Page 30 of Wild Dreams

"Are you up for going downtown?" I wanted to keep an eye on the girls, maybe even run into them.

"Scarlett's planning to be down there."

"Is that a good thing, or will she give you shit for checking up on her?" I asked as I pulled into my driveway. My father preferred to live in town, but I'd purchased a farmhouse outside of it. On the rare occasion I wasn't working, I liked the solitude. I didn't want to run into people while I was drinking coffee on the porch.

"She'll probably give me shit."

I chuckled. "You've got it bad."

"Just wait until it happens for you."

I didn't bother responding because my usual excuse didn't feel as right as it used to. I was starting to question everything. "What time are you thinking?"

"Eight. I think Scar's meeting Marigold at seven. We'll let them have a little time to themselves."

"Sounds good." I clicked off, then entered my empty house. I unloaded my bike into the garage, then headed upstairs to take a shower. This morning felt like a lifetime ago.

If I were dating Marigold, I would have stayed to eat dinner with her and help get Oakley settled in. The idea of coming home to Marigold, having someone to spend time with, and to share my life with, was starting to sound attractive.

As the water poured over my body, I tried to conjure up the reasons why it was a bad idea. All the family dinners without my dad, the strain on my mom's face when he said he'd be late again, the times he'd be called into work when we were at a school or athletic event. I knew my dad had an important job, but he sacrificed a lot of family time.

I think Scarlett would have benefited from a more involved father. If I ever had kids, I'd want to be a good dad. I'd want to be present. I couldn't do that in this job.

My assistant told me I should take more time off. But no one understood the responsibility that came with the job. If something major happened and I wasn't there? It would be my fault.

A wife and family weren't for me. I'd have to sit back and watch my friends fall in love one by one.

Then my mind drifted to riding with Marigold. I enjoyed watching her body as she rode, the way her ass looked in those leggings. But it was the flush on her cheeks, the brightness of her eyes, and the genuinely pleased smile on her face. She enjoyed getting out as much as I did. And I wanted to take her out again. Maybe hiking this time, so Oakley could join. I wonder how far he could walk. He was still small, a puppy with shorter legs.

We weren't dating. We shouldn't be spending more time together. I couldn't keep this attraction in check if I was thinking about her all the time and seeing her every time I went out.

I should be avoiding her. I'd look out for her tonight. Then I'd get busy at work and stay away from the library. My heart clenched when I remembered she was looking for someone to date. Would I be okay seeing her around town with another guy?

Would this guy take her biking, buy her a cute hybrid bike with a basket, and help her fix things around the house? I hated that idea.

The women I'd avoided dating were the ones who were clingy and didn't have a life of their own. Marigold wasn't like that. Her life was full with work, the rescue, and the theater.

This was all conjecture, my imagination working overtime. It was time to get serious about my life. I was focused on work. A beautiful friend who I'd recently seen as a potential love interest shouldn't even be on my radar.

A night out with the guys was just what I needed.

Acouple of hours later, I headed to the bar Eli said he'd meet me at. I wondered if the girls were going to dinner or the wine bar. I parked the truck and tucked my hands in my pockets, walking with my head down to avoid the wind, and still people called out hellos.

Without my baseball cap, more people recognized me, but I saw the raised brows when they saw the casual jacket and jeans.

Tonight, I wasn't Sheriff St. Claire. I was just a guy looking to have a good time. I wouldn't keep an eye out for suspicious activity or call dispatch to get an update. For once, I'd let it go.

There was a restaurant with outdoor seating on the way to the bar. A flash of golden fur caught my attention. I did a double take. It was definitely Oakley. Then I followed the legs of the owner up to a black dress.

Marigold looked gorgeous in black, her hair falling in waves over her shoulder. She spoke to Scarlett with her hands flying. She was passionate when she talked about things.

Scarlett looked over at me. "Chance? What are you doing here?"

"I'm meeting Eli." I pointed at the bar next door.

She narrowed her eyes on me. "Are you checking up on me?"

I coughed into my hand. "I didn't know where you were meeting for dinner. I just saw Oakley and thought I'd say hi."

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