Page 11 of His Christmas Wife

“And that led to a successful business…how?”

Incredulous, she gasped. “Are you suggesting that the board fired her because she was courteous?”

“Personal should never come before business.”

Was that motto engraved on his heart or in his head? Maybe both? “Have you always been this way?” Or had life hardened him?

With an intensity she’d never seen from him before, he studied her. “Which way?”

She clamped her lips together. After all, she needed her job. “I’ve said too much.”

A hint of a smile teased his eyes, if not his mouth. “Since when has that stopped you? Have I always been what way?”

“Ruthless.”

A shadow passed over his face. “No.”

So lifehadmade him that way. Damn, she hated the fact he suddenly seemed a little more human.

“At Christoff, I’ve been attempting something that might be impossible…to save the firm from failure. That requires difficult decisions.”

“So you’re willing to sacrifice the many for the few? In college philosophy class, I’d heard it the other way around.”

A small tic—of threat?—pulsed in his temple. “You would have preferred that I’d come in and shut down the company? Fire everyone and bring in my own people?” He paused. “Including an admin assistant who is committed to me and my mission?”

Heeding his barb about disloyalty, she swallowed her instinctive retort.

“I realize that support would be a lot to expect from you.” He leaned in slightly. “So I haven’t asked.”

Maybe she shouldn’t have these kinds of discussions with him. Losing Sylvia as her boss had been devastating. That night, Kaylee had gone home and cried. And she didn’t want to lower her guard around Frost.

“Rest assured, once the ship is righted, a new CEO will be installed. And you’ll be rid of me.”

“Really?” This was the first good news she’d had in months. “How long will that take?”

“You’ll hold the door open for me when I leave?”

Absolutely.With a sunny smile, she responded, “I’ll count down the days on my calendar.”

“Perhaps in that case, you’ll want to work to ensure my success.”

The promise of that reward would be enough to motivate her for a long while.

“Now, Ms. Robbins, about getting to know each other better. I have a few suggestions. Would you like to hear some?”

CHAPTERTHREE

Achill ran up her back as she recalled the feel of Frost’s hands on her.

“My grandmother will be curious about you, about us. It would be odd if I didn’t know your birthday or favorite foods.”

Panic held her in its icy grip. “Maybe there’s an online questionnaire we can fill out. I’ll look.”

“That’s surface. I’m talking about more important issues, where we live and what things we have in common.” In his usual no-nonsense way, he dismissed her suggestion. “Knowing someoneintimatelytakes time and effort.”

At his emphasis on the word, her mouth dried.

“Gran is astute. She’ll want to know how and where I proposed. What makes you special? Why are you willing to put up with me? What our plans are for the future. And for continuing the family line.”