“Branded room keys,” Charlie says helpfully. “That was part of the idea. Not keys to actual rooms, obviously, but with discounts loaded instead for the riders.”

“Okay. Yep. I’m an asshole.”

“Thank you,” says Beau, wearing his signature grin. “We’ve been waiting for you to say it, since none of us have the balls to cross you in times like—” Charlie elbows him again and he shuts up for a beat.

Fine. They’re right. Micromanaging everyone isn’t working out for me. My life isn’t working out for me. The only thing that’s saving the resort right now is the hype from a post that Jenny never intended to make. I know she didn’t—I saw the truth in her eyes. It was too late by then. How am I supposed to forgive her for the rest?

I haven’t told a soul about it because even the thought of it makes me so fucking embarrassed. Embarrassed for believing in her. Embarrassed for letting her in.

Embarrassed for falling for her.

God, I fell so hard. I fell so hard that when she finally told me the truth, there was a part of me that wanted to let it slide.

That kind of weakness will never help us succeed.

“All right,” I say finally. “We’ll stop with the approvals. But I’m still not sure we’re on solid footing as far as finances go.”

“I’m adjusting my projections.” Charlie stands up. “We might get through this, if we can capitalize on the new wave of reservations. Jenny’s unintentional publicity stunt bought us some time, but we’ll have to buckle down.”

I can do that because I have nothing else to look forward to. It sounds hopelessly pathetic, even in my own thoughts. I never wanted to be a man who only had a job to fulfill him. But that’s all I’m left with. There’s no point in denying it.

“We’ll figure it out. Both of you, expect to meet about this soon. Beau, I’ll want more ideas for tie-in events.”

“Got it.” Beau claps his hands and rises from his seat. “You want tie-ins, I’ll get tie-ins. Now that I’ve got catering back, I can—” He shakes his head. “Nope. I’ll leave it at that. You won’t believe the events I’ll plan for you, Roman. It’ll be off the hook. Off the chain.”

“All right,” Charlie says. “I’ve got things to do.”

He slips out the door, leaving me alone with Beau.

“Go forth and plan,” I tell him. “You’re free.” Then I look back town at the stack of paperwork.

I feel him lingering.

“Beau?”

“Yes?”

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Listen.” His expression is sincere. “Go talk to her. Let her out of the doghouse. You’re miserable, and it’s bringing everyone down.”