Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 45966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
In the blink of an eye, we were all sitting at a long rectangular table while I sipped on some hot coffee, trying to warm up. I wasn’t much for sleeping and got by very little, or else I’d be hurting this morning from the tiny terrorist who decided to whine for most of the night.
“We can’t tell you how excited we are to finally have you back here in Mistletoe Town with us.”
I smiled, nodding at Mrs. McQueen. She was the town treasurer.
“I’ve given everyone a brief overview of who you are even though most of us already know,” Mrs. Henderson, the chair of the board, announced. “But I figure it’d be best for us to discuss all the details in person and with everyone present.”
I could tell by the expression on their faces they were hesitant about where this was leading.
“There are only a couple of things you need to immediately handle,” she continued. “But first, rest assured that your grandfather handpicked our entire team, and each person brings their own level of expertise to whatever they’re responsible for. We all promised your grandfather that we’d make sure our T’s are crossed and our I’s are dotted. Do you understand?”
My hands were tied at the moment, and I had no choice but to listen. It almost felt like I was sitting in a room full of adults treating me with kid gloves.
I hesitantly nodded, unable to say much.
She proceeded with her pitch. “People love to feel like they’re a part of something, and given the fact you’re the CEO, you’re the biggest face of the town. So bottom line: low risk, high reward. Mistletoe Town makes a lot of money and provides for many families who live here themselves. We pride ourselves in hiring our own.”
“Yes,” Mrs. McQueen agreed, smiling wide. “Truly learning the ins and outs of how this town runs will help you excel in your new role. Being the grandson of your late great grandfather means you have some huge feet to step in. There’s a reason that towns like this don’t exist, and we want to keep it that way.”
“All that sounds great”—Felix snubbed his nose where it didn’t belong—“but we all know it doesn’t mean a damn thing to him. He couldn’t care less about the glorified title.”
I was about to open my mouth to respond to my dickhead of a brother when the double doors that were designed to look like Santa’s suit, including the belt, opened. I jerked back…
Suddenly caught off guard when Noelle walked in.
CHAPTER 6
NICHOLAS
Without taking a look around, she merely declared, “Good morning, Mr. Saint Clair.”
I arched an eyebrow, confused about where she was going with this. I didn’t want to play these little games with her. Once sitting in the black leather chair, she leaned forward with her elbows on the table.
She nodded, her composure steady and unwavering, but it didn’t matter how poised she appeared while sitting there staring at me. I knew what was beneath her ridiculous elf dress.
“Nicholas, this is—”
“I know who Noelle is, Mrs. McQueen.”
“Oh… I apologize. I wasn’t aware you knew who she was.”
Noelle didn’t show any emotion over my presence or response. She was too busy portraying a woman who didn’t care for me, and that was the hardest pill to swallow. I thought after our text last night I may have made some leeway, but I was dead wrong.
She was not swayed in the least.
Coldly replying, Elle bit, “I’d prefer you address me as Miss Woods.”
Narrowing my gaze at her, I countered, “Why do I have to call my best friend Miss Woods?”
“I’m not your best friend, and I don’t want to beat around the bush. I’m only here because I run the publication and the press committee in this town you turned your back on, and we’re all concerned about your image.”
“My image?” I shot back.
“Yes.” She firmly nodded. “Your anti-Christmas persona doesn’t exactly speak highly for itself, and there will be media, news stations, and journalists from all over the world until Christmas is over. This time of year, the town is swarmed by press, and you know it.”
“And why is that my problem?”
“It should come as no surprise to you how influential you are right now to Mistletoe Town.”
“So, I’m influential to everyone except to you?”
She glared at me. “Can you please stop airing our private business to everyone in the room?”
“You’re the one who came in here like Elf on a Shelf, guns blazing. I have no interest in performing for the public or be whatever spokesperson you all expect me to be.”
“Nicholas…” my father warned in a voice I didn’t appreciate. “It’s a necessary evil, and it’s what’s best for the town.”
I didn’t allow another second of this ambush. Instead, I simply ordered in a sharp tone, “We need to clear the room. I’d like to talk to Miss Woods alone.”