Page 25 of Naughty Heart

For the first time since Evelyn started working for me, I closed the door. I hadn’t really wanted to, but I had a feeling about why Mina was in my office, and I didn’t want to risk having Evelyn hear any part of that discussion.

With the door shut and my heart rate returning to normal, I asked, “Of course I know Christmas is coming. What are you talking about?”

Mina spun around, taking in the sight of my office. I found that strange, considering she’d been in here before, and I hadn’t exactly done any renovations recently.

When she stopped spinning and pinned her gaze on me again, she noted, “It doesn’t feel that way.”

“What?”

She swept her hand out in front of her body and off to the side. “You don’t have a single decoration hanging. We’re just weeks away from Christmas. I think you should liven things up in here.”

I cocked a brow. “You’re seriously concerned about the lack of Christmas decorations in my office?”

She tipped her head slightly to one side and lifted the shoulder on that side as both of her brows shot up. “Somebody should be. I mean, aren’t you the one who is all about enjoying himself? This doesn’t make any sense.”

Now we were getting somewhere. “It makes perfect sense. I never decorate my office. But I can see you have something you want to discuss with me. Why don’t you sit down, Mina?”

My sister shook her head. “I can’t, Malcolm. I’m too riled up to do that.”

Okay. So, maybe this was going to require just a bit more finesse than I had originally anticipated.

No worries.

I could handle this.

Holding my hands up in surrender, I leaned against the edge of my desk and said, “Fair enough. Tell me what’s going on, so I can try to calm you down.”

“I don’t think you’re going to be able to do that,” she sighed.

“Why is that?”

For several long moments, Mina’s eyes darted around the room, and I could see her growing more and more distressed. Eventually, she brought her focus to me and revealed, “I just got some news about the ultimatum our parents gave to you.”

“I had a feeling this was coming. I assume they must have gotten back from their conference.”

She nodded. “Last night. And they decided to take the time this morning to tell me all about their plans for this company if you decide not to straighten up.”

I grinned at her. “And what did you tell them?”

“The same thing I’ve been telling everyone for years,” she fired back. “I don’t want to become the CEO of this company. I love it. I’ll always be around to support and be a part of everything happening here, but I don’t want to run it. That’s why I’m here now. I want to make sure you’re doing whatever you’ve got to do to fix the problem.”

I could have easily said what I needed to say to ease my sister’s fears, but I was who I was, and I didn’t see anything wrong with a little bit of sibling torture. “Would it really be so bad to take over your family’s legacy?”

Mina’s whole body tensed as she balled her hands into fists. “Malcolm, I’m serious. You know where I stand on this. I’ve been in a relationship for years now. And the reality is that I’m likely going to be putting focus into the business he’s going to be taking over. If I’m CEO here, I won’t have any time for the ski resort. I’d rather be able to contribute to both places, as they’re both going to be big parts of my life. Westwood’s is always going to be special in my life, but Keystone Mountain is my future.”

I let out a sigh. The last thing I wanted to do was truly upset her. My sister was only two years younger than me, and we’d always been close.

Recognizing how panicked she was becoming, I tried to put her mind at ease.

“Relax, Mina. I think I’ve got this all under control,” I assured her.

“You think? I don’t think hearing you sayyou thinkyou have it under control makes me feel very good. I’d like a little more confidence than that,” she returned.

I couldn’t help myself and started laughing. When she let out a growl of frustration, I got a handle on it and said, “Look, I can’t make you any promises. I’m taking steps to show them what’s important, but I can’t guarantee they’re going to buy any of it.”

Mina crossed her arms over her chest and asked, “What exactly are these steps you’re taking?”

Grinning, I shared, “I hired a personal assistant.”