Page 38 of The Billionaire's Pawfect Match

I hesitate, caught between the urge to confide and the instinct to protect myself. But Isaac isn’t my parents. He doesn’t wear their mask of indifference. Perhaps it’s okay to let someone see behind my own façade.

“The shelter,” I start, my voice barely above a breath. The words come, halting, as if each one is a step closer to admitting defeat.“We’re struggling. More and more each day. Dogs keep coming, but there’s less money for everything. Training, healthcare… it’s all slipping through our fingers. It’s bad. Really bad. A lot of people can’t even afford pets now — forget about donations — and it’s only getting worse. I didn’t even spend the shelter’s funds at the pet store today. It was my own money.”

“You shouldn’t have to do that.”

“Who else will do it?” I counter, the question coming out harsher than I meant for it to.

A lump forms in my throat, thick and stubborn. I swallow hard, fighting back the swell of emotions. I didn’t mean to take things out on Isaac. I’m a mess right now, though, and maybe it’s best if I back out of dinner tonight. I won’t be very good company.

He stops walking, turning to face me, his gaze earnest. “You’re right. What you’re doing is amazing, I just meant… it sounds like more than one person can handle.” His voice is soft and soothing, but unfortunately not enough to make the problem go away. “You’re doing so much already, volunteering your time to train the dogs.”

I nod, drawing in a shaky breath. “It’s just… Yeah, you know… I’m only one person. I can’t be the solution they all need.” The admission feels like a surrender, and the tears that I’ve held at bay threaten to break free.

He steps closer, close enough that I can see the flecks of gold in his eyes, close enough that his concern wraps around me like a blanket. “You’re doing more than you realize. Those dogs, they have a chance because of you.”

His words are meant to comfort, but they echo in the hollow space where hope used to live. I blink rapidly, willing the tears toretreat. Baxter nudges his nose against my leg, a silent show of solidarity.

“Thank you, Isaac,” I manage to say, my voice wobbly with the effort of holding myself together. “It means a lot that you care.”

“I can help.”

“You… can?”

Of course I’ve been secretly hoping he would say this, what with his resources and connections. I haven’t wanted to ask, though, or get my hopes up. He’s not obligated to do anything just because he knows me.

“Maybe we could get local businesses to donate services for an auction,” he says, smiling at the thought.

I nod. “Yeah. That’s a great idea.”

“Or organize a benefit concert,” he continues, enthusiasm lighting up his features.

I listen, absorbing his eagerness. It buoys me, a life raft in a sea of worry. The ideas are good, some even great, and the simple fact that he is here, brainstorming ways to save a dream that isn’t his own, it’s… touching.

“Thank you, Isaac.” The words tumble out, small and sincere. “Even if these ideas don’t pan out, I appreciate you trying.”

A strange look crosses his face, almost like he’s surprised. Did it sound like I’m questioning him?

“Emily, you’re not alone in this.” His voice is soft, earnest.

The vulnerability steals my breath. He reaches out, arms enveloping me in a hug that feels like coming home. My head rests against his chest, heartbeat steady beneath my ear.

Safety. Warmth. Understanding. All wrapped up in one long, charged embrace.

After a moment that stretches into eternity, he pulls back just enough so our eyes meet. The air crackles with unspoken words, with the electricity of a connection neither of us anticipated but that we’re falling headfirst into regardless. We lean in, closer, closer…

Baxter chooses that instant to leap up, paws landing squarely on Isaac’s chest. Laughter bubbles up in him, genuine and infectious, breaking the spell.

“Seems someone’s jealous,” I tease, biting back my own smile as Baxter wags his tail, oblivious to the moment he’s interrupted.

Isaac looks at me again, a grin still playing on his lips. “I think you’re right,” he agrees, eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. “But I love him too now… and I’m definitely falling.”

His words linger, hanging in the balance, and I wonder if he’s talking about Baxter or me. The way he looks at me, like I’m the only person in his world, makes me hope it’s the latter.

Isaac’s phone buzzes, and he pulls it out to glance at it.

“You should get it,” I say, tucking hair behind my ear, my face still warm from trying to dissect the meaning behind his words.

“It’s okay… although I should get back to the office.”

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