Page 83 of Wild Dreams

I took the glass from him and swallowed the pills, knowing I'd want to fall asleep when I got out.

Chance crouched down on the side of the tub, kneeling on the fluffy white rug. "I'm sorry I disappeared. I liked being there for you, but it scared me because I knew I couldn't give you what you needed. A man you can count on. My job and responsibilities always come first."

"Chance, you don't have to explain. You were honest about what you wanted. I shouldn't have been surprised that we were over."

He winced. "I thought I'd take the time to think about what I wanted, but instead I buried myself in work and pushed it to the back of my mind."

It hurt to hear him say that out loud, even though I'd suspected that's what happened.

"I talked to Eli?—"

My gaze flew to his strained face. "You talked to Eli about us?"

He nodded.

"But Scarlett never said anything."

"I swore him to secrecy. I had a plan to show you how much you meant to me but it went a little off the tracks when you got into that accident. I couldn't wait any longer to show you what you mean to me."

21

MARIGOLD

"Iplanned to decorate my house for Christmas, then invite you over for a dinner. Then I thought I'd take you to get a tree for your place."

"Why didn't you ever bring me here? Were you worried it would make me think we could have a future?" I wasn't afraid to voice what I was feeling out loud anymore.

He grimaced. "Your place was more convenient. It didn't make sense for you to drive here. I promise it wasn't on purpose. But I won't lie to you; I never brought any of the women I dated here. My friends haven't spent much time here either. But that's because I'm always in town, at the ski lodge, or my parents' house. There's never a reason for anyone to visit because I'm almost never here except when I'm sleeping."

"It's such a nice place." I hadn't gotten to see the property itself yet, but it seemed like the perfect space to spend your off time.

"And I want to share it with you. That's why I wanted to show it to you."

I frowned. "I thought you couldn't have a significant other because of your job."

Chance sighed. "I didn't think I could have both, but I've talked to my parents and Eli. I want to try. I'm not saying I'm not going to screw things up or fall back into my old ways from time to time. But I want a future with you. I love you."

I sucked in a breath. I hadn't expected him to say that. "I love you too."

"You don't have to make a decision now. I'd like us to be a couple. I want the whole town to know you're mine."

"I want that too." But was it smart? Would he fall back into his old ways and regret this conversation?

"I know you're worried and you probably don't trust me, not yet, but will you give me time to prove it to you?"

"I can do that." Even though I knew my heart was already gone for him.

He got a washcloth and gently scrubbed my body. He soaped my hair and rinsed it. When I got out, he dried me, then wrapped a robe around me. I sat between his legs so he could dry my hair. I felt cherished.

His hands massaging my scalp were heavenly, and I was warm. When my hair was dry, he stood and carried me into the bedroom where he laid me down on a soft comforter. He handed me lotion.

"I'll turn on the fireplace." He moved to the hearth and turned on the gas. A fire instantly came to life, and warmth slowly filled the room. It was the perfect house. I could see us living here, expanding, and growing as a family.

My heart was swollen with hope and love, but I'd give him time to show that he meant his words. When he returned to me, he slipped off his clothes until he was only wearing black boxer briefs.

I applied the lotion, then set it aside.

He coaxed me under the covers where he held me tight. His skin was hot to the touch.

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