Page 152 of Seal the Deal

"Shut the hell up." I step forward, my voice dangerous, every cell in my body screaming to put his body six feet under. “You don’t get to blame a kid for your own fucking negligence. You left him.You.”

No one moves. The tension hums like ozone in the air.

Charlie’s between us, holding Noah protectively, her disgust written all over her face.

Finally, Alex sighs, holding up his hands in fake surrender. “Fine. Whatever.”

But I’m not finished.

“You’re done.” My pulse pounds as I stare him down. “Stay the hell away from them.”

Charlie’s arms tighten around Noah, her eyes meeting mine. A silent understanding passes between us. She knows. I won't let this happen again.

With one last glare at Alex, my body still wired with anger and adrenaline, I force myself to turn away from him. He's not what matters.

I step back to where Charlie holds Noah, wrapping them both in my arms, grounding myself in their warmth. I need to feel them,to know they’re safe.

I press a hand to the back of Noah's head, my voice gentler now.

“Let’s go home, buddy.”

Chapter forty-five

That? Uh… It’s an apology brownie

Charlotte - 12 Years Ago

The bus engine hums beneath me, a low vibration matching the mix of excitement and sadness swirling in my chest. I press my forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching as the camp fades from view. Summer’s over. Soon, I’ll be on a plane back to New Zealand. Back to reality.

As we pull away, part of me lingers, still lying under the stars with Jake. Sharing jokes and dreams, feeling like anything was possible. I close my eyes, trying to hold onto the memory for just a few more seconds.

Suddenly, the bus lurches to a stop. I glance up, confused, and that’s when I see him.

Jake.

He’s sprinting up the road, bag slung over his shoulder, hair a mess like he didn’t think before taking off. My heart skips, and before I know it, I’m pushing through the aisle to the front.

The bus door swings open and there he is, breathless and grinning like he’s just pulled off the greatest stunt of his life.

“What are you doing?” I laugh, stepping down onto the gravel.

“I couldn’t let you leave without a proper goodbye,” he says, catching his breath. “And to remind you… you sealed the deal, remember?”

I tilt my head, smiling. “The pinky promise?”

He nods, smiling wider. “Exactly. You promised you’d follow your dreams, no matter what. So don’t let anyone stop you, okay?”

I roll my eyes but his words feel warm and sure. “You’re serious about this, huh?”

“Of course I am. You’re gonna do amazing things, Charlie. I know it.”

I smile, touched by his confidence. “Thanks, Jake. But remember, you promised, too.”

He laughs, nodding like he’s satisfied, then reaches into his bag. “Before you go…” He pulls out a small, folded piece of paper and hands it to me.

“What’s this?”

Jake’s smile softens, and for the first time I see a hint of shyness. “It’s my gran’s brownie recipe. You asked for it, and you’re special enough to have it.”

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