The master of understatement. I snorted as I read the rest of the email.

I just wanted to acknowledge your hard work.

Regards,

Ambrose Langston

I frowned. What the hell had happened to Langston? He’d either had a near-death experience and reassessed his life, or he’d gotten laid.

Shaking my head, I made a beeline for the concierge desk and checked my watch. I had paperwork I needed to go over, and I needed to check that all the masquerade decorations were safely packed away in storage.

“Morning, Tessa.”

Jolting, I spun and pressed a hand to my chest. Our head concierge never made a sound. He moved with this liquid walk, silent and efficient.

Add in the dark looks, and the female guests loved him.

“Enzo, how many times have I warned you not to sneak up on me?”

The corners of his lips quirked. “Three hundred and eleven.”

“It has to be more than that.”

“Sorry, boss.”

He didn’t look sorry at all. I wagged a finger at him. “I told you not to call me boss. Walk with me.” He fell into step with me. “How’s everything today?”

“Good. It’s been a smooth morning.”

“I’ll take smooth.”

Enzo nodded. “No shouting guests, no dead bodies —I count that as a win.”

We tried to avoid situations like that, but they happened.

“I did have one irate wife last night. Caught her husband staying here with… a younger model.”

I groaned. “Why don’t people just get a divorce?”

He shrugged. “Why do people get married in the first place? Anyway, I calmed her down and gave her the number of a good divorce lawyer. Plus, a free cocktail.”

And avoided a scene. I thanked the hotel gods every day for Enzo Rossi turning up here looking for work two years ago. “Thank you.”

“Tessa!” Lara jogged over from the reception desk. Her face was pale and pinched.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She licked her lips. “I just got a call.”

I waited. “And?”

She dragged in a breath.

“Langston is on his way,” Coral yelled from the desk. “It’s got her panties in a twist.”

A muscle ticked in my eye. I focused on Lara. “What?”

“He’s coming. Here.”

There went my dream that he’d forgotten about us. “When?”

“Now,” Lara squeaked.

My spine stiffened, but I kept my face blank. “Is he driving up?”

My receptionist shook her head. “Helicopter, with two of his executive team. He’ll be here in forty minutes.”

Oh, hell. “Talk to Chef. Have him on standby to do a nice lunch for them.”

Lara nodded.

“What do you need from me?” Enzo asked.

I rubbed my temple. “Just do your thing and keep things running smoothly. Spread the word that Langston is on the way, and everyone is to be on their best behavior.”

“You got it.”