Page 2

Chapter Two

Cat

“Daddy, are you okay?” Concern furrows Scarlett’s brow.

Still watching him, I wonder the same. I know adding a dog to your life can be overwhelming; maybe Jade made a mistake with this pairing.

She’s rarely wrong when it comes to this type of thing, but then we don’t often have dogs like the one whose leash I’m still holding.

His light brown hair blows slightly in the breeze, and I have a niggling feeling that we’ve met before. I’m sure my imagination is teasing me. And yet there’s something…

“I’m fine, sweetie.” He gently rubs a finger on her cheek, his stare lingering on me. The clear affection these two have for each other tugs at my heartstrings. His wife is a very lucky woman.

“Oh, good! I thought you hurt yourself and couldn’t play in your baseball game.”

His brows shoot up, and his face relaxes as he turns his soft brown eyes to focus on his daughter. “You thought I hurt myself by just standing here?”

“You did do a lot of running when you were trying to catch Emmy—so, maybe?” She shrugs. A giggle bubbles up as I watch the two of them. At the sound, his dancing gaze lifts to mine, and my breath hitches slightly.

“I’m David.” He stretches his hand toward me. “David James.”

Ahhhh, David James the Smokies shortstop, that’s why he looks familiar. He’s also their PR ‘problem’ and now my responsibility as the team’s new Director of Fan Experience. I’ll be working closely with him—maybe a little too closely, if the gleam in his eyes is any indication.

The knowledge that he’s a widower makes my heart beat a little faster.

Off-limits, girl. I mentally chastise myself— no dating co-workers.

Tossing any and all disappointment that’s surfacing, I take his outstretched hand. Giving it a firm, strictly business-like shake.

When our skin touches, tingles run down my spine. And when his eyes flare, I know he felt it too.

Not a good start to a professional work relationship. Nor is the curious look he’s wearing.

“Your full name doesn’t happen to be Catherine Bailey, does it?” He’s still holding my hand, and my stomach flutters. My brows knitting together, I analyze the shock in his brown, hazel stare. A shade of hazel that triggers a memory of a young boy I knew a lifetime ago. Someone I never forgot.

It couldn’t be. Could it?

“Yes,” I respond hesitantly, the corner of my mouth lifting. “That’s me.”

His eyes sparkle, and his mouth lifts in a smirk. “Catherine Bailey, who lived on Elm Street?”

He drops my hand, and I instantly miss his warmth. “I’m sorry?”

“Are you the Cat Bailey who lived on Elm Street until she was twelve years old? The former next-door neighbor of the James Family?”

He quirks a brow.

“You know her?” Scarlett reaches out, grabbing her dad’s hand, her face beaming. Once again, my heart wrenches.

“If she’s that Cat Bailey,” David grins, unable to stop my cheeks from pulling up in a smile. “I do indeed.”

A memory of me passing a note to a much younger, but no less handsome, David in a classroom has warmth spreading across my chest.

“I can’t believe this,” I say softly, staring at him. “You’re taller than I remember.”

Last time I saw him, we were the same height.

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 David his 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 again soon . 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. The David James, just happens to be my David 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.

“I’m fine, it’s just—” Another ripple of dizziness hits me, and I drop into the chair, leaning my elbows on my knees. “Dr. Hall mentioned that this new medication could cause dizziness. I’ll be okay.”

Jade shoves a bottle of water into my hand, and I gratefully take a sip. The cool water helps. “Thank you.”

“Why don’t you stay here and rest a bit. I can handle the dogs.” Jade’s eyes are full of worry.

“Give me a few minutes and I’ll be fine. You know how much I love this part of the day.”

“I know,” Jade’s expression is sympathetic. “But it would make me feel better if you stayed here. You have a big day tomorrow. Rest. I’ll be back in a bit, and then we can leave together.”

I know she’s right, but I hate having this problem. “Okay.” I blow out a breath and watch her pick up the things she threw, then head out to finish up with the dogs.

When I can’t see her through the window anymore, I lean my head against the wall and close my eyes.

I haven’t had an episode like this since before the change in medication, and I’m not sure what’s causing it. Luckily, the side effects only last a few minutes before my equilibrium returns, and honestly, I feel so much better than before.

But it’s definitely not something I want to live with if I don’t have to. Hopefully, my upcoming appointment with Dr. Carlson will give me some answers and options.