Mistletoe Maneuvers Read Free Page A

people will suffer.” She didn’t mind gambling with her own future, but she did not feel right risking the livelihoods of so many others.
    â€œYou think Rick can save the company?” her aunt asked.
    â€œMaybe. He’s well respected inside the company and in the industry. I think his presence alone would soothe stockholders.” Once again she saw him standing in his office, his handsome blue eyes twinkling with arrogance. “Rick outplayed me. He’ll get a new contract and be able to demand more money.”
    â€œ If you take him back.”
    She set down her fork. “Oh, Gran, I’ve made a mess of things.”
    â€œNonsense. I’ve never been more proud.”
    â€œHow can you say that? Look what I’ve done. If Sabrina gets this company, she’ll destroy it. She’ll sell it off piece by piece.”
    â€œI hate to see you like this,” her aunt said. “I don’t think your father realized what a burden he presented you with.”
    â€œNo,” she said, shaking her head. “I was given a wonderful opportunity.”
    â€œWonderful? Look at you. Twenty-six with the weight of the world on your shoulders and more than a thousand people’s livelihood dependent on your decisions. It’s Christmastime. You should be out celebrating with friends, drinking eggnog and kissing under the mistletoe. Instead you’re staying up all night worrying about this company.”
    â€œDad was my age when he began Lawrence. He had the same responsibilities.”
    â€œYour father was already married when he and your mother bought that old inn. And there was another big difference. This was his choice. His dream. It was your mother’s dream as well.”
    â€œIt’s my dream too.”
    â€œIs it?” Her aunt sighed. “I loved your father dearly but sometimes I wish he was still here just so I could wring his neck. How could he do this to you?”
    They had been over this so many times before. “Gran…”
    â€œAll I know was that he wasn’t thinking straight. I know in my heart that he would not be happy to see that you had tossed aside your dreams just to fulfill his. No parent wants that for his child.”
    Lessa knew her father had loved her dearly. No one had been prouder of her tennis success than him. He had given her her first racket and had been her original coach. But things had changed after he’d taken the company public. She’d rarely seen him and when she had, he’d been too exhausted to do anything but read. She had been as surprised as anyone when he’d called her into his hospital room and had asked her to win back his company. But she had loved her father dearly and would’ve done anything to help him. She had made him a promise that she intended to keep. “But I like this business,” Lessa said.
    â€œLet’s be honest,” her aunt said. “If you hadn’t made him that promise, would you be sitting here today fretting over the status of this company?”
    Would she? She honestly didn’t know. But it madelittle difference. Lessa did not believe in wasting time thinking about what could have been. Her tennis career had ended long ago. Keeping Lawrence Enterprises out of the hands of Sabrina Vickers was what mattered now.
    â€œI know I want this company to survive. More than I’ve ever wanted anything,” she said.
    â€œThen I have no doubt you’ll succeed. You had the courage to go up against Rick Parker. Not many people would dare such a feat. Your father did, of course. And we all know what happened to him.” Her aunt smiled. “You’re a very determined girl. You always have been.”
    She smiled appreciatively. “Thanks, Gran. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
    Her aunt walked over to the kitchen counter and grabbed a small brown bag out of a cardboard box.
    â€œWhat’s this?” Lessa