THE BOSS’S TRIPLET SURPRISE

  HOLLY RAYNER

  CONTENTS

  Copyright

  1. Leah

  2. Dan

  3. Leah

  4. Dan

  5. Leah

  6. Dan

  7. Leah

  8. Dan

  9. Leah

  10. Dan

  11. Leah

  12. Dan

  13. Leah

  14. Dan

  15. Leah

  16. Dan

  17. Leah

  18. Dan

  19. Dan

  20. Leah

  21. Dan

  22. Leah

  Epilogue

  Also by Holly Rayner

  Copyright 2024 by Holly Rayner

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part by any means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the explicit written permission of the author.

  All characters depicted in this fictional work are consenting adults, of at least eighteen years of age. Any resemblance to persons living or deceased, particular businesses, events, or exact locations are entirely coincidental.

  CHAPTER 1

  LEAH

  Leah yawned, then closed her laptop with a sigh. It had been a long day of work — no, a long few years of work. Half a decade, almost. But it had all been worth it. Leah felt a smile spread across her face.

  Years ago, when she’d first joined RMA Pharmaceuticals, she’d dedicated herself to the fertility team. Slowly but surely, she’d risen through the ranks until she was the lead scientist on a new drug, Forenal, that was made to increase a couple’s chances of conceiving from the moment they started trying. A year ago, the drug had been ready for testing. A month ago, Leah had gotten the approval that the drug was ready to enter the market. Today, she had finished creating the presentation for the conference at which the drug would go public. All her years of hard work had come down to this.

  Leah sat back in her chair and closed her eyes. The issue of fertility was deeply personal to her, and the thought of all the babies who would hopefully be born because of her hard work and dedication — well, it warmed her heart.

  All that hard work had come at a cost, though. At thirty-five, Leah was still single. And she was even further from being a mother. Leah loved children and had always imagined that she’d meet the right guy, settle down, and start a family one of these days. Yet the years had gone by and she had been more focused on her work than anything else. She’d barely looked up from her lab bench and her laptop.

  She wasn’t even sure she needed a guy. She was independent and had a great circle of friends and family to support her. The idea of not having children of her own, though… that was harder to swallow.

  “You’re getting ahead of yourself, Adams,” Leah muttered under her breath. It was a sentence her mother had often said to her worrywart father when she was young, and it fitted the situation now. This was a happy moment, one in which Leah should be celebrating a huge personal success, not dwelling on her lack of children.

  With that in mind, she got to her feet and stretched with another long yawn. The day had run away from her as she’d put the final touches on the presentation. It was already almost seven in the evening. Sure enough, when she poked her head out of her office, she saw that she was the only one still on her floor. All the other offices were dark.

  Leah gathered her things, shut down her workstation, and headed to the elevator. She had a strange feeling, the kind she always used to get when she’d finished a year of school and stood at the beginning of summer. Reaching the end of her development of Forenal was exciting, to say the least, but it was a little bittersweet, too. Leah wasn’t sure if she should jump into another project or take time to focus on herself — but what would that even look like? It wasn’t as if she could make a baby all by herself.

  She rolled her eyes at her reflection in the elevator’s mirrored wall. She was getting ahead of herself yet again.

  In the building’s ornate lobby, Leah caught sight of a familiar face. It was Dan Marley, the CEO of RMA Pharmaceuticals. He was leaning against the receptionist desk, chatting. When Leah had become head of her own drug-development team, she’d met Dan for the first of a series of meetings. Now, as always, she found her stomach filling with tiny butterflies at the sight of the handsome man.

  Dan was the kind of guy who radiated confidence. Perhaps that, even more than his athletic build, the way he looked so good in a suit, or the intensity of his gray-blue eyes, was why he was so attractive.

  You’re getting ahead of yourself, Adams. As attractive as Dan was, he probably didn’t even know who Leah was. He was the CEO, after all, and although they’d had a few meetings, they’d had very limited personal interactions. Anyway⁠—

  “Leah Adams?”

  Leah’s thoughts were cut off by Dan raising a hand in a wave then briskly crossing the lobby towards her. She blinked in surprise. Apparently, Dan did know who she was.

  “Hi, Mr. Marley.”

  “Call me Dan, please.” He held out one hand for a quick shake. His grip was warm and firm. “I’ve been meaning to track you down.”

  “You have?” Leah was more surprised than ever. She wasn’t sure what business RMA’s CEO would have with her.

  “Yes. Do you have a moment to talk?”

  Leah bit down her confusion. “Sure.”

  Dan escorted her to a small seating area in the corner of the lobby. As they walked, Leah’s mind raced through the potential reasons Dan might have to talk to her. Perhaps there had been an issue with her performance — although she couldn’t imagine what that would be. And anyway, the CEO wouldn’t be concerned with that.

  Maybe he’s noticed you for another reason. Leah shook off the thought. Even if Dan knew who she was, there was no reason to imagine that he would find her attractive. Leah knew that she was pretty enough, but she usually wore a lab coat and always had on her wide-rimmed glasses. She wasn’t the most beautiful woman in the company by any means. And anyway, dating her boss would be a terrible idea, all else aside. Even if Dan were interested in her.

