Page 3 of Christmas with My Ruthless CEO
"Spence!" Sloane's entire demeanor brightens. "Perfect timing."
"Hope I'm not interrupting," the man says, his rugged features settling into an easy smile. "Just wanted to introduce Avery Bennett, our permit specialist. She'll be your main point of contact for the construction phase."
Avery steps forward, extending her hand with professional confidence. "Mr. Morgan. Ms. Parker. We're ahead of schedule on the eastern expansion."
I shake her hand firmly. "Excellent. And please, call me Atticus."
Spencer glances between Sloane and me with knowing eyes. "You two plotting world domination or just the holiday gala?"
"A bit of both," Sloane answers, linking her arm through mine with casual familiarity. "Atticus has just committed to full immersion in Hope Peak culture. I'm thinking we start with getting him in some proper snow gear."
"The horror," Spencer laughs. "Well, if you need a real mountain guide, you know where to find me."
After they leave, Sloane turns to me with determination in her eyes. "I hope you meant what you said to the council. About being here, really being here."
"I did." The certainty in my voice surprises even me.
"Good." She nods, satisfied. "Because I've staked my reputation on you, Atticus Morgan. Don't make me regret it."
"Have I ever let you down before?" I ask quietly.
Her expression softens. "No. That's the annoying part about you, underneath all that corporate ruthlessness, you're actually a man of your word."
"High praise from the woman who once called me 'emotionally constipated' at the Blackwood Industries Christmas party."
"You were! Standing in the corner judging the ugly sweater contest like it was a capital offense." She laughs at the memory. "But you've gotten better. Marginally."
"Thanks to your influence, no doubt."
"Obviously." She reaches up to straighten my tie again, though it doesn't need it. "So, we're doing this? Operation 'Convince Hope Peak That Atticus Morgan Has a Soul'?"
"I believe the official project title is 'Winter Division Launch,'" I counter dryly.
"Boring. My title has much more pizzazz." Her eyes sparkle with challenge. "Trust me, by Christmas, this whole town is going to see what I see in you."
"And what exactly is that?" I ask, genuinely curious.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" She winks, already heading for the door. "Winter Festival committee meeting at seven. Wear something that won't make you look like you're about to foreclose on the venue."
I watch her leave, the faint scent of her vanilla perfume lingering in her wake. Whatever I expected when I came to Hope Peak, it wasn't this, the tangled web of community expectations, my best friend's unwavering faith, and the strange feeling that I might actually enjoy stepping away from the corporate mask I've worn for so long.
One thing is certain: I'm going to win the town's trust. By any means necessary.
Even if it means letting Sloane Parker drag me to a children's holiday pageant.
Chapter 2
Sloane
"Alright, everyone, gather 'round!" I clap my hands, drawing the attention of the Blackwood team scattered across the open-plan workspace. Morning light pours through the windows, catching on the polished surfaces and making everything gleam with possibility. "Day three of Operation Winter Wonderland, and we've got exactly twenty-two days until the holiday gala."
The team, a mix of corporate transplants and local hires, forms a loose circle around me. I spot Callum Reyes hovering at the edge, clutching his tablet like a shield. Poor kid still looks terrified whenever Atticus so much as glances his way.
"First order of business," I continue, "permits for the eastern expansion are officially cleared, thanks to Avery and Spencer's team." A small cheer erupts. "Second, Brynn has mock-ups for the 'Winter in Hope Peak' campaign ready for review this afternoon."
Brynn Ellison steps forward, her auburn hair frames her face in a short bob style. "I've incorporated more local landmarks based on yesterday's feedback," she says, confidence radiatingfrom her. "And I've got three tagline options that won't make us sound like we're colonizing the town."
I laugh. "Definitely an improvement over 'Hope Peak: Blackwood's Mountain Paradise.'"
