Wild Love (The Wilde Brothers #1)

Chapter 1

1

ELI

" W ho's that?" Mac tipped his head toward the entranceway where my best friend since childhood, Chance, stood in a suit. I wasn't used to seeing him in anything other than his sheriff's uniform or casual clothes for our adventurous outings.

The woman on his arm caught my eye. She wore a red wraparound dress that showcased voluptuous breasts and curvy hips. She was dynamite.

Her red lips made me think of them wrapped around my dick as she knelt on the floor at my feet. "Is that?—?"

But Chance had already stopped in front of us. "You remember my sister, Scarlett?"

"Your sister, Scarlett." The last time I'd seen her, she'd been a lanky teenager with all angles and a sharp mouth. When had she grown into a gorgeous woman?

Her red lips curved into a smile. "Elijah Wilde. So good to see you."

I couldn't say it was good to see her because my heart was pounding and my dick was hyperaware of her. This woman was a siren, but she was my best friend's younger sister. "Can't say the same."

My brother Oliver elbowed me, then hissed, "Behave." I was known for being a bit of an asshole but not usually to family and close friends.

Scarlett tipped her head to the side. "I see you haven't changed."

When I was in high school, I was as wild as my last name. I played rough-and-tumble sports, partied hard, and in general, had a good time. Then I went to college and did more of the same.

Grades came easily for me so I didn't have to take anything too seriously. Not until my parents handed over the reins of the ski resort. Then everything came into sharp focus. Nothing mattered except expanding my family's legacy.

I narrowed my eyes on her, but before I could say a word, Xander approached wearing a button-down shirt open at the collar and slacks. He refused to wear a suit. "Well, if it isn't the gorgeous Scarlett St. Claire."

He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it, and it took everything inside me not to stop him.

I shouldn’t be jealous of my younger brother who walked around the grounds as if he didn't have a care in the world because he didn't. He was in charge of winter activities, charming female guests, and he did a great job of that. Now he'd set his sights on Scarlett.

"Xander," I said by way of warning.

"Relax, Elijah." Then to Scarlett, he flashed his signature playboy smile. "Will you dance with me?"

She smiled in return, and it was softer and less calculating than the one she'd flashed at me earlier. "I'd love to."

Xander led the way onto the dance floor, her hand tucked in his elbow.

Scarlett shot one sultry look over her shoulder at me .

Oliver nodded toward the dance floor. "You're going to let that happen?"

Chance shook his head. "Scarlett will chew him up and spit him out. She's a firecracker. I gave up interfering in her dating life a long time ago.”

It had caused him and their parents pain that Scarlett left at eighteen on the back of some guy's motorcycle. She had no interest in school or getting a nine-to-five. The last I heard, she was traveling around the country with some theater group. "She home for a while?"

Scarlett threw her head back, laughing at something Xander said.

"He's always had a way with the ladies," Oliver murmured, and I grunted in response.

I shouldn't care that Scarlett was having a good time with my brother. Even if I liked her, which I didn't, she'd be off-limits. Her brother was not only my friend but the town's sheriff. I wouldn't touch her, no matter how much I was thinking about untying that bow at her waist to see if it was the only thing holding up that dress.

"No one can tell Scarlett what to do," Chance said, leaning against the bar. "My parents are just happy she's home."

"She hasn't said?" I asked him, tipping my glass toward my lips.

Chance shook his head. "My parents are afraid to ask her what she's doing with her life or what her plans are. The more you push her?—"

"The quicker she leaves." I remembered the drama surrounding Scarlett over the years. When she was home, the entire St. Claire family catered to her. I wasn't overly fond of her antics or the mess she inevitably left behind.

Scarlett hooked her arms around Xander's neck.

My jaw ached from clenching my teeth. I forced myself to look away. Why did the first woman who'd turned my head in what seemed like forever have to be Chance's younger sister?

She was a wild child, a free spirit, didn't have a care in the world. She was my dream girl. Unfortunately, she was also off-limits.

I wouldn't mess with my best friend's sister. I wasn't that big of an asshole. I was loyal to my family and those who were close; Chance was included in that.

"I'd appreciate it if you guys could keep an eye on her if you see her around town."

"Are you saying your sister needs a keeper?" I asked him.

"Fuck no. And don't tell her I said anything."

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I've got your back. I won't let anyone mess with her, including my brother."

