Page 20 of Wild Dreams

When I dated, I usually suggested drinks or dinner, but I was more excited about biking. It was time for me to get out more. To have more experiences. I wasn't going to meet anyone stayinghome. I vowed the next time John asked me to a community function, I'd go.

I needed to put myself out there more. Chance was my best friend's brother. He'd never see me as more than a sister. I needed to move on from this silly crush and be more serious about finding someone who suited me. Someone who wanted a serious relationship, a family, someone to share their life with. I was confident there was someone out there for me.

6

CHANCE

Lately, it felt like the guys were always too busy to hang out. Xander was forever seeing some new girl. Oliver was busy with Joey. The worst was Eli and Scarlett. I couldn't help but think I'd lost my best friend and my sister when they got together.

Friday night, I stopped by the library near closing time. I wanted to talk to Marigold about a new book for the book club and to make sure she was ready to go tomorrow.

I had a feeling she hadn't ridden her bike in a while, and it might need a tune-up before our ride. She didn't have a brother or a father who could help her with things like that. She could take it to a bike shop, but I'd bet she hadn't even thought about it.

It was another opportunity for me to see her. Even if she couldn't be mine, I enjoyed spending time with her.

I opened the door to allow a mother with three children to walk out.

"Thank you," she said, sounding harried as one of her kids ran out. "Charlie, slow down."

"I'm going to have to give you a speeding ticket if you don't slow down, buddy," I used my cop voice, and the kid stopped immediately.

He turned and tipped his head to the side. "Are you a police officer?"

"I'm the sheriff, but I'm not wearing my uniform tonight. I'm off-duty, but I can still write you a ticket."

"Ugh. Fine," Charlie said.

"I thought I recognized you, Chance. Nice to see you enjoying time off. Thanks for your help. Charlie's go-to speeds are fast or asleep."

I smiled as they walked away, one of the kids asking about getting ice cream at the shop down the street. I couldn't help but wonder if it was odd for people to see me out of my uniform.

There were a few patrons in line at the front counter, checking out before the library closed. The children's desk was empty. I walked up and down the stacks until I found Marigold sitting crisscross on the floor with a book in her lap.

I crouched down next to her. "You heading out soon?"

Marigold startled, placing her hand over her heart. "Chance, what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to take a look at your bike tonight. Did you check your phone?"

Marigold grimaced. "I didn't."

I nodded toward the book. "Are you reading on the job?"

Marigold sighed. "I was supposed to be stocking. Kids are asking about this one. I thought I'd read a few pages and get a feel for it."

"But you couldn't stop?" I asked with a smile.

"You know me so well. I think I'm going to have to take this one home and read it." She pulled a small bookmark out of her pocket and placed it on the page. It was one of those clip ones. Ibet she had a billion of those. Then she turned the book over so I could see the spine. "Everything this author writes is so good."

I stood, then offered her my hand.

When she took it, my heart rate picked up. I forced myself to let go when she was standing. "I'm surprised you enjoy children's books."

"If I read them, I know enough to recommend them to others."

"Like you did for me."

"I like to know what I'm talking about when I give recs. Speaking of, I have a few ideas for your next book club meeting."

---