Piper gathered her laptop and files off the conference room table. “I’m heading to my room. On my ankle breakers.” She stalked off like a model on a catwalk. She could probably play basketball in those heels and not break a sweat.

Shaking my head, I made my way down the hall to my office. I was almost there when a body barreled out a side door and collided with me.

I grabbed the woman, and found myself with an armful of Tessa Ashford.

“Oh.” She blinked those big, dark eyes. “Sorry.”

I held onto her. The scent of apples hit me. I wondered if it was a perfume or her shampoo?

She pressed a hand to my chest and blinked. A strand of her dark hair had escaped her braid, flirting with her cheek. My fingers itched to tuck it back behind her ear.

Then she quickly stepped backward. “Sorry. Um, you’re working late.”

“We just finished dinner. I needed to grab a few things from the office and then I have a few more calls tonight.”

“No rest for busy hoteliers. How was your meal?”

“Fine, even if the menu was a little underwhelming.”

She stiffened. “Our chef knows the seasonal local produce very well, and what our guests like.”

I held up a hand. “It was fine. Decent choices. Your wait staff is excellent.”

She relaxed a fraction, but still looked at me suspiciously.

Why did I like that? “You’re here late. I thought you’d finished a few hours ago.”

“I had a few things to deal with, and I was planning Day One of our tour.”

“Good. I’ll—” My cellphone rang and I pulled it out without looking. “Langston.”

“Ambrose. It’s taken me a great deal of effort to get a hold of you.”

Crap. My father’s voice made my eye twitch. “Father. I hope you’re well. I really don’t have time to talk right now.”

“Never any time for your old man, especially since you stole my company out from under me.”

“I didn’t steal the company from you.”

“You did. Now you’re wasting money increasing training and benefits. Or throwing money at flashy new acquisitions.”

“Increasing training and benefits for our staff is not a waste of money, Father. Nor are strategic new properties.” I shook my head. I wouldn’t let him draw me into an argument. “You’re retired now, so focus on that, and the fact that you still own a healthy chunk of stock.” Which helped pay for his lifestyle and girlfriends.

“I’ve met someone.”

I felt my jaw lock. “I’m sure you’ll be very happy.”

“I want you to meet her.”

“Father, I have absolutely no interest in meeting your latest girlfriend. I really have to go.” I ended the call and sucked in a deep breath.