  Together, they entered a small conference room. Dan shut the door behind them, then gestured for Leah to take a seat.

  “Our advertising wing has determined that Forenal is likely to be very popular,” Dan told her as they sat across from each other. Leah’s mind cleared — of course, he was here to talk about Forenal. And he thought it would be a success! That was good news. She quickly put aside her attraction to talk business.

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Leah said. “If there’s anything I can do, I’d be more than happy to help with the promotion of the drug.”

  “Good. You’ll be speaking at the Midwest Medical Science Conference next week — is that right? When we’re announcing Forenal?”

  “Yes, I am. I was just putting the final touches to the presentation this evening.”

  “Perfect. I know you were intending to go with our head of advertising, but after some discussion we’ve decided that I should speak with you instead. The CEO coming out to announce the drug will help signal to investors and the medical community alike that we’re serious about Forenal.”

  “That’s great.” Leah couldn’t hide a rather unprofessional grin. The idea that the advertising wing had decided that her drug would be a success — enough of a success to send the CEO to a conference, which was rare — was wonderful news. She couldn’t help feeling a flood of excitement.

  “I’m glad to hear it. Of course, the problem is that I’m not familiar with your presentation or the specifics of the drug. Would you have some time to go over it with me?”

  “Yes, of course. I’d be happy to.”

  “Are you available tomorrow?”

  The next day was a Saturday.

  “I’ll be honest,” Leah said, “I’m free anytime to work on this. I know how important Forenal can be. Plus, it isn’t like I have a family to get home to.” She gave a self-deprecating chuckle.

  “Neither do I,” Dan admitted. “Although I still feel bad about asking you to work on a Saturday.”

  Leah waved off his concerns. “It’s fine. Like I said, I know how important this is.”

  “Let’s meet in the office around noon?” Dan suggested. “I’ll treat you to a nice takeout lunch while we work, to make up for asking you to come in on a weekend.”

  “That really isn’t necessary.”

  “I insist.” Dan flashed his confident smile. Leah had seen that smile win over countless employees and investors — and it seemed to be working on her, too.

  “All right, then. See you tomorrow.”

  “See you then. Enjoy your evening.”

  “Thanks. You too.”

  They both got to their feet, and Dan offered her another firm handshake. Leah tried not to notice how good his hand felt around hers. They were colleagues. Not only that, but Dan was her boss. They were about to work very closely together for at least a week, and it was important that she put her career ahead of a little crush.

  She nodded once more to Dan, then made her way out of the office. She noticed that he lingered in the lobby after she’d left and wondered what he was doing there. Most of RMA’s employees had gone home already, yet it seemed like he didn’t want to leave.

  Well, some mysteries were better left at that

.

  Leah headed out into the warm spring air, already moving on to thoughts of the evening ahead — and a few remaining questions about her future.

  CHAPTER 2

  DAN

  Dan hesitated in the lobby for a few minutes after the beautiful redhead had left. It wasn’t that he had any business hanging around RMA after the work day had ended, but he wasn’t quite ready to leave yet.

  Dan was visiting his father, the venerable Richard Marley, founder of RMA Pharmaceuticals, this evening. Now in his seventies, Richard was really slowing down. He was growing more interested in tending his garden and spending time with his wife, Dan’s mother, than in the ins and outs of running RMA. Yet he still refused to fully hand over the reins to Dan, despite years of dropped hints that Dan was ready.

  Dan loved his father dearly, but it was becoming frustrating that Richard didn’t seem to trust him with the company. Dan had proven himself time and time again, yet his father didn’t seem to notice.

  Dan let out his breath in a long sigh. There was no use dwelling or delaying. He needed to leave now if he was going to make it to his parents’ house on time for dinner.

  As Dan exited the building and walked to his car, he purposely put all thoughts of RMA Pharmaceuticals and his father out of his mind. Instead, surprisingly, he found himself thinking about Leah Adams.

  He’d met the researcher several times before, mostly in meetings with other research-and-development leaders. Each time, he’d been impressed with her. It wasn’t just that she was beautiful — although she certainly was, with that curly auburn hair that framed her face, her green eyes that always reminded Dan of a forest, and her attractive curves under her lab coat. No, what always impressed Dan most was how thoughtful she was. Leah rarely spoke in meetings, but when she did, it was almost always with a creative, insightful idea that solved whatever issue they were discussing.

  When his marketing team had suggested that Dan join Leah at the conference to announce Forenal, he’d been more than happy to say yes. Not only was the conference an opportunity to promote a winning drug; it was a chance to spend more time with Leah.

  Not that Dan would be interested in a relationship with her, or with anyone. He was single and liked it. Staying a bachelor and dedicating all his energies to RMA Pharmaceuticals was the only way he could make sure the company continued breaking records and dominating the market — and prove to his father that he was capable of inheriting the business.

  Dan shook his head. He was back to the topic he’d been trying to avoid. In another attempt at distraction, he turned on the radio to a talk station and listened to the hosts discussing the rising price of eggs. It wasn’t exactly fascinating material, but it was a good diversion.

