Page 31 of Wild Love

Guilt filled my chest. I wanted to fulfill my promise to Chance; I could convince Scarlett to stay. I'd need to plan a good adventure. I rationalized it to myself that it was for Chance and their family. This wasn't for me. I didn't need Scarlett to stay, not when I couldn't have her.

8

SCARLETT

Ithought I'd stay a week, lead the children's theater class, then apply for theater jobs. But Marigold claimed she needed more time to create a sign-up for the event. She seemed sincere, so I couldn't be upset, even if I was feeling a little antsy about not having a plan.

Since I'd left Telluride after graduation, I'd always had a job, whether it was waitressing or working with a theater company. The break was taking some time to get used to.

This morning, Eli had insisted on going mountain biking. Going on this adventure with him was supposed to be my way of thanking him for the condo. It was the least I could do because this place was next-level. I'd never stayed anywhere nicer. We usually stayed in hotels that were more like hovels. I never had a kitchen to cook in, and the carpet was usually suspect. But here, I could relax and enjoy the amenities without worrying about paying for it.

I was positive Eli offered me the apartment to appease Chance. The security here was top-notch. No one was even allowed on the elevator unless we requested some kind ofservice. Chance didn't have to worry about me, and I got some space from my parents.

When I was around them, I felt guilty for not being the daughter they wanted me to be. I was positive they envisioned me married with a couple of kids by now so they could relate to their friends. Or at the very least, I'd have a job they could brag about. But I wasn't a doctor, a police officer, or even a librarian like Marigold.

I was an actress who traveled from town to town performing on a stage. I was a mystery to them.

By the time Eli knocked on the door, I was bundled up in leggings, boots, a fleece, and a hat and gloves. I didn't like to be cold or muddy, so this was going to be a test for me. I almost never worked out either, so I was worried about my endurance.

I opened the door, holding a to-go mug of coffee.

Eli scanned my outfit, finally pausing on the coffee mug. "You won't be needing that. You have a water bottle?"

"I do." I grabbed the one I'd filled this morning, swapping it out for the warm coffee. I wish I'd gotten up earlier so I could have finished it.

"You can drink coffee later. We have a mountain to ride." He grabbed my hand and pulled me into the hallway, only waiting long enough for the door to close.

There was something about Eli saying the wordridethat had my skin humming with desire. This man got to me like no one else did. His body exuded excitement as we rode the elevator to the lobby.

"You enjoy mountain biking before the sun comes up?" I asked him, my voice still raspy from sleep.

Eli nodded, a grin playing on his face. "It's the best time to go."

"I can't imagine why anyone would want to be awake at this hour," I mumbled, wishing I was tucked in my warm bed.

Eli grinned. "We're going to get to see the sunrise. I know the perfect spot."

I brightened slightly at that idea. "It would be better if I had my coffee to drink."

"You won't need it. The cold air and being out in nature will perk you right up."

I frowned. "You obviously don't know me very well. I only perk up after drinking coffee."

The elevator door swished open, and Eli leaned in close. "You haven't experienced anything like this."

His words tickled my ear, sending a tingle through my body. It felt like a promise for more. I had a feeling this man could deliver in the bedroom, and I was eager to experience that. Not so much the before-dawn bike ride.

No one was mingling in the lobby at this hour except for a few people with luggage, waiting on their ride to the airport. Eli greeted each one with a smile, saying he hoped they enjoyed their stay and would be back soon. Then he led me through the lodge to the back patio.

"Do you talk to everyone?" I'd observed him coming and going this past week while I hung out in the common areas reading a book or drinking hot chocolate, and he was always talking to someone.

"I want them to know that the owner cares enough to ask about their stay. If they're enjoying themselves, I want to know about it. But more importantly, if there's an issue I want to take care of it. I don't want them stewing and going home unhappy."

"I didn't realize how involved you were."

"I'm responsible for all these people having a good time." He stepped outside where two bikes rested on their kickstands on the patio. Helmets hung from the handlebars.

"This should fit." Eli didn't waste any time grabbing the black-with-pink-detail helmet and placing it on my head.

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