Page 19 of Wild Nights

Her eyes widened. "You have Joey, and we understand when you can't make it."

I waved a hand. "Sorry. I'm irritated, but it has nothing to do with you."

"No worries. I'm used to grumpy brothers," she said as Tyler pulled her into his side.

"Who do I write the check out to?" I was the one who was in charge of charity donations for the resort.

"You don't have to do that," Kylie said.

I gave her a look. "You're getting one whether you like it or not."

Kylie shook her head. "My assistant, Jordan, is taking donations."

"Good luck. I'm proud of you as always," I said.

She smiled softly. "Thank you, Oliver." Then she touched my arm. "I want you to be settled and happy too."

"I am happy." Before she could respond, I crossed the room to where Jordan sat at a table. I pulled out the check I'dwritten out earlier in the day and handed it to Jordan. "This is for the Wildes."

Jordan accepted the check and wrote down the amount. "Thank you, Oliver. Kylie appreciates everything you and the family do for her."

I nodded, my throat tight. I was happy to support my family, but right now, I needed to be alone. I moved away from the table, determined to leave, but then my gaze snagged on Carolina dancing with Xander. What the hell?

Was she determined to drive me crazy? Without a second thought, I strode across the room. When I reached Xander, I said, "Kylie wants to talk to you."

Xander stepped back from Carolina. "Thank you for the dance."

Carolina smiled at him, then looked at me in confusion when I took his place, placing her hand on my shoulder.

"It's customary to ask a woman to dance." Her tone was amused.

"I'm not feeling particularly polite tonight." My voice was tight.

She huffed out a laugh. "And why is that?"

I glanced down at her, determined not to be swayed by the way her hair curled around her breasts. She'd let it grow longer since I'd seen her last. It only made me want her more. "The woman I was intimate with walked in on my brother's arm."

Her mouth parted on a gasp.

"I'm trying to understand why that happened and what you're doing with Eli. Then I see you dancing with Xander." My words were clipped, and I was barely hanging onto my fury.

Carolina looked around then lowered her voice. "Oliver, I thought you wanted what happened between us to be a secret. Especially from your brothers."

I ground my teeth together. "I didn't have a plan for how this would go."

"I didn't either. You never responded after that one text."

I glanced at a spot over her head, not trusting myself to look into her eyes. "I thought you didn't want me to."

"I didn't. Not exactly. I can't explain it," she said, sounding flustered.

"I don't have time for a relationship," I said tightly.

She nodded. "Same. I'm traveling most of the year."

"My home is here."

Carolina's forehead creased. "What are you saying, Oliver?"

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