Wild Love (The Wilde Brothers #1)

Chapter 15

15

SCARLETT

T he last few days with Eli had been magical. There was our night on the roof where we slept in the cabana then watched the sun rise over the horizon. He'd made it a habit to stop by my condo in the evenings.

I was insatiable when I was around him. I chalked it up to knowing I'd be leaving soon and enjoying every minute with the hot business owner. He was my complete opposite in almost every way, but we were more than compatible in bed.

Tonight, I'd promised Chance I'd go to dinner with him. He seemed to want to connect, and I'd give him a chance, hoping he didn't try and pressure me into staying in town.

My goal was to find out what was going on with him and Marigold without revealing what was happening between me and Eli.

The snow had been coming down all day, so I hadn't ventured out, other than to go to rehearsal. I was consumed with set design, costumes, and getting the kids to learn their lines. It was more challenging than working with adults.

I met Chance at the hostess stand in the lodge's steak restaurant .

Chance immediately held his arms out for a hug. "It's nice to meet up for dinner when you're in town."

When I eased back, I caught the grimace on his face. "What's wrong?"

"I promised myself and a few other people I wouldn't pressure you about staying."

Pleased he was trying, I patted his chest. "It's fine."

"Two?" the hostess asked, and Chance nodded.

We followed her to a table by the window. I wondered if Eli reserved this one for us because it had the best view in the restaurant. I told Eli to stay away so that we didn't accidentally give off any hint that we were sleeping together. He thought that was funny. Probably because he wasn't the one putting on a front for my brother tonight.

I had a feeling Eli didn't like lying to his friend. But there was no point in telling Chance the truth about when I was leaving anyway. It was more important to maintain Eli's friendship with Chance.

I wouldn't ruin a lifelong friendship for a momentary lapse in judgment, something that was barely more than a vacation fling.

We ordered our steak and potatoes. Water for him and a white wine for me. Then Chance leaned his elbows on the table.

I sucked in a breath, certain an interrogation was coming.

"Marigold insisted that I go to dinner with you," I said before he could open his mouth.

Chance eased back, running a hand over his chin. "Did she now?"

"She said something about you stopping into the library to talk about books and me." I emphasized the and me part because I was almost positive he wasn't there to talk about literature.

"I've gotten into reading. The guys have started talking more about books, and I want to keep up."

This time, I leaned forward. "Wait. What did you just say? "

"I said the guys are reading more. Or at least they're talking about it."

"The guys? As in your friends or people at work?"

Chance cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with this conversation. "The Wilde brothers."

"I don't believe you." Why was he distracting me with an image of hot guys reading books? And not just any man—Eli. Did he read in his spare time? We'd never spent any time in his condo, so I wasn't sure if he stacked paperbacks on his nightstand. Why was that so hot?

"It's true. I've never been much of a reader. Other than comic books when I was a kid. So I went to Marigold. I figured she wouldn't make fun of me." The last sentence was said with more than a little irritation.

"I'm not making fun of you. I just want to understand. I thought you were talking to Marigold to find out about me." I felt awful that I'd assumed that was the case. But I wanted to protect Marigold if he wasn't interested in her. She clearly still had that crush on him.

He frowned. "Why would I do that?"

"Because she's my best friend." Sometimes guys could be so obtuse.

"Eli got into thrillers, and I read one that he suggested. But then I wanted to read more in that genre. She's been researching ones that might be good because thrillers aren't her first choice in reading material."

"Oh?" I arched a brow. "What is her first choice?"

His cheeks turned pink. "I think it's romance."

Wasn't that interesting? Was he embarrassed because he didn't want to talk about romance books, or was he blushing because he was thinking about Marigold reading sexy scenes? "I think it is too."

"We don't talk about what she likes to read."

I wanted to ask why not, but I was still trying to reconcile the Wilde brothers with reading. "So just to clarify. Xander reads books?"

"Xan likes the adventure ones. I'm not a fan."

A man who wore a suit was attractive, just as much as one who hit the gym or enjoyed the outdoors. I never considered that a man reading a book was too, but I'd overlooked the possibility. "You learn something new every day."

His eyes brightened. "Speaking of which, how's the theater?"

He knew just how to distract me, because I was bursting to talk about the kids and how enthusiastic they were about acting and being in a real live theater. That's what they exclaimed every time we met for practice. Miss Scarlett, I can't believe we're in a real live theater!

Cutest thing ever.

I launched into what had happened the last few days, and when our food arrived, Chance said, "You're enjoying it."

I picked up my fork and steak knife to cut into the tender meat. "More than I thought I would. I was worried I wouldn't be good with kids. I've worked with a few child actors over the years, and I helped them. I just didn't realize it would translate to a room of them."

"I've stopped by a few times just to see how it's going and to check on security, of course. You keep the door open."

