“Chill out, Allie, and let her enjoy herself.” Sierra held her glass up. “All right, here’s to multiple orgasms with hot billionaires.”

We all clinked our glasses together.

I leaned into Allie. “And here’s to good friends.”

18. Ro

Chapter 18

Ro

God, this day felt like it was never going to end.

My headache was back. I’d had so many calls regarding the Maldives deal and it was still teetering on the edge of collapse. Tristan had flown to New York to meet with the players in person. I’d thrown my weight around via video calls.

I wanted it. I’d hate to see it fail.

Failure was never an option.

I turned to slam a flurry of punches into my punching bag. It swung under the fury of my hits. I’d come up to the penthouse for a late afternoon workout, hoping that would decrease my stress and help me fight off the damn headache.

My cellphone vibrated on the coffee table. I pulled one glove off and lifted the phone. A voicemail from my father. I deleted it without listening.

Then I went back to punishing the bag. My punches melded into a steady rhythm and soon I felt sweat soaking my T-shirt.

The only bright spot in my day was dinner with Tessa tonight. My body tightened with anticipation.

There was a knock at my door. I raised my voice. “Come in.”

I heard a beep, then Caden and Piper walked in. We’d had several meetings while I boxed. They were used to it.

“Hey, I have good news and bad news.” Piper sank gracefully onto the couch in front of me.

“Good news first.” I took off my gloves, then grabbed a bottle of water and chugged. Snatching up my towel, I wiped my face and neck.

“The good news is the Langston Paris renovations will be finished next week.”

“You are a goddess, Piper. But also a sharp-toothed piranha who rips her prey to pieces and leaves no prisoners.”

She smiled.

“No, she’s a wolf,” Caden countered. “Because she stalks her prey first, taunting them with their upcoming demise.”

She buffed her nails on her shirt. “You boys say the sweetest things.”

I dropped into an armchair, hating that my head was still throbbing. “And the bad news?”

“I’m going to kill the head of maintenance.” She scowled. “I think I can hide his body in the woods, if I can drag him that far.” She crossed her long legs. “I did up a memo about no flannel shirts and jeans being worn as a uniform. He laughed at me.”

I controlled my smile. Barely. “This is a small mountain town, Piper. Pick your battles.”

She let out a huff.

I glanced at Caden. “Do you have anything new for me?”