Page 2 of Never and Always
They were holding hands.
Watching Ro fall in love had been interesting. He was one of the most guarded men I knew. He’d grown up with difficult parents, and being the heir to the Langston Hotels empire, and hence very wealthy, had taught him that most people were after him for his money and influence. The good looks didn’t help either. Ro filled out his Armani suit to perfection, and add the tousled dark hair and handsome face, and it was an irresistible attraction for the gold diggers.
He hadn’t been prepared for Tessa Ashford.
Tessa was born and bred in Windward. She was the smart, beautiful girl next-door. She had ink-black hair that contrasted with her pale skin. I had to admit, the woman was actually anice person, and seriously in love with Ro. The pair was always touching and kissing.
I barely stopped myself from wrinkling my nose. I had no time for love and romantic nonsense. I had a partner penciled into my life plan, in about another five years.
Besides, I’d seen what love could get you. My mother had fallen for a handsome, charismatic man…who’d left her with two small kids and no job.
“Hi, Piper,” Ro said.
“Afternoon.” I nodded. “Where are you two headed?”
“We have some…contracts to review,” Tessa said.
I arched a brow. I knew the look on both their faces. They were probably sneaking off to Ro’s penthouse suite. These days, they split their time between Tessa’s house in town, and the suite here at the hotel.
“Mmm hmm,” I murmured.
Ro just smiled, while Tessa’s cheeks pinkened. With her skin, she couldn’t hide a blush if she wanted to.
God, they were so sickeningly happy. Ro deserved it.
I made a shooing motion with my hand. “Go. I have paint to look at.”
“Sounds fun,” he said.
“Oh, Piper, don’t forgot that our new chef arrives tomorrow,” Tessa added.
Yes, the old chef had retired—after Ro had offered him a very nice package—and Ro had worked hard to lure top British chef Jasper Harden to the Langston Windward. I’d eaten at his London restaurant, Noir, once, and his food was transcendent, but his desserts were the best things I’d ever eaten.
The only downside was the man took temperamental and difficult to a new level.
“I’ll be ready to welcome him to the team. And eat his delicious food.” I gave them a wave, then turned the corner.
The back-of-house area behind reception contained all the offices and the conference room. It was a little dated and cramped, but Tessa said it did the job. I nearly ran into a scowling Caden.
Our head of security often scowled. He was former special forces, and I was pretty sure they taught them how to scowl for the most menacing effect. He’d been scowling less lately since he’d also fallen for a local.
God, I hoped this condition wasn’t catching. Maybe I should stop drinking the water.
Now, I never expected Ro to fall in love, but I wasn’t too surprised. If someone had told me that Caden Castro—the most closed-off, private man on the planet—would do it, I would’ve laughed until I burst.
Still, Allie Ford, the hotel’s housekeeping supervisor, was perfect for him. She stood up to him and managed to get under his hard armor. Hell, I’d even seen him smile a few times.
“Everything good, Caden?”
He grunted. “A few kinks in the new security room. I’m heading there now.”
He’d expanded and upgraded the hotel’s security room. It was filled with new cameras and technology.
“Big kinks?”
He shrugged a shoulder. “Some cameras keep cutting out. Probably a wiring thing. We’ll work it out.”
“I have paint to inspect.”
