“My goal isn’t Ms. Ashford’s happiness, it’s the success of Langston Hotels, and right now, that hinges on the success of the Windward Mountain Resort.”
“She’s been busy this week, planning some annual charity event the resort is holding tomorrow night.” Piper shifted on the table. “A masquerade ball.”
An idea bloomed. A way I could take a little look around the Windward Resort without people recognizing me. Get a real look at the hotel without people rushing to make everything perfect.
“I’m suddenly feeling rather charitable.”
Piper’s eyebrows winged up. “Come again?”
“I’ll head up to Windward tomorrow. I’ll attend the masquerade, spend the night, and do a little reconnaissance.”
Tristan made a sound. “That’s very James Bond of you.”
I shrugged. “It gives me a chance to take a look around without people bobbing, curtseying, and tripping over themselves to only show me what they think I want to see.” I glanced at Piper. “While I’m gone, you and Caden pack your bags. We’ll fly up at the end of the week.”
She made a face. “God, I hope I don’t need hiking boots.” She shuddered.
After the pair had left, I stalked into the adjoining office I was using. The large, black desk sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, giving me more of that amazing mountain view. Sliding one hand into the pocket of my suit pants, I nudged my laptop and saw an email from Tessa Ashford.
Subject:Your urgent staffing reports
Mr. Langston,
As requested, here are your staffing reports. If you have any questions, I will gladly drop everything to answer them for you.
Regards,
Tessa Ashford
I foughtthe urge to smile. I don’t think I’d ever been told to go fuck myself so politely. I hoped to hell that Tessa Ashford didn’t cause any trouble with the transition. She had an iron-clad contract, which meant, whether I liked it or not, she was the hotel manager for the next three years.
Besides, I suspected she knew the hotel and staff better than anyone. The old owner of the hotel, Amos Clarence, had sung her praises. I needed her expertise.
Well, I was turning the Windward into a Langston Hotel whether she liked it or not. She needed to get on board. I never let anything, or anyone, get in the way of my plans.
My cellphone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out, and when I saw my father’s name, I rolled my eyes to the ceiling.
I stabbed at the phone and ignored his call. The very last thing I needed now was to talk with my father. He’d been calling the last few days, and I’d managed to avoid him.
I had more important things to deal with.
My gaze drifted to the mountains again.
Get ready, Ms. Ashford. You’re about to be dragged into the Langston Hotels Group, whether you like it or not.
* * *
The powerful enginegrowled as I accelerated up the highway. I’d decided to drive to Windward. I figured arriving by helicopter was a little conspicuous.
I’d rented an Aston Martin Vanquish Volante. I smiled. I had zero regrets. The car was a deep, sexy red, with a powerful V12 engine, and was a dream to drive.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d driven somewhere alone. Caden had tried to saddle me with a bodyguard. My head of security took his job very seriously. Thankfully, I’d managed to talk him down since no one knew where I was.
I’d left Denver behind and ahead of me lay the majestic Rockies. The weather was sunny, but the temperature was brisk, and had cooled a little more the higher I went to the mountains. But it was warm enough to have the roof down. The wind ruffled my hair.
Gunning the engine, I overtook a truck. There was no ringing phone, no father, no disasters to handle, or meetings to attend. I usually didn’t have time to relax. The last eighteen months had been a pressure cooker of work—which was just how I liked it. Work gave me purpose. It gave me the chance to show my father what I could do. To prove that I was nothing like him.
For the moment, it was pure bliss. Well, until I got to Windward.
