EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT: Not Today, Cupid by Jennifer Bonds

We’re already head over heels for CEO Nick Hart, corporate badass, and we know you will be too when Not Today, Cupid by Jennifer Bonds releases May 8, 2023!

For now, enjoy this exclusive excerpt while you wait for the release:

“Triada is a great company.” If I didn’t believe that, I would’ve sold out long ago. Sure, things have changed in the last eight years, and maybe we don’t know every employee by name, but how could we? We’re running a multibillion-dollar organization. Surely Miles understands that fact.

He’s the head of HR for chrissake.

He levels his gaze at me, and it’s all challenge. “Prove it.”

I straighten, burger forgotten. “How?”

“Implement the next idea from the suggestion box.”

Fuck. He’s serious. “And what exactly will that prove?”

“It’ll prove that we’re serious about the suggestion box, that it’s not just lip service for a bunch of rigid executives who have no intention of listening to their employees.”

“He’s right,” Beck says. “If we shoot down all the suggestions, people will stop making them.”

Despite their use of the word we, it’s clear they mean you. Like it’s my fault these recommendations belong in a landfill.

“We’re on the cusp of a major economic and cultural shift with the Epos launch. If we want to get to the next level—to become a powerhouse international brand—we can’t afford bad press.” Miles pauses, and memories of the media frenzy that followed my split with Ashley flash through my mind like a bad movie montage. “Especially the kind that comes from overworked, overstressed, over-it-entirely employees.”

I sigh and rake a hand through my hair. “What do you think?” I ask, directing the question to Beck.

We’re in this together, after all.

“People are stressed.” He shrugs, like he’s so accustomed to working under pressure that it’s a non-issue for him. “Maybe it helps. Maybe it doesn’t. But it certainly can’t hurt.”

Clearly his imagination is stymied by his research, because I can think of a thousand ways this could go sideways.

“Think of it as a show of good faith,” Miles urges, “to prove that we’re here and we’re listening.”

The urge to argue rises—because anyone who thinks otherwise hasn’t been paying attention—but I tamp it down. Human resources is Miles’s wheelhouse. If he says implementing one of these suggestions will help improve morale, I believe him.

“Fine. It can’t be any worse than the request to put free condoms in the men’s restrooms.”

Some asshole actually said it was only fair, since the women’s restrooms were stocked with feminine hygiene products.

“That’s the spirit.” Beck chuckles. “I’ve gotta admit, I’m dying to know what you just signed up for.”

“That makes two of us.” I shove my burger aside. There’s no way I can eat it now. Not with the prospect of some half-baked project hanging over my head like a guillotine.

Miles smirks. “Drumroll, please.”

I give him the finger, but Beck indulges him, tapping the edge of the table.

“Anonymous says we need a—oh, this is too perfect.” Miles howls as Beck and I stare at him, waiting for the punchline. “A—” He chokes on his laughter and has to take a drink of water before continuing. “A Valentine’s social!”

Notes from Triada Investment Meeting: As compiled by Scarlett Evans—executive assistant, grad student, and reluctant admirer of CEO Nick Hart’s snacktastic abs

Well, my fellow corporate drones, it’s another less-than-exciting investor meeting with the executives (Loud Talker, Human Buzzword, Master Delegator). And at the front, CEO Nick Hart, the world’s coldest—and ok, unbelievably sexy—tech badass. The man hasn’t smiled in the history of ever, he runs a tight ship filled with miserable employees, and gosh, he just really does not love feedback. Especially from me.

Development updates, acquisition delays, and…holy hell, why does he keep looking at me? I don’t work for him. I work for his brother. Which is good, because otherwise I’d spend every meeting secretly wondering what actually lies beneath that cool, aloof demeanor. Like, is he an uptight geek in the boardroom…and a sexy-assed freak in the bedroom? He’d better not find out I’m the one stuffing the company suggestion box. What’s so wrong with a Valentine’s Day Social, anyway?

But the fact that my notes are less professional and more entertainment is one seriously dangerous game. Because if he ever found out what I really thought of him, there’d be all kinds of sweet, delicious hell to pay…

Jennifer Bonds writes sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy alphas, and a whole lot of mischief. When she’s not writing or wrangling toddlers, Jennifer can be found curled up with a good book and a bottle of wine. Jennifer lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and a weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She’s lucky enough to live with her very own real life hero, two adorable children, and a pair of rambunctious dogs. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, the Winchester brothers, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.