Never and Always (Langston Hotels #3)

Chapter 1

Piper

“Ineed the supplies next week, Duncan. And I want your best deal for them.”

“Ms. Ellis, next week is—”

I listened to the building contractor drone on from the speakerphone and saw my temporary assistant appear in the office doorway. I held up a finger to her.

“You promised me next week.” I kept my tone firm. “That’s why I selected your company for the work. You assured me, several times, you could meet the schedule. So, I expect next week, or I’ll go somewhere else.”

The deliveries needed to be on time, or the renovation work I’d spent a lot of time scheduling would fall behind.

I never fell behind.

The renovations of the Langston Windward would be done on time and on budget. Just how all my projects went.

“I guess I can make that work, Ms. Ellis,” Duncan grumbled.

“Thank you, Duncan. Email me the date and time.” I ended the call and glanced up. “Kate?”

The young assistant bounced inside the conference room I’d claimed for my office, her dark ponytail bobbing behind her.

I kept my face blank. I wasn’t sure why she bounced so much.

It must be a mountain thing. I’d been here in Windward—a tiny Colorado mountain town—for several months.

I fought a grimace. The town was tiny, but thankfully not too far from Denver. At least it had decent internet.

Since the Langston Hotels Group had purchased this mountain resort, we’d been working overtime to update, upgrade, and integrate it into being a Langston Hotel.

I was stuck here for the foreseeable future. It was my job to pack the hotel full of the style and amenities our guests expected of a Langston Hotel.

As chief operations officer, I took my job very seriously.

Even if I had to forgo civilization for several months. To be fair, Windward had some charming boutiques that catered to the crowds that visited during the ski season, and some good coffee.

Not that I’d admit that to anyone.

“I have several quotes and contracts for your signature and approval,” Kate said.

“Thank you.” I took the stack from her. “Is the painting quote in there?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“And the contract for the electrical work?”

She bobbed her head again.

“Thanks, Kate.” I’d borrowed her from her job working at the reception desk. She was new to assistant work, but a quick learner. “You’ve been a real help.”

Her pretty, young face flushed with pleasure. “Would you like me to get you a latte?”

“I’m good for now, but thank you.” I’d already had two coffees this morning. I could feel the caffeine whizzing through my veins.

The phone on the table started ringing. “I’ll take that, then I need to go and check on the painting in the east wing.” The painters were setting up to get started. “Keep going through my emails and prep any files I need for my meetings later, please.”

“Sure thing, Piper.”

I took the call. Then another. They were all to do with issues at other Langston properties. Thankfully, my boss, Ambrose “Ro” Langston, and I only hired the best. Even though my team was spread across the world, they were very good at their jobs.

I crossed my legs, checked the first quote on the pile, then looked at my watch.

I’d bought myself the elegant, slimline Cartier Tank watch when I’d landed the job at Langston.

I needed to check on that painting. I needed the work done to my specifications and I didn’t want delays.

It was January, peak ski season, so having rooms empty was not ideal.

The quicker we got the rooms refurbished, the quicker we could get guests back in them.

Rising, I smoothed my hand down my black skirt, then checked my hair was still secure in the twist at the back of my head. When I stalked into the hallway, I spotted Ro leaving his office. With him was the manager of the Langston Windward.

They were holding hands.

Watching Ro fall in love had been interesting.

He was one of the most guarded men I knew.

He’d grown up with difficult parents, and being the heir to the Langston Hotels empire, and hence very wealthy, had taught him that most people were after him for his money and influence.

The good looks didn’t help either. Ro filled out his Armani suit to perfection, and add the tousled dark hair and handsome face, and it was an irresistible attraction for the gold diggers.

He hadn’t been prepared for Tessa Ashford.

Tessa was born and bred in Windward. She was the smart, beautiful girl next-door. She had ink-black hair that contrasted with her pale skin. I had to admit, the woman was actually a nice person, and seriously in love with Ro. The pair was always touching and kissing.

I barely stopped myself from wrinkling my nose. I had no time for love and romantic nonsense. I had a partner penciled into my life plan, in about another five years.

Besides, I’d seen what love could get you. My mother had fallen for a handsome, charismatic man…who’d left her with two small kids and no job.

“Hi, Piper,” Ro said.

“Afternoon.” I nodded. “Where are you two headed?”

“We have some…contracts to review,” Tessa said.

