Page 37 of Wild Nights

On the flight to Denver, I forced myself to work on my computer, reviewing the schedule for the conference and answering the last-minute emails from vendors. This event wasn't any different than the other ones I'd organized. Although the guests might not be as frantic as some of the readers at the author signings or the brides at the bridal shows. Maybe holiday shopping will be more mellow? I could only hope.

When I landed in Denver, there was a man holding up a sign with my name on it. I wasn't expecting that. I usually arranged for a driver once I arrived. I wondered if this was Eli or Oliver's doing.

The ride to the resort was smooth, but my heart ratepicked up with every mile we crossed. The sun was shining on the snow, providing a glare when we pulled around the circle to the entrance. A valet opened my door, and the driver grabbed my suitcase.

"Thank you." I took the suitcase and went inside to check in. I wasn't surprised to see it was the same room that was always reserved for me. Except this time, I found a basket of goodies, including chocolates, wine, and bath salts. It was sweet. There wasn't a note, but I couldn't help but wonder who had provided it.

I took a picture and sent it to Oliver with the caption:Was this your idea?

Oliver: That depends. Do you like it?

Carolina: I love it.

Oliver: Do you have everything you need for the conference?

Was this his way of telling me that our relationship was purely professional? I chewed my lip.

Carolina: I think so.

Oliver: Let me know if you need anything.

Carolina: I always do.

Now I was worried. Eli was usually my contact for the conferences.

Carolina: Are we still on for one more night?

Oliver: I was hoping to, but I can't make it work schedule wise. I can come over for a few hours.

Carolina: I'll take what I can get.

I was curious about what was stopping him from staying overnight. He'd said he wasn't married and didn't have a girlfriend. We promised we'd break things off if either one of us wanted to move on with someone else. So what could the scheduling issue be? Maybe the resort had more events in the evening, and his presence was required. Or he had early morning meetings. It wasn't my place to ask. He never stayed the full night anyway.

Oliver: What are you doing tonight?

Carolina: I check the room to ensure that everything is set up and ready to go for the vendors tomorrow.

I had my system down to a science. It worked so there was no reason to change anything.

Oliver: Are you available for dinner afterward. Maybe 7?

A thrill shot through me.

Carolina: I'd love that.

Now that I was assured he hadn't changed his mind about us, my step was lighter as I changed and headed to the conference room. I spent a couple of hours checking the table arrangements against the seating chart and placing the assignments on top.

Then I texted Oliver I was back in my room. I showered because I felt dirty after my flight, and when I got out, I heard the murmur of the TV in the other room. I relaxed for the first time since Ginny said she was moving out and didn't want to go into business anymore.

I would enjoy these next few days with Oliver and worry about the rest of my life later. I lathered my skin with lotion, brushed my hair, and got dressed in casual clothes, then walked out. I smiled when I saw Oliver leaning against the pillows, one arm folded behind his head.

"I brought dinner from our best restaurant. I wasn't sure what you liked so I brought a bit of everything."

I walked over to the table where there were multiple to-go containers. "I love when you do this." It felt like the ultimate luxury to have a little of everything.

"Let me get it for you. Have a seat." Oliver pulled out the upholstered chair for me, and I sat watching him as he put a little of everything on a plate for me, and pushed it in my direction. Then he poured the wine. He lifted his glass. "To a wonderful night."

I grinned and clinked my glass against his. "To a wonderful night."

---