Page 17 of Wild Nights

To get through each scenario, I thought how would I want to be treated in this situation. When Eli delivered dinner to me again, I wondered what I could do to return the favor.

At the end of the night, I put my feet up, suspecting they were swollen. I took pain meds for my headache and tried to wind down enough to sleep. By the end of the second day, I was convinced I wasn't going to see Oliver. He was either avoiding me or had no idea I was here.

He seemed like someone who got lost in spreadsheets and didn't get involved in the regular day-to-day operations of the resort. He was the opposite of Eli, who walked the property, ensuring everything was running smoothly. I saw him at least once a day, and he made sure to stop by and say hello. He'd delivered meals to me, and I wondered if Oliver had anything to do with it.

I couldn't let my heart get involved in this. I couldn't assume things were happening that weren't. That's how my mom got the rug pulled out from under her. She assumed my father was faithful. That when he said he loved her, he did.

I operated on actions. Eli sent me dinner. It was his nice gesture. Not Oliver's. I wouldn't make assumptions or romanticize the situation. Eli was a good business owner. Nothing more.

When the vendors were cleaning up, Eli popped his head into the room. "I take it everything went well."

I smiled. "It was amazing. Everyone was happy. Thank you so much."

Eli beamed. "We aim to please. I'll be happy if I see another bridal show on our schedule next year."

"I need to talk to the owner, but I can't imagine why they wouldn't want to return to this location." The mountains were the perfect backdrop. Besides, the brides weren't interested in much more than dresses, cakes, and the color of their invitations. I don't think they even bothered to rent skis or to take a tour of the outdoors.

"Is there anything I can do to make the rest of your stay enjoyable and relaxing?"

"Tomorrow, I'll make sure this room looks like it did beforethe bridal vendors showed up. Then I'll relax and enjoy one of your restaurants."

Eli nodded. "We have a fundraising event tomorrow night. It's one my sister puts on. You should come."

I shook my head. "Oh, I couldn't impose on a family event."

"It's for anyone who wants to come, and you'll be my guest. I'll text you the details."

"Thank you," I said as he waved a hand and headed out of the room. My impression of Eli was that he was always working, always on the go. He didn't pause for long, preferring the fast-forward button.

It would be rude to decline an invitation to the event, but it meant I was likely to run into Oliver. I wasn't sure it was a good idea. But at the same time I wanted to see him.

Chapter Six

OLIVER

Iwas all too aware that Carolina was running the conference this weekend. I'd managed not to approach her the evening she was at the bar. She was due to stay one extra night, so I only had to avoid her for one more night. Since we had a charity event, I was confident I wouldn't' see her there, and then I'd duck out to get back to Joey.

But there was a push-pull that was hard to ignore. I wanted to see her, but I wouldn't be able to stay away from her if I indulged in one more night.

She had the potential to be addicting, and I couldn't afford a distraction. Eli had decided to move forward with the plans for the luxury cabins and then a spa. I needed to stay on top of the construction plans and the winter activities. I constantly worried that we wouldn't continue to generate money to support his expansion. Eli paid me to think about those things so he could relax and make decisions without the reality weighing on him.

I had responsibilities. I shouldn't be thinking about a gorgeous woman who was currently cleaning up the bridalshow. I knew Eli checked in with the event coordinators once a day, and he'd help her if she had any issues.

I was more than a little jealous that Eli was the one who saw her every day. But I couldn't let on that I knew her. My brothers didn't know anything about my indiscretion, and I wanted to keep it that way.

I dressed in a suit for Kylie's charity event. Tonight, she was raising money for a local animal rescue. She had many causes, and I had taken on the role of her financial coordinator for her various charities. But I was happy to support my sister, especially after she'd lived in Paris for so many years. We were all happy she was living in Telluride again. We probably could have done without her marrying one of our friends.

When I came out of my bedroom, Maeve was sitting with Joey on the couch. They'd watch a show. Then she'd put him to bed.

"Thanks for coming over," I said to her.

"I needed my Joey fix." She acted more like an older sister to him than a babysitter. I was so lucky to have her.

"I'll be staying at the resort tonight."

"I'll have him in bed by eight."

"Good." I hugged Joey and said, "Listen to Maeve."

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