I arched a brow. I knew the look on both their faces. They were probably sneaking off to Ro’s penthouse suite. These days, they split their time between Tessa’s house in town, and the suite here at the hotel.

“Mmm hmm,” I murmured.

Ro just smiled, while Tessa’s cheeks pinkened. With her skin, she couldn’t hide a blush if she wanted to.

God, they were so sickeningly happy. Ro deserved it.

I made a shooing motion with my hand. “Go. I have paint to look at.”

“Sounds fun,” he said.

“Oh, Piper, don’t forgot that our new chef arrives tomorrow,” Tessa added.

Yes, the old chef had retired—after Ro had offered him a very nice package—and Ro had worked hard to lure top British chef Jasper Harden to the Langston Windward. I’d eaten at his London restaurant, Noir, once, and his food was transcendent, but his desserts were the best things I’d ever eaten.

The only downside was the man took temperamental and difficult to a new level.

“I’ll be ready to welcome him to the team. And eat his delicious food.” I gave them a wave, then turned the corner.

The back-of-house area behind reception contained all the offices and the conference room. It was a little dated and cramped, but Tessa said it did the job. I nearly ran into a scowling Caden.

Our head of security often scowled. He was former special forces, and I was pretty sure they taught them how to scowl for the most menacing effect. He’d been scowling less lately since he’d also fallen for a local.

God, I hoped this condition wasn’t catching. Maybe I should stop drinking the water.

Now, I never expected Ro to fall in love, but I wasn’t too surprised. If someone had told me that Caden Castro—the most closed-off, private man on the planet—would do it, I would’ve laughed until I burst.

Still, Allie Ford, the hotel’s housekeeping supervisor, was perfect for him. She stood up to him and managed to get under his hard armor. Hell, I’d even seen him smile a few times.

“Everything good, Caden?”

He grunted. “A few kinks in the new security room. I’m heading there now.”

He’d expanded and upgraded the hotel’s security room. It was filled with new cameras and technology.

“Big kinks?”

He shrugged a shoulder. “Some cameras keep cutting out. Probably a wiring thing. We’ll work it out.”

“I have paint to inspect.”

His lips quirked. “Good luck with that.”

We both stepped into the hotel lobby.

Okay, even a dyed-in-the-wool city girl like me had to admit that the lobby of the Langston Windward was amazing.

The high ceiling and wooden beams gave a sense of space.

The large, triangular bank of windows brought the killer mountain view inside.

Add the polished wooden floor and the long, stone reception desk, and the place was an appealing blend of elegance with a rustic, mountain edge.

Sunlight glittered on a sprinkling of snow on the mountain. Now, my nose did wrinkle. I’d grown up in Chicago. For me, snow meant icy, dirty slush, and cold, gray winter months. I liked looking at snow through a window, but that was as close as I wanted to get. I liked nature. From afar.

Preferably in a nice, glossy photography book on my coffee table.

“Catch you later.” Caden strode directly to the security office behind the concierge desk.

The lobby was filled with bustling activity. It was check-in time—one of my favorite times in a hotel. Excited, eager guests anticipating a fun, relaxing stay. Or tired, travel-worn visitors ready for our hot showers and plush beds.

I strode across the space, my heels clicking on the wooden floor. I needed to check this painting job, then get back to my office. I had a video call soon with Paris.

My cellphone vibrated again and I glanced at it.

I saw a text message from my mom.

Hi, doll. I hope you’re finding some time to enjoy that cute mountain town you’re living in.

I rolled my eyes and tapped.

Mom, I’m working.

Then another text pinged. It was my grandmother.

You work too hard.

I rolled my eyes again, but I also smiled. The pair of them had raised me. Two strong, magnificent women. They’d always been my role models, and now I worked hard to make sure they lived easy. I tapped back.

My work pays for those yoga spa retreats you love, Gram.

Ha. I only go on those to spend time with you.

My smile widened. Every year, I booked us our annual trip.

The three of us went somewhere fun, did yoga, ate well, and visited the spa.

It was our time together and it had become so much more important to me.

Gram had suffered heart problems last year and been hospitalized.

My stomach clenched to a hard point. We’d almost lost her.

I’ll FaceTime you tonight. I have work to do.

Any chance you’ve met a nice young man out there?

One of my grandmother’s favorite questions.

I work for one.

But he’s taken. I mean one for you.

I don’t need a man, Gram.