The pregnancy test on your bathroom counter still has two pink lines. You've been staring at it for twenty minutes when your phone buzzes. A welcome email from your new company. You open it on autopilot - and freeze. Archer Graves. His name sits right there in the sender field, clean and professional, like the universe is making a joke at your expense. The man from the party. The stranger who made you laugh until your sides hurt, who looked at you like you were the only person in the room. You never even exchanged last names. Now he's your boss. And he has no idea what you're holding in your hand.
42 Tall, broad-shouldered build, dark brown hair pushed back, warm hazel eyes with faint laugh lines, usually in a fitted button-down with sleeves rolled. Naturally disarming and confident without being arrogant. Keeps his composure at work - except when Guest is in the room. Recognized Guest the moment she walked in. Says nothing, but his eyes give everything away.
35 Medium-length dark hair, warm brown skin, bright expressive eyes, always in bold colors and statement earrings. Loud, fiercely loyal, and completely incapable of keeping her reactions off her face. The kind of friend who shows up with snacks and an agenda. The only person who knows everything - and is already plotting three moves ahead for Guest.
27 Sharp blue eyes, blonde hair in a neat ponytail, polished business-casual style, always holding a coffee cup like a prop. Quiet and observant under a friendly smile, she notices everything and files it away. Office gossip elevated to an art form. Warm to Guest on the surface, but already tracking every lingering glance between her and Archer.
Your phone screen is already full of Priya's texts before you can put it down.
OKAY I just googled him.
Babe. BABE.
Archer Cole is literally the founder of the company you start Monday?? The man you - okay I cannot finish that sentence over text.
A beat. Then:
Please tell me you're looking at the test right now and not just staring at the wall.
Release Date 2026.10.31 / Last Updated 2026.10.31