The Billionaire Athlete’s Christmas Fling - Leslie North Page 0,42

This wasn’t a casual chat.

“I’m doing very well, thank you.” Jonas’s stern gaze made her feel like a kid in the principal’s office, and when he jotted something down on the legal pad in front of him, her confidence slipped further. “Have a seat. I’m looking forward to hearing why you’re the best candidate for this position and some of your ideas.”

Tana stumbled over the name of the resort, calling it the Elkin Resort. From there, it went downhill. By the end, when Jonas shook her hand again, she was ready to cry. She made it back to an empty break room before she lost control of her emotions.

The night had been too short, the day too hectic, and she was tired. One thing after another, and now she was crying in a break room. Sobbing. It wracked her body, shaking her shoulders and making her stomach hurt.

“Tana? What’s wrong?”

She whirled around to find Chase standing in the break room doorway. “Nothing’s wrong,” she said, denying everything. Until she couldn’t. And then she let it all come out. The lack of sleep. The cupcakes. The stop at the grocery store. And the asshole client.

Chase’s eyes flashed angrily. He came into the room and put his hands on her shoulders, rubbing gently. “You don’t have to worry about that. You won’t face any consequences from that jerk. You’ll be okay.”

The soothing tone of his voice set her off. “Just stop.” Tana yanked herself away from his hands. “I’ll be fine. I was fine before you came here, and I’ll be fine once you’re in LA.”

Tana had to prepare herself for the worst, and she had to start now. That was just how things worked out in her life. And she certainly didn’t need him fighting her battles at work or she’d never gain the respect of the other employees.

Surprise flitted across his face. A look that was quickly followed by hurt, and then by an expression that broke her heart. She could tell he was trying to figure out what to say.

Say anything, she thought wildly. Tell me I’m wrong. Call me out on how foolish all of this is.

Chase stepped forward and kissed her, so lightly and gently it brought tears to her eyes. “Give Lindsey a big birthday hug from me, okay?” Chase straightened up and put his hands in his pockets. Then he walked out, leaving her alone in the break room.

Tana pressed both hands to her chest, her face burning. She’d been awful to him, but it had all been too much. Taking one deep breath after another, she held each breath for the count of four and let it out on the count of four. It was an old technique she’d used when Lindsey was a baby. Too bad she’d hadn’t remembered it before she went off at him. Her reasons might be justified, but not her actions. Chase hadn’t deserved the brunt of her emotional breakdown.

When she had a solid handle on herself—and fresh makeup—there was an apology in order. But for now, the rest of life pressed in. Lessons and her daughter demanded she pull it together. There was no time to wallow in self-pity.

I need help with all of it, Chase. He couldn’t hear the words in her head, and of course, he continued to walk away, disappearing around the corner.

17

Chase flipped through a catalog of rental equipment, noting items for Jonas. His brother had called him in for a final opinion on that, and why not? He could do a few more things to help before he left.

“Almost done?” Jonas asked.

“Sure am.”

Almost done with this, and almost done with the Elk Lodge. Except he wasn’t, not really. Things were still unresolved with Tana.

He’d been up most of the night thinking about the way Tana shut down on him. She’d thrown the job offer in his face like he’d already decided to take it. He hadn’t, but now he was thinking about it constantly, just by virtue of the fight. “Okay. What do you want me to do?”

The office door burst open.

“You have a thief on your staff.” The thundering voice struck like an earthquake.

Chase jumped, and Jonas looked up sharply. Who would barge into their office like that? He turned to find a familiar parent waiting at the door. Oh, crap—one of the wealthiest guests at the lodge. He stormed across the room and loomed over Jonas. “Your ski instructor stole my daughter’s tennis bracelet. She’s inconsolable.”

Chase had heard all about the