Page 28 of Jack Frost, CEO

“One for the road?” I hold up the carafe, and Maisie nods gratefully.

I doctor up a couple of to-go cups, and we head out to the garage. When we make it to the resort, I’m shocked that Marcus and Alexandra aren’t waiting for us in the lobby. I admit we’re a bit later than planned, but still on time.

Maisie and I sit in the same dining room as last night, and a waiter brings over the brunch menu. I ask him about the McIntyres, and he says he’ll get reception to put a call into their room. He also confirms he hasn’t seen them this morning. Which is a relief. I’m glad we didn’t miss them.

It takes an additional twenty minutes before a red-faced Alexandra and a smirking Marcus show up at our table.

“Welcome! I’m so glad you could join us. I was starting to worry I’d gotten the times wrong.” My tone is smug but teasing.

Marcus slaps me on the shoulder. “Of course not, Jack! We just got distracted this morning and lost track of time.”

Alexandra’s face now matches her hair. She probably wants nothing more than to sink into the floor and disappear. I chuckle, and Maisie grins as we all place our breakfast orders.

The first half of the morning is focused on friendly conversation. We swap funny anecdotes about our lives and see pictures of the twins throughout their school years. Alexandra regales us with a story about the time the twins started an uprising at their boarding school because administration did away with their favorite breakfast muffins. It ends with a round of applause from the whole table.

I glance to my left and notice that Maisie has slowly started to pull the stationery from her bag. She’s flipped her steno pad open. It’s clear she’s reached her social limit and is ready to talk business.

Marcus notices too and taps his index finger on the table while eyeing us intently. “Well, my friends, I know we had a great discussion yesterday. That said, there are still several key elements of that contract…” He gestures to the document on the table. “…that I’m just not going to be able to get on board with.”

“Am I correct in assuming you mean the profit sharing and the intellectual property clauses?” Maisie fires back before I can even open my mouth.

“Well, yes. That’s correct.” Marcus appears shocked by Maisie’s abruptness but she presses on anyway.

“Yes, we understand how those may be troubling sections for you. And we are more than willing to negotiate on anything related to profit sharing as well as implement a buy-out clause that’s mutually agreeable to both parties. Making these adjustments will quickly resolve those two minor issues and we could have a new contract prepared and ready for signatures by tomorrow.”

Marcus taps the table again, studying Maisie with what I feel is a perfect poker face. “Well, you would be correct, ma’am, except for one small thing. I like to get into business with people I know. And while I’ve enjoyed getting to know you two, I don’t know either of you well enough to sign on the dotted line, per se. However, if you can get that contract ready and we can agree to the terms by the end of the week, we’ll have a deal—if I like what I see.” Marcus stretches out his hand to Maisie. “Deal?”

Maisie shakes his palm firmly. “I’m an absolute delight, so deal!”

The table breaks out in chuckles, and the small talk resumes like it never stopped.

After a few minutes, I glance at Maisie again. She appears to be scanning the dining room with a weird look on her face. I don’t like it very much.

“Are you okay?” I lean in close and can’t help but kiss her exposed neck.

“Yeah.” Her voice shakes. “Yeah. I’m fine. Just… it’s nothing. Never mind.”

I look at her sideways but shrug my shoulders. I’m not going to make her tell me what’s going on if she doesn’t want to.

“Well, this has been so much fun, but we’ve booked a spa appointment followed by mani-pedis.” Alexandra stands and snags Maisie’s elbow before dragging her from the table.

“Alex has been waiting all this time to steal Maisie away. She really adores the girl. My wife says your fiancée is sweet as sugar.” Marcus’s smile is indulgent as he stares after them.

“She’s sweet… until she’s mad. Fair warning, if you hear her accent come on strong, be wary.” I rub at my neck while remembering her snit from last night. I do not want a repeat performance.

“A firecracker, that one, I bet. It’s always the small ones that you have to watch. I’m not sure, but heard it has to do with them being closer to hell or something.”

I chuckle before pushing up from my chair. “So, what should we get up to while the girls are off getting pretty for us?”

Standing next to me, Marcus slaps my shoulder again. “Well, I’m glad you asked. We have reservations at the sauna this morning. Let’s go bare that big, beautiful soul.” Marcus throws his head back with a hearty laugh before we follow the girls’ route.

By the time we make it to the sauna, I’m sure Marcus has only ever been truly serious in business. It’s clear he knows most of the staff, if the back-and-forth banter is anything to go by, and we’ve even landed ourselves exclusive tickets to a concert happening at the resort. Apparently, Cat Ridgeway is playing, and we have had no less than half a dozen offers to go skiing.

As we settle on the cedar benches, I shake my head. “Do you know everyone here?”

“Well, we’ve been coming here for twelve years. We started when the twins were about five. We wanted them old enough to be able to enjoy it. Then, over the years, we’ve become regulars. It’s an excellent resort with top-notch staff.” Marcus shrugs. “So. Tell me about Jack Foster.”

I feel myself blanching despite the steam. I clear my throat. “What do you want to know?”

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