Page 25 of Seal the Deal

And just like that, this kid has me wrapped around her tiny finger. I’m tempted to drive straight back to