Page 11 of Her Billionaire Bossholes

"That's no fun," Jackson chimes in. "You're going to be on the job around the clock."

I nod, trying to steady my racing heart as I take my place at the table.

"Before we get started," continues Jackson, his eyes glinting with a mischievous light, "I think it's important that we all get to know each other a little better."

No. No, no, no. Business only, Charlie.

"Actually, I'd like to jump right in."

His energy changes, drooping to a pout. "All right then, if you insist."

I clear my throat, opening my notebook and flipping to a fresh page. "So, as we were discussing earlier, I've been reviewing the anticipated risks and threats related to our respective sections and operations." I glance around the table, meeting each of their eyes in turn. "I've identified a few additional areas of concern."

I launch into my report, detailing my findings and suggestions for mitigation strategies. Leo and Jackson listen intently, interjecting with questions and offering their own insights. Caleb is silent throughout the proceedings, but I can feel his eyes on me, analyzing my every word.

As the meeting progresses, I slip into a sense of comfort. These are the topics I know that I know best--better than anyone in this room. This is my safe place.

But every so often, I feel their eyes on me, burning into my skin once again. It's as if all three of them are daring me to look up, to engage with them in some way that goes beyond professional courtesy.

These very handsome, very eligible, billionaire bachelors are going to make it very hard to focus.

11

CALEB

"Sir?" Charlie's deep voice calls to me from the hallway. "Mr. Carter?"

Running my fingers through my hair one last time, I stride toward the door and pull it open. Charlie waits on the other side, dressed in an all black outfit that clings to every curve of her body.

"Good morning," I smile.

She nods. "Good morning, sir. Are you ready to go?"

All business, then.

"Ready." I motion for her to follow me, filling her in on the nature of our trip. "We're taking a trip to a nearby facility to observe a demonstration of new agricultural techniques."

Striding confidently beside me, she nods again. "What are their security measures?"

I arch my brow, slightly amused. "I don't know, Charlie. I'm more interested in the agriculture."

She pouts momentarily, then whips out a tablet and asks, "What's the name of the facility?"

Oh, boy, I think to myself, grinning. She's really going to take this thing seriously. I mean, good. That's good--why shouldn't she? Why wouldn't I want her to?

"It's the North Star Research Facility," I answer offhandedly.

We reach the research facility after a short drive, but before we even enter I can tell that Charlie is already studying each detail intently; noting guard placements, angles on the building structure - all while her eyes dart about inquisitively like an anxious child searching for something new to explore.

"Mr. Carter! Oh, Mr. Carter!" A man races forward, eyes bright with excitement.

Charlie is immediately on alert, taking a step close enough to me that I get a whiff of her perfume. Hell, she even smells delicious.

"We're so happy to have you here!" The man gushes, his hand tight around mine.

"It's a pleasure," I say, withdrawing my hand carefully. "This is my personal bodyguard, she'll be accompanying me."

Charlie stands straighter, holding out her hand in a firm shake while the man looks at her appreciatively.

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