Page 33 of Redemption of a Prince

“I think, overall, it went all right. You didn’t have to come out and say the family wouldn’t work with them again, but the look on your face said that I had the authority to say what I did. I’m glad you didn’t feel the need to actually say something. I think it made a better point coming only from me.”

“Maybe they’ll think twice about assuming a woman can’t handle things.” He grinned. “Especially after they ended up with half the commission they started with.”

Nikki laughed. “That felt good. It would be nice, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one.”

The negotiators came back in and told them the person they’d been hinting at for days had finally made an offer on the property.

Nikki let the price go up, but insisted the commission go down in percentage. Just when they thought they had her where they wanted her, she backed out.

Cut the price by nearly two-thirds, gave the owners a lifetime pass for them and up to ten guests total - including food and lodging - inheritable by the next generation.

And made sure the percentage of the commission remained lower.

Zeke had been so proud of her. He finished his bite of sandwich. “I should probably know this already, but why are we already purchasing land for asecondtheme park when the first one isn’t even started.”

Nikki chewed for a moment then swallowed her bite with a bit of water to wash it down. “They fully expect it to be a success. Construction on this one won’t start for several years, but once word got out it was an option, land prices would skyrocket. They buy it now, and then, when they’re ready, they already know the topography they’re dealing with and everything else.”

“Makes sense, I suppose.” He didn’t get it, but he didn’t have to. He only had to carry out the plans.

“I think everything is done until the revised contracts are printed up. That won’t be until next week.” Nikki leaned back on the lounge. “Are you still planning to ski?”

Zeke nodded. “I’ll be here a few more days. Are you sure you don’t want to stay?” He wasn’t sure which answer he wanted to get from her.

Nikki shook her head. “No. I’ll head back in the morning. In fact, I should head to bed early. I have a meeting at nine which means we need to leave before six to make sure I get back in plenty of time.”

“Then I probably won’t see you in the morning.” He grinned. “I am most certainly not an early bird when I don’t have to be.”

“I’m not crazy about it, but I don’t have a choice sometimes.” She pushed her plate away from her. “I do think I’m exhausted, though. I think I may read for a little while up in the turret then turn in. Is that all right with you?”

Zeke tilted his head. “Why wouldn’t it be all right with me?”

She shrugged. “Are we done discussing how today went?”

He ran through the day in his head. “I don’t think there’s anything else we need to talk about today. I’ll send you some notes, but it’s nothing urgent.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She stifled a yawn. “I think I need to get to bed soon.”

Zeke laughed and stood, moving their dirty dishes back to the cart. He’d leave it outside her room for someone to collect later. “I’ll leave you to rest.”

“See you when you get back.” This time she hid a yawn behind her hand.

“Sounds good.”

He headed back to his quarters and went over some paperwork Gid sent him. He’d be off the clock, so to speak, for the next few days, so he needed to get it done.

His phone rang. “Yes?”

“Sir, I wanted to discuss the weather with you.” The house manager’s voice came through the speaker.

Zeke frowned. “Are we supposed to have a storm?”

“There’s a chance for some snow, but it’s not supposed to be bad. I simply wanted to give you a head’s up that you may need to take the long way to the resort tomorrow.”

There was an old logging road, kept clear for emergency egress, that let out close to the resort. It wasn’t as smooth, but much shorter.

“Thank you. I won’t be in a hurry tomorrow. A bit of fresh powder would be nice.”

“You’re welcome. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can assist you with.”

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