Chapter 8

8

CHANCE

I set up the crate in the living room.

Marigold walked in, holding Oakley. "You didn't have to do that."

"I thought I'd get you set up. The bowls are in the kitchen, and the toys are in this basket.

Marigold set Oakley down, and he immediately walked inside the kennel, sniffing every corner.

"I'd put a blanket over it when you're not here so he feels safe and secure."

"I'm hoping we won't need the crate for long. I just want to make sure he's house-trained and comfortable before I let him loose." Marigold turned and walked toward the kitchen where the food was on the counter. "You want to eat?"

She washed her hands while I got the plates.

This time we ate sitting at her table. Her place was quaint. I could see her cooking a meal for one each night and eating at the small table or in front of the TV. Now that she had Oakley, I hoped she wouldn't feel so alone anymore.

Marigold's phone buzzed. "It's Scarlett. She wants to know what time we're going out tonight. I almost forgot about it."

"Oakley probably shouldn't be alone on his first night."

"We can go to a restaurant with heaters and outdoor seating. They're fairly dog friendly here, and I'm almost positive this little guy will attract men."

That idea didn't sit right with me. Everyone was going to love Oakley. He would make Marigold more attractive. But I couldn't be upset when I hadn't done anything to stake a claim. I was just a friend.

We ate while Marigold texted Scarlett back and forth, setting their plans for the evening.

When we were finished eating, I forced myself to stand. "I should get going."

Marigold smiled. "I'm going to take Oakley for a walk so he can get to know the neighborhood."

I could have offered to go with her, but I was already in too deep. I was too involved with this woman. I was in over my head.

I made my way to the door, waiting while Marigold put the leash on Oakley's collar. She could barely do it because he was wiggling so hard.

"That dog is all fluff."

"He's perfect just the way he is," Marigold crooned to him.

I grinned. "You're a goner, you know that? You're already in love with him."

Marigold picked up the dog, and he placed his paws on her shoulder, licking her face while she laughed. "He's the only man for me."

I wanted to be the man for her. Not some dog. Or a guy she met on a dating app. I'd never felt more frustrated. If I was interested in a long-term relationship, she'd be the one I'd pursue. But I wasn't. I'd already resigned myself to a life of bachelorhood.

It sounded great in my early twenties, but now I was having serious doubts.

Marigold let him down on the porch, and he immediately pulled her to the sidewalk. She was off with a wave in my direction and a laugh. "Thanks for your help."

I swallowed my reply because she was already gone, enjoying her walk with her new dog. Whereas I was alone. I couldn't have her, and Oakley wasn't mine. I wanted to see if the feelings that were bubbling in my chest were the real deal. But I'd promised myself I wouldn't put anyone through what my dad did to my mother.

I should hang out with the guys tonight. I needed support, even though I couldn't share my feelings with anyone.

I watched Marigold and Oakley until they turned the corner. Marigold was happy. That's all that should have mattered to me. But I knew someone like her wouldn't be single for long. Once she seriously started looking for a partner, she'd find someone who'd appreciate her.

I called Eli on the way home.

"What's up?" Eli asked.

"You up for going out tonight?" I knew Scarlett was with Marigold, so that should help my case.

"Why not? Scarlett's going out with friends." Eli's voice rumbled through the cab that faintly smelled like Marigold's floral scent.

"Is that the only way I see you these days?" I teased.

"Of course not."

"Are you sure about that?" I asked as I turned onto the next street.

"I'm happy, okay? I want to spend every minute with Scarlett." Eli's tone was earnest.

"You know you're talking to me about my sister."

"You have to get over it. I'm going to marry her one day."

I sucked in a breath. "That's great. I'm happy for you."

"Are you?"

"Yeah, just because I don't want the same thing doesn't mean I can't be happy for you."

"Are you sure about this self-imposed bachelorhood?" Eli asked, his voice laced with concern.

"It's the way it has to be. I saw how it was growing up. Staying married to a sheriff isn't a life for anyone."

Eli sighed. "If you say so. Where do you want to meet? The lodge?"

"Are you up for going downtown?" I wanted to keep an eye on the girls, maybe even run into them.

