“You get used to that,” Piper Ellis said. “The man is not much of a talker. Now, Ms. Garcia, let’s see that conference room.”

Then I was left alone.

I glanced around the lobby again, at my staff, at the smiling guests checking in.

I’d slept with Ambrose Langston. God, that was going to take more than a little bit of time to process.

Still, we’d agreed to forget it had ever happened. I’d try my best to never, ever think of it.

Liar, my inner hussy whispered.

Onward.

I had a tour to plan.

There was no way I was letting Ro Langston tear down this hotel. I felt the responsibility settle on me like a heavy blanket.

I’d convince him to keep all the charm of the Windward intact.

Whatever it took.

8. Ro

Chapter 8

Ro

Sipping my red wine, I looked out the window. Night had fallen over Windward. Outside, a winding walking path was illuminated by lights and still carried lots of people heading into town for late dinners, or more likely, back to their hotels and rentals.

I leaned back in my chair, glancing at the table littered with now empty plates. This private dining table had an excellent view and was separated from the main dining room by an intricate wooden screen. It had mountains carved onto it.

“The menu is pretty standard.” Piper sipped her wine. “My chicken was good but uninspired.”

I agreed. The restaurant had some good options, but no pizzazz.

“My steak was overcooked,” Caden said.

“The staff are good.” I sipped my wine again. “Well-trained.”

Piper nodded. “Agreed.”

“Tomorrow, Tessa will be giving me a full tour.”

“Tessa?” Piper cocked a brow. “You’re on a first-name basis with the woman who’d like to run you out of here.”

I astutely did not mention the reason Tessa and I were on a first-name basis.

Now, you take me. You slide this inside me.

God, yes. More.

My cock hardened and I bit back a growl. It was bad enough I’d fucked my hotel manager, but at least I hadn’t known who she was.

Now, I did. Now, there was no way I would get intimately involved with someone on my payroll. I was not my fucking father and ruled by my cock.

I would get this under control.

“I still vote to knock the place down,” Piper said.

“I vote to keep it.” Caden turned his glass on the white tablecloth. “I like the hotel, even if security needs a huge overhaul.”

“We’ll see.” The headache that had sprung up with a vengeance during my afternoon meetings had dulled. I still had a few more calls tonight. “Shall we call it a night?”

Piper stifled a yawn. “Yes, please.”

“You didn’t even need your hiking boots today,” I said.