Page 27 of Wild Dreams

"That's kind of amazing."

Chance smiled. "I like helping people."

He was the perfect guy. He was the reason why I was having trouble looking for anyone else.

"Pierson has been mowing lawns in the summer and shoveling snow in the winter. I'll ask if he wouldn't mind walking dogs."

"That would be great. Thank you."

Chance glanced over at me as he drove. "Does this mean you're seriously thinking about adopting Oakley?"

"I need to make some changes."

"And you think a dog will be that something new?"

"I've always wanted a companion. And I'm in a place financially to afford one. I'm done waiting for a partner. If I want something, I'm going to go out and get it."

Chance grinned. "Good for you."

"This is just the start of the new Marigold. No one will say I'm boring anymore." I wasn't sure a dog would do the trick. But it would get me out more in the neighborhood, and everyone loved dogs. I'd have more opportunities to meet someone.

"You want me to drive you to the shelter? Oakley won't be around for long."

"I already talked to the head of the rescue. She said he's mine if I want him."

"Then what are you waiting for? Let's go get him."

"Are you serious?" My heart rate picked up. Could I do something spontaneous? It sounded crazy, so unlike me. But I had researched this. I had the money.

"What do we need to do, get the dog, then the supplies?"

"I haven't bought anything yet. But I have a list on my phone of things I need."

Chance flashed me a smile. "You're prepared. I like it."

I studied his face to see if he was being sarcastic. He seemed genuine. Most guys were annoyed when I showed up to an outing with an itinerary or list of things to do. I was told it made the experience stilted and not fun. I wanted to avoid that characterization at all costs. "I try to be."

Chance looked over at me with affection. "I'm the same way. I probably overthink things."

I'd always thought we were the opposite. I was sunnier, and he was strict and gruff. But now I suspected we had more in common than I thought.

"Let's get your dog."

I touched his elbow. "Don't you need to go to work?"

Chance shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not scheduled. I just always go in."

"I don't want to get in the way of your job."

Chance glanced over at me. "I'm told I'm more relaxed when I take more time off."

My forehead wrinkled. "Oh? Who said that?"

"My assistant, Carol. She said the more I work, the more of a bear I become."

"I'm sure that's true for everyone. You need a break."

"I'm choosing to spend it with you, and you need a dog."

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