Page 23 of Seal the Deal

“I’m building a spaceship. It’s gonna be really fast, maybe even faster than you!”

“Good call,” I say, squatting down to get a closer look at his creation. “We could use some spaceship speed on the ice.”

He smiles, and I can’t help but feel the pull of these kids’ open acceptance. It’s genuine, uncomplicated. They don’t care about your status, your money, or your contracts. They just see you for who you are in the moment, and there’s something pure about that.

It’s something I’ve been missing. These real connections, not overhyped interactions with people who only care about my points or how many sponsors I have.

Charlie catches my eye and nods toward the kitchen. “Wanna chat while they play?”

“Sure,” I say, though I’m reluctant to leave this room that feels full of life.

As I follow her towards the kitchen, I’m unable to shake this feeling of wanting to know every detail of her world. I walk close enough behind her to catch a faint scent of vanilla—or maybe it’s something floral. I’m not entirely sure, but it’s distracting as hell, and I have an immediate urge to bury my face in the crook of her neck and inhale deeply.

Instead, I force myself to take a seat at the breakfast bar, stealing glances at her while she gets me a water. As she hands me the glass, our fingers brush just for a moment, but it sends a charge through me. She glances at me briefly, and I wonder if she feels it, too.God, I hope so.

She quickly goes to help Meadow find stickers for her coloring page, and my eyes trail after her. Watching her with Meadow, I feel a pang deep in my chest and try to name it. Longing, maybe. For something I’ve never had but suddenly want.

I shake my head, mentally chastising myself as she walks back over to sit next to me. I need to keep it light. But somehow, with Charlie pulling up a barstool next to me, so close I could reach over and tuck that stray strand of hair behind her ear if I wanted to, it feels impossible.Inevitable.

Damn, she’s beautiful. The kind of beautiful that makes you forget why you’re here in the first place. She smiles at me, crossing her legs and raising an eyebrow. I remind myself that I’m here to talk about the charity, not to get lost in those mossy green eyes tinged with gold.

“So, tell me about the event,” she prompts, looking at me with genuine interest as she takes a sip of her water, waiting for my reply.

I inhale deeply, watching the way her throat moves as she swallows.Get it together, you creep.

“It’s for my foundation calledPlay It Forward,” I begin, feeling the pride swell in my chest. “We give underprivileged kids the chance to play sports—equipment, training, even mentorship.”

Her expression softens as I speak, her smile growing. “That sounds like a wonderful cause, Jake. I’d love to help. How many brownies are we talking?”

“Ahh… maybe more than just brownies.” I pause, giving her a pointed look. “Though I’d be lying if I said those weren’t my favorite.”

Her eyes twinkle with knowing, but she doesn’t comment, waiting for me to continue.

“So definitely more brownies than I could ever eat, and maybe a spread of cookies, cupcakes, whatever you think would be a hit.”

She nods thoughtfully. “I can do that. And it’s a family-friendly event?”

“Absolutely,” I say. “It’s all about the kids. No stuffy banquet, just fun, games, and dessert. Bring Noah and Meadow, too. They’d love it.”

Her smile widens, and for a second it feels like the years haven’t stretched between us. Like it’s just me and Charlie again, building something together. She reaches for her glass, taking another sip, and for a moment I’m caught watching her tongue flick out to catch a stray droplet. She’s so close, the warmth of her body a reminder of what I want. More time, more moments, just more of her.

I force myself to look away, scanning the kitchen to keep my hands from doing something stupid, like brushing my thumb over her moistened lower lip. The place mirrors her—warm and full of life. My eyes shiftback to Charlie, lingering on the soft curve of her neck, the delicate sweep of her collarbone peeking out from beneath her sweater.

“This place, it suits you,” I say, desperate to extend this time together.

Her smile shows a flash of pride, and I can tell how much effort she’s put into making it home.

“Thanks. Zoe really hit the jackpot finding it,” she says. “It’s been an adjustment, but it’s starting to feel like ours.”

I nod, trying to imagine what it took to uproot her life halfway across the world. “Must be a lot to handle—new city, new country. You seem to be managing pretty well.”

She pauses, her expression thoughtful. “I won’t lie, there are moments when I wonder if I’ve made the right choice. The kids are my priority, so as long as they’re happy, that’s what matters.”

Admiration floods through me. She’s strong in a way a lot of people aren’t, carrying so much with such grace. “You’re doing a good job, Charlie. They’re lucky to have you.”

Giving me a shy smile, she glances down at her hands. “And what about you?” she asks, shifting the focus back to me. “How’s the season treating you so far?”

I lean back in my chair again, smiling at the question. There’s something disarming about the way she’s asking, like she genuinely cares about my answer. “It’s been good. A lot of pressure, but that’s the norm. I guess I’ve been at it long enough to know how to manage.”

---