Page 85 of Wild Dreams

It felt great not to be a secret anymore. The town would know we were dating, and Chance didn't seem worried about what that meant for his position. I was encouraged that he was doing things differently than he had in the past.

I had to believe that our love for each other was enough.

"You already have a tree," I said as he continued to reject each one.

"This one is for you. It has to be perfect."

My heart was close to bursting. I didn't think I'd get enough of this new Chance, the one who treated me with the same care and attention in public as he did in private.

When we finally chose a tree, we went into the Christmas shop and bought decorations. I bought hot chocolate and cookies to take home. I was content to be his girlfriend.

We picked up Oakley from Chance's house and took him to mine so we could spend the afternoon decorating the tree.

As Chance put the ornament we'd bought together at the farm on the tree, I vowed to create new traditions with him. When the tree was lit, Chance insisted on making me that apology dinner, even though we were at my house instead of his.

It was lobster tails and baked potatoes. It was delicious, and I loved the thought behind it. I wasn't in as much pain, and I needed him.

After dinner, I helped him clean up. When we were done, Chance asked, "You want to watch a movie?"

"I have a better idea." I took his hand and led him to my bedroom.

"And what is that?" Chance's voice was thick with desire.

"I want you." I tried to express with my eyes how much I needed him to show me his love.

He hesitated. "Are you sure you're up for it?"

I nodded. "I'm feeling better."

"I'll be careful."

I didn't need him to be careful. I just needed him. I slowly removed my clothes as he watched, every muscle in his body pulled taut. When I was naked, he lifted me and gently placed me on the bed. He grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled it off, then shoved his jeans down.

The last day, he'd taken care of me and shown me how much he loved me. And now I needed him to show me with his body.

He cupped my cheek. "You won't regret giving me a second chance. I want to be the man you deserve."

I smiled. "You already are."

"You've always believed in me. That I could be the man you needed."

"And nothing's changed."

"I promise I'll always be here for you. I'll never make you feel second place to my job ever again."

"Your work is important."

"You come first. Always."

That sentiment warmed my heart better than anything else could. He wasn't keeping me a secret anymore. And he'd madea new vow to put me first going forward. It wouldn't always be possible, but it was his intention that mattered.

I touched his jaw. "I love you, Chance."

"I love you, and I'm going to show you how much." Then he lowered his mouth to mine. I let him overwhelm me with his touch, his lips, his kisses. When he moved down my body, I was more than ready for him.

He was more determined than ever to make me feel good. To cherish me. My heart was close to overflowing. It was almost too much.

I'd never been the center of anyone's life, but I knew I would be with Chance.

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