"I'm not worried about Xan. He's too nice for Scarlett. She likes her men rough around the edges, if you know what I mean." Chance leaned on the bar, waving the bartender over to us.

My mind paused on the word rough. I was sure my friend wouldn't approve of the dirty thoughts I was having about his sister. In theory, it didn't matter who her type was because I wasn't the right guy for her. I had an unfortunate attraction to her. One I couldn't act on. I could admire the view and look out for her, but that's where my duties ended.

I waved a hand at the bartender. "It's on my tab."

"I can pay my own way, you know."

"You don't pay here. Not only are you a friend, but you're the town's sheriff."

Chance leaned his elbows on the bar top, his beer hanging from his hands. "Some might see it as a bribe."

"I've never asked you or the town for anything." I prided myself on operating the business without any outside investors.

Chance raised a brow. "Even if the town doesn't approve the expansion of the resort to add cabins? "

"I can't imagine why they wouldn't. The cabins bring in more tourists and provide a getaway for the locals."

Chance shrugged. "You know how it is. Someone always gets a bug up their ass about something."

I couldn't imagine working Chance's job. He had to deal with the complaints of the entire community. I only had to keep my guests happy.

Despite my best efforts to ignore them, I noticed when Xander led Scarlett off the dance floor to the bar. I didn't like the idea of her going home with him.

Chance nodded in Scarlett's direction. "She rode with me tonight."

"You're not letting her go home with Xan?"

"She may be able to handle herself, but that doesn't mean she makes good decisions. I'll make sure she gets home safely."

"Good." I took a long pull of my beer.

"You want to take a look at the auction items?" Oliver asked.

"Let's do it." I wanted to support my sister, who was the lodge's event coordinator. After college, she moved to Paris to work at a hotel because she didn't think we had a place for her in the business. I wanted her to be happy here, and part of that was ensuring her events went off without a hitch.

"What are we raising money for this time?" Chance asked, used to my sister's list of never-ending causes.

"They're raising money to buy sports equipment for the kids."

"I can get behind that." Chance’s parents preferred to buy his sports equipment secondhand because it was expensive.

We made our way around the crowded room. I managed to put my bid on a beach vacation. Someone had offered up their beach house on Sanibel Island. It could be a nice respite from the cold winters here, but I didn't have anyone to share it with. I could take one of my brothers, but a beach vacation seemed like it was meant to be spent with a significant other .

I had no intentions of settling down anytime soon. My focus was getting approval for our expansion project and erecting cabins on the property. I'd wanted it done before the winter season, but it didn't look like that was going to happen.

Kylie stood with her significant other, and our friend, Tyler. "How's it going?" I asked them, slapping Tyler's back and hugging Kylie.

A smile spread over Kylie's face. "Great. I think we're going to be able to buy a lot of nice equipment for kids who need it."

I rocked back on my heels. "I haven't even written my check yet."

Kylie just gave me a look. "You don't have to donate to all my causes. Keep the money for the resort."

"This isn't the business account. It's mine, and I want to support my favorite sister."

Kylie grinned. "I appreciate that."

"I know what it's like not to have the equipment you need." I remember how uncomfortable it made Chance to take our things. Over the years, we got better about leaving them at his house and pretending we'd forgotten about them. Then when he'd try and return them, we'd say it was an extra we didn't need anymore.

Mom had caught on quickly and always made sure she bought an extra bat and glove when baseball season rolled around.

"You're the best brother," Kylie said, giving me another hug.

"Hey, I do your books," Oliver protested.

"You're my favorite accountant," Kylie said to him with a laugh.

"I'm going to get some air." I left them talking and wandered outside to the large deck on the back of the property. Not many people would be out here this time of day. There was a fire burning in the large hearth on one end, but I purposely went to the opposite to get some quiet .

I frequently wandered the property to ensure things were running smoothly. It meant that I was constantly scanning for problems; it was exhausting. I sat in one of the cushioned chairs, letting my bottle dangle from my fingers.

"I didn't think anyone would be out here."

I started, not realizing someone was sitting in the dark.

A cell phone light came on, illuminating her face. "It's just me."

I tensed. "Scarlett."

She turned her light off, washing us in darkness once again.

"What are you doing out here?" I asked her tentatively, prepared to go inside. I didn't want to be caught with Chance's sister, especially after she'd spent time with my brother.

"I could ask you the same thing."

