Page 40 of The Billionaire's Pawfect Match

“She’s very smart,” I agree, although she’s so much more than that.

“It’s good to see you socializing.”

I bristle, more out of reflex than true annoyance. “I have a personal life, Carol.”

“Do you?” She arches an eyebrow. “Name one friend.”

The silence stretches too long, filled with the names of business associates, contacts, partners. But friends? My chest tightens.

“Fine. I don’t get out much.”

“It wasn’t an accusation. I’m just happy to see you happy.”

“Thank you. And things are changing,” I say, the words less for her and more for myself. “I’m turning over a new leaf.”

“Good.” She nods, her smile softening. “You deserve that, Isaac. Really.”

I watch her retreat, the click of her heels fading as she returns to her desk. Alone again, I let myself think about tonight. About Emily waiting in her apartment, about the moments we’ll share. It’s a new chapter, one I’ve never allowed myself to read before.

Change, I’ve learned, isn’t just about what you lose. It’s about what you find along the way.

Noticing the time, I realize the meeting went way over. There’s no time for me to go home and get ready for tonight’s date. Luckily, the gym here has showers and I always keep a few changes of clothes at work.

I head down to the floor right below my office. My steps echo in the empty hallway as I make my way to the executive gym, a place of isolation even in a building full of people.

Showering quickly, I toggle between hot and cold water, letting the shock of it awaken my senses. Dressing, I carefully select a charcoal suit from the options available. It’s not as casual as I’d prefer for a dinner with Emily, but it’s better than showing up in my business attire reeking of today’s stress and worry.

With one last look at myself in the mirror, I rush back to my office. Baxter is up from his bed, tail wagging in anticipation of dinner.

“Damn.” The word slips out as I glance at my watch. Five forty p.m. How have I forgotten about Baxter?

I need to take him home, but there’s no time. I’ll have to tell Emily I’m running late. Baxter needs a walk and some food.

“Leaving early?” Carol’s voice cuts through my reverie as I stride toward the door, Baxter trotting next to me.

“Got plans,” I respond, already halfway through the threshold. “Dinner with Emily.”

“Wait, Isaac. What about Baxter?”

I pause, the question anchoring me back to the present. “I… forgot to make arrangements. I’m taking him home. I was just about to tell Emily I’ll be late.”

“Want me to take him? He knows my place well enough.” Carol is already reaching for his leash. “He used to stay there all the time when your father couldn’t take him on trips.”

“Would you?” Gratitude floods me. Carol for the win once again. I was dreading having to tell Emily I’m running behind.

“Of course. Go enjoy your date.” She smiles, and it’s a warm thing, a shared secret between us.

I bend down to scratch Baxter’s ears. “You’re going to stay with Carol tonight, buddy,” I tell him, and there’s a pang in my chest.

Baxter has been my constant, my shadow, since Dad passed. Leaving him, even for an evening, feels like another small letting-go. It’s weird to think that only weeks ago I couldn’t stand this beast, and now I’m starting to feel like I wouldn’t be able to live without him.

“Thank you,” I say, sincerity heavy in my voice. “Really.”

“Anytime.” She waves me off, adding, “Don’t do anythingIwouldn’t do.”

A laugh escapes me, brief and genuine. “That leaves plenty of room for interpretation.”

With a final nod to Carol, I leave my office, the door clicking shut behind me like the closing of a book I’ve read too many times. This company is still important to me, but right now it needs to take a back seat.

---