Page 5 of Wild Dreams

I sat in the leather chair with an ottoman and threw my feet up. "It feels good to get off my feet." I gestured at the chair next to me. "Have a seat."

Marigold glanced at the door. "I should get back to work."

"Just sit for a minute. You get breaks, don't you?" I suspected that Marigold didn't take many because she enjoyed her job.

Marigold sighed and sat on the leather couch. "I can spare a minute."

"It's nice, isn't it?" The room was quiet except for the crackling fire.

"I suggested this room because it's quiet and away from the busiest areas. Not many people venture up here."

"I didn't even know this was here until you mentioned it."

"This is where I come on break to read."

She did take breaks to read. Imagining Marigold in her cardigans and skirts reading a book in front of the fireplace was attractive. "You’re allowed to use the meeting rooms on break?"

Her cheeks flushed pink. "I've never asked permission."

"I thought you followed all the rules." I didn't know what the head of the library required of her employees, but I was enjoying teasing her.

Marigold scoffed. "How many times did you pick me and Scarlett up at a party where there was underage drinking going on?"

I set my feet flat on the floor and leaned my elbows on my thighs. "Why did you put yourself in those situations? You know what happens at parties like that."

Marigold looked away. "I was sober. I went to look after Scarlett. She would attend regardless if I was present."

I sucked in a breath. "I never knew that."

Marigold's brow furrowed. "How could you? We didn’t exactly talk back then."

"Scarlett could have gotten into trouble if our dad wasn't the sheriff."

"I suspect she did it to get attention from your dad."

I tipped my head in her direction. "Thank you for looking out for my sister."

The door opened, and Xander’s voice boomed into the cozy space, "Is this the room we're meeting in?"

I waved a hand. "No need to yell."

Marigold jumped to her feet, smoothing her skirt. "It's a library, after all."

Xander grinned when he saw her, moved close to where she stood, and pulled her in for a side hug. Were her breasts brushing against his chest? Why did I care?

Marigold pushed him away with a grin. "I'll let you get to it."

"Wait," Xan called to her before she could slip out. "We need a librarian here to lead the discussion."

Marigold's forehead wrinkled. "It's a men's-only book club, isn't it?"

Xan grinned. "I'm sure we could make an exception for a beautiful woman like you."

I groaned at his blatant flirting. "I'll walk you out."

I opened the door and waited for Marigold to step past me. I selfishly breathed in her floral scent. Everything about her appeared to be soft and sweet. I wondered if she'd be like that in bed or if she'd be passionate.

Just then, Eli reached the top of the stairs. "Thanks for getting us this room."

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