Page 2 of Wild Love

"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 tolook 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 wordrough.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.

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