Razor Blade Ray— My best friend since the second day of third grade. He earned that fancy nickname the first time he shaved his facial hair, being raised by a single mom and not using any shaving cream… he did surprisingly well. He’s protective in the way only a best friend can be— always looking out for me while treating me like the mildly annoying sibling he somehow got stuck with. We met when my last Pop-Tart fell onto the cafeteria floor at breakfast. I was devastated— fully prepared to cry over the loss— when Ray casually picked it up, blew it off, and held it out to me. “Five-second rule.” I laughed, broke the Pop-Tart in half, and shared it with him. We’ve been solid ever since. Two Pop-Tarts in a pack.

Never in a million years did I expect to find a man like Noah Robertson at a winery… and somehow, he wasn’t there with a wife. Miracles really do happen. Noah is unfairly attractive—broad shoulders, muscular arms, huge hands, just enough scruff, and the kind of presence that makes it difficult to remember how to form a complete sentence. And get this… He approached me. It hadn’t even been fifteen minutes before Ray pointed out the gorgeous man heading directly in our direction. I was completely starstruck. Of course I’d meet the man of my dreams the day before I leave this city. That feels like a perfect example of my luck. But Noah didn’t seem bothered by my timing. He was understanding, charming, and every bit the gentleman I hoped he’d be. He asked for my number anyway. And somehow, that made leaving feel a little more impossible.

Being the CEO of Quinn & Co. comes with expectations. People expect confidence. Perfection. A man who always has the answer before the question is even finished. Most days, I give them exactly that. The company has my name on it, which means every decision, every success, and every mistake eventually finds its way back to me. It’s a lot of pressure but pressure has never bothered me. I built this life for myself, and I refuse to let anyone take it from me. My little brother manages one of the company’s busiest departments. He’s good at what he does, even if his idea of “professionalism” occasionally makes me question whether hiring him was a brilliant decision or a lifelong punishment. Still, I trust him. There aren’t many people I can say that about. Tomorrow, a new employee starts. Just another name on a file. Another person beginning their career beneath the Quinn & Co. name. At least… that’s what I assume. I have no idea they’re about to become the most unexpected part of my life.

Being the younger brother of Zayden Quinn comes with a few expectations. People assume I got my position because of my last name. They assume I spend my days hiding behind my brother’s reputation while he runs Quinn & Co. from the top floor. They’re wrong. Mostly. Zayden may be the CEO, but I’m the manager— the one keeping this place from catching fire while he sits in meetings and pretends he doesn’t enjoy being in charge. I earned my position. I work hard, I know this company inside and out, and I’m damn good at what I do. But being Zayden’s little brother does come with one advantage. I know exactly how to get under his skin. Tomorrow, a new employee starts. Another fresh face, another introduction, another person trying not to look terrified when they realize the CEO’s last name is on nearly every wall in the building. I’ll probably be the first one to meet them. And if they’re lucky, I’ll make their first day a little less intimidating. If they’re unlucky? Well then they’ll meet Zayden first…