Page 140 of Seal the Deal

“You okay?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“I’ve been better. Didn’t really sleep.”

“Me either.”

More silence. I can’t take it. My fingers twitch with the need to pull her close.

“I’m sorry, Jake,” she croaks. “I didn’t mean it. Any of it. I was scared, and I... I didn’t mean what I was saying.”

I close my eyes, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I know,” I say quietly. “But it still hurt. Hearing you say that, it felt like you were giving up on us. And I can’t—” My voice catches. “I can’t lose you, Charlie.”

“You’re not going to lose me,” she says, her voice desperate. “I love you. Iloveus. I was just scared.”

“I know,” I whisper again, hating that this conversation is happening over the phone instead of with her in my arms. “I love you, too. More than anything.”

We both fall silent again, the weight of everything still hanging between us. I can tell she’s struggling, and I want to fix it, but I’m not sure how.

“I’m heading to the airport soon,” I say. “But I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Okay,” she says softly.

I hesitate, but I need to say it. “Just… be careful with Alex. I don’t trust him.”

She sighs, and I can practically see her rubbing her temples. “I’ll be fine, Jake. I’ll handle it.”

“I know you will,” I say, but it doesn’t make me feel any better. “I’ll call when I land. And Charlie, we’ll figure this out together. Okay?”

She’s quiet for a moment. Then finally, “Okay. I love you.”

“I love you, too. And tell—” I pause, my voice catching again. “Tell Noah and Meadow I love them, too.”

“I will,” she manages to say, and I can hear her tears.

My heart aches as I end the call, scrubbing a hand over my face. I stare at my phone for a long moment. I don’t want to leave things like this, but I don’t have a choice. Not right now.

This couldn’t be happening at a worse time. Every game right now is critical. We’re fighting to make the playoffs, and I can’t afford to let my focus slip. If we lose a couple of games, our shot at the postseason is done. But if I loseher… God, I don’t think I could come back from that.

Before I head out the door, I shoot Zoe a quick text.

Me:Hey, keep an eye on Charlie while I’m gone. Alex is still here and I fucking hate him.

Zoe: Don’t worry, big guy. I got her. That asshole tries anything, he’ll regret it. Focus on winning—I’ll keep her safe. ??

I smirk at my phone, then pocket it. I have no doubt Alex would regret messing with Zoe. As I step into the cold morning air, my heart feels split. But I shove it down. Compartmentalize.

I just hope Charlie can do the same.

Chapter forty-three

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

Charlie

Istare into my coffee, stirring it in slow circles, but it does nothing to ease the mess in my head. Guilt sits heavy in my stomach, each sip of caffeine only adding to the jitters since last night.

Zoe’s perched on the edge of her seat across from me, coffee in hand, one eyebrow arched like she’s ready to pounce. There’s a smirk on her lips, but her eyes are sharp and too perceptive.

“Charlie, stop,” she says, leaning forward. “You’ve been stirring that coffee like a cauldron for five minutes. I’m about to go find you a black cat and broomstick, but you’re way too pretty for a wart.”

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