Wild Nights (The Wilde Brothers #3)

Chapter 1

Chapter One

CAROLINA

W ith a smile, I accepted the drink from the bartender. As the conference coordinator, I was on my feet all day ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Since it was the last day of the conference, most attendees had already taken a shuttle to the airport and were on their way home. I could finally relax at the resort's bar.

A trio of women sat close to me on the bar stools.

"All the Wilde brothers in one spot. My ovaries can't take it," one woman gushed.

The second woman frowned. "Killian's not here. He's the famous snowboarder."

Another woman openly counted them with her fingers. "That's the rest of them. Eli, Xander, and Oliver."

Her hand was waving so wildly; I couldn't follow it to figure out their names. I only knew Eli, who was the resort manager I worked with when I was scheduling and planning conferences. He was always professional when I'd had to coordinate an event.

One woman fanned herself. "They're wild and reckless. Any one of them will help you to get over your breakup."

One brother was in a long sleeve polo with stitching that read Xander - Wilde Ski Resort Instructor. There was Eli in a suit, and a third brother—presumably Oliver—wore a button-down shirt with the top button undone, his sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms. His hair was dark but shorn closely to his scalp in a military style. My face flushed when his gaze lifted to meet mine.

There was a sheet of paper on the high-top table in front of him that the brothers kept referring to, as if they kept score of their games.

I couldn't seem to take my gaze away from Oliver. It was as if he had me transfixed.

A slow smile spread over his face, and he winked.

I quickly looked away, swirling the ice in my glass. I didn't want to be associated with the women next to me who clearly had too much alcohol in their quest to have a good time. I just wanted to enjoy my drink and head to my room for much-needed rest.

The women settled their bill and proclaimed loudly they were heading to the dance club. When they left, I let out a sigh of relief. I drank my drink, content to be alone at the bar. I was used to traveling by myself, and I was adept at conveying “don't approach me” vibes to any man considering it.

To my surprise, a hand braced on the counter next to my elbow. The scent of something spicy hit my nose a second before he leaned in. "Are you having a good time?"

I raised my gaze to the blue eyes that had only just winked at me a few minutes ago, my heart thumping. "Yes."

A slow smile spread over his face as his hand moved to the back of my stool. "Is there anything I can get you?"

His family owned this place, and he was treating me just like every other guest. "I'm fine, thank you. Did you win your game?"

Oliver chuckled, and I felt the rumble deep in my chest. "I won one and lost one. Xander's the best at pool. I have the spreadsheets to prove it. "

I turned slightly so that I was facing him, his arm making me feel like we were cocooned together against the bar. "You keep track of your games and not just for one night."

Oliver nodded. "My brothers and I are competitive. It's the only way to keep them honest."

There was something about the smooth tone of his voice that struck a chord deep inside me. "Who keeps track?"

"Me. I'm the numbers guy."

Why was that so attractive? I usually gravitated toward the athletic type, the ones who prided themselves on hitting the gym most days of the week. Given the muscles on his forearm, Oliver did the same, but he was an interesting combination of smart and athletic that had my heart racing.

He straightened slightly so he could offer me his hand. "I'm Oliver Wilde."

I tucked my hand into his. "Carolina."

His eyes widened slightly as he held my hand. "That's a beautiful name."

My body heated from his obvious admiration. "Thank you."

He let go of my hand and tipped his head toward my almost-empty glass. "Can I get you another drink?"

I pushed the glass away. "I think I'm going to head to my room."

"That's too bad."

I arched a brow. "And why's that?"

His cheeks were tinged pink, and I wondered if he didn't pick up women at bars often. "I was hoping you'd dance with me."

There was zero chance I was going to the lodge's dance club. I wanted nothing to do with that scene. But then he gestured toward the dance floor nearby, where a few couples swayed to the live band.

"I don't know if that's a good idea—" I hadn't planned on talking to him or pursuing anything. I lived in Maine and only came to Colorado a few times a year.

Oliver arched a brow. "How do you know if it's a good idea if you say no?"

I laughed despite my reservations. He was charming. Not as outgoing as the brother that led ski lessons, but he possessed a quiet insistence that was attractive.

He turned the stool so that my chair was facing the dance floor, holding his hand out to me. "Carolina, will you dance with me?"

I slid off the stool, which placed me mere inches away from his body. "Okay."

Oliver grinned as he wrapped his hand around mine and led me toward the other couples. I glanced over at the pool table, but his brothers were gone. When he found an open spot, he turned to face me, his heated gaze on me.

He drew me in, and I hooked my wrists around his neck, bringing my body flush against his.

He lowered his head slightly. "You feel good."

It was a line I could imagine him delivering as he hovered over me in bed, his cock nudging my entrance. I licked my dry lips, and his gaze lingered on the movement. "Do you come here often?"

I laughed softly at the cheesy line.

He winced. "That didn't come out right."

I shook my head. "No. It's okay. I organize conferences here a few times a year."

Oliver looked at something over my head. "Ah. I believe my brother Xander has called you the hot conference girl."

"I've worked with Eli, but I haven't met your other brothers."

Oliver nodded. "That's good."

I tipped my head to the side to consider him. "And why is that? "

"Whenever a woman meets Xander first—" Oliver shrugged.

"She falls for him?" I asked, disbelief tinging my voice.

"They fall into bed together at least. Xander's never been serious about anyone."

"I don't believe that." All the brothers were attractive in their own way. Maybe Xander had a way about him.

