Page 18 of Wild Nights

He rolled his eyes. "I always do."

He was a good boy, and I could trust Maeve. I felt uneasy that there was no reason for me to stay at the resort overnight. I think a part of me anticipated running into Carolina tonight.

I'd decided not to seek her out, but if I ran into her, then all bets were off. I wanted one more night with her to see if it was as amazing as I remembered. I'd almost convinced myself that my memory was faulty.

My mind was playing tricks on me. It had to be because no one could have this kind of effect on me and make me reconsider all my rules and reorganize my priorities.

I headed to the lodge, wondering what Carolina had planned for the evening. I didn't like the idea of her sitting byherself at the bar. I wasn't the only one who was drawn to her. She was a striking woman with her sleek black hair and porcelain skin. When she sat in hotel bars she was a temptation for other men.

I tightened my tie as I entered the lobby of the lodge.

"Good evening, Mr. Wilde," William said.

I managed to remember our employees’ names, and I knew how much each one made and the scope of their duties. Eli wanted to create a relationship with each one of them.

I headed to the grand ballroom with views of the mountains. It was dark now, but the lights on the slopes were visible. I was proud, knowing it was our family's legacy. I wouldn't do anything to mess that up. It was too important. My brothers and my parents were relying on me to keep this place running.

If Eli had his way, he'd spend everything without a thought as to the future. I was the realist. The one who reminded everyone we had to proceed cautiously.

My youngest sibling, Kylie, stood next to her husband, Tyler, and was surrounded by a group of people who probably wanted to hear about her latest cause. She'd made quite a reputation for herself. She was supposed to be the resort's event coordinator but had branched out to help more nonprofits. Eli had picked up the slack, but eventually we'd need to talk to her about replacing her.

I went to the bar with the plan to talk to Kylie when the crowd around her dissipated. I'd just gotten a drink from the bartender, Matt, when Eli walked in with someone on his arm. It was Carolina in a gorgeous red dress that highlighted her black hair and creamy skin.

My heart rate picked up. Why was she on Eli's arm. Jealousy shot through me, hot and heavy. I barely resisted crossing the room and demanding answers. Carolina wasn't mine, and Eli didn't owe me an explanation. He didn't even know about us.

But I was more than a little irritated that she was withhim. Didn't she know that it would bother me? Did she not care? Was she just like Tina, only worried about what she could get from someone? When Carolina realized I was just the numbers guy, and Eli was the one in charge, did she move on to him?

My jaw clenched tight as I watched Eli introduce Carolina to other people. She smiled at everyone and made small talk. Her hand was hooked through Eli's elbow.

When I couldn't wait a second longer, I left my drink at the bar and crossed the room, stopping in front of Eli and Carolina.

"You came," Eli said.

"I said I would." Eli had been on me more and more to be more social. Not to hide in my office. Going to events like this was expected, even for Xander.

"Glad to see it. Oliver, this is Carolina Cromwell. She's the organizer for several of our conferences."

I shook her hand. "Nice to meet you. I take it everything went smoothly this week."

"It was perfect. Thanks to your brother." Carolina inclined her head toward Eli.

I glanced over at Eli, trying to gauge what the hell was going on between them. Was this professional, or had he spent the night with her? He didn't have the responsibilities that I did. He could give her what she wanted.

I curled my hands into fists. Of all my brothers, I was the least likely to resort to a fist fight, but right now, I wanted to hit him.

Eli grinned at Carolina, patting her hand that rested on his arm. "I'm sure it was all you. Everyone raves about your organizational skills."

I wanted to forcibly remove him from touching her body. I'd never been a particularly jealous guy, but Carolina was bringing it out in me. One more reason why getting involvedwith her was a bad idea. I couldn't afford any attachments, especially not to someone who'd betray me with my brother.

"I have a few more people to introduce you to," Eli said to Carolina as he led her away.

I took a deep breath and made my way through the crowd to Kylie. If I talked to her, then I could disappear for the rest of the night. Since I'd already hired Maeve to stay the night, I'd go to the condo on the penthouse level and enjoy the quiet. It was rare I had an evening to myself.

I felt like an idiot for assuming that Carolina was just as affected as I was from that night. It obviously meant nothing to her.

"Oliver, you came," Kylie said as she pulled me in for a hug.

"Why is everyone so surprised when I show up?" I asked, gruffer than usual.

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