Falling stars are supposed to be a lucky sign, but not for Austen. Her new job, as a secretary in an international games company in Portland, OR, isn’t off to a good start. Her first assignment—decorating the Christmas tree in the lobby—results in a trip to the ER after Dee, the company’s second-in-command, gets hit by the star-shaped tree topper. Dee blames her instant attraction to Austen on her head wound, not the magic of the falling star. She’s determined not to act on it, especially since Austen has no idea that Dee is practically her boss.

Ice queen Dee has never before shared the top spot with anyone. Running a new company with her girlfriend, Austen, is taking some getting used to, especially since Austen doesn’t deem knocking heads together to be an acceptable leadership choice. When disaster strikes at work and their management styles clash, they’re forced to figure out how to be as good together as business partners as they are lovers. It might take compromises and donut bribes, but they’re determined to find a way. “Partners” is a short story sequel to Jae’s award-winning lesbian romance Under a Falling Star.