Page 39 of The Billionaire's Pawfect Match

“Of course,” I quickly say. “I didn’t mean to keep you.”

“I don’t mind it at all,” he grins.

I bite into my smile, once again feeling better for another quick moment, all thanks to Isaac. We’ve made a loop through the neighborhood, and his building is just across the street. Leaving the park, we cross and stop at the massive structure’s front door.

“Tonight,” he says, breaking the quiet, “I’ll pick you up at six?”

“Six sounds perfect.”

His eyes meet mine, and there’s a promise in them, something that speaks of more than just dinner. The desire to close the space between us tugs at me, urging my feet forward. But I resist. Not here. Not where anyone can see the beginning of something that feels so intensely private.

“Great,” he replies, a hint of relief lacing his words, as if he too fears this moment slipping away.

“Isaac…” I start, unsure how to put into words the gratitude for his support, for his willingness to dive headfirst into the chaos of my world.

“Emily, you don’t need to say anything.” His hand brushes mine, sending a jolt of warmth up my arm. “I’m just glad I can be there for you.”

I nod, letting his assurance settle over me like a comforting blanket, and give Baxter’s head a hearty rub.

“See you later,” I murmur, stepping back.

“Later,” he confirms, his gaze holding mine until the very last second before I turn away.

As I walk to my car, my mind remains stuck in the space that we shared. The impromptu walk around our block, thetender words exchanged beneath the hazy sunlight of the afternoon. The seemingly insignificant gestures that turn heavy with meaning in my heart. A comforting squeeze of the hand, an understanding smile. It all accumulates into Isaac’s silent promise of being there.

And for the first time in perhaps my whole life, I believe someone.

CHAPTER 20

ISAAC

The office feels too quiet, the kind of silence that presses against your temples and reminds you of rooms left too long empty. I’m at my desk, but not really here. My gaze is fixed on the skyline, where the sun dips close to the horizon, painting the glass buildings with amber light. Emily’s laughter echoes in my ears, a melody I didn’t know I’d missed until now. Baxter’s tail wagging in sync with our steps, an odd yet perfect symphony.

A pile of reports sits untouched by my elbow. Numbers and forecasts, they’re important; they say who’s winning, who’s losing. But today, they’re just paper and ink. Today, Emily’s smile outshines them all, her eyes bright enough to outdo the city lights.

“Isaac?” Carol’s voice cuts through the haze of daydreams. “Your three o’clock? They’ve been waiting.”

“Shoot.” I lurch to my feet, the spell broken. How did I forget? Meetings are the scaffolding of my day, but Emily and her gentle ways have unraveled them without even trying.

“Sorry,” I mutter, grabbing the laptop that I should’ve had in my hands twenty minutes ago.

The meeting room is stuffy, filled with expectant faces and the scent of ambition. Apologies fall from my lips, their edges blunted by distraction. We talk land plots and strategies, but my mind keeps wandering back to Emily. To her warmth, to the possibilities she’s unknowingly penned into my life’s script.

It ends in a blur, handshakes and nods, promises to reconvene. I return to my office, to Carol’s knowing look. Does she see it? The shift inside me, the softening of edges worn sharp by years of loss?

“You’ve been miles away lately,” she says, leaning against the doorframe. “Anything I can help with? Your father’s estate… or the dog?”

The dog in question lifts his head from the bed in the corner, where he’s been snoozing since we returned from our walk with Emily.

“Things are going well, actually,” I reply, and mean it.

The weight of my father’s absence is still there, but it’s different now. Lighter, maybe. Or perhaps just less noticeable thanks to everything that I have going on.

Carol smiles. “That pretty dog trainer has something to do with it, doesn’t she?”

“Maybe,” I say slowly, although I can’t keep back the smile.

“I like Emily. She seems wonderful… and I already know she’s a genius with dogs.”

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