“Well, she can’t charm me. In under three years, I want Langston Windward to be the premier mountain resort in Colorado. No, in the whole of North America.” I straightened. “Where’s Caden?”

Piper shrugged. “He’s around. No doubt off assessing the security of Langston Denver and finding it woefully inadequate.”

“Or scouring that hate mail to find out who wrote it,” Tristan added.

That sounded exactly like the Langston Hotels’ head of security. “Get him in here. Piper, wrap up whatever work you have left to do. The three of us will head to Windward. Indefinitely.”

My COO winced. “It’s…a small town. A small mountain town.”

She said ‘mountain’ like other people would say ‘disease-ridden’.

Tristan snorted. “They might not even have high-speed Internet.”

She skewered him with a look.

“You’ll get your turn up there, Tristan,” I said. “For now, I need you here, working on the Maldives acquisition. Once I’ve planned what we’re doing at Windward—renovations, or demoing and a new build—I’ll need you.”

Piper arched a brow. “Your resort manager isn’t going to be happy.”

“My goal isn’t Ms. Ashford’s happiness, it’s the success of Langston Hotels, and right now, that hinges on the success of the Windward Mountain Resort.”

“She’s been busy this week, planning some annual charity event the resort is holding tomorrow night.” Piper shifted on the table. “A masquerade ball.”

An idea bloomed. A way I could take a little look around the Windward Resort without people recognizing me. Get a real look at the hotel without people rushing to make everything perfect.

“I’m suddenly feeling rather charitable.”

Piper’s eyebrows winged up. “Come again?”

“I’ll head up to Windward tomorrow. I’ll attend the masquerade, spend the night, and do a little reconnaissance.”

Tristan made a sound. “That’s very James Bond of you.”

I shrugged. “It gives me a chance to take a look around without people bobbing, curtseying, and tripping over themselves to only show me what they think I want to see.” I glanced at Piper. “While I’m gone, you and Caden pack your bags. We’ll fly up at the end of the week.”

She made a face. “God, I hope I don’t need hiking boots.” She shuddered.

After the pair had left, I stalked into the adjoining office I was using. The large, black desk sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, giving me more of that amazing mountain view. Sliding one hand into the pocket of my suit pants, I nudged my laptop and saw an email from Tessa Ashford.

Subject: Your urgent staffing reports

Mr. Langston,

As requested, here are your staffing reports. If you have any questions, I will gladly drop everything to answer them for you.

Regards,

Tessa Ashford