Page 45 of Wild Love

"Uh-huh," Scarlett said as she clutched the goodies and followed me outside. Then we were riding down the elevator in silence.

I waved to the employees at the front counter, and outside, my SUV was waiting for me. It was already running, so I slipped the valet a twenty and opened the door for Scarlett."

"This is nice service."

"Ownership comes with a few perks," I said before closing the door and rounding the hood. Inside, I put the SUV in gear, then headed toward our destination.

Her forehead wrinkled. “Why do you do everything so early?"

"I prefer to get out early. It's a good way to beat the crowds."

"Hordes of people are clamoring to go rock climbing or mountain biking?" Scarlett asked dubiously.

I chuckled as I signaled a lane change. "In Telluride? Yes. You have your tourists and your locals who love being active."

"Hmm," Scarlett said.

"I'm going to get you to love the outdoors." I loved being outside: hiking, running, biking, whatever I could find. I enjoyed it all. But I'd never met a woman who did. Maybe I'd been looking in the wrong places.

Scarlett finished her pastry and sucked the icing off her finger.

That motion made everything inside me heat up. I fumbled around for a napkin and threw it in her lap.

"Sorry. I obviously have no manners," Scarlett said sheepishly.

"It's fine." What could I say?Suck on your fingers anytime? I enjoy the show.Jesus. I wouldn't survive much more time alone with her. "How was your week? I didn't see you after the library class."

Scarlett bobbed her head. "I've been busy."

"Have you been working on anything?" I wondered if she'd applied for a job, or was looking for a theater company to join. I tried not to let that bother me. She was always planning on leaving. This arrangement was temporary. Should I increase my efforts to show her how amazing Telluride was?

"Just considering my options."

"And what are those?" I asked, enjoying the sight of the sun rising over the top of the mountain range.

"I could hook up with another theater group, take whatever part's available, or just work on sets until something opens up." Scarlett's gaze was on the window.

"There aren't any options nearby?" I was quick to ask.

"Even if the theater in Telluride was open, it's probably too small for what I do."

I thought it would be perfect for the kids though. I'd already looked into the business, and the owners were looking to sell. They'd closed years ago, hoping to sell it to someone who'd use it as a theater. When no one expressed interest, they decided to sell to the highest bidder.

I was tempted to buy the place and give it to Scarlett to run, but that would be crazy. She didn't want to stay, and what did I know about running a theater?

I had a tendency to go overboard for the people I cared about, and somewhere along the line, Scarlett had become part of that small circle. I liked to say it was because of Chance, but I wasn't so sure. I liked Scarlett.

I parked in the lot where the trail began. I grabbed the equipment and the bag, hefting it onto my shoulders. Then we hiked in the direction of the rock face I intended to climb. It was a nice, easy trek for a beginner.

"Are you enjoying being home?" I asked, trying to break the silence. It felt heavy between us this morning. I wondered what had changed.

"I suppose."

My heart sank. "That didn't sound promising."

Her forehead wrinkled. "It's just that I feel all this pressure to do what everyone wants."

"And what's that?" I asked, wondering if I'd done the same.

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