Page 47 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

My gaze shoots toward David, and my heart flutters at hearing my new name fall from his lips.

Schooling my expression, I turn to the man, the myth, the matchmaker. Finn Mitchell.

“It’s good to meet you, Finn.” My lips lift at my thoughts, and I shake his hand. “You’re kind of famous.”

“Famous?” He waves a hand in the air. “Nah. I’m just the person behind the scenes, lucky enough to have some amazing clients. Like this guy.” He grips David’s shoulder and gives it a gentle shake.

I haven’t known this version of David James very long, but from what I’ve seen, I have to agree with Finn’s assessment: he is amazing.

“Tea Timeis starting to wonder aboutyou,” David teases. “Careful, or you could be their latest brew.”

Turning my head to look at my husband, I become aware that he’s still gently holding my elbow. The simple gesture issupportive and possessive. The lopsided grin he’s giving Finn makes my chest flutter, and I let my eyes dart over his features.

When my gaze finally meets his, it’s to find him watching me. Heat creeps up my face, and I feel my cheek pull up as I shrug. Not even trying to hide what I was doing.

David gives me a smirk that turns my knees to jelly, and then Finn chuckles, cutting through the tension as we both turn to look at him.

“There’s nothing for them to dig up, so I’m not worried,” Finn retorts, still talking aboutTea Time.Then, changing the topic, he moves on to Bark In The Park. “I’m excited for your debut event. Some of the Mavericks players are planning to be there with their pups. Not to mention, I can’t wait to meet Emmy.”

Waving to Duncan and Ava, he starts to back away. “I gotta run. Let me know what I can do to help with David’s social media, Cat.”

“Thanks, Finn.” A small smile creeps along my face. “Expect to hear from me.”

My stomach swirls at the thought of my first event for the Smokies organization, which is coming upfast. Which is par for the course at the pace my life has been moving these last few months.

Hope and I have been working hard to pull it together, and everything is almost in place. We just have a few wrinkles to iron out. But I’ll feel better once it’s over.

“Cat. David,” Ava calls out, drawing my attention to her. “Let’s take some pictures before we get you settled at David’s.”

The smile on my face falls as I remember that not only is my name changing, but so is my address.

So much has changed in a very short period. My job. My state. My name.

A surge of panic rushes over me, but before it can take hold, I catch sight of Scarlett joyfully running toward us, her laughterringing through the air. When she grabs my hand, a calmness comes over me, and my mouth tugs at the corner.

Maybe, if only for the moment, I can let myself view this situation through Scarlett’s eyes. If I can just embrace her enthusiasm, maybe the nagging feeling that I’ve made a gigantic mistake will disappear.

The sinking feeling settling in the pit of my stomach doesn’t leave, but a tiny thought pushes through…what if I could be that excited?

Tea Time

HeyTeaLovers.

Wehavea new Mr. & Mrs. James.

No, we don’t mean the broody goalie and his movie star, but the other James brother, and his new director of fan experience.

The first post on David James’ Smokies social media account was about the quiet ceremony the new couple had yesterday at Lookout Mountain Park.

But we have questions…

Why the rush?

What part is Finn Mitchell playing? (Yes, he was there.)

Does he have something to do with all of his players’ relationships?

Something about this steeped tea doesn’t sit right.

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