A Lot Like Christmas by Michelle Major

Author:Michelle Major
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2022-08-04T16:35:33+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

“WHO ARE YOU and what did you do with my friend Mark?”

Mark narrowed his eyes at Alex’s amused tone. The Fit Collective CEO sat in the empty stool next to Mark at Champions, the popular watering hole in downtown Magnolia, as a trio of IT guys walked toward the pool tables in the back. “You’d better not complain that I’m being social,” Mark told his friend and then took a long swig of beer. “You were the one who advised me to try harder with the workplace social scene. I’m trying so damn hard it’s making my head pound.”

“I’m impressed,” Alex offered, then signaled the bartender for a beer. “This is a side of you I haven’t seen before.”

“I didn’t have it before...” Mark trailed off. Before Carli, he wanted to say. What was the point? Typically, he wouldn’t keep anything from Alex, but pride demanded he not reveal exactly how much of an effect his dog nanny and social-cues coach had already had on his life.

How he’d made the mistake of falling for her when she wanted to keep their relationship professional.

“I’ve been working on myself,” he said instead, unconcerned that Alex would judge him. Alex was not only brilliant with business but also a first-class human, which was why Mark had wanted to make the effort in the first place.

“I should have known you’d succeed at anything you put your mind to.” Alex clapped him on the back. “I appreciate the effort. Tell me you’re enjoying yourself a little bit.”

“I like that people aren’t actively trying to avoid me.”

Alex laughed. “That’s a start.”

Mark placed his beer on the scuffed wood of the bar. “Does this mean you’ll give me the Chief Technology Officer position?”

“You don’t need the money or the title. Hell, we both know you could retire tomorrow with what you made when your last company went public.”

“I don’t want to retire. I want to prove I can do this.”

“Will the kinder, gentler Mark Simpson be heading up the team?”

“It’s not like I’m some green comic book hero with an alter ego. I don’t respond to ‘Mark, smash.’”

“Did you just compare yourself to a superhero?” Alex chuckled, and Mark growled low in his throat.

“You know what I mean.”

“I do,” his friend admitted, “but it’s still fun to give you grief. You’re a good guy, Mark. I’m glad you’re finally letting other people see what I’ve known since college.”

Mark’s heart thumped wildly. He didn’t like the insinuation that he’d been hiding something. He hadn’t, at least not on purpose. “I don’t know why this is so important.”

“Yes, you do. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be making an effort, which took you long enough. It’s the dog woman, right?”

“Excuse me?”

“You know who I mean. The one who’s taking care of your grandma’s dog. She was with you at the event last week. Carla or—”

“Carli,” Mark said, trying not to grit his teeth.

“It’s been a while since you’ve had a girlfriend.”

“She isn’t my girlfriend. She’s my dog nanny.”

“Whatever works.”

“It’s not like that.

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