Page 9 of Before and After

“You’re good at that,” Ro said. “How are the security office renovations coming?”

“On schedule. It’s going to be fit for purpose. I’ve made several new hires for the team. I’m still searching for a new head of security for the Langston Windward. I have a few feelers out.”

Ro nodded. “Piper?”

“The renovations to the guest rooms are on schedule. We’re doing as many as we can before the winter season. The rest will be after. The new paint and minor updates are going well.”

Ro rested his hands on the desk and smiled. “Great work.”

“Oh, and I’m working with Tessa on the final details for the Halloween Spooktacular next week.” Piper arched a brow at our boss. “I hear that this was your idea.”

Ro’s smile widened. “I thought a second event, in addition to the Mountain Masquerade, to raise money for the Windward Valley Children’s Charity was an excellent idea.”

I grunted. “Send me the details so I can work up the security plan.”

Piper smiled. “Oh, I will. You’ll love to hear that it’s going to be outside.”

Dammit. Outside events were always harder to secure. “Fine.”

Glee entered Piper’s face, which should have given me a warning.

“And Tessa is making it mandatory that everyone wears costumes. Including hotel staff.”

A muscle ticked in my jaw. “I’m not wearing a fucking costume.”

“It’s mandatory,” Ro said. The asshole wasn’t even trying to hide his grin.

I crossed my arms and scowled.

“I’m busy recruiting a new chef.” Ro’s brows drew together. “If I can lure him away from the restaurant in London.”

“Who?” Piper asked.

“Jasper Harvey.”

“Oh.” Piper pressed a hand to her chest. “I had a meal at his restaurant, Noir, once.Divine. His desserts are some of the bestthings I’ve ever tasted.” Then she frowned. “I hear that he’s a bear to work with.”

“Yes. He says less than Caden does and roars when he’s unhappy. He can be… temperamental, and grumpy as hell. Luckily, his food is beyond good.” Ro rose from his chair. “We’ll have to leave it there. I have a call scheduled with Kavner Fury and Tristan shortly.”

“How are the plans for the Langston New Orleans going?” Piper asked.

“Coming along, but slowly. We’ve hit a few snags, but just the usual things. Tristan is working his magic.”

Tristan Banks was CFO for Langston. The man loved numbers almost as much as he loved his closet of expensive suits.

Ro smiled. “Oh, and I need you both back here this afternoon at 2:30.”

“Why?” I asked warily. If there were costumes involved, I wasn’t interested.

“Tessa has samples for the planned great room and restaurant renovation to show. Paint colors, fabrics, furniture. She wants everyone’s opinions.”

“Not my area.” I didn’t care what color the restaurant was.

Ro raised a brow. “You don’t show, she’ll track you down.”

I frowned. This was true. Tessa was all smiles and professionalism, but it covered a determined and surprisingly stubborn personality.

“She’s roped Jazz, Sierra, and Allie into it as well.”