“You haven’t seen anything yet. You haven’t seen all the good things about the hotel and what it has to offer. I’ve sent you reports. We’re profitable, guest ratings are high, and we have good staff with low turnover.”
He sat back in his chair, hands clasped on the desk. He had big, strong hands.
“You can’t knock this hotel down. It has history, and it means so much to so many people. It’s an institution here in Windward.” God, if he rebuilt, it would take years. So many people would be without a job. I thought of Allie. Hell, I thought of myself. “Give me a week. Give me a week to prove that keeping the Windward as it is would be the right decision.”
His gaze stayed locked on my face. He had brown eyes, but that one word didn’t do them justice. My eyes were dark brown, his were a shade of golden brown that made me think of expensive bourbon…or a tiger right before it pounced.
“Very well, you have a week. During our tour, you’ll have your chance to convince me that we shouldn’t rebuild. Show me what things should stay, and what needs upgrading.”
Air rushed out of me. I had a chance to save the Windward.
Still, something told me our ideas on what should stay wouldn’t mesh. He was all glossy city, and I wasn’t. “I’ll need to rearrange my schedule and delegate?—”
“Do it.” He opened his briefcase.
“I expect that everyone drops what they’re doing and scrambles to obey your orders.” I froze. Oh shit, had I actually said that aloud? Oh well, I was here now. “Apleasewouldn’t go astray.”
Amber eyes flicked up to regard me. “Ms. Ashford, I want you to give me a tour of my hotel. Rearrange your schedule.Please.”
“Of course, Mr. Langston,” I said sweetly. “It’s my pleasure to rearrange everything at short notice for you.”
He cocked a brow.
“You wanted honesty.”
“So I did. I have several international conference calls this afternoon. So plan our tour starting tomorrow.” He waved at the phone on his desk. “Go ahead. Inform your assistant.”
With a sigh, I approached the desk and snatched up the phone. I stabbed the number for Jazz’s extension.
“You’ve got Jazmin.”
“Jazz, it’s me.”
“Is he here?” she whispered.
“Yes. I need you to clear my schedule for the next few days, and then take care of things while I’m busy.”
“Oh, right.” Her voice lowered. “Do you need me to rescue you? I’m sure I can drum up a rescue party. I’ll recruit Enzo and Everett. They’ll help.”
I turned to hide my smile. “That won’t be necessary. I’ll be busy giving Mr. Langston a full tour of the resort. If there are any emergencies, call me on the radio.”
“You got it. Good luck. If you don’t come back, I’ll send that rescue party.”
I bit back a smile. “Thanks, Jazz.”
Langston set a sleek laptop on his desk. I glanced at his briefcase and froze.
Resting inside it was a bronze mask.
A very familiar bronze mask.
Instantly, all the air seemed to be sucked out of the room. I blinked rapidly, my vision dimming.
No. Oh, no, no, no. The universe couldn’t be this cruel.
“Ms. Ashford? Ms. Ashford?” Langston’s voice sounded like it came from far away. He circled the desk, frowning at me.
Dimly, I noted his deep voice, his jawline, and the familiar sandalwood cologne.
