watch as they bounce ideas off each other. It’s thrilling to see my suggestion being taken seriously, and I feel a sense of pride in my contribution to the team. And, for the first time since I started working here, I feel like I can make a real impact on the company.

About an hour later, the meeting concludes. As the Prism Advertising team is preparing to take their departure, Dylan suddenly announces to the room, “By the way, I’ve got to go to Fiji next week to meet with a potential new investor. I expect to see a revised campaign when I get back.”

My eyes dart back and forth between Dylan and the advertising team. They look absolutely terrified at the prospect of not having anything better to present upon his return. My first idea went over well so I decide to take another shot.

“Mr. Chase, I’ve heard there’s a popular streaming show that’s filmed in Fiji. While you’re there, maybe you could visit the set and meet the show’s producers and actors to gain insight into how they connect with their audience.”

“Great idea, Jocelyn. You can come with me and handle that aspect. I’ll be too busy wooing my investor.”

The advertising team collectively lets out a sigh of relief as they sense the gravity of the situation shifting to my shoulders. They quickly say their goodbyes and depart. Parker escorts them out of the building, leaving me alone with Dylan.

He turns to me with a furrowed brow. “We’re going to have to get this marketing campaign right, Jocelyn. There’s too much riding on a successful launch,” he says as he steps closer to me so we’re mere inches apart.

Am I crazy or is he about to kiss me? Given the circumstances of our first meeting, I hadn’t thought much about how drop-dead sexy he is. But now, after observing him in action, watching him take control of the situation, and exuding power, I’m seeing him in a new light. In my mind, I picture him in the light of the morning sun. I envision him waking up naked and next to me in bed after a night of intense sex…

I feel the moisture in my panties. Just as I start to lean into him, he brushes past me on his way out the door.

“Jocelyn, get the trip itinerary from Clare and make the arrangements to visit the set of that show. And make sure you pack clothes for all types of social occasions,” he remarks.

Obviously, I read the situation wrong. Thank God, I didn’t make a move on him. I make my way around the boardroom and clean up the detritus from the meeting before heading back to my office to pack up for the day.

The next morning, I arrive bright and early. I immediately get to work and contact the production company to make arrangements for us to visit the streaming show.

I’m just getting off the phone, having secured a meeting with the producers and actors on the set, when Clare walks in with a pile of papers. “Here’s your travel itinerary for your trip to Fiji.” She sneers as she tosses the papers on my desk. “I hope you’re ready for a week of luxury.”

I pick up the itinerary and begin to scan through it. My eyes widen at the mention of the private jet and 5-star resort. As I continue reading, I see that there are multiple social events scheduled with the investor, including a yacht party and a gala dinner.

Clare seems to be enjoying my surprise, and I can see a flash of bitterness in her eyes. “I hope you know what you’re in for,” she says snidely. “Those investors can be a demanding bunch.”

I bristle at her tone, but I refuse to let her get to me. “I’m ready for the challenge, Clare,” I say firmly. “And I’m looking forward to the opportunity to learn and grow in my role.”

Clare rolls her eyes and turns to leave the room. “Just don’t embarrass us,” she says over her shoulder.

The rest of the week passed by without further incident. I spent my time pitching in where I could, getting to know the staff and the inner workings of the business. Dylan was definitely a demanding boss and now on Friday night, I’m ready for a break. I decide to stop by the wine bar for a well-deserved glass before I head home to pack for Fiji.

I walk in, head for my usual spot at the bar, and greet the owner as I take my seat. “Hey, Roxanne. How’s it going?”

“Oh, you know, just getting ready for the Friday night crowd. You want a glass of your usual Cabernet?”

“That’d be great… actually, no. I’m celebrating my first week at a new job tonight. I’ll have a glass of Champagne.”

“Coming right up.”

As Roxanne goes to get my wine, I notice my phone buzzing in my purse. I take it out and check the screen. It’s a text from Mark. He wants to know how the new job is going. I reply, letting him know it’s going well and that I’ll be on a business trip the following week. I decide not to fill him in on the finer details, like the private jet or how I’ve grown increasingly attracted to my boss. Mark can be overprotective, and I’m in too good of a mood to listen to another one of his lectures.

Roxanne drops off my glass and moves away to help another customer. I’m making small talk with the couple sitting next to me, when the door opens and in walks none other than my boss, Dylan.

I’m about to get seriously annoyed that he’s apparently tracked me down to my favorite hangout, ostensibly with some work emergency. Then it occurs to me that I first ran into him, literally, just outside of this bar. I realize that even though I’ve never seen him here, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t come often.

I return to my drink and conversation, opting to wait and see if he will approach me.

Chapter 7

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