“I’m not falling for Ambrose Langston. It’s against the rules. We agreed to have fun, that it was temporary.”

Allie shrugged. “Rules are made to be broken. And you don’t want to fall for him because you’re scared to fall in love.”

I felt a wave of something not entirely comfortable wash over me.

Allie’s face softened. “Babe, you lost your parents and⁠—”

I shot to my feet. “This has nothing to do with my parents.”

Both my friends fell silent.

“It makes sense to be scared to love someone,” Sierra said slowly.

“I love people. I love Emily, my cousins, you two, Jazz. I’m not closed off or broken.”

“We aren’t saying that,” Allie said.

Sierra grabbed my arm. “We love you, Tessa. We want you to be happy. Sometimes, we worry you avoid that because you’re scared to lose it again. You’re always so busy, taking care of the hotel, the staff, the guests, your family… When do you take care of you?”

I shook my head.

Sierra sighed, then reached out and hugged me. “I need to go. I’m running a yoga class and it starts in ten minutes. Love you.”

Then Allie yanked me close. She didn’t say anything.

After dropping these bombshells, my friends left me there stewing.

They were wrong. I wasn’t afraid to love.

I rubbed my chest.

Ro and I agreed to enjoy each other. Casual, no strings, no complications.

I shook my head again. I had work to do.

28. Ro

Chapter 28

Ro

“So far, everyone checks out.”

I saw Caden’s frustration on his face and heard it in his voice. He was uncovering rocks, but so far, no poisonous saboteur had scurried out.

“You have eyes on Tessa?”

He nodded. “One of my men is tailing her discreetly.”

I knew if she found out she’d give me hell. “Maybe Tessa almost dying made this guy stop?”

Caden leaned back in his chair. “I’d like to think that, but I’m not risking your life on a hope and a prayer.”

“Keep working, Caden. Eventually, this guy will make a mistake.”

Piper rose from her chair and set some papers on my desk. “Robbie asked me to print all these for you. There are some things for you to sign. But the most important thing is the finalized list of upgrades and renovations for the Langston Windward.”

I scanned it. “It looks great, Piper. Tessa might have a few more ideas for the spa.”

She nodded. “I’ll talk with her. If you can sign off, I can get the ball rolling with contractors. Get some work scheduled before the winter.”

I signed it with a flourish. “Do it.”

“And I hear the Maldives deal is all done,” Caden said.

“Yes.” I smiled. “Tristan wined and dined within an inch of his life and pulled it off.”

“Congrats,” Piper said. “When do you leave?”