"That's in case family and friends want to stop in and see how it's going." I was very conscious that a parent might not approve of what we were doing. I wanted to be as open about what we were trying to accomplish as possible. We were there to have fun and maybe learn something along the way.

I suspected I was learning more than they were. How to corral distracted kids. How to cajole one to learn their lines. How to let go and have fun. I was so used to a performance being as close to perfect as you could get it. But with the kids, it wouldn't be. But we'd have fun doing it, and I hoped the parents could appreciate that .

"It looks like the kids are having fun."

"They're silly, but I like to think we're learning something."

"The parents are appreciative too."

"There was a need, and I'm filling it for now. I'm sure they will find someone who can take over when I leave." But the idea of leaving didn't sound as good as it usually did. I hadn't heard back about any openings, and I was enjoying my time here with the kids and Eli.

"Do you think you'll be here for the holidays or even come back for a visit?" I could tell Chance kept his voice light.

He didn't want to pressure me, but I felt the familiar weight on my chest from his question. "I'm not sure what my plans are yet." If an opening comes up, I'd have to take it. Especially since it looked like Steve had badmouthed me to other productions.

"It's been nice having you." Then his eyes widened. "But no pressure."

I laughed. "It's okay. I know you and Mom and Dad want me to stay. It's not a secret."

"I don't want to put more pressure on you. I know it just pushes you away."

That made me pause. I knew that about myself, but hearing Chance say it was eye opening. My family wanted me in their life, and I was resistant. What was wrong with me?

"I'll visit more often. Telluride is starting to work its charm on me." I loved that old theater. The smell, the sounds of the kids' laughter. I could walk to quaint shops and restaurants. I enjoyed seeing Marigold and getting to know Eli.

Chance grinned as he pushed his plate away. "What are your plans for tonight?"

"Marigold wants to start dating again, so she's coming over for a hot night out," I said, excited to see my friend dating.

Chance blinked. "Marigold is coming here so you can troll for guys? "

I pulled back in surprise at his harsh tone. "I wouldn't put it like that."

Chance looked away. "I didn't know she was dating."

I tipped my head to the side. "She's in her late twenties. She wants a serious relationship, marriage, and kids. The whole nine yards. It's what she's always wanted."

Chance shifted in his chair. "And she thinks she's ready for it now?"

"Most women feel the pressure when they get older. We have a biological clock that's ticking." Not that it had ever bothered me. I could understand Marigold's desire for a family.

His cheeks turned red this time. "I haven't seen her with anyone."

"She wants to meet someone, and she hasn't organically. You know how it is. Everyone knows everyone in a small town. You either already dated them, or they haven't asked, and you assume they aren't interested."

Chance tugged on his collar. "I don't know about that."

"It's been ten years since we graduated from high school. If any of the guys wanted her, they would have made it known. She needs to cast a wider net. And I thought it would be fun for her to practice flirting with the tourists."

Chance coughed. "Why is that?"

"She can't get hurt. She could even hook up with one of them if she wanted to. No strings attached and all that. They'll be gone before you know it. No pressure or expectation." I waved a hand in the air like it was no big deal.

Chance tugged at his collar. "You girls are doing that here?"

"We'll probably hang out at the bar, then make our way to the club." Eli had a small club that was only open on the weekends. It was a nice place to dance, and I wanted to let loose.

"I should probably stick around."

I shook my head. "That's not a good idea. Marigold doesn't need you hovering over her and cockblocking her. "

"Jesus."

I huffed out a breath. "What? Like you don't talk like that with your friends."

Chance cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with this conversation. "I haven't heard my sister talk like that."

"Let Marigold have her night out. The poor thing doesn't get out enough as it is." I, for one, was enjoying this conversation. Chance was obviously upset that Marigold was dating. Why was that?

"I think she prefers to stay home."

"Not if she wants to meet someone." I met Eli because he was a family friend. I wondered if any of those would fit the bill. "You have any single friends you'd recommend for her?"

His eyes widened. "My only single friends are the Wilde brothers, but I wouldn't recommend any of them. Too wild for Marigold."

"Maybe she needs a little wild in her life. They do say opposites attract," I sing-songed, secretly hoping I was getting to him. If he'd ever been interested in Marigold, now was the time to realize and make his move.

"I don't know about that."

I was relieved that Chance didn’t know about us, but it bothered me that he thought Eli was single. I suppose he was technically. We hadn't put any labels on what we were doing. But I assumed he wasn't seeing anyone while we were hooking up. The thought of him dating someone else when I left town didn't sit right with me either. But I didn't have a reason to complain. If I couldn't commit to him, then he deserved someone who would.

The idea of another woman moving into my condo and sharing the rooftop deck was uncomfortable.

