Page 52 of Wild Nights

"Why do you say that?" It was weird, but I felt like we were digging deeper now than we ever had in the hotel room.

"I travel frequently, so it makes it difficult to maintain steady relationships."

"I didn't think my brothers were ready to meet anyone. That's why Eli settling down with Scarlett took us by surprise."

"Is he happy?"

"Disgustingly so," I said.

"Then that's all that matters."

"I'm happy for him. I hadn't intended to be a single dad. It just happened. It's the hardest but most rewarding thing I've ever done."

"I can see that," Carolina murmured.

"I wish his mother were more involved. But she does more damage when she's around than when she's absent."

Carolina frowned. "How so?"

"She wants everything to be about her. She loves attention, and when Joey's around, he demands it."

Carolina frowned. "Understandably so. He's a child."

"She can't deal with it. If she's in the room, then she feels like she should be the center of attention."

Her eyes widened. "Wow. I don't even know what to say to that."

"I hadn't planned on co-parenting with her. But I don't regret Joey. He's the best thing that ever happened to me."

Carolina's expression softened.

Arthur sighed and shifted in his chair, lowering his magazine. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I just wanted to add that when you meet the love of your life, you'll know, and nothing will ever be the same again. So these intentions about not getting involved with someone because of your job or obligations kind of fall away." Arthur smiled softly.

"Is that how you felt about your wife?" Carolina asked.

"We met a few years after I graduated from college. I'd given up on finding anyone who'd love me for me. But she did." His eyes were glossed over as he stared at the fire as if he was remembering the day they met. "Abigail was worth waiting for, and whoever's meant for you will be worth the wait too."

"Oh, I'm not looking for anyone," Carolina was quick to add.

Arthur nodded. "So you've said."

Marcus returned with a tray of hot chocolates that he put on the coffee table. There were five mugs topped with whipped cream along with cups of candy cane shavings, minimarshmallows, and cinnamon sticks.

"You've outdone yourself as usual," I said to Marcus.

Joey scooped minimarshmallows into his cup. "Marcus's hot chocolate is the best."

"Save some toppings for everyone else," I chided.

Joey dropped shavings on top, then moved to sit with me on the couch. Everyone else helped themselves to the fixings, and we sat around talking about the impending storm.

As much as I hated that Carolina and I didn't get our last night together, it was nice to spend time with her in a different environment. When we were in that hotel room, all I could think about was getting her clothes off. In front of my staff and guests, we had to talk about other things. It was nice getting to know her in a different way.

Chapter Sixteen

CAROLINA

Ever since I ran into Joey at the Christmas tree on the second-floor landing, I hadn't been able to fully process that he was Oliver's. I suspected he was hiding something, but I never thought about a child. It made sense that his evenings were busy and he couldn't stay the night. I just couldn't figure out why Oliver hadn't told me about him.

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