Page 60 of Second Chance Faceoff

That made him glance over, skeptical.

“I mean it,” I said. “Vanessa’s thrown a lot at you. More than one person should have to put up with.”

I looked straight ahead. “I don’t know what I would’ve done in your shoes. Probably... I don’t know. Keyed her fancy car.”

That got him. He let out a real laugh, the first I’d heard from him all day.

“No, you wouldn’t have.”

“Okay, maybe not,” I admitted. “But I would’ve daydreamed really hard about it.”

He smiled, just a little.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. “For letting it make you mad.”

We sat in silence again. This one felt comfortable.

“Well, for what it’s worth,” I said, “I think Tessa’s scheming something. She won’t admit it, but she’s got that look in her eye.”

His mouth twitched at the corner, not quite a smile, but enough to say he appreciated it.

I reached over and grabbed one of his hands. “Catch up later?”

He nodded.

I left him to rest and headed toward the front of the shelter, weaving past the kennels and out into the lobby. My so-called office was more like a nook behind the welcome desk—justenough room for a rolling chair, a cluttered laptop, and a mug with permanent coffee stains.

Tessa walked in with one of the teen volunteers. They had some quick questions about food rotation charts. I was mid-answer when the door chimed.

She walked in like she’d done it a hundred times before. Tall, toned, blonde. Hair up in a sleek ponytail, not a strand out of place. Leggings, team-branded zip-up, and this effortless glow like she’d just stepped out of a fitness ad. I recognized the Icehawks logo immediately—small, but unmistakably from the team.

“Hi,” she said, her voice smooth. “I’m looking for Colton Hayes?”

Tessa and I both blinked.

"Sorry, I am Ann Matthews."

“Uh, sure,” I said, trying not to stare. “He’s out back, near the dog-walking yard.”

Tessa turned to the volunteer. “Can you show... Ann? back that way?”

The girl nodded and led the blonde through the side gate.

I stayed where I was, watching the door slowly swing shut behind them.

Who looks that good in athletic wear?

I glanced down at my hoodie, the faint shadow of kibble dust near the hem.

Right. Totally fine. No reason to care.

Tessa didn’t even wait for the door to click shut before turning to me with a grin.

“I bet he invited her just to make you jealous.”

I gave her a sharp look. “I’m not jealous.”

“Jealous of what?” she asked, way too casually, like she hadn’t been waiting for that exact answer.

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