Chapter 31
Everett
“The pool construction is progressing well,” I said.
“Yes, they’ve stayed on track the few days you were away.” Ro was huddled in a long, navy-blue overcoat that I guessed probably cost a lot of money.
I was rugged up in my favorite fleece-lined jacket with a tattered woolen scarf.
It was snowing steadily today. We were both standing inside the construction tent, inspecting where the team had already laid the concrete foundation for the day spa.
Nearby, the hole for the pool was already completed and they were spraying in concrete.
I knew they were using chemical accelerators to speed up the setting time.
They’d start framing out the walls in the spa soon.
“How’s Piper?” Ro asked.
“She’s okay.” She’d been torn about leaving her mom and grandmother, and getting back to work.
We’d spent a few days with her family. I’d kept busy fixing a few things around the house—a loose railing on the porch, hanging some pictures for Penelope, a broken cabinet door in the kitchen.
Gram had watched me work, lamenting that it was too cold for me to take off my shirt.
She had a saucy sense of humor, and I’d fallen in love with her.
Piper had been relieved that her gram was doing better. We’d gotten back to Windward late last night.
“She’s worried about her grandmother, worried about Chance. Worried Chance’s problems will spill onto them.” I looked away from the construction. “Any word on Ellis or Corvo?”
Ro lifted his chin. “Chance was spotted in town, trying to get a seat at another card game. He was knocked back, but the owner called Caden. By the time he got there, Chance was long gone.”
Dammit.
“Seems he’s gone to ground.” Ro’s face hardened. “No sign of Corvo, but no word that he’s gone back to Las Vegas. As far as we know, he’s still searching for Chance.”
“It’s all going to come to a head soon,” I murmured.
“It is.”
As long as Piper was safe, that was the main thing I cared about.
Ro and I headed back inside and parted ways. I checked in with my team and helped with an electrical job in the kitchen. Chef Harden and his team had been doing lunch prep. Whenever he barked, they leaped into action.
I was passing through the lobby, toolbox in hand, when I spotted Piper. She was striding along on another set of nude heels that showed off her legs and reading from a file in her hand.
“You should be watching where you’re going, big city.”
She lifted her head and smiled.
My chest tightened. Just days ago, it would have been a scowl, which I’d liked as well, but I really enjoyed the smile.
“Hi.” Her gaze dropped to the toolbox. “Busy?”
“Always. You? Been talking with Rio de Janeiro or Singapore?”
Her lips twitched. “No, I’m going over some orders for things for the spa.”
“I just checked the construction earlier with Ro. It’s coming along. The concrete is down.” I moved closer, pulling in the scent of her perfume.
She glanced at the staff at the reception desk.
I lowered my head.
She pressed a hand to my chest, but her gaze was locked on my mouth. “Murray, you know how hotel staff love to gossip.”
My lips quirked. “You don’t think me sleeping in your suite and dropping everything to fly to Chicago with you hasn’t done the rounds?”
Her nose wrinkled.
“Do you care?”
“Not really.”
“Good.”
She arched a brow. “Fine, so kiss me already.”
I touched my lips to hers, swiped with my tongue, then kissed her. Soon, she was leaning into me, eyes closed. She let out a low moan, and I felt my cock harden.
“Well, nice to see my son hard at work.”
Piper jerked back a step and I caught her arm. I turned and grinned at my dad. “You’re just jealous, old man.”
Dad snorted but he was smiling. “Hi, Piper.”
“Hi, Dale.” She had light color in her cheeks.
“How’s your grandmother doing?”
“Much better, thanks. She’s home and resting.”
He looked at me. “Trip back okay?”
“Trust me, after flying on Ro’s private jet, I’ve decided it’s the only way to travel,” I said.
“Glad he took care of you.” Dad lifted a brown paper bag. “I brought you lunch. Made Reubens, and I know it’s your favorite.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I took the bag and pulled in the scent.
“I made one for Piper too.”
She blinked, then smiled. “Thank you.”
Dad nodded. “Let’s have dinner one night, the three of us.”
I glanced at Piper.
“I can show you embarrassing baby photos of Everett,” Dad added.
She laughed. “I’d like that.”
I groaned. “Dad, there will be no baby photos.”
He winked. “Let me know what night works for you both. See you later.”
We watched him walk out, hands in his pockets.
“Wow, the snow’s really coming down,” Piper noted with a shiver.
“Skiers will be happy.” I tugged her up and kissed her again. “I’d better get back to work. Dinner in your suite tonight?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I nuzzled her neck.
That’s when I heard the wild screech of tires. My head whipped up and I stared out the front of the hotel.
A dark sedan came screeching into the portico covering the front entrance. I saw several valets leap out of the way, someone screamed. The car slowed and the back door opened.
Then a body tumbled out on the ground.
The car accelerated and with another screech, sped away.
I felt Piper stiffen, then run for the door. “Chance!”