My shoulders crept up to my ears. "Xander bothering you?"

Scarlett laughed, and the sound echoed around us. "Xander's harmless."

"I can tell him to leave you alone," I offered, hoping she'd take me up on my offer.

Her hand covered mine briefly, then was gone. "I appreciate that. But I can handle myself."

"So Chance says."

Scarlett laughed. "My brother can be overprotective."

I shook my head. "Can you blame him? You've always been a wild child."

"I don't care for the judgment I hear in your voice," Scarlett said carefully.

I immediately felt ashamed that I'd treated her like everyone else. "I didn't mean to sound like I was judging you. It's just that Chance is my friend."

"And you want to protect him." Her voice sounded flatter, more resigned.

"I've heard a lot about you over the years. "

"Nothing good, I bet." Scarlett stood and went over to the railing, where her face was bathed in moonlight.

I stood, moving close enough to touch. "There'd have to be something good to report."

She shot an irritated look over her shoulder. "What did he tell you?"

"That you go from one job to the other, never settling in one place."

Scarlett turned slightly. "I work in the theater. That's the job. When one production is over, you have to find another."

I drank the rest of the warm beer. It wasn't the break I wanted from her heated gaze. "I don't know what that industry is like."

"My family never understood it. But it's part of the job."

I set the bottle down on a nearby table. Then I stepped closer and lowered my voice. "Are you misunderstood? Does no one know the real Scarlett?"

Scarlett's gaze slid to mine as if she didn't trust my words.

I remembered all the times Chance talked to me about her and relayed how hurt their parents were by her rare visits. "Your family worries about you, and they love you. They'd prefer you visit more often or even move here."

Scarlett turned slightly. "Why does everyone think you need to stay in your hometown?"

Was that what I was saying?

Scarlett gazed over the land. "I love my life."

"How long are you staying this time?" I couldn't keep the censure out of my voice. She'd be gone in no time, leaving my friend and his family hurt.

Scarlet pursed her lips, and I wondered what they'd feel like against mine. "That's none of your business."

"When you mess with my friend's feelings, it is." My voice hardened.

Scarlett turned fully so that she was facing me .

We stood too close. If her brother came outside and found us in this position, he'd wonder what was going on.

Her hand found my bicep. Her heat seared through the thin material of my suit jacket. Was she going to kiss me?

"Let's get a few things straight." Her voice was hard.

There was something about her demanding tone that had my dick stirring. I went for a nonchalant expression. "And what's that?"

"What I do is none of your business."

"But you're my best friend's younger sister. What you do affects him and not in a good way." My voice had a bite to it.

Scarlett huffed. "You both need to stay out of my life."

I tipped my head to the side. "Afraid we'll get a little too close to the truth? That there's a reason you stay away, and why you're home now?"

Her eyes flared, and I wondered what she was hiding. "I never stay in one place for long."

"Got that, sweetheart."

"It doesn't have to mean anything. And don't call me that."

I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and her breath hitched. It was completely out of character for me. I didn't do tender touches or slow seductions.

"What are you doing?"

I had no idea, but I wanted to touch her. I wanted to see if her skin was as soft as it looked. I wanted to explore her curves and her smart mouth. Everything about her was driving me wild.

The door opened, and I stepped back. Scarlett's hand fell to her side.

"Scarlett? You out here?" Chance's voice sounded across the deck.

I stepped farther into the shadows, knowing she wouldn't want him to know we were out here together.

Her heels clicked across the wood decking. "I'm coming. "

"What are you doing out here?" Chance asked as she approached him.

"I was just getting some fresh air," her voice drifted off.

I needed a few minutes to recover from that conversation. I hadn't expected to have such a visceral reaction to Scarlett being home again. The attraction came out of nowhere. I wanted my best friend's younger sister, and I couldn't have her.

When I was alone again, I moved to the railing, curling my fingers around it.

I needed to get Scarlett St. Claire out of my system, and I couldn't do it in any of the usual ways. I couldn't touch her. I couldn't sink inside her sweet heat. She wasn't mine to possess.

But I sure as hell enjoyed goading her. It was so easy to get her riled up. Her pulse had been fluttering out of control.

Had she wanted me to touch her? Did she wonder what my lips would feel like against hers?

I couldn't go back inside. Not when every muscle in my body was pulled taut. Scarlett was a siren, but I wouldn't be answering her call anytime soon.