Page 85 of Never and Always
She nodded. “Thank you.” She swallowed. “And the local guy? Fowler?”
“I’ve already spoken with him,” Ro said. “He’s a little shady but not a bad guy. He’s definitely not interested in being a part of hurting an innocent woman.”
She looked at Caden, then me. “How are we going to find Chance? We have to get to him before this Corvo does.”
She was holding it together. That was Piper. Whatever the crisis, she charged on and tried to fix things.
“We’re looking for him,” Caden said. “But he’s understandably laying very low.”
She sagged against me. “I don’t know him anymore. I don’t know where the young man who was my friend and my partner in crime went. He’s my brother but I feel like he’s a stranger. How can this be the life he wants to lead?”
“Gambling is an addiction, babe,” I said quietly.
“I know, but he can get help. I’ve offered so many times. He doesn’t want help. He wants this.” She sighed. Then her phone pinged. She pulled it out and dragged in a breath. “I need to go. I have tiles for the pool that I need to approve.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
As we crossed the lobby, I scanned around, looking for Chance or anyone watching Piper. I didn’t relax until we scanned our ID cards and stepped into the office area.
“Piper…”
She set her shoulders back. “I’ll be okay.”
“You don’t have to be.” I pulled her into my arms.
She pressed her face to my chest and sighed. “I hate when I can’t fix a problem. And I hate knowing he might not be safe.”
Of course, she worried about Chance first, and not herself.
“The day started so well,” she murmured. “I didn’t even mind the snow, but now that orgasm in the shower has well and truly worn off.”
I pressed my lips to her cheek. “How about we have lunch in your suite, and I can top you up?”
That got a smile out of her. She tipped her head back. God, she was beautiful.
“Unfortunately, I can’t. I have a lunch meeting.”
“Of course you do.” I pressed a quick, hard kiss to her lips. “Later, then.”
Chapter 28
Piper
“Thanks, Luke. You did exceptional work. I know that all the German Langston hotels are in good hands.”
The man on the laptop screen smiled. “I have a good boss.”
“Oh, keep up the flattery.” I leaned forward. “You make my job easy.”
“You did hire me to do that.”
“An excellent decision.” I cocked my head. “But we both know that I poached you from Sofitel.”
Luke laughed.
My cellphone rang, vibrating on the table. “I have another call coming in. Send me an email with the resumes of the candidates for the Munich manager position. I’ll give you my opinion, but you know that it’s your choice at the end of the day.”
“Thanks, Piper.”
