Page 4 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

His eyes dance. “You’re shorter. And have acquired a new set of skills I don’t remember.”

My pulse hums at his look and the surprising turn of events my life just took.

When Jade texted me that my favorite dog was being adopted, my heart sank. While I was happy for Emmy, I was also disappointed at not having the opportunity to say goodbye.

Now here I am, not only meeting the family taking her home, but also finding out that I’ll be getting regular updates.

That should be the best news ever, right?

Except it’s not. That new family, and my new co-worker, just happen to be my old childhood crush.

A wry grin slides across my lips. This moment feels like the day I found out we were moving all over again. I was thrilled to be moving in with Aunt Dottie, but leaving the boy next door felt soul-crushing. An ache tugs at me, nostalgia mixing with the grief I carry at the recent loss of Aunt Dottie.

My phone buzzes, and I look down to see a message from Jade. “I’m sorry. I need to get to my volunteer duties.” Handing Davidhis new dog’s leash and all the treats I have in my pockets, I give him a mischievous smirk. “Your life will be easier if you carry these with you. All. The. Time.”

Scarlett beams and tosses her arms around my waist, squeezing tight. “I hope we’ll get to see you againsoon. Daddy needs your help.”

Giving her a gentle nudge with my elbow, I whisper, “One never knows what the future will bring.” Smiling, I squat down and get eye level with Emmy, scratching a favorite spot behind her ear. “Make sure you’re the bestest girl for your new family, okay?”

She lets out an excited bark, and tears sting the back of my eyes.

“We’ll make sure you get to see her again, right, Daddy?” Scarlett looks pointedly up at David, and my brows pull together at the clear message I see there. That child has one strong personality, while at the same time being completely adorable.

“I think we can arrange that.” David grins at her, glancing up at me with a hopeful expression. “If it’s okay with Cat.”

My stomach tightens at my slight deception. We will definitely be seeing each other in the very near future. “I would most assuredly be okay with that. Thank you.” I give them both a bright smile, then point toward Mile High Mutts. “I’ve got to go and help Jade get the dogs out for their daily exercise before they bark the joint down. It was great to meet both of you.”

Heading to the rescue’s entrance, I turn and look over my shoulder. Scarlett joyfully runs toward the car; Emmy tries to follow her but ends up dragging David behind. That poor man looks more worn out than when I first pulled up.

Between these two girls, David is in way over his head. He’s definitely going to need some help, and hopefully, he has a good support system.

I can only imagine that being a single dad and a professional athlete is tough to juggle. I’m starting to understand why it’s been difficult for him to meet the Smokie’s PR needs. Knowing his background story and getting a glimpse into his life will help to make my job easier. It may also be the solution.

As I get closer to the main building, I can hear the barking, and I pick up my pace. Walking through the door, I huff a laugh.TheDavid James, just happens to bemyDavid James. Talk about a strange twist of fate.

“What are you laughing about?” Jade is behind the main desk, organizing leashes, treats, and all the other things we’ll need for getting the dogs their evening exercise. “Is Emmy already wreaking havoc?”

A full grin spreads across my face as I recall the scene I just witnessed. “You know it. But that’s not why I was laughing.” I grab some treats and fill my pockets. I’m pretty sure Jade’s eyes are boring holes in the back of my head.

When I turn back to her, sly grin crosses my lips, and I shrug. Not ready to talk about Emmy’s new family…yet.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Jade glares at me, and I chuckle, feeling my cheeks heat.

Ignoring her, I open the door to the room that houses all the dogs calling the rescue home. The barking I’m greeted with is piercing—a clear sign of their displeasure with our tardiness. Making my way to each kennel, I open the guillotine door leading to the outside run. As each dog heads outside, the decibel level in the backroom drops drastically.

When I let the last dog out, I turn back to find Jade leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, eyes narrowed, and a gleam in her eyes.

“What?” My mouth quirks, and I shrug. Making my way to where she’s standing.

“You gonna explain that glow you’ve got going on?” She puts her palm out and makes a wide circle.

“I’m excited about starting my new job tomorrow.” I say evasively, but truthfully. A bit more now than I was twenty minutes ago. Jade follows closely as I head to the door that will take me to the field out back.

“You know you won’t be able to avoid me forever,” she teases as she walks to grab something before following me.

“I’ll tell you everything that happens tomorrow. After I have my first—” I reach for the doorknob, and a surge of dizziness comes over me. Leaning my other hand on the door for support, I close my eyes and freeze, taking a deep breath.

“After your first? Cat, are you okay?” Jade tosses what she’s holding behind her and sprints over to me. Grabbing my elbow, she leads me to the chair a few feet away.

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