Page 54 of Never and Always
He made a low sound, then his mouth was on mine.
The kiss was hard, fast, and a little rough. And I liked it. So much. I moaned into his mouth, my hands clutching him.
When he lifted his head, I didn’t even know what planet I was on. I blinked and licked my lips.
“Fuck, you’re gorgeous.” His fingers trailed up my jaw. “Come on. We’re going to eat in the great room.”
“You’re staying for dinner?” I asked.
“Yeah. We can test out the moody new chef’s cooking. Plus, I’m making sure you don’t move your very fine ass out of this hotel.”
My gaze narrowed, and suddenly, I was feeling less melty.
He took my hand and pulled me toward the hotel entrance. “You leave the hotel again, Piper, there will be consequences. Got it?”
I wanted to argue, but reminded myself he was worried about me and helping me out. “Got it.”
Chapter 17
Everett
Bundled up in my boots, scarf, and fleece-lined jacket, I stood in the snow, watching the surveyors hammer in the last pegs. Ro had paid extra for them to come in on Sunday.
Once they were done, the contractor would start first thing tomorrow erecting the construction tenting. An excavator and other gear would then start getting delivered.
It was snowing steadily today. Nothing too dramatic, but enough that Piper had refused to step foot outside. She’d said she’d check the progress from the great room windows.
I was grateful for the snow. It would keep her sweet ass inside the hotel.
Keep her safe.
I was still mad that she and the other women had ventured out yesterday. How she’d thought a ridiculous wig would keep her safe was beyond me. Still, I was worried about her. Worried she’d try something else dangerous to find her brother, uncaring that she was putting herself in the firing line. I knew now she wasn’t just a big sister, she was the head of her family. Her father hadn’t been around to help, and she loved her mom andgrandmother. She couldn’t help but take care of them, shield them.
Even at her own expense.
I waved a hand at the surveyors and headed back inside. After I’d hung up my jacket and cleaned my boots, I headed back to the offices. I heard her brisk voice before I saw her. She was on the phone, giving orders.
I stopped in the doorway to watch her for a minute.
“I won’t accept those terms, Peter. Do better.” She made a sound. “Flattery, even in that charming British accent of yours, will get you nowhere. You know that.” She turned a little in her chair, spotted me, and pulled a face. She covered the phone with her palm and mouthedstop checking on me.
“No.”
She pulled another face.
With a smile, I turned and left. All day, I’d walked past her office or anywhere she’d been—checking the painters in the east wing, pondering upgrades to the great room with Kate, dealing with Chef Harden. She knew I was checking up on her, but I didn’t care.
I headed to Ro’s office. I was due for a meeting.
“Hi,” I announced.
“Everett, come in.” A suit-clad Ro sat behind his glossy desk. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave a hell of a view of the snow-covered mountain. I watched a young snowboarder whizzing past several slower skiers.
Caden was standing by the desk, arms crossed over his chest. And Enzo was sprawled in one of the cozy armchairs.
“Have you got any news on Piper’s brother?” I sank into the empty chair beside Enzo.
Ro shook his head. “We’re still digging. Caden’s taking point on this.”
