Page 49 of Wild Love

"Why aren't you dating anyone? You seem kind of perfect. You always bring food, and you even delivered flowers. You're sweet."

"Yeah, don't let that get out. I kind of like my wild and reckless reputation."

There was a pause, and then she asked, "Does that extend to the bedroom?"

My head swiveled in her direction.

Her cheeks were pink. "Forget I asked that. I don't know what I was thinking."

"I like to think so. Do you like to get wild, Scarlett?" I couldn't bring myself to say her last name. It would remind me of her brother, and he had no part being in this conversation.

"I think we've established that I don't know who I am or what I want," she finally said.

"Mmm. I'd love to explore that with you."

She leaned over and smacked my leg.

"What was that for?"

"Are you flirting with me?"

I chuckled. "Maybe. Why? Would that be a problem?"

"My brother is your best friend."

I sobered. "Sometimes it's easy to forget that."

Scarlett rolled her eyes. "You've been friends since childhood. I'll be gone in a few weeks. There's no point in starting anything that could cause trouble with Chance."

"We don't know that. Maybe it could be something worth fighting for."

"It's just a physical attraction. They always fizzle out."

I'd love to find out, but I didn't dare say that out loud. I wasn't sure that Scarlett was ready for what I wanted, but at least I knew she was interested in me even if it was only physical.

12

SCARLETT

After our second adventure, Eli hadn't mentioned a third. I tried not to be disappointed, but I couldn't help it. I had so much fun with him, whether it was a midnight swim on the rooftop or trying something new like rock climbing.

He was always patient with me and never got irritated when I was nervous. Then he packed that picnic lunch which was a thoughtful thing to do. I couldn't believe he wasn't dating anyone seriously. He was the full package for someone who wanted to build a life in Telluride.

Today, I was supposed to meet with Marigold at the library. I knew she was going to try and convince me to teach more classes.

When I approached her at the children's circulation desk, she smiled. "Oh, good. You're here. I wanted to show you something."

I assumed we'd go to lunch, so I wasn't surprised when she grabbed her purse and led the way outside.

"What do you feel like? Italian, sandwiches?" I asked her.

But she grabbed my hand and took me in the opposite direction of the popular lunch restaurants. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

She stopped in front of the old theater. The ticket window was blocked with paper now, but I remembered coming here as a kid to see the holiday productions. I secretly loved it, but I'd never tell my parents that.

"Why are we here?" I asked, digging in my heels.

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