"He has a certain kind of charm that women find irresistible even when we warn them away."

"Do you think I would have fallen for him had I met him first?" I teased.

His eyes flared. "But he didn't talk to you first."

"I'm not looking for anything serious." I wasn't sure why I was dancing with him. I should have politely declined his invitation and gone to my room. That would have been the smart move. What was it about this man that had me reconsidering my no-hookups while traveling rule? It would have been so easy over the years to have a fling with any of the men who'd approached me. But I'd never seriously considered it before today.

Oliver was the brother of a business contact. If we hooked up, it would only make things awkward. I prided myself on always being professional.

Something passed through his eyes, but I couldn't place the emotion. "Neither am I." Then Oliver lowered his head, his breath tickling my ear. "But I want you."

There was something about the matter-of-fact way he delivered that line. It didn't sound like a come-on, and he was unapologetic in his desire.

"I want you too."

Oliver's hands tightened on my waist.

This was a terrible idea. But no one had intrigued me like Oliver. Could I have one night with him and pretend nothing had ever happened? Is that what I wanted ?

I wanted to be in a committed relationship eventually, but I figured it wouldn't happen until I expanded my business. For now, I was content traveling around the United States managing conferences.

"Do you want to come up to my room?" I asked, my mouth suddenly very dry.

"If you're sure," Oliver said.

I nodded, and he interlaced his fingers with mine, leading me across the dance floor to a set of elevators I hadn't noticed before. I could have said I changed my mind, and I wasn't looking for a hookup, but I didn't. I wanted to spend more time with Oliver.

When the elevator opened, we stepped inside, and I hit the button for the sixth floor. He never let go of my hand as the elevator ascended. The door opened with a snick, and we stepped onto the plush carpet of the hallway.

Oliver paused in front of the open doors. "Which room is yours?"

"This way." I led the way to my room which was the last one on the floor. Eli had ensured I'd gotten a room with a view of the mountains. I unlocked the door with my keycard, and Oliver pushed it open. He dropped my hand as he stepped deeper into the room.

I placed my clutch on a nearby chair and kicked off my heels. The carpet felt heavenly on my aching feet.

Oliver tucked his hands into his slacks, taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains. "This is one of the nicest rooms in the lodge." He turned to face me. "Besides the penthouse."

"Do you do this often?" I asked, my heart fluttering. "Follow guests to their rooms?"

Oliver shook his head. "Never."

He said it so emphatically, I believed him. There was something about this man that was tugging on my heart strings. The only thing I knew about him was that he kept track of games with his brothers on spreadsheets, and he didn't pick up random guests and take them back to their room.

"Why me?" I couldn't help but ask.

My heart stuttered when he moved toward me, his gaze intent on mine. "There's just something about you I can't resist."

He moved close, lifting his hand, hovering it in the air for a second, before he brushed a strand of hair off my forehead. "I don't allow myself many indulgences?—"

The brief contact had my pulse racing. I should have been asking why that was, but the reasons didn't matter.

"I have a feeling you don't either."

I wondered if it was the suit I was wearing or the practical heels that gave him that impression. "I've never done this before. I work with your brother, and I don't want to cause any friction."

Oliver's eyes heated. "The only friction will be between us."

Sparks erupted inside me at the image his words conjured.

He lowered his head. "Are you sure about this?"

I licked my lips, needing him to touch me. "Yes."

Then his mouth brushed over mine, a feather light touch. I swayed toward him, and he caught me with a hand on my hip. "I'm going to enjoy every minute of this. I don't want to rush anything.

My heart picked up. "I thought one-night stands were quick and dirty."

He huffed out a laugh. "You don't know me. I don't do anything half-assed." He paused, then added, "But it might get a little dirty."

My heart squeezed at his confidence. Not something I would have anticipated after his assessment of himself as the numbers guy .

"I want to see you," he said not making a move to remove my clothing.

I nodded, sensing he needed my permission.

He pulled my silky shirt from the band of my skirt, getting to work on the delicate buttons.

There was something about this man taking his time that heightened the anticipation. I couldn't believe I was alone in my room with a virtual stranger. But something told me I could trust him. That he'd take care of me.

My breath hitched when my shirt fell open, revealing my bra.

"You're gorgeous." His gaze moved from the swell of my breasts to my eyes as if he needed to know I'd heard him.

"So are you," I returned the favor, unbuttoning his shirt. When his fell open, I spread my palms over the hard planes of his chest, letting my hands explore. I pushed the shirt off his broad shoulders.

He cupped my breasts through the lacy material, then pushed one cup down to reveal my breast. "Sexy as fuck."

Then he dipped his head to suck my nipple into his mouth.

My fingers curled into his hair, holding him to me. This man was so much more than what I expected. He was sexy and tender at the same time. I'd never been with anyone who'd been this confident about sex, who was determined to take his time and savor the experience. I knew without a doubt; he'd make me feel good.

His wet mouth on my nipple was a direct line to my clit. He reached around and unhooked my bra, and I let it fall to the floor. His gaze took me in before he sucked on my other nipple until it was hard.

I was aching for more. I fumbled with his belt buckle, shoving his pants down. The bulge beneath the thin material of his boxer briefs was impressive .

He was so smooth about this entire encounter; it was hard to believe he'd never done this with anyone else. But at the same time, he had this quiet disposition about him. It gave me the impression that he was selective in everything he did, and if he'd chosen me, then it must mean something.