  When Dan arrived at his parents’ house twenty minutes later, he went straight inside. The delicious scent of his mother’s lasagna wafted out of the kitchen and Dan smiled.

  “Is that you, Dan?” Richard’s voice rang out through the house.

  “Hi, Dad,” Dan called back.

  “Hi, honey!” Jane, Dan’s mother, called from the kitchen. “Dinner will be a few more minutes.”

  Richard appeared in the hallway. He beamed at his son. “How are you?”

  “Not bad. It was a busy day.”

  “Care to join me for a beer on the porch while we wait? We can’t let this good weather slip away.”

  “Sure thing.” Dan followed his father out back, where they sat beside each other in the matching white rockers Dan’s parents had received as a gift from Dan’s sister, Jenny. She lived halfway across the country in San Francisco, but still did her best to be an involved daughter. Dan tried, too, but his schedule was so hectic that he rarely made it out for dinners like this.

  “The hydrangeas are really blooming,” Richard said, gesturing to a row of bushes in the back.

  “Hmm.” Dan took a sip of his beer. “The garden’s looking great.”

  “Thank you. But I’m sure you have much more interesting things going on. How is your life?”

  It was the perfect segue. As much as Dan wanted to spend time with his parents, he’d had a bit of an ulterior motive in planning this visit. He needed to talk to Richard, seriously, about handing the company over.

  “It’s going well. Our new blood-pressure drug, Careax, grossed almost twice as much as we expected last quarter thanks to our new marketing strategy. Plus…” Dan went on for several more minutes, outlining the successes that RMA had seen under his management during the last quarter. Richard listened, pausing now and then to take a sip of his beer.

  “Really,” Dan concluded, “RMA is doing better than ever. Which is something I wanted to talk to you about, Dad. I’ll never cease to be amazed by how you built RMA from the ground. But lately, I’ve had a hands-on role, and I’ve helped bring the company to new heights. I know you love being at home. I have to admit that I’m a little confused about why you haven’t handed over the reins yet. I think I’ve shown that I’m more than ready to take over.”

  It was the most straightforward Dan had ever been, yet, despite everything, he felt like a little boy as he waited for his father’s response. Richard took a long drink of his beer before he answered.

  “Of course I want you to take over RMA. And I think you are ready. You’ve done great work in the last few years. But I’m worried about you, Son. When I asked about your life, you did nothing but talk about work.”

  “Because work is so important to me.” Dan took a breath. “Isn’t that why I’m ready to take over? I’m ready to prioritize RMA.”

  “But what about the rest of your life?” Richard shook his head. “I’m sorry, Dan. I can’t let you take over until you’ve fulfilled your professional life, too.”

  Dan was bowled over. This was not what he’d expected at all.

  “Dad, my personal life is fulfilled.”

  “I don’t think so. Do you know why I started RMA in the first place?”

  Dan wasn’t in the mood for a story, but he shook his head. “Why?”

  “I wasn’t always a CEO. For most of my twenties, I worked at other pharmaceutical companies in lower-level roles. Then I met your mother, and you and your sister came along. Suddenly, a paycheck wasn’t enough. I wanted to be sure that I could always provide for my family. That’s why I offer such good family leave policies and why I encourage our employees to follow their passions, not just punch the clock. Family is what RMA was built on. Family is why we’ve been so successful all these years.”

  Dan bit his lip, but he nodded. “I understand that. I know the values RMA was built on, and I will always respect them.”

  “It isn’t that easy. Running a company is so hectic and all-consuming that it becomes too easy to put everything else aside — even to ignore the needs of your workers to meet your bottom line. Family is what kept me grounded all these years. Without that, I worry that you’d struggle. And it doesn’t seem like you’re on the right path now. You haven’t even been on a date in years!”

  Dan felt like all his hard work was slipping away. He’d spent years preparing to take over RMA. He’d put his personal life on hold. He’d studied and worked and put his nose to the grindstone to make the company all it could be. And now his father was telling him that none of that was as important as his relationship status? It was unbelievably unfair. Dan wanted to argue with his father, but he knew that Richard was as stubborn as a mule when he wanted to be. If he’d decided that a family was what Dan needed in order to become a good CEO, there was no way Dan could escape that.

  And so, with his whole future on the line, Dan blurted out the only thing he thought might help. “I actually have a girlfriend.”

  Richard paused. His eyes widened slightly. Then he turned to Dan. “You do?” He didn’t quite sound convinced.

  “Yes.” Dan felt terrible lying to his father, but he wasn’t sure what other choice he had. He couldn’t lose RMA Pharmaceuticals now. Not when he’d devoted his whole life to it. “We’ve been dating for a while now. But I didn’t want to tell you about her until I was sure it was serious.”

  The joy on Richard’s face was even greater than when Dan had set a record for the highest-grossing quarter last quarter. Dan felt another surge of annoyance. It didn’t make sense for his father to be this much more thrilled about a (fake) girlfriend than he’d been about the success of the company he’d built.

 

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