Page 8 of Wild Nights

CAROLINA

Istretched my arms and legs, flexing my toes. My body was deliciously sore. I had a brief moment when I wondered if Oliver had stayed the night, but I sensed he was gone. I reached over to confirm, and the sheets were cold. I slowly opened my eyes.

Waking up alone shouldn't have hurt as much as it did. I expected him to leave. The memory of my father leaving was always in the back of my mind.

But my heart picked up when I spotted the note resting by my phone. I shifted to a seated position and reached for it. It was short and sweet, thanking me for an amazing night. I held it to my chest.

I wasn't a sentimental person, at least not usually, but I knew I'd keep the note. I carefully folded it and tucked it into a hidden pocket in my purse. I had Oliver's number, but I knew I wouldn't use it to try and see him again.

Last night had an enchanted quality to it, and I knew it could never be repeated. Oliver lived in Colorado, and I lived in Maine. I traveled all the time, and I had a feeling he wasn't looking for anything serious.

It was one and done but something I could treasure forever. I'd hold onto the memory when I was alone in my bedroom. I wasn't looking for anything serious. I had to keep telling myself that as I took a shower and packed my things. Then I took a few moments to enjoy the view of the mountains one more time. I snapped a picture of our rumpled bed with the view in the background. It was something to remember him by.

I didn't blame him for leaving. That was what we agreed to. I also didn't have any regret. For once, I'd done something reckless, but I'd felt safe with Oliver. He'd never hurt me.

He was worried when he realized he'd forgotten the condom. I got the impression he'd had a pregnancy scare before. I respected that he'd given me his number and not the other way around. He was respecting my privacy, yet still wanted to hear from me about a possible pregnancy.

I'd let him know when my period came. He was a good guy. A man who'd take care of his responsibilities. Or at least that was my initial impression. After what happened with my dad, I could never be too sure of anyone. It was best to keep my distance from people, to lower my expectations, and guard my heart.

I had to go home for a few days. Then I was traveling to Florida, then Texas for more conferences. My life was on the road, not in this hotel room with Oliver, no matter how much I wished things could be different. I knew neither of us would have made a move otherwise. We had one night with no expectations and no feelings.

Except my chest was full when I closed the door and rolled my suitcase down the hall and into the elevator. I wondered if I'd see Oliver again when I returned for another conference at the resort. It was a small hope, one I kept under wraps. I shouldn't want to see him again.

I couldn't let myself hope for anything more than whatOliver had already given me: one night and a memory that would last a lifetime.

In Maine, I lived with my sister, Ginny, because I was traveling most of the time. She enjoyed having a part-time roommate, and I appreciated the assistance with the mortgage. When I wasn't traveling, I worked from home to coordinate the details of the conferences I organized.

I could live anywhere, but I'd always been close to my sister. After my father left, we became a tight family of three. As the oldest, I was protective of her.

The Friday after my Colorado trip, Ginny came home from work, dropping her things by the door. "You're so lucky you can work from home."

I looked up from my laptop. "I'd love to have an assistant. I have more work than I know what to do with."

Ginny dropped into the chair next to me at our small kitchen table. "That sounds so tempting. But health insurance."

"I think if I can get a few more conferences, I can look into carrying insurance for an employee." I made enough to cover my premiums, but I understood it was scary for her to take that leap. The pattern was that these organizations might do one or a few conferences a year. If they were happy with my services, they tended to hire me for additional commitments. I'd been slowly building my reputation over the years. So far, I'd made good progress with author and bridal events.

Ginny touched my hand. "You don't have to worry about me. I'll be okay."

I covered her hand with mine. "You're my little sister. I'll always worry about you."

Ginny smiled. "How was Colorado?"

"It's gorgeous. I wish I had time to go hiking or even spend some time outside."

Ginny sat across from me at the table. "You should spend a few more days at these places."

"I do spend one extra day." Because it was paid by the event coordinators. Otherwise, the cost would be on me, and I was trying to save everything I could. I always worried I wouldn't have enough. After Dad left, things were tight. And If Ginny needed me, I wanted to be able to help her.

Ginny sighed. "I feel like you're not living your life. It's all work, work, work."

"That's not true," I said before I could stop myself.

Ginny narrowed her eyes on me. " Did something happen in Colorado?"

I couldn't keep anything from my sister. "I did something a little crazy."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Did you finally take my advice and book a spa appointment?"

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