Page 23 of Wild Nights

"I haven't been able to get you out of my head."

"So much for a one-night stand, huh?" Our intentions were good, but the reality changed everything.

"You're not what I expected, but then again, I've never done anything like this. I'm usually cautious. I analyze all the angles, evaluating the pros and cons before I make a move."

"Maybe you can't do that with something like this. You can only go by instinct." And my instinct was telling me to stay the night with him, to cuddle up close, and never let go. But that was a dangerous proposition. He didn't want more, and I knew better than to desire it. Anything could be taken from you in a second. It was best not to get too attached.

"Maybe."

I rested my head on his shoulder, enjoying the steady rhythm of his heart beneath my palm.

He played with the strands of my hair resting on my back. "I want to stay the night. Like last time."

"I want that too." I wanted everything, but I'd never voice that out loud. This thing between Oliver and me was temporary. A night here or there when I was in town. It could never be anything more. But I could see it sustaining me for the long weeks and months in between. If I knew I had Oliver waiting for me in Colorado, it would get me through anything.

I couldn't forget that my sister needed me. My goal was to offer her a job and health insurance, so we'd have security. We wouldn't need a man to support or take care of us. We could be independent. That was the one thing I learned from my mom. Never depend on a man. So I created my own life, made my own money, and I wanted to help Ginny to do the same.

That's why this thing with Oliver couldn't go any further. My life was in Maine, and his was here. We'd never sever the ties that bound us to our families, and I'd never ask him to. But I could enjoy this night with him and look forward to one more at the end of the year.

Chapter Eight

OLIVER

Iheld her as her breathing evened out. This night felt different than the last. Probably because I knew there was a possibility we'd see each other again.

There was always a chance she'd meet someone in the meantime. That she wouldn't be interested in our arrangement or the logical side of my brain would win out. But I still hoped I'd get one more night with her because it was never enough.

I reached for her in the hours close to dawn, remembering a condom this time. There was no need to stress about a pregnancy when this was just a fling. I lifted her leg and eased inside. It was slow and lazy, but I felt closer to her than in the other positions.

This wasn't supposed to be more than a fling, but every minute we spent together, I felt myself wishing our circumstances were different. She reached down to play with her clit, my dick rubbing against her finger with each pass. Watching her pleasure herself only heightened my desire. When we crested together, we stayed like that for a few seconds.

I took care of the condom, and when I returned, she wasasleep again. I didn't want to leave, but I had to. I couldn't chance one of the staff members seeing me come out of her room. I didn't want to start any rumors around town, and I didn't want my family to find out.

I got dressed quietly, careful not to disturb her. The sheet covered her body, and she was turned to face me, her hand on the sheet where I was just sleeping as if she was reaching for me even in her slumber.

She looked so peaceful. I wished I could stay and eat breakfast with her, shower together, and take her against the tiles. But that was outside the parameters of our relationship.

Instead, I slipped on my shoes and pocketed my cell phone and keycard, making a mental note to order breakfast and flowers for her.

I'd tell the staff that it was a thank-you for hosting the conference here, but I'd send Carolina a text so she'd know the sentiment behind it. I couldn't give her everything, but I could give her this.

I went back to the condo in case Eli stopped by in the morning for breakfast. I didn't want him to think I'd been in another room. I managed to sleep for another couple of hours. Then I woke in time to order breakfast and the flowers. I ordered a little of everything because I wasn't sure what her preferences were. We hadn't shared a meal.

After my shower, there was a picture from Carolina with the spread I'd sent her, including the flowers.

Carolina: This was a nice surprise. Thank you.

Then a few minutes later.

Carolina: I would have preferred you in my bed.

Oliver: Me too.

I owed her more of an explanation.

Oliver: I can't risk anyone seeing me sneak out of your room. Telluride is a small town.

Carolina: You're not married, are you?

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