“It’s always the quiet ones you have to watch out for,” Jazz said.

Allie scowled. “Seriously, this is messed up.”

“He’s sick, Allie. He needs help. It sounds like his father verbally abused him and brainwashed him into thinking that the Windward Resort should be his.”

Allie made a sound. “Lots of kids come from shitty childhoods. They don’t grow up to hurt or kidnap or try to kill people.”

“True.” I leaned my head on her shoulder and grabbed Sierra’s and Jazz’s hands. “Luckily, I’m okay. Caden and Ro came in like superheroes to save me. I’m alive and breathing.”

“So what now?” Sierra asked.

My gaze fell on Ro, who was still talking intensely to Cody.

“Life goes on. Rupert will go somewhere where he’ll get help. Ro’s going to leave. Piper and Caden will stay while we upgrade. We clean up the restaurant and continue to give our guests a memorable stay.”

My friends looked at me.

“Ro’s still leaving?” Allie said.

“Yes. The company jet’s fueled and ready to whisk him to the Maldives.”

Jazz and Sierra squeezed my hands.

“I’m okay.” I closed my eyes. “Okay, I’m not. I’m in love with him.”

Allie rolled her eyes. “I knew this was going to happen.”

“Me too,” Sierra said.

“Me three,” Jazz added.

“It’s all good. I love him enough that I want him to be happy. And jetting around the world doing his work makes him happy.”

“Something tells me you’re wrong,” Allie said in a funny voice.

Sierra squeaked.

“Like totally wrong,” Jazz breathed.

Frowning, I looked at them. They were all staring across the lobby.

I turned my head.

Ro was striding across the space toward me. He looked like a man on a mission. My hands clenched on my friends, then they let me go.

I was barely conscious of them moving away.

His entire gaze was focused on me. He got close.

“Tessa Ashford.” His voice ran through the lobby, and everyone stopped talking and focused on us.

My mouth was dry and all I saw was Ro.

“I came here to turn this hotel into the Langston Windward. I expected some obstacles, a few challenges… I never expected you.”

My chest hitched.

“I never expected to find a smart, beautiful, and tempting woman. Tessa, you radiate light and goodness and love on everyone. And I never realized that I’d been in the dark all my life until you.” He dropped to his knees in front of me.

“Ro…”

He took my hands. “You’re the day, all light and warmth. My entire life, I’ve been alone in the darkness… until you.” He glanced around at our avid audience. “I’m in love with Tessa Ashford.”

I stared at him, ignoring the gasps, laughter, and smattering of applause.