Page 29 of Wild Dreams

When we were finished eating, I forced myself to stand. "I should get going."

Marigold smiled. "I'm going to take Oakley for a walk so he can get to know the neighborhood."

I could have offered to go with her, but I was already in too deep. I was too involved with this woman. I was in over my head.

I made my way to the door, waiting while Marigold put the leash on Oakley's collar. She could barely do it because he was wiggling so hard.

"That dog is all fluff."

"He's perfect just the way he is," Marigold crooned to him.

I grinned. "You're a goner, you know that? You're already in love with him."

Marigold picked up the dog, and he placed his paws on her shoulder, licking her face while she laughed. "He's the only man for me."

I wanted to be the man for her. Not some dog. Or a guy she met on a dating app. I'd never felt more frustrated. If I was interested in a long-term relationship, she'd be the one I'd pursue. But I wasn't. I'd already resigned myself to a life of bachelorhood.

It sounded great in my early twenties, but now I was having serious doubts.

Marigold let him down on the porch, and he immediately pulled her to the sidewalk. She was off with a wave in my direction and a laugh. "Thanks for your help."

I swallowed my reply because she was already gone, enjoying her walk with her new dog. Whereas I was alone. I couldn't have her, and Oakley wasn't mine. I wanted to see if the feelings that were bubbling in my chest were the real deal. But I'd promised myself I wouldn't put anyone through what my dad did to my mother.

I should hang out with the guys tonight. I needed support, even though I couldn't share my feelings with anyone.

I watched Marigold and Oakley until they turned the corner. Marigold was happy. That's all that should have mattered to me. But I knew someone like her wouldn't be single for long. Once she seriously started looking for a partner, she'd find someone who'd appreciate her.

I called Eli on the way home.

"What's up?" Eli asked.

"You up for going out tonight?" I knew Scarlett was with Marigold, so that should help my case.

"Why not? Scarlett's going out with friends." Eli's voice rumbled through the cab that faintly smelled like Marigold's floral scent.

"Is that the only way I see you these days?" I teased.

"Of course not."

"Are you sure about that?" I asked as I turned onto the next street.

"I'm happy, okay? I want to spend every minute with Scarlett." Eli's tone was earnest.

"You know you're talking to me about my sister."

"You have to get over it. I'm going to marry her one day."

I sucked in a breath. "That's great. I'm happy for you."

"Are you?"

"Yeah, just because I don't want the same thing doesn't mean I can't be happy for you."

"Are you sure about this self-imposed bachelorhood?" Eli asked, his voice laced with concern.

"It's the way it has to be. I saw how it was growing up. Staying married to a sheriff isn't a life for anyone."

Eli sighed. "If you say so. Where do you want to meet? The lodge?"

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