Page 53 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

“Are you okay?” His gaze darts across my face, and my heart slams against my rib cage at the concern reflected in his eyes. “You don’t feel dizzy, do you?”

Dizzy? Definitelynotdizzy.

Then it clicks. He’s worried about me.

“No, David, I’m fine.” The fear doesn’t leave his expression, and without thinking, I cradle his cheek. “Truly. I’m okay. But I do need your help.”

“Anything.” His gruff voice sends shivers down my spine, and my gaze is locked on his. The air is being sucked from my lungs and I feel my body being pulled toward him. He glances at my lips, and a small sigh escapes me.

“James!” Coach Abbott calls out as he crosses into the tunnel leading to the clubhouse. I jump and pull away from David, like I’ve been caught cheating on a test. “You’ll have time to talk to your wife later. I need you in the locker room. Now.”

Wife.

“Be right there, Coach.”

David watches Coach walk away before turning his attention back to me. “What do you need?”

“Duncan’s number?” I chew on my bottom lip and wring my hands together. “Paws and Kisses Bakery won’t be coming tonight.”

His eyes widen slightly before a wide grin slides across his face. “You better call Ava.”

A squeal erupts, and without thinking, I throw my arms around his neck. A chuckle vibrates from his chest, and his arms wrap around my waist. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“James!” This time, Coach’s voice isn’t as patient.

“Quick. Give me your phone.” He holds out his hand, his eyes never leaving Coach. I drop my phone in his palm, my stomach swirls at how easy it’s becoming for me to rely on him. He deftly enters Ava’s contact information. Snickering, he gives me the phone back. “This is going to be great.”

I watch him run toward Coach and the locker room, unable to make my feet move. Right before he crosses the threshold, he yells. “Good luck.”

His smile is so boyishly mischievous that my heart flips. I continue to stand there staring down the hall long after they’ve left.

What am I doing again? Oh yeah, dog treats.

Tapping the call button, the ringing starts, and I wait, praying Ava picks up.

“Hello?”

“Hey Ava, it’s Cat.” I don’t give her time to respond before I rush into why I’m calling.

Her laughter rings through the phone. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Chapter Twenty-One

David

Thebuzzofadrenalinepumps through my veins as the team makes its way to our dugout. The crowd is only vaguely aware that we’ve come out. The music blasting through the video board shows highlights from last year’s season, but the murmur of anticipation from the crowd as they wait, interrupted by the occasional bark, can be felt all the way down on the field.

Glancing around the stadium, I see its standing room only, minus a few sections with just a smattering of people. This is an incredible turnout for the first game of the season. My chest puffs out with pride. Cat has already put our last director of fan experience to shame, and she’s only been here a few weeks.

Being the subject ofTea Timeand getting married is undoubtedly helping the turnout, but I refuse to minimize the amount of work Cat and her team have put into organizing this event.

Not to mention, Bark In The Park is the perfect event for our opening game. Who doesn’t love dogs?

My lips twitch as I think about Duncan being broached to bring his dog treats. My brother is all bark, with none of the bite, for the people he loves, but I’m not sure he’s ready to have his secret become public.

Excited barking from centerfield grabs my attention, and a wave of canine calls follow from around the stadium as the other four-leggers join in on the fun.

My gaze skims over the people until my eyes land on Cat. She’s waving her hands animatedly, and I can all but hear her voice telling everyone what they’re going to be doing next.

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