Page 7 of Wild Love

"We are cautiously optimistic that you'll stay this time," Chance said tightly.

"I never stay in one place for long." And I certainly never fit in here. My dad was the sheriff before Chance took over, and Mom was a school teacher. Our lives were relatively boring growing up. We were well respected in the community. Or at least the rest of my family was.

I tested my parents' patience, going to parties and getting into trouble. A part of me knew my dad would protect me from harm. He was the sheriff after all. But I couldn't helppushing the limits. I was the daughter they didn't know how to handle.

"You okay staying with Mom and Dad?" Chance asked, glancing over at me.

I shrugged. "I don't have anywhere else to go."

"You want me to see if there's a room for you at the lodge?"

"At Wilde Ski Resort?" I asked him, and at his nod, continued, "Absolutely not." There was no way I could afford to stay in the lodge.

"Eli might have a cabin or something that he'd be willing to let you use while you're here."

We both knew I wouldn't be here long enough for that. "I'm fairly sure Eli will say no. He's not fond of me."

Chance cleared his throat. "I wouldn't say that. You're reading into something that isn't there."

That's what my boss said when I told him I didn't like his roaming hands and sexual innuendos. "I'm positive I'm not."

"I'm hoping we can work through some things while you're here. I want a relationship with you. Something more than the occasional visit or phone call."

I didn't say anything because I didn't believe that was true. I was positive my family was better off without me. No one understood someone who felt the need to pick up and move as often as I did. The theater life was perfect for me. But now I wasn't sure if I wanted to work for another company. My boss had promised to blacklist me everywhere.

Chance parked in my parents' driveway. We'd always lived in town because Dad said he preferred to be near his constituents. It made him more accessible. They hadn't talked about moving since he retired. He loved socializing with people on his daily walks.

"Thanks for the ride," I said with my hand on the door handle.

"You're not in any trouble, are you?" Chance's voice was low.

My heart raced at the suggestion but I kept my face carefully averted. "No. Of course not. Why would you think that?"

"You being home this time feels different."

That sent my heart racing even more. I hadn't counted on Chance's cop instincts to catch on so quickly. I thought I was a better actress than that. I forced myself to say, "You're bringing your job home again."

Chance sighed. "If you need help, you'll come to me?"

"When have I ever done that?" If I was drinking underage at a party in town, someone would call my dad. I didn't need to ask for help.

Chance rested his head on the headrest and closed his eyes. "I worry about you."

I let out a disgusted breath. "You don't have to. I've been taking care of myself forever."

"You never let anyone in."

That stung because it was true. "I do."

Chance just gave me a look.

"I'm tired. I'm going inside." I knew Chance would walk me to the door. He was a gentleman, and his cop instincts wouldn't allow him to let a woman walk alone at night. I hadn't met a man in the theater circuit who was chivalrous. I kind of missed it.

I put the key into the lock, and Chance asked, "Can I get a hug?"

The tears sparked in my eyes. "Of course," I said as I allowed him to pull me into his chest. It felt good. Too good. I couldn't remember the last time I let someone hold me like this. I was the queen of keeping people at a distance. Letting them see what I wanted them to, knowing that they wouldn't like the real me.

I pulled away before I wanted to. "Have a good night with whoever's warming your bed," I added to keep things light. I didn't do serious.

---