“One thing I prize above all else is honesty. I prefer the truth to polished white lies designed to stroke my ego or make me feel better.”

She shot me a skeptical look. “Really?”

“Really.”

“You’re my boss.”

“No, I’m not. You report to the Director of Colorado operations who eventually reports to Piper. I think that makes me your boss’ boss’ boss’ boss.”

She arched a brow. “You really think I’m going to speak frankly with you? And you really think you’d like it?”

“Yes. The truth is not going to get you fired, you have my word. I need your expertise, and you know this place and its people best. I’m here to assess what needs to be done at the resort to make it a Langston Hotel.”

Now a bunch of emotions flitted across her face. “The resort is fine the way it is.”

“Come on now. We both know it’s dated. There must be things you want to improve or upgrade.”

She looked conflicted.

“I’m here to assess the ways to improve the Windward Resort to make it the Langston Windward.”

She chewed that over.

“You have the local knowledge, and I need that.”

She released a breath. “Fine.”

“So, you’ll give me the truth?”

Her gaze narrowed. “Does anyone ever tell you the truth? You’re rich and in a position of power. I’d expect most people fall over themselves to tell you what they think you want to hear.”

“What I want is for you to be honest with me.”

“I’m always honest.”

I arched a brow.

“Fine. I’m not thrilled you’re here. I don’t want you to destroy the charm of the Windward Mountain Resort. It means something to people, especially to the people of this town and to our guests. We don’t need to be another soulless, mirror-and-marble, soulless box.”

“You said soulless twice.”

“I’m aware.”

I cocked my head. “Are you calling Langston Hotels soulless?”

“Not…exactly. Some are very nice.”

My hotel empire, reduced to ‘nice’.

“All right, Ms. Ashford, we’ll make a plan to work together…for the best of the resort.”

She nodded, looking prim, proper, and pleased with herself. “You’ll see that the Windward Mountain Resort is fabulous, just as it is.”

“The Langston Windward.”

She faltered. “What?”

“Time to start calling it by its new name.”

Her nose wrinkled.

I took a step closer and got a hint of her scent. It tickled my senses and smelled familiar. “But don’t forget that I’m the one in charge here, Ms. Ashford. I will be making the final decisions.”

“I’m hardly likely to forget that,” she said dryly. She waved a hand at the door. “Shall we?”

“After you.”

She marched ahead, her trim body vibrating with tension.

This would prove interesting or a massive pain in my ass.

7. Tessa

Chapter 7

Tessa