Chance paid the check, and then we moved to the bar area to wait for Marigold. I'd worn a short black dress, perfect for dinner and the night club .

Marigold arrived a short while later in an emerald dress and sky-high stilettos. Her blond hair pulled into a ponytail that curved over her shoulder.

I got up to hug her. "I suggested this one, but I didn't think you'd actually do it."

Marigold stepped back and looked down at her dress. "Is it too much?"

A throat cleared from behind me. "It's perfect."

Marigold's gaze flew up. "You think so?"

"I think you two are going to need an escort to the club." Chance grabbed our drinks from the bar, and I discreetly texted Eli to intercept him. The last thing we needed was the town sheriff watching over us. Marigold wouldn't be able to meet anyone with Chance scaring off any men who dared talk to her.

The club was dark, and the music thumping.

Eli met us at the door. "I reserved the VIP lounge for you."

I linked my arm with Marigold's. "I feel special now."

"It's more of a way to keep an eye on them," I heard Eli murmur to Chance. They joined us in the VIP lounge, which had a view of the dance floor. There were food and drinks. But we stood at the edge to people watch.

"You want to go out there?" I asked Marigold once she drank a little of her drink, and her hips swayed to the music.

"Let's do it," she said with a smile.

I gave Eli a look, and when Chance attempted to follow us, he stopped him. "Let them have their fun. We can watch from here."

I wasn't worried about running into any trouble on the dance floor, but it was nice to have Chance and Eli looking out for us. Hopefully, they wouldn't interfere with Marigold getting some action tonight. I'd settle for a guy dancing with her. A kiss would be a bonus.

She wasn't a one-night stand kind of girl, but I hoped this would make her feel more confident and ready to date .

I led the way to the dance floor, not stopping until we were in the center of the action. I threw my arms in the air and shimmied my hips to the rhythm. I didn't care about the words. It was all about the beat.

Dancing reminded me of being on a stage except without the choreography. I could let go and just be.

When I felt someone move up behind me, I edged away toward Marigold. I was good at deflecting unwanted attention. I was on a dance floor to move, not to pick up men. But when another guy creeped up behind Marigold, I let him. I wanted her to flirt and have some fun.

The man was a lanky blond. A little too preppy for my taste and probably five years younger than us. He got points for being tall, but I liked a guy with a little muscle on his body. Maybe one who was older, more mature, and liked to wear suits.

My gaze flitted to Eli, who stood in the VIP section. It looked like he was in a heated discussion with Chance. I wondered what that was about.

When the guy started rolling his hips, Marigold gave me a "save me, please," look, and I grabbed her hand, tugging her to me. "Dance with me."

"But men love when girls dance together. It's only going to encourage him."

"I'll glare at him for you." I gave him a look, and a second later, he shook his head, moving on to someone else.

Marigold breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks."

"I thought the point of tonight was to get you back out there."

Marigold's cheeks were flush, her eyes bright. "I want to dance with you, but I don't think I'm going to find my Mr. Right at a club."

I paused. "Oh, yeah. Good point."

We danced for a little while longer, then stopped at the bar for another drink. I didn't want to go back to the lounge and talk to the guys. "Do you think Chance or any of the Wildes have single friends that could work for you?"

"You're not setting me up."

"I didn't say I would. I'm just wondering if that wouldn't be better. It's safer than picking up a random man at a bar or meeting someone online."

"I keep thinking I'll meet someone the old-fashioned way."

I gave her a look. "You're not going to meet a man in the children’s section of the library.”

She sipped her drink while scanning the dance floor. "He could be a single dad."

I shook my head. "The odds are against you. You have to get out more. Join a gym. Go to the grocery store and spend time in the ice cream section."

Chance sidled up next to us. "I'm going to head out."

I reached an arm around his waist. "Thanks for dinner, big brother."

He squeezed me lightly. "Anytime, sis."

He nodded at Marigold. "I'll see you around."

She smiled. "I have that book you requested. It's at the circulation desk."

Chance moved closer to her to be heard over the loud bass, touching her shoulder. "I'll stop in on Monday to see you."

It didn't escape my notice that Marigold's gaze followed him as he sauntered out of the club.

"You ladies having fun?" Eli asked, and our attention turned to him.

"I think we'll dance a little longer, then head out." There weren't many men at the club. It was fairly quiet tonight, and I hadn't seen anyone who would peak Marigold's interest. She'd probably do best with a nerdy guy, maybe someone like Oliver Wilde. Why hadn't I thought of that before? And he was a single dad.

"Let's go," Marigold said, dragging me out to the dance floor for once. I danced until my feet ached. Then I watched her get into a car and drive away.

My heart sped up. I had a man waiting for me at home.

I texted Eli and asked him to meet me on the rooftop. All night, I'd been planning to take a dip. It would feel good after the heat of the club.