Page 21 of Wild Dreams

"You want to talk about it over dinner? I could pick up a pizza on the way to your house."

Marigold smiled. "That sounds great. I'll just grab the books."

She pulled out a stack of four books from behind the counter, and I took them from her, shifting them under one arm. She grabbed her shoulder bag, and we headed out of the library.

Tonight, the other workers were just walking out the front door.

"Leaving early tonight, Marigold?" Nancy asked. She'd retired from teaching a few years ago and worked part-time at the library.

"Yeah, I have plans. Chance wanted to talk about some books I recommended to him." Marigold spoke fast, and her cheeks flushed.

Was she embarrassed to be seen with me? Did they think something was going on between us? I wasn't sure how I felt about that. I usually avoided leading anyone on who lived in town because I had no plans to make anything permanent. But we were technically friends.

Nancy smiled at Marigold. "Good for you, getting out on a Friday night."

"Oh, I don't know if pizza and books is getting out," Marigold said as she locked the door.

"Sounds like the perfect evening to me," Anna added.

"Have a good night, you two," Nancy called after us as we walked toward Marigold's car.

When we were at her car, Marigold turned to face me, and I placed a hand on the door, putting myself close to her. "Do they think something was going on?”

I moved my hand between us, my hand brushing against her sweater.

She sucked in a breath at the touch. "They think I work too much. I spend my evenings alone."

It didn't escape my notice that she didn't answer my question. I'd give her that play because nothing could happen between us.

Marigold looked up at me from under long lashes. On any other woman I'd think she was flirting, but Marigold wasn't like other women. She was more interested in reading and helping others than flirting with me. "I can't remember the last time I saw you out of your uniform."

I looked down at my casual outfit: worn jeans, a long-sleeve white baseball-style shirt with blue sleeves, and sneakers.

She reached up and touched the brim of my hat. "This is a nice touch."

I tapped the worn material. "My high-school ball cap."

"Looks good on you. It's the perfect amount of wear and tear. It's faded. The brim is fraying right here." She tapped the tip of my hat again, and for some reason, a shot of heat when straight through my body.

There was something about standing this close to this woman that I'd never thought of as anything more than a family friend. I was seeing her for the first time and realizing that I was attracted to her. "There's a perfect amount of worn that's goodon a baseball hat?" I asked, genuinely curious about how her mind worked.

Marigold nodded. "According to the books I read."

Then she turned, unlocking her door.

I stepped back, holding it open for her. "What are these books you're reading?"

We'd talked about thrillers, but did she prefer romance? From what my sister said there was a wide array of options now, and even she enjoyed one now and again. What did Marigold read, and did she have any particular fantasies?

Her hand landed on my chest; her palm was flat over my now racing heart. "We're talking about thrillers tonight."

"Do you have books in your house? I might have to check them out." I couldn't help but tease her.

If it was possible, her cheeks flamed hotter. "Maybe you're not allowed to come over anymore."

I chuckled. "You want the pizza."

Her lips curved into a smile. "I do actually.”

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