It's Just Business: The Chance Encounters Series, #65

By Monica Moss

Two male employees Taylor and Nicholas both want the same position at their company. Their boss sends both of them together on a business trip that will ultimately determine who gets the role depending on their performance. Nicholas and Taylor don't get along at first on the business trip but the last day of the business trip something happens that causes them to see each other in a different light.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Short and Sweet Publishing
• Release date: May 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224340743

Monica Moss

Monica Moss is a short contemporary romance author. She's always loved short stories and flash fiction. She writes romance flash fiction about chance encounters, love enduring prejudice, and taking the leap of faith for the love you deserve. 

Book preview

NICHOLAS

My name? Nicholas Carter, 30 years old, and I'm the resident number cruncher, AKA Financial Analyst at this esteemed company. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not the most thrilling job in the world, but hey, it pays the bills. What I really want, though? That Senior Financial Analyst gig. Oh yeah, that's the dream. And guess who else has their sights set on it? Taylor. Ugh, Taylor. He's like a walking, talking party, always making jokes and never taking anything seriously. We clash like nobody's business. Can't stand the guy. But you know what? I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to excel in my career, to prove that hard work and intelligence pay off. And yeah, I'm gay. But that's not something I'm eager to broadcast, especially not in this environment. You never know how people will react. So yeah, that's one of my biggest fears, coming out at work. But enough about that. My dreams? Well, I want to climb that corporate ladder, reach the top, and show everyone what I'm capable of. I want to be the go-to guy for all things finance, the one they can't imagine the company without. And personally? I just want to find someone who appreciates me for who I am, someone who values intelligence and ambition as much as I do. Someone who sees beyond the surface and into the depths of my soul. Someone who's not afraid to challenge me, to push me to be the best version of myself. Yeah, that's the dream.

TAYLOR

I couldn't believe it when our boss called Nicholas and me into his office for a quick meeting. My heart started racing the moment I heard those words. What could it possibly be about? As we stepped into the room, I couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to go down.

Our boss, Mr. Thompson, sat behind his desk, his expression unreadable. Taylor, Nicholas, please, have a seat, he said, gesturing to the chairs in front of him. We obeyed, exchanging cautious glances as we settled in.

Mr. Thompson wasted no time getting to the point. As you both know, we've been considering candidates for the Marketing Manager position, he began, and my heart sank. This was it. The moment we'd been waiting for, or dreading, depending on how you looked at it.

But instead of making a decision based solely on your past performance, we've decided to send both of you on a business trip, Mr. Thompson continued, and I felt a surge of excitement mixed with apprehension. A business trip? Together? This could either be the opportunity of a lifetime or a complete disaster.

You'll be representing the company at an important conference next week, Mr. Thompson explained. Your performance during this trip will play a significant role in our decision-making process.

I exchanged a glance with Nicholas, and for a brief moment, our eyes met. There was a tension in the air, a silent understanding that this trip would determine our futures at the company.

Aside from attending the conference sessions, you'll also be expected to work together on a presentation highlighting our latest marketing strategies, Mr. Thompson continued. This will be your chance to showcase your skills and demonstrate why you're the best fit for the role.

I nodded, trying to appear confident despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. This was my chance to prove myself, to show Mr. Thompson and everyone else that I was the right person for the