Page 64 of Wild Dreams

"I never thought about that before. Probably because I've never gone without a condom."

"Me either."

That confession led to a few seconds of heavy silence. This wasn't something easy and carefree. There were real feelings on the line. I just hoped he didn't hurt me in the end. Because I saw the warning signs. I knew how this would end. I couldn't be upset when he walked away. We both knew that was what was going to happen.

16

CHANCE

I'd crashed hard last night. Between getting up in the middle of the night to deal with the accident on the highway and working the rest of the day, I was exhausted. The only thing I could think of was getting back to Marigold.

On the drive over to her house, I listed all the reasons why it was a bad idea. I'd promised myself never to get involved with anyone since I couldn't promise them forever. But here I was, playing with fire.

I'd done risky things like jumping out of an airplane with the Wilde brothers, but getting in deeper with Marigold was more dangerous.

I woke up first, wrapped up in Marigold. Her head was on my chest, her hair tickling my chin. I couldn't believe we'd slept like this all night. I was breaking all my rules: staying overnight, seeing someone in town, and letting my feelings get away from me.

Something happened last night when we had sex. It felt like more. I had a feeling no matter what I did at the end of the weekend, one of us was going to get hurt.

I played with the strands of her hair while the sun rose outside her windows.

When Marigold finally stirred, my stomach was rumbling. She lifted her head and blinked at me. "You're still here."

"Where else would I be?"

She sat up and stretched, her breasts on display. I wanted to stay in bed all morning, but I hadn't eaten dinner last night.

"I figured you'd get called into work or you would have slipped out in the middle of the night."

"I didn't get called in, and I didn't want to go home." Not sure I could have, I was so exhausted, and it was a testament to how comfortable I felt with Marigold that I'd slept so hard. Usually I woke up in the middle of the night, stressed about what could be going on at work.

My stomach rumbled again.

Marigold pointed at me. "We should do something about that."

"I'll make breakfast." I wanted to stay in bed with Marigold all morning, but I needed to eat.

"That sounds lovely," Marigold said as she leaned back on the pillows.

I kissed her. "Take your time. I've got this."

I pulled on my clothes and slipped into the bathroom to brush my teeth, rubbing toothepast on my finger. When I opened the door, Oakley jumped up from where he'd been sleeping, then followed me down the stairs.

I hoped Marigold was able to get a few more minutes of sleep. I had a feeling she worked too hard yesterday.

I let Oakley into the backyard where there was white fencing, and got to work on making coffee, then omelets.

I found containers in the kitchen that Marigold must have left out when I arrived last night. I threw them into the garbage, then got to work on making breakfast.

I chopped veggies and threw them into the pan when I heard the water turn on upstairs. I turned on holiday music on my phone which I knew she loved. By the time she appeared with damp hair, looking cozy in sweats, I was plating the omelets. "You're just in time."

I'd even cut avocado slices and placed them on top.

Marigold sat on the stool. "I could get used to this."

I should have reminded her that this was temporary, that I didn't have any intention of seeing her past this weekend. But I didn't want to mar this moment. It was one I'd treasure. I sat next to her and dug into my eggs.

"What are your plans for the day?" Marigold asked me between bites.

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