Page 9 of Wild Dreams

"The book certainly sticks with you longer when you're left with questions."

Chance pushed open the door, and I ducked under his arm. I hoped the rest of the guys didn't notice the faint flush on my skin. I couldn't control my reaction to Chance. He was either oblivious or ignored me so as not to embarrass me. I hoped it wasn't the latter. I didn't want to be pitied. On some level, it was safe to like Chance from afar. There was no risk of getting hurt.

The guys scattered, calling out goodbyes and reminding Chance to pick a good book for next time.

Chance walked with me to my SUV, and I wondered if the guys would think he was being nice or if something else was going on between us.

"You have to pick the next book too?" I asked him once we'd reached my SUV, and I clicked the locks. This time, I slid inside, and turned on the engine without prompting.

"Apparently I did such a good job, I have to continue picking books." Chance leaned on the door frame, bringing his face entirely too close to mine.

"I'm happy to help you again."

He sobered. "I don't want to add to your work load."

My heart flip-flopped. "It's literally my job to make book recommendations, and I love reading."

"You bring your work home."

I shrugged. "Reading isn't a hardship."

"You were always doing that when we were kids," Chance murmured as if he was replaying a memory.

"I was alone a lot." It wasn't anything he probably didn't already know. But whether he'd processed what it meant was a whole other story.

The rest of the guys had driven out of the lot, leaving us alone.

Chance cleared his throat. "What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?"

The St. Claires often invited me for their holiday celebrations, but I always declined when Scarlett wasn't home. There was no reason for me to be there otherwise. "My parents always travel over Thanksgiving. They started doing that when I was in high school."

Chance frowned. "You haven't been at our house."

"I usually make a small turkey breast, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. If I'm feeling particularly in the mood, I'll order a freshly made pie." It was one of my favorite days of the year. But I hadn't spent it with anyone in ages.

His brow furrowed. "You have to come this year. Scarlett's home, and Eli will be there."

"I'll think about it." I didn't want to be a charity case, and I wasn't sure I wanted to see how happy Scarlett and Eli were together.

"I don't like the idea of you being alone on the holiday."

I laughed without any real humor. "I've been doing Thanksgiving on my own for years."

Chance frowned. "I'm not sure my parents knew."

I touched the side of Chance's face and froze. "I'm perfectly content doing my own thing. Don't worry about me." I returned my hand to my lap, my palm still tingling from that brief contact.

Chance cleared his throat and stepped back.

I probably made him uncomfortable. I'd never touched him like that before. We never hugged or did anything more than make small talk. We were spending too much time together, talking about books. Not only was it my favorite topic, but it was causing my crush to spin out of control. Chance wasn't interested in settling down with anyone, much less me.

This wasn't one of my favorite romance reads where the hero would suggest a no-strings fling, and then we'd fall madly in love. Anything happening between me and Chance was a fantasy. He probably saw me as a younger sister, not a woman he could be physically attracted to.

"Thanks for the book rec and the meeting room. Have a good night, Marigold." He closed my door before I had a chance to respond.

Chance was a nice guy. He wouldn't want anyone to spend Thanksgiving alone. It had nothing to do with him worrying specifically about me. It was his job to worry about everyone in town. I was just one more resident he felt obligated to help.

Scarlett paced the stage. "I don't know which one to choose."

---