Page 19 of Wild Love

"I have a room in mind for you. It's bigger than a typical hotel room. It has two bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen, and access to the rooftop deck."

Scarlett laughed. "That sounds a little out of my price range."

"I'm not going to charge Chance's little sister." I crossed my arms over my chest. Was it a good idea to place this woman in the room next to my penthouse? I'd be able to see her coming and going, maybe even enjoying the rooftop heated pool, hot tub, and exercise room. Did I want her in my space?

Her eyes flashed with irritation. "I can pay my own way, and I'm not anyone's little sister anymore."

I smirked, letting my gaze peruse her body. "I suppose not."

I pushed off the desk and moved so that it stood between us. It was a necessary barrier. I wasn't sure I could resist her pull much longer, and moving her next to my room wasn't going to make that any easier.

I pulled up the reservation program we used for the lodge. The entire top floor was marked as unavailable. "I can reserve the room if you're interested." My gaze flickered to her uncertain expression. "Or would you like to see it first?"

Scarlett sat with her ankles crossed and her hands folded in her lap. It was a demure position. I wanted to push open her knees and sink to the floor in front of her.

I wanted to spend more time with her, and I held the master key card for those rooms. "Come on. I'll show you."

I stood and opened the door, not waiting for her to disagree. She passed by, her shoulder brushing my chest. I breathed in her floral scent, excited at the prospect of being alone with her on the reserved floor.

If she knew the improper thoughts I was having about her, she'd run in the other direction. I was the one her brother should have been worried about.

I swiped my key card for my private elevator. No one cameup here except when I requested a cleaning service, room service, or maintenance person. It was all mine. And soon I'd be sharing it with this woman. My heart picked up at the thought.

Scarlett raised a brow. "You have a private elevator?"

"I like my privacy," I said admiring the line of her legs in those heels.

She tipped her head to the side. "Then why would you let me move in?"

I shrugged. "You're practically family. I'd do the same thing for Chance."

The door opened to the top floor, and I gestured for her to precede me into the hallway.

"But Chance wouldn't need a place to stay."

"You're probably right about that. But there's nothing wrong with asking for help now and again."

We stopped in front of the door I was hoping would soon be hers.

Scarlett stiffened. "You know I don't like to do that."

I straightened, not swiping the keycard yet.

"I'm so used to my independence. I can't take the constant questions about what I'm doing, where I'm going, and how soon I'll be home."

"Your parents love you, but that would drive me crazy too." My parents didn't focus on me that way. I was the oldest and expected to be responsible at a young age.

I swiped the keycard and pushed the door open for her to walk in before me. I followed her into the large space.

It was open concept with white cabinets, white marble countertops, and a natural wood floor throughout.

But the crowning jewel of this floor was the floor-to-ceiling windows that provided a view of the mountains. Scarlett ignored the kitchen and the living room, not stopping until she stood in front of the window. I followed her at a more leisurely pace, and when I joined her, she said, "This view."

"It's priceless."

"I could lose whole days just standing here."

Whereas I had visions of pressing her against the glass or taking her from behind. I was beyond grateful that when we renovated this floor for me and my brothers, we'd installed one-way glass. We could see out, but no one could see in. Not that I should be thinking about my friend's sister naked.

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