When the cab pulled up in front of Rafael’s building she got out, paid the fare and then stood staring at the entrance. She shivered. Of course she’d forgotten a coat. It still hadn’t been ingrained in her that while it was warm where she lived, it was cold in other places. And she’d been in such a hurry to get to Rafael, she hadn’t bothered with more than an overnight bag and a few necessities.

She started toward the door when a man brushed by her. She frowned. He looked familiar. Ryan? One of Rafael’s friends. Ryan Beardsley. Maybe he could at least get her inside since Rafe wasn’t answering his phone.

“Mr. Beardsley,” she called as she hurried to catch him before he disappeared inside.

Ryan stopped and turned, a frown on his face. When he saw her, the frown disappeared but neither did he smile.

“I don’t know if you remember me,” she began.

“Of course I remember you,” he said shortly. “What are you doing here? And for God’s sake, why aren’t you wearing a coat?”

“It was warm when I left Texas,” she said ruefully. “I came to see Rafael. It’s important. He hasn’t been answering his phone. I need to see him. It’s about the resort. I wanted to tell him it was okay. I don’t care anymore. Maybe I never should have. But I don’t want him to mess things up for you or his investors or his other friends.”

Ryan looked at her like she was nuts. “You came here to tell him all that?”

She nodded. “Do you know if he’s home? Have you heard from him? I know he’s busy. Probably more so now than ever, but if I could just see him for a minute.”

“I’ll do you one better,” Ryan muttered. “Come on. I’ll take you up to his apartment. Devon should already be here. We haven’t heard from him since he arrived.”

Bryony’s eyes widened in alarm.

“Now don’t go looking like that,” Ryan soothed. “Cam dropped him off and he was fine. He’s probably just busy trying to dig himself out of this mess he’s gotten himself into.”

He took Bryony’s arm and tugged her toward the door.

* * *

“What the hell have you done to yourself?” Devon asked in disgust.

Rafael opened one eye and squinted, then made a shooing gesture with his hand. “Get the hell out of my apartment.”

“You’re shit-faced.”

“I always said you were the smart one in this partnership.”

“Mind telling me what prompted you to tie one on when you should be salvaging a business deal you seem determined to flush down the toilet?”

“I don’t give a damn about the resort. Or you. Or anyone else. Get lost.”