I’ve always been happy to go along with what my partner wants as far as sex goes, their pleasure turning me on, but no one has ever called me that before. I really hope that he does it again.
Beck smirks and glances down at the obvious bulge in my slacks. “You’re going to need to stop thinking about whatever is causingthatbefore you have to lecture today.”
“Maybe signing us up for the same schedule was a dumb idea,” I admit. Isn’t it bad for you to have an erection all day?
“Nah, I’m glad we’ll get to spend the day together,” Beck says casually before his eyes widen like he didn’t actually mean to say that out loud.
“Somebody likes me,” I sing, bumping our shoulders together.
“You’re alright,” he grunts back, rolling his eyes.
“I’m ‘the sexiest man you’ve ever seen’remember,” I tease, unable to resist.
He shoves my shoulder, and it only makes my smile grow even wider. He finally laughs and shakes his head like he doesn’t know what to do with me.
“Obviously you’re really hot too,” I concede, “if you’ve made me realize I’m into men.” That gets him to return my smile just as our Vice President of Operations speaks into a microphone, announcing that the day's events are set to begin shortly.
I’m so excited for today. The schedule is packed with presentations about the latest Kyla programs and team-building activities hosted by the venue. Attendees can pick sessions that interest them most or align with their future teaching goals. For those not in classes, there’s a variety of activities like a ropes course, kayaking, tennis, pickleball, golf, and even dance classes. The focus is on keeping both our minds and bodies active while fostering team connections.
Viktor emphasizes that happiness and success stem from taking care of yourself first. That’s why Kyla provides full-time access to top dietitians, nutritionists, personal trainers, and sports medicine professionals. At the corporate headquarters, meals and daily group fitness activities are offered to all employees, and these perks are extended to the local community as well. Viktor believes in uplifting everyone because, as he says, “A village is only as happy as its least happy member.”
“So, what's this first class about?” Beck asks me, looking at a printout of his schedule for the day.
“It’s a new one that our VP of Finance has created about maximizing the value of your money. I’m really excited about it! Howard is one of my best friends, and he always helps me when I have questions about money.” I’ve always admired when people get to teach about their passions and expertise.
Personally, I’ve been fortunate never to stress much about finances. With both of my parents finding success in Hollywood, money was rarely a concern. My mom even set aside earnings from the commercials and modeling gigs I did as a kid into an investment account. As part of their divorce settlement, my parents also funded a college account that ended up with more than I ever needed for school. The investments paid off, and by the time I graduated, I had more financial security than most people ever dream of.
If I ever have questions about taxes or finances, though, Howard or Viktor are happy to help. I really am so lucky to have such supportive friends.
Beck doesn’t look as thrilled about attending this program as I am, but he probably also has people who help him with his money. You never know when you might learn something important, though, so hopefully, he’ll get into it.
He jokes about the class of mine that he took being a ‘trauma dump’, but he seemed happy to be there and eager to take another. I think he just needs time to warm up to things since he’s generally more guarded about his emotions.
After we finish breakfast, I take Beck’s hand and lead him toward the theater. He looks momentarily surprised but lets me guide him, chuckling softly. I flash him a wide grin as we find seats near the front.
“How are you always so peppy?” he whispers as Howard walks onto the stage.
“Is there something wrong with being happy?” I tease with another grin as I turn toward him.
He looks equally annoyed and amused with me, and I love it. He really is hot when he’s all scowly.
CHAPTERELEVEN
Beckett
I’ve been in the corporate world for a long time now. At thirty-two, I’ve been working for my family’s company for half of my life, and I know all about the cheesy bullshit buzzwords that HR departments like to throw around about “company culture” and “high-performance mindsets”.
But something about these Kyla programs is setting off little alarm bells in the back of my mind.
Admittedly, I’ve been highly distracted during Cody’s classes. I can’t focus on more than what I want to do to him tonight when he’s standing in front of me, flashing that gorgeous smile or flexing those insane muscles.
Now that he isn’t teaching the classes, though, I can’t ignore the fact that something feels… off.
I know that I’m generally a pessimistic and suspicious person by nature. But I’d like to think that over the years, I’ve honed a pretty good ability to spot a scam. Nothing in the classes so far has beensuperconcerning, where I could point to a specific thing that was said and just call bullshit, but I can’t help this nagging feeling that I’m starting to have about this company.
It started in the first class this morning when Cody’s buddy, Howard, was teaching. A lot of his investment recommendations and strategies were solid. I could tell he’s probably great at his job with the company’s finances, but every once in a while, there would be a comment about how everyone could use their earnings to participate in more Kyla programs or invest in the stock portfolios run by the Kyla financial specialists. He also mentioned using earnings to cover the fees associated with things in Montana, like the company fitness center or meal plan.
Wouldn’t those things be a job perk for free?
