Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
West Hayes is looking for a moment to himself, one where he can reflect on the direction his life is going. He might be the leader of the company and on a work retreat, but out here in the woods, he’s searching for answers. Finding a woman stuck in a tree wasn’t part of the weekend’s activities, but after one look into her eyes, falling in love is all he wants to do
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Chapter One
BELLAROSE
“Okay, Bellarose. This is going to be a fresh new start,” I tell myself. “These new people won’t have a clue who I am. There are four branches coming together, which means most of these people don’t know about the time I cried in the supply closet.” I nod at my reflection in the car window before pushing my glasses up my nose. “You’ve got this.”
The driver glances at me in the rearview mirror. His eyebrows go up his forehead like he’s worried and thinking maybe he should call someone. I can’t be the only person who talks to themselves. We can all use a pep talk from time to time. Not wanting him to think I’m crazy, I give him my best sunshine smile.
“Thanks for the lift, Carl. Hope you get some good tips today!”
He mumbles something that sounds like “lay off the coffee” as he pulls to a stop and I hop out.
Oh my goodness. I let out a small gasp when I get a better view of the place. This is where I’ll be staying for the next few days as part of our company retreat.
Neither the website nor their social media did this place justice. The honey-colored lodge is perched above a glassy lake. There are fairy lights already strung along the porch railings even though it’s barely four in the afternoon. There are trees everywhere and mountains rising up behind them like they’re posing for a postcard. The air smells like pine needles, sunshine, and possibility.
Reaching up, I adjust my white furry kitten ears. They are the kind with small pink satin bows. I figured since this is a pet supply company retreat, they are totally appropriate. I’ve been dying to wear them, along with a few others I packed. There may even be a tail if I’m feeling up for it.
I head into the main lodge to get checked in. I can’t wait to see which of the little cabins I get, but I’ll sleep anywhere. I’m just happy I was one of the handful of people from my branch selected to come.
“Welcome to the Pawfect Retreat,” the man behind the front desk says. He’s got deep dimples and a name tag that reads Liam.
His eyes do this usual thing where they travel over my pastel rainbow hair, only this time I’ve got the ears to go with it. He takes another moment to glance at my dress that has little kittens on it. When they bounce back up to meet my gaze, I shrug. What can I say? My dress is adorable, even if I made it myself. Although I’m not going to tell him because I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging.
“Hi,” I chirp. “I’m Bellarose Fontaine. I’m from the Midwest branch.”
I have no idea if we’re supposed to group up or something. This is my first-ever company retreat. It’s all new to me, which is exciting and maybe a tad scary, but I’m not going to let that hold me back.
“Fontaine,” he says, his smile growing. “Fancy.” He clicks away on his computer. “Found you, cabin eight.”
“That’s my lucky number!” That’s a good sign. See, this is already starting off on the right foot.
“Mine too.” He motions to my bag, and before I have a chance to protest, he’s coming around the counter and snagging it from me. “I’ll walk you to your cabin. If you ask me, yours has the best view on the property.”
“You don’t have to show me if you’re busy.” I hate being an inconvenience to people.
“I’ve always got time for a pretty girl,” he says and then winks at me. “I insist.”
“Okay,” I agree, letting him lead the way.
“So what is it you do for Nibbles?”
“I work in the graphics department.” I’m the one that gets to come up with cute pictures for the websites and advertising.
“Graphics. That explains it.”
I swallow, not sure what he means by that, and typically that’s never good.
“Explains what?”
He glances over at me, and there’s something in his smile I don’t quite get.
“Your aesthetic. The whole vibe. You look like you belong on our packaging. In a good way,” he adds quickly. “Like if they had a ‘joy’ flavor, you’d be the mascot.”
I laugh, because that’s kind of sweet. It’s a nice thing to say, which I wasn’t expecting. I hate that I assumed the worst.
“Thanks. I just figure we’re in the business of making pets happy, so...” I gesture vaguely at my whole self. “Why not lean into it?” I love to throw myself into things headfirst.
“Why not indeed.” He gives me another one of those winks as we stop at a small cabin.
It has a bright blue door and a porch swing. I can already see myself reading on it if I have the time. I’m not sure what we’ll be doing.