Page 63 of Bought and Broken

“Hm, well, I don’t hate it,” Marcus says.

“I was thinking the same.” I put my glass down and stare at it for a moment. “Though, I do wish they would leave good alcohol alone. Do they have to put orange in everything?”

Marcus chuckles. “You’re a different breed, Tatum. Most people your age can’t handle the good stuff.”

“What can I say?” I grin, holding my arms out wide.

Marcus shakes his head, grinning.

He’s in his early fifties. A good looking guy. We’ve gone out together a few times and the man can party for being more than twice my age. Worked out in my favor when some chick thought she was fucking a father and son. Neither of us told her it wasn’t true.

“So, what’s going on?” I ask.

Marcus is the senior sales manager of Fresh & Cozy Linens, which is the linen company I have a contract with for the resorts. They handle all our bedding and towel necessities.

“I have a business proposition.”

“Is that so?” I reach for my glass, taking another sip.

Still can’t decide if I like it… I don’t think I’d spend money on it, but the bottle will be empty at some point. It’s a good conversation starter.

“Myrtle Beach—”

“No,” I say with a shake of my head. “I already told you I’m not ready for that kind of competition yet.”

“Now, just hear me out.”

I gesture for him to continue, though my answer will stay the same.

“One of the major hotels is selling, and I think you should buy the building.”

“If a major hotel chain is closing down, it’s because they aren’t making money. Meaning I won’t either.”

“No, it’s not that they aren’t making money, it’s just that it isn’t one of their highest grossing locations. You know how those places are, Tate. What’s profitable to you isn’t profitable to them. It’s like apples and oranges.”

I’m shaking my head as he’s speaking. “Doesn’t sound right.”

“You can look at their records, Tate. I’m not lying.”

I tap my finger on the desk. “What does this have to do with you?”

“Obviously we’d have a contract for another location. It’d bring business for us.” He leans back in his seat, crossing his ankle over his thigh.

“Were you working for them?” I raise a brow.

“Nope. I sent a few guys there over the weekend to scope out the area and see if anyone was looking to switch companies. One of them told us they weren’t interested because they were closing down by the end of the year. The end of the year, Tate. That gives you plenty of time.” He reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulls out a tri-folded sheet of paper and hands it to me.

I take it but don’t open it, holding Marcus’s gaze.

“Reservation for tonight.” My eyebrows raise higher. He chuckles. “I may have told my guys to let them know someone may be interested in buying. They offered the suite. I said you probably wouldn’t go on such short notice, but they said they’d hold it anyway. Everything included. All you have to do is book a flight.”

Spending the night in Myrtle Beach? I don’t hate the idea, but not for business. Because I know someone who may want to spend the night with me for fun.

Marcus finishes his drink, leaving the glass on the desk when he stands. “Think about it. Call me Friday with your thoughts. I think this will be good for you.”

He leaves without another word.

I’ve already opened two locations this year. I’m not sure opening another one so soon is a good idea. The last thing I need is to put money into this just for it to flop and take the rest of the company down with it. I can’t afford a big hit like that right now. We’re finally in the green and I’d like to stay that way for a few years before I take unnecessary risks. Because that’s exactly what this is.

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