Page 20 of Seal the Deal

I nod, trying to picture it. Charlie with two little ones, each carrying a piece of her spirit. It feels right somehow, like she’s exactly where she’s meant to be, even if it’s a long way from that summer. I bet she’s the best mom in the world.

“And their dad?” I ask cautiously, unsure if I want to hear the answer.

Zoe’s face hardens. “He’s in New Zealand, barely in the picture. She doesn’t talk about him much, but what Idoknow is that he’s a giant cock waffle.”

Something protective stirs in me. Zoe’s a sharp judge of character, and if she hates him, he’s earned it. There’s a history there, a past that’s left its mark on Charlie. I already feel the urge to throttle him if he’s the reason she’s not happy.

“Sounds like a lot to handle,” I say carefully.

“It is.” Zoe nods, her tone growing serious. “But she’s not one to complain. Charlie’s been through a lot, but she’s here to build something new for her and her kids. So, if you’re thinking of anything more than just getting your hands on herbrownies, you’d better be ready to step up.”

I nod, feeling the weight behind Zoe’s words. Charlie’s always had that quiet strength, the kind that draws people in without them realizing it. But the way Zoe talks, it sounds like she’s carrying too much. And even though we’ve only just reconnected, the pull between us hasn’t faded. I still feel tied to her, like if she asked me to jump, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask how high. That look she gave me Saturday night keeps replaying in my mind—like she remembered how much we meant to each other, too.

“I’m just… interested, that’s all,” I say, trying to downplay the burn in my chest. “She’s good people.”

Zoe smirks, clearly seeing right through me. “She is. And I’ve got her back, just so you know.”

“Noted,” I say with a grin, but inside my thoughts are already spinning with possibilities. She’s single. She’s here in Denver, with a new life ahead. For the first time in a long time, I’m not just thinking about the next game or the next win. I’m thinking about her.

A thought flickers through my mind, and I seize it before I can second-guess myself. My upcoming charity event is the highlight of the year, a day filled with games and activities for the community’s kids. It’s personal to me—giving kids the support I wish I’d had growing up.

“Got a proposition for her,” I say casually. “That charity event I mentioned, the one for the kids? We could use some baking for the spread. Might be a good way for her to meet some folk around here, you know. Get the kids involved, too.”

“Oh, you sly bastard.” Zoe's eyes sparkle. “I like it.”

I can already see it. Charlie’s baking front and center, her kids laughing and running around, and a chance for me to see her again. Sure it’s an excuse, but it’s one I’d bet would mean something to her, too.

Zoe dips her head to catch my eye. “I’ll let her know you’re interested. In, you know,the brownies.”

I laugh, shaking my head as I stand up. “Thanks, but could I just grab her number instead?”

She lets out a dramatic sigh as she holds out her hand for my phone. “Fine,” she says as I eagerly pass it to her, watching her type the number in. “But don’t fuck with her, Brooks. I mean it.”

I nod as she hands my phone back to me. As I head out of the board room with Charlie’s number burning a hole in my pocket, Zoe’s words echo in my mind.

I’m not going to mess this up. This is just the beginning, and for the first time in years, I feel certain that whatever this is, I’m all in.

Chapter seven

Just a quick conversation about baked goods

Charlotte - 12 Years Ago

Jake and I collapse under the shade of a massive oak tree, sheltering from the relentless, blazing sun. We’ve just finished playing a round of tag with a group of kids, and their laughter still rings out in the distance. But all I can focus on is the boy next to me. Jake, with his easy grin and playful energy that’s made the start of this summer unforgettable.

“You know what this camp really needs?” Jake asks, still catching his breath. There’s that mischievous glint in his eyes, the one that always seems to promise fun.

“What’s that?”

“Superheroes,” he declares, his grin widening. “Every camp needs them, right?”

I chuckle. “And you’d be who? Superman?”

“Nah, I’m thinking more like Captain Thunder. You know, because of my voice. You’re always saying it’s loud enough to get all the kids in line.”

I laugh, nodding in agreement. He’s not wrong—his voice can carry across the entire camp with ease, booming out commands or jokes with the same effortless charm. “Captain Thunder suits you.”

“But as we know, you can’t have thunder without lightning. And you… you lighten the mood wherever you go. Plus, you did great during that storm the other night. You should be Lady Lightning.”

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