Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire

She swallowed hard as she prepared to start again. “This matter is very serious for the both of us. You have a building that you want to build. And I have homes I want to save.”

Graham rested his elbows on the desk and leaned forward. “And how do you propose we resolve this matter?”

“It’s obvious that both of us can’t have our way.”

“Agreed. You know I’m offering a generous bonus if all of the tenants agree to move out at the beginning of the year. And for that to happen, I need you to agree to it.”

Her heart clenched. To agree to his plan would mean this would be the last Christmas in the place that had always been her home. “Why me?”

“Because my investigator says that people follow your lead. And from what I witnessed this morning, I would agree. I also know you led the protest here at the office—”

“The protest you avoided.”

“I was caught up in important meetings all day, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t informed of the disruption.”

Disruption? Well, she supposed he could have called it something worse. But it also didn’t escape her that she was situated in a very strategic position. She slid back on the chair until the cushion touched her lower back. All the while, she worked up the courage to lay down a challenge—a challenge Graham wouldn’t be able to turn down.

“What is it?” His voice interrupted her thoughts.

She focused on him. The idea hovered at the forefront of her mind. Even if he was motivated to win a challenge, there was a distinct possibility he’d turn her down. But if she didn’t take this chance—if she didn’t challenge him—she didn’t have a backup plan.

“Just say it,” he said. His gaze searched hers as though trying to figure out what she was thinking.

He was wasting his time trying to guess her thoughts because she scarcely believed what she had come up with. “I’ll make you a deal.”

His eyes momentarily widened. “You want to renegotiate my very generous offer to have the Stirling tenants move out early?”

“Yes.” She hoped her voice sounded more confident than she felt.

There was a noticeable pause. “I’m listening.”

Inside she secretly cheered. She’d hooked his interest. “You’ll pay for everyone’s moving expenses.”

“And why would I do that?”

“To get my help. I don’t come cheaply.”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “I’m figuring that out.” He paused as though considering the pros and cons of the suggestion. “You drive a tough bargain. But you have a deal.”

“Not so fast. You haven’t even heard my final condition.”

A muscle in his jaw flexed. He steepled his fingers together as his laser-sharp focus zeroed in on her. “You’re pushing your luck.”

She knew it, but she couldn’t stop now. She leveled her shoulders and met his stare. “Do you want to hear my final condition or not?”

He visibly swallowed as the muscles of his neck moved. “And what would that be? A penthouse for you?”

“Um, no. But now that you mention it...” Suddenly a smile pulled at her face. She couldn’t help it. If she didn’t hurry with this, she was going to break out into an embarrassing fit of nervous giggles and any chance of making her idea a reality would be lost. And so she rushed to get out her unheard-of demand. “Forget the penthouse. I want you to work for me until Christmas.”

A deep frown came over his face. “If you aren’t going to take this seriously—”

“I’m very serious. I need to pick up extra shifts at the café and I don’t have time to do everything.”

“And you want me to do what?”

“I want you to be the building manager.”

His eyes widened. “You mean with a toolbox, wrench and such?”