Page 50 of Wild Dreams

What if I already had, and he didn't want me? My hand faltered on the peel; the blade slid off the skin.

Pam patted my hand. "Don't worry. There's someone out there for you."

There was always a reason why I didn't make the cut. Chance seemed to think a relationship would ruin my bond with his family. But I wasn’t so sure. It might make things awkward, but that was assuming we wouldn't work out.

Our chemistry last night was amazing. But if Chance didn't want to see if a relationship would work, then I didn't have a choice but to move on. There was no point in his family ever knowing about one lapse in judgment.

"There's no rush, dear. You'll know when you meet him, and then everything will change."

I wondered if his mom knew that her relationship with his father was the reason he was reluctant to date.

Pam's expression sobered. "On the other hand, I'm worried that Chance won't settle down."

"Why is that?" I couldn't stop myself from asking, and I pointedly ignored Scarlett's raised brow.

"He doesn't seem to think anyone would want to put up with his long hours and the danger of his job. I told him he'd find the right person, but he just won't listen. He's always been stubborn."

His mother knew her son better than anyone. I shouldn't fall into the trap of thinking Chance would change.

"You never know," Scarlett added cryptically.

"You know something about Chance's love life?" Pam asked her, her voice hopeful. "Does he have a girl but wants to keep it a secret?"

"He keeps his personal life under wraps. I was just saying I never thought I'd come home and meet the love of my life." She shook her head. "Someone I went to high school with no less. You never know. There could be someone right under his nose that he's never considered."

There was a tick in my throat, and I started to cough uncontrollably.

"Oh, dear. Let's get you some water." Pam grabbed a glass and filled it with water while Scarlett pounded my back.

When I recovered, I gave Scarlett a disgruntled look. "My throat was dry. I wasn't choking."

"Just covering all my bases," Scarlett said with a grin.

At the sink, Pam handed me the glass, and I drank deeply. When it looked like I was fine, they returned to peeling and cubing potatoes. Outside, the boys were throwing the ball back and forth. Oakley was running between them like he was part of the game. I'd always enjoyed watching the boys play on the high-school team. But there was something about them throwing one in the yard. I could see a couple of kids out there with them.

Chance would make the best father. Why couldn't he see that?

"What are you so focused on?" Scarlett asked.

"The boys throwing a ball. Nothing interesting." I turned away and set the glass down.

"If you're feeling better, you could help us. These potatoes aren't going to peel themselves." Scarlett teased.

"Are you hanging out with the Wildes tonight?" Scarlett asked me when I resumed my spot.

"I don't know—" The Wildes were her family now. I'd feel like a third wheel since she was dating Eli.

Scarlett pursed her lips. "You're invited."

"Oakley got into chocolate last night, and I had to run him to the vet. I didn't sleep well. I kind of want to go to bed early."

Scarlett lowered her hands to the counter. "Is he okay?"

"He's fine now."

Pam shook her head. "He's a naughty boy for getting into chocolate."

"I put the food in higher cabinets until Chance is able to fix the cabinet door. It doesn't close all the way."

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