Page 17 of One Big Little Secret

“Coffee?” I ask, helping myself from the freshly refilled carafe. Our cleaning manager must’ve swept the area.

If there was ever a good morning for a strong cup, it’s this one.

“Yes, please. Arlo, stand still.” She bends and lowers her voice, though I can hear every word. “We want Mommy’s new boss to like us, okay? Can you be a good boy?”

“Okay, Mom.” Arlo doesn’t sound like he’s fully on board with this plan, but at least he stops wiggling like a rambunctious puppy until I can hand him his chocolate.

“Careful, little man. It’s piping hot,” I say before he can take a giant gulp.

He eyes me cautiously, but when Salem glares at him, he decides not to throw it back and scorch his tongue. With our drinks in hand, we head for the rooftop.

“The top floor is ourpièce de résistance. One of the big draws of The Cardinal,” I say in the elevator ride up. The coffee has already helped my mood, and Arlo seems more controlled, casually sipping his drink.

The doors open and we walk down the hall to the gold door that leads to the wide rooftop terrace.

This area was my idea.

Archer wanted something more subdued up here, but people don’t want restrained when they’re chasing luxury. They want sheer, unadulterated opulence. Why half-ass it when you can feel like old money for a weekend?

Up here, we deliver.

Salem gasps and finally releases Arlo’s hand. The kid rushes forward to explore the glass igloos.

“Holy crap, I never would’ve guessed,” she says. “It’s beautiful!”

“Especially at night,” I tell her. “Here.” I lead her to the glass walls so we can look out over the cityscape in the distance. Thankfully, the place is perfectly kidproof, so we don’t have to worry about chasing her little wolverine. “There are fire pits for cool evenings and winter events, and soft lighting around the pool for summer. Though it’s the view that sells it for ninety percent of the people who’ll come here.”

“It feels like I can reach out and pick up the city.”

“Yes, that’s how we’re selling it. Close enough to admire the view with none of the noise.”

“Are the igloos heated?” she asks, turning back to survey the area. The pool glitters in the lights draped above.

“Of course. They’re aimed at our winter travelers. We spared no expense, courtesy of yours truly.”

She wanders closer to one of the igloos and places her hand on it. The frosted glass doesn’t reveal what’s inside, and I nod at her to open the door.

“Go on. It’s important you’re familiar with everything.”

She unhooks the door and swings it open, but just as she’s about to duck inside, Arlo whips around the corner and crashes into me.

Lukewarm liquid splashes my chest.

Fuck.

“Arlo!”Salem yells as he rips away again, his empty hot chocolate cup rolling around on the ground between us. Sticky not-so-hot chocolate seeps into the fibers of a suit that nearly cost me five figures. “Patton. Mr. Rory. I’m mortified.”

Even the look on her face can’t stop me from reaching my limit.

“Miss Hopper, are you sure you can control your son?” I grind out as she pulls me inside the igloo, perching her coffee on the walnut table and pulling tissues from her purse.

“I can. I will. This… this isn’t how he behaves,” she says miserably, dabbing at my shirt. “I’m beyond sorry. Forgive me.”

“Maybe try fewer apologies and more lessons in manners next time. What if I was a guest?” I snarl.

Her hand pauses, just for a second, and she looks up at me.

Yes, I already know I fucked up.

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