Page 9 of Never and Always
Unlike the conference room, the owner’s office had an amazing view of the mountain. Skiers and snowboarders were zooming everywhere. The gondola was carting crowds of people up the mountainside. The space was done in dark grays that suited Ro, and the sleek desk sat in front of the perfect backdrop of the large windows. He’d added a few touches since he’d claimed it. A print of the stunningThe Rocky Mountains, Lander's Peak—the original I knew hung in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A beautiful carved wooden sculpture sat on the credenza by the wall. He’d bought it from a local art gallery. Andthere was a framed photo on his desk—it was a shot of him and Tessa beaming for the camera.
I barely paid any attention. Instead, my gaze landed on one of the other people in the room.
Everett.
My lip curled. He sat in one of the visitor chairs in front of Ro’s desk and was wearing another flannel shirt. This one was an attractive one in shades of brown, but it was still not his uniform.
“Ah, there you are, Piper.” Ro leaned back in his black leather desk chair. “Come in. I want to introduce you to Jasper Harden.”
I forced my gaze off Everett to the other man in the room. He was standing by the windows.
“Jasper, this is my COO, Piper Ellis.”
Oh.He didnotlook like a chef. He was in his late thirties, and looked like he should be stepping into a boxing ring.
He was a few inches shorter than Ro, but much wider in the shoulders. His white, button-down shirt strained to contain his muscular biceps and chest. How the hell did he get muscles like that working in a kitchen? His hair was light brown, flirting with dark blond, and he had plenty of stubble on his square jaw. He was scowling.
“A pleasure.”
I blinked. He had a smooth voice with a very nice British accent. Something else that didn’t match his rugged looks. “Welcome to the team, Jasper. I’ve had the delight of eating at Noir. Your food is exceptional.”
He inclined his head. “I know.”
I fought a smile. Clearly, he wasn’t shy about his cooking skills.
“I’ll have Tessa show you to your suite,” Ro said. “Whenever you’re?—”
Harden took a step forward. “I’d like to see the kitchen.”
Ro paused. “Certainly.” He walked the chef out of the office.
I saw Everett was looking at me. “Murray.”
“Big city.”
Ro strode back in. “Take a seat, Piper.”
I took the chair beside Everett.
“So, I wanted to talk to you about a last-minute project I’m adding to the renovation list.”
I shifted. Ro hadn’t mentioned anything to me.
“I want to add a swimming pool.”
I blinked. “A pool?”
Ro nodded. “I was talking with Tessa, and the idea’s been brewing for a while.”
“Where are you going to put a pool?” I asked.
“I had a designer do the prelim drawings. I figured I’d do an initial cost estimate before I brought it up. Make sure it was viable before it added more work for us to do.”
Ro was thoughtful like that. Still, a swimming pool wasn’t changing a paint color. It was a big job for an already tight schedule. And I was well aware us meant me.
He pulled out a roll of plans and laid them on the desk.
“The plan is to add it back here.” He pointed. “Behind the hotel. It’s going to be heated and have a glass roof, so it can be used all year round. It’ll connect to the new gym and spa.”
