Page 12 of Seal the Deal

Our eyes lock as we grin at each other, and in that instant it’s like we’re back under the stars at camp, two kids with dreams bigger than we could even understand. There’s so much I want to say, but every word feels tangled up in my chest.

Just as Jake’s about to speak, Chase swoops in again. “If you ever need a babysitter so you can catch up with this guy, I’m available.”

Zoe makes a sound of utter disbelief. “You?Babysit? Please. They’d be zip-lining off the roof within an hour.”

“I’m a fun uncle,” Chase retorts, his eyes twinkling mischievously as they lock on Zoe. “I could keep ‘em entertained, you could tag along. It’d be a blast.”

Zoe’s expression turns deadpan. “Over my dead body, Walton.”

Jake smirks but his eyes drift back to me, a trace of hope in them as he steps just a little closer. “So… drinks?” His voice is quietly hopeful. “To catch up?”

There’s an eagerness in his gaze, and for a moment I want to say yes. But the kids are at home, and Jade’s on the clock. I gesture awkwardly over my shoulder, like the answer is there waiting. “I can’t. Babysitter, jet lag, the whole bit.”

Zoe, ever the gatekeeper of my energy, jumps in. “Yeah, sorry boys. My favorite Kiwi can’t be tuckered out before she even gets started. But I’ll see you both on Monday for the team catch-up.”

“Are you back on Monday, too?” Jake asks, a hopeful smile still on his face.

I let out a soft chuckle. “‘Fraid not, I’m not the sports gal at the agency—I’m FMCG.”

Jake’s smile falters just a bit, but he nods. “Maybe another time?”

I give a small noncommittal shrug, feeling my stomach twist. “Maybe. It’s just… a lot right now.”

He studies me for a second, like he’s trying to gauge how real that answer is. “Well, whenever you’re ready, it’d be so good to catch up.”

Sensing the tension, Zoe swoops in. “Alright, time for us to head out before Walton involves us in some depraved fangirl pick’n mix.”

Chase gives a dramatic sigh. “Ladies, you’re missing out. It could’ve been epic.”

“Hard pass,” she fires back, already grabbing my arm and steering me away.

I glance back over my shoulder one last time to find Jake still watching me, his expression thoughtful, almost like he’s holding onto the weight of every word we just exchanged.

He raises a hand in a small wave, and I return it, my heart still racing.

Back in Zoe’s car, she takes a deep breath and turns to me with the biggest shit-eating grin I’ve ever seen. I do my best to look clueless.

“What?”

“Don’twhatme—you knowexactlywhat!”

Sighing, I lean my head back against the seat. “Fine. We met one summer at Camp America when we were like, eighteen. Both counselors for a group of sports kids. Nothing happened.”

Zoe arches an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Just friends?”

“Just friends. And I haven’t seen him fortwelve years!”

She bites her lip, clearly plotting something, her cinnamon eyes sparkling with mischief. “For the love of God, just say whatever you’re thinking,” I mutter, bracing myself.

She laughs as she clicks her seatbelt. “Fine, I’m thinking thaaaat… this is the perfect way to give a giant fuck you to Alex.”

I scoff. “What?”

She puts the car in drive, backing out of the lot slowly. “Oh, come on! It’s perfect. Jake is so hot, you could fry an egg on his abs.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “No. No Zoe. I can’t mix work and men.”

“Technically, you’re not. He’s one ofmyclients—not yours.”

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