Page 105 of Seal the Deal

We turn to see Zoe on the dance floor, waving us over. But she’s not alone for long.

Charlie laughs, leaning into me as Chase sidles up to Zoe. “Looks like Chase might make a move.”

“About time,” I say, tightening my arm on her waist.

We join them on the dance floor, but I can’t shake the eyes on us. I feel a burn to stake my claim. There’s an energy between us tonight, something heavier than just the fun we’ve been having. It’s like we’re standing on the edge of something, and neither of us knows what comes next.

“Hey, you were amazing up there,” a guy says, eyeing Charlie in a way that sets my teeth on edge.

“Thanks,” Charlie replies, giving him a polite smile. “My boyfriend thinks so, too.”

The guy’s smile falters a little, and I don’t miss the way his eyes flick to mebefore he nods and steps back. I tighten my arm around her waist, pulling her closer as we sway to the music.

“You’re mine, Lady Lightning,” I murmur in her ear.

The night continues, laughter and music blurring around us. Zoe and Charlie buddy up to do that dramatic sing-dance thing girls do together on the dance floor while Chase and I watch from a distance. We’re talking hockey until I see some asshole move in behind Charlie, his hands on her waist, pulling her back against him. My blood boils, and before I know it, I’m over there shoving him off her.

“Back off,” I growl, voice lethal. The guy stumbles back, eyes wide with surprise, muttering an apology before he disappears. Smart move.

I turn to Charlie. “You okay?”

She nods, a mix of relief and gratitude in her eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

I don’t say anything, my jaw ticking as I scan the crowd for any more idiots.

“Jealous much?” she says, a glint in her eyes as she steps into me, but I’m not ready to joke.

“You’re damn right I’m jealous. That guy had his hands on you, Charlie.”

She laughs, her eyes twinkling. “That’s what happens on a dance floor, Brooks. You don’t have to go full caveman.”

I pull her closer, my voice lowering. “I protect what’s mine. No apologies.”

She smiles, leaning up close. “Keep dancing, and maybe I’ll let you keep me.”

I can’t help the laugh that rumbles through my chest, pressing my lips to her ear. “You’re pushing it, you know that?”

“Yep. But you love me for it.”

Oh baby, you have no idea.

I don’t respond, just lean down to kiss her, sucking her lower lip into my mouth. The truth is, she has me completely, in every way possible. There’s no question, no room for doubt.

As the night winds down, I can tell the drinks are catching up to her. She’s more than a little tipsy, her steps slower and more deliberate. I wrap an arm around her waist to steady her, guiding her back to the booth.

When we finally sink into our seats, the noise of the bar fades around us, like we’re in our own littleworld. I’m grateful that the rest of our group is still on the dance floor or at the bar. She leans into me, quietly resting her head on my shoulder, as if something’s weighing on her mind. I run my hand gently along her arm, waiting for her to speak.

After a long pause, she lifts her head and her eyes meet mine. There’s a vulnerability there I don’t see often, and it pulls at something deep inside me.

“Jake…” She bites her lip, like she’s debating whether or not to continue.

“Yeah, Charlie girl?”

She takes a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her top. “I’ve been thinking… about us.”

The words hang, and a knot tightens in my chest. I have no idea where she’s going with this, but I know it’s important.

“About us?” I repeat.

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