Page 54 of Wild Nights

"I'm going to take him upstairs."

Marcus waved a hand at him. "Don't worry about cleaning up. I've got this."

"I can help too." I gathered the empty bowls and picked up the dropped kernels, then took everything into the kitchen. "Where do you stay when you're stuck in the lodge?"

"I get one of the rooms. I love being snowed in, and the Wildes are a great family to work with."

"That's good to hear. I've had a good experience running the conferences here . This is the first time I've ever been snowed in."

"The storm will start overnight, and then tomorrow we can go play in the snow."

"That sounds wonderful." We quickly finished cleaning up our snack. Then I said, "Have a good night."

"You too," Marcus said warmly. "I'll sanitize the kitchen, then head up shortly."

I walked out of the kitchen, the lodge quiet now that everyone was in their rooms for the night. I wondered if Oliver would come back down, then decided he'd probably stay with his son. Was he staying in the penthouse or one of the family condos he mentioned?

In my room, I was pleased to see that my sheets had been changed and the bed made. I wasn't sure if I could handle it if the bed was still rumpled. Especially remembering what Oliver and I shared last night.

My heart ached for the night we wouldn't get, but I understood that he had a child. That his days and nights weren't his own. I just wished he'd told me.

Oliver: I'm sorry that we lost our night together.

Carolina: I am too. But I understand.

The phone rang. It was Oliver.

"I wanted to check in and see how you were doing. Do you need anything?"

"Is this the lodge owner talking to me or my sometimes fling?" I teased lightly, not wanting him to know how much I enjoyed our time together. It certainly hadn't felt temporary.

"The man, actually."

"Mmm. I'm fine. I was a little surprised to meet Joey, but not in a bad way. I guess I was just upset that you didn't tell me earlier. I shared intimate details of my life with you, and I'm sorry you didn't feel like you could do the same."

Oliver let out a sigh. "I have this strong desire to protectJoey. I didn't think you needed to know at first. It was just that one night. Then there was the second. But there were long months in between. We weren't necessarily developing a relationship. It was supposed to be temporary."

"I know."

"But you're right. I probably should have told you earlier. I was worried about how you'd react. Not everyone wants to be with someone who's a dad."

"You could have let me make that decision."

"I messed up, and I'm sorry."

"I understand why you were hesitant. You're protective of your son, and you should be."

"You're welcome to join us tomorrow. I'm sure we'll spend some time in the snow. Marcus likes to bake cookies every time we're snowed in."

"That sounds lovely." I was looking forward to spending the day with Oliver, his son, and everyone who was snowed in with us.

"I really am sorry we missed our night together, but I actually feel relieved that you've met Joey."

"It doesn't change anything for me." It just solidifies the fact that Oliver's life was here, and mine was in Maine. He couldn't travel with me even if I wanted something more from our relationship.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Joey gets up bright and early, and I can't promise that he won't want to knock on your door to wake you up."

I laughed at that image. "Thanks for the warning."

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