"Scarlett's planning to be down there."

"Is that a good thing, or will she give you shit for checking up on her?" I asked as I pulled into my driveway. My father preferred to live in town, but I'd purchased a farmhouse outside of it. On the rare occasion I wasn't working, I liked the solitude. I didn't want to run into people while I was drinking coffee on the porch.

"She'll probably give me shit."

I chuckled. "You've got it bad."

"Just wait until it happens for you."

I didn't bother responding because my usual excuse didn't feel as right as it used to. I was starting to question everything. "What time are you thinking?"

"Eight. I think Scar's meeting Marigold at seven. We'll let them have a little time to themselves."

"Sounds good." I clicked off, then entered my empty house. I unloaded my bike into the garage, then headed upstairs to take a shower. This morning felt like a lifetime ago.

If I were dating Marigold, I would have stayed to eat dinner with her and help get Oakley settled in. The idea of coming home to Marigold, having someone to spend time with, and to share my life with, was starting to sound attractive.

As the water poured over my body, I tried to conjure up the reasons why it was a bad idea. All the family dinners without my dad, the strain on my mom's face when he said he'd be late again, the times he'd be called into work when we were at a school or athletic event. I knew my dad had an important job, but he sacrificed a lot of family time.

I think Scarlett would have benefited from a more involved father. If I ever had kids, I'd want to be a good dad. I'd want to be present. I couldn't do that in this job.

My assistant told me I should take more time off. But no one understood the responsibility that came with the job. If something major happened and I wasn't there? It would be my fault.

A wife and family weren't for me. I'd have to sit back and watch my friends fall in love one by one.

Then my mind drifted to riding with Marigold. I enjoyed watching her body as she rode, the way her ass looked in those leggings. But it was the flush on her cheeks, the brightness of her eyes, and the genuinely pleased smile on her face. She enjoyed getting out as much as I did. And I wanted to take her out again. Maybe hiking this time, so Oakley could join. I wonder how far he could walk. He was still small, a puppy with shorter legs.

We weren't dating. We shouldn't be spending more time together. I couldn't keep this attraction in check if I was thinking about her all the time and seeing her every time I went out.

I should be avoiding her. I'd look out for her tonight. Then I'd get busy at work and stay away from the library. My heart clenched when I remembered she was looking for someone to date. Would I be okay seeing her around town with another guy?

Would this guy take her biking, buy her a cute hybrid bike with a basket, and help her fix things around the house? I hated that idea.

The women I'd avoided dating were the ones who were clingy and didn't have a life of their own. Marigold wasn't like that. Her life was full with work, the rescue, and the theater.

This was all conjecture, my imagination working overtime. It was time to get serious about my life. I was focused on work. A beautiful friend who I'd recently seen as a potential love interest shouldn't even be on my radar.

A night out with the guys was just what I needed.

A couple of hours later, I headed to the bar Eli said he'd meet me at. I wondered if the girls were going to dinner or the wine bar. I parked the truck and tucked my hands in my pockets, walking with my head down to avoid the wind, and still people called out hellos.

Without my baseball cap, more people recognized me, but I saw the raised brows when they saw the casual jacket and jeans.

Tonight, I wasn't Sheriff St. Claire. I was just a guy looking to have a good time. I wouldn't keep an eye out for suspicious activity or call dispatch to get an update. For once, I'd let it go.

There was a restaurant with outdoor seating on the way to the bar. A flash of golden fur caught my attention. I did a double take. It was definitely Oakley. Then I followed the legs of the owner up to a black dress.

Marigold looked gorgeous in black, her hair falling in waves over her shoulder. She spoke to Scarlett with her hands flying. She was passionate when she talked about things.

Scarlett looked over at me. "Chance? What are you doing here?"

"I'm meeting Eli." I pointed at the bar next door.

She narrowed her eyes on me. "Are you checking up on me?"

I coughed into my hand. "I didn't know where you were meeting for dinner. I just saw Oakley and thought I'd say hi."

At this point, Oakley realized I was standing there, and his front paws were on my legs, his little butt wiggling.

I crouched down to pet him. "Hey, buddy, you settling in okay?"

Scarlett leaned over the table. "I heard you're responsible for this little ball of fur?"

"I just encouraged Marigold to get him. They were attached to each other, and she's been wanting a dog." When I stood, Scarlett's brow was raised. "How did you know that?"

I shrugged, realizing I'd stepped into a mine field. "We ran into each other at the harvest festival last week. She was trying to adopt this guy out when he was clearly in love with her. Then we got lunch with Joey."

Scarlett's expression softened. "I love that little guy.”

"I'll let you guys get back to your dinner."

"It was nice to see you, but I hope I won't see you any more tonight," Scarlett said with a pointed look.

"You know how Eli is. I'm not making any promises." I mumbled that last part.

"Bye, Chance," Marigold said with a smile, and I wished I could sit down and eat dinner with them. My reaction to her was one more reason why I needed to distance myself from her.

I headed next door. Eli was already seated at the bar. "I ordered your usual."

I slid onto the stool next to him. "Thanks."

"I'm happy to see you're off duty." Eli tipped his head toward my casual outfit.

I rolled my shoulders back. "I'm not even on call."

Eli raised a brow. "We'll see how the night goes."

Wanting to get his attention off me, I said, "I ran into Marigold and Scarlett eating next door."

"I knew they were there, so I walked the other way. I didn't want her to accuse me of following her."

"I didn't know, and I spotted the dog first. Then Scarlett saw me. She warned me not to hang around them."

Eli shook his head. "Way to mess it up for me. What's this about a dog?"

"Marigold adopted one of the rescues she's been working with."

"That's kind of the opposite of what she's supposed to do, isn't it?"

"Apparently, it's common for volunteers to adopt the dogs. And this is Marigold's first. She could use the company."

"I agree. But since when are you so concerned about Marigold?"

"She's Scarlett's best friend. I've always looked after her." The bartender delivered our drinks, and Eli thanked him, telling him to put it on his tab.

Eli gripped the glass. "You seem to know a lot about what's going on in Marigold's life lately."

I stretched the crick in my neck, not appreciating the scrutiny. "We keep running into each other. I saw her at the harvest festival with the dog. Then she heard about our biking trip being cancelled, and she offered to go with me." I shouldn't have said anything.

Eli's brow raised even higher. "Is that right?"

"We took the lake path. It was a friend thing."

"Is it now?" Eli asked, tipping his glass back. "You know you can't be married to your job forever."

"That was the plan." I hope he didn't catch onto the fact I'd used the word was. "Besides you guys are always too busy lately. The only time I can see you is when Scarlett is out with her friends."

Eli blew out a breath. "I'm sorry I haven't been a good friend lately."

I felt bad, but it got him off the topic of me and Marigold. I didn't need him thinking anything was going on between us. He'd probably encourage me to go out with her. He wanted me to be just as in love as he was. He wanted me to be happy.

"I'll make more of an effort."

"Don't go out of your way or anything." Now I felt like a charity case. Is this how it would be when all the guys got married and had kids? I'd be the one who just had work. I'd be the favorite uncle to their kids, but never have any of my own.

"Everyone says I'll fall out of the honeymoon phase with Scarlett, but I don't think that's going to happen."

"I'm glad you're happy together, and I love having my sister home." I'd always be grateful to him for keeping my sister here. He was creating a life for her that she could be excited about. She was thriving in the theater and with him.

I already had my job, but I didn't feel like I was thriving or particularly happy. It used to be enough, but now I wondered what else was out there. Maybe there was something to having time for yourself, cultivating relationships with others. But my mind kept snagging on Marigold.

Xander showed up a few minutes later, and he and Eli got lost in talk about the new cabins they were building on the property and the beginning of the ski season.

"You coming to our opening weekend for the slopes?" Xander asked.

"Let me know when it is. I'll definitely pop in." Even when I was working, I could justify stopping by in my uniform. Always good to be seen. But for once, I just wanted to go to a barbecue or an event out of uniform. I didn't want to feel like I had to leave when a call came in. I was always on, and maybe it was time to reevaluate that.