Page 64 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

Scarlett’s eyes pop, and a tiny hand covers her mouth as she tries to stifle a giggle. A huff of laughter falls from my lips, and I shake my head, resting a hand on the top of her head. “Let’s go get breakfast started.”

Skipping toward the kitchen, Emmy trotting in front of her, I hear the click from a door behind me, and my heart skitters. “I’m up.” David yawns dramatically, leaning against the door frame, looking delicious in his sleep-rumpled state.

Boldly, I let my gaze roam over him. He’s slightly disheveled in a white t-shirt and flannel pants. His hair sticking up and morning scruff covers the ridges of his jaw. My pulse hums. Rugged looks good on him.

When my eyes meet his, heat creeps up my cheeks, and I suddenly feel self-conscious about my morning appearance. “Good morning,” I say, running a hand over my head in a desperate attempt to tamp down any flyaways.

A smile wobbles on my face, and I whirl toward the kitchen, throwing over my shoulder. “I better get in there before Scarlett hurts herself.”

Scarlett won’t hurt herself. Duncan has made sure that girl knows her way around the kitchen better than most chefs, but the hallway is starting to feel too small for David and me to be in the same space.

Walking into the kitchen, Scarlett already has the frying pan out and next to the stove. I look around to find her body and Emmy’s head in the refrigerator. “What are we making?”

When she tries to carry the butter, eggs, cheese, and bacon, her little hands full, I grab some of the items from her. “Omelettes.”

“I love omelettes.” My lips twitch, and I move over to the counter, putting everything down. “Especiallycheeseomelettes.”

Next stop, coffee machine. I grab the carafe and fill it with water. Turning back around, I bump into something solid.

“Sorry,” David says, his husky voice right next to my ear, sending shivers through me. “I should’ve let you know I was behind you.”

“It’s okay,” I say breathlessly, every inch of me aware of his body standing so close to me.

I pour the water into the reservoir of the coffee machine and start to reach for the coffee and filters, when David’s voice stops me.

“I got it.” I stand transfixed as he reaches his hand over me, his body grazing mine. Scarlett giggles at something Emmy does, and the spell I’m under is broken.

David leans down, grabs a mixing bowl from the bottom cabinet, and places it on the counter.

“Here.” I hand him a whisk, the nutty smell of butter melting in the frying pan fills the air. His gaze lifts to mine and mystomach swoops. His eyes are that warm brandy that starts butterflies dancing and heat rushing through me.

“Thank you,” he says gruffly, before turning to Scarlett. “You ready?”

“Yes!” She yells, dragging a step stool next to the counter, anticipation lighting her face.

The coffee pot hisses as the water heats, the soft clang of metal rings while David mixes the eggs. Scarlett’s excited chatter vibrates around the room as she hands her dad another egg. Leaning against the counter, I watch them work effortlessly together. A team.

A longing so deep tugs at my gut. This moment—the two of them—is perfection.

David’s gaze finds mine, his eyes so tender, and a rush of heat flows through me. In his eyes is a silent invitation that my soul says yes to.

A lopsided grin crosses his face, and my mouth lifts in response. “Do you want to come to the Brewers game with me this weekend?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Scarlett pipes up, bouncing on her toes, and an exuberant bark follows, confirming that going is indeed a good idea.

“Sorry, honey,” he runs a hand along her cheek. The love shining there sends another pang to my heart. “You’re staying with Uncle Duncan and Aunt Ava.” His hesitant gaze lifts to mine, and my heart stammers. “I was asking Cat if she’d like to go.”

Scarlett’s head bounces between the two of us a few times before asking eagerly, “Like a date?”

“Like a date.” David nods, never taking his eyes off me. My breath catches, and my eyes widen. “What do you think?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Scarlett yells again, stepping down from the step stool and wrapping her arms around my waist. When sherests her chin on my stomach and looks up at me, my heart squeezes. “It’s a yes, right, Cat?”

Emmy lets out a body-shaking woof. Just as I push the hair off of Scarlett’s face and smile down at her.

“Like Emmy said, yes.” My gaze flits to David, to find him beaming at me. I point toward the frying pan. “It might be time to flip.”

A slow grin crawls across his face, and my knees weaken. His gaze dips to my lips before he refocuses it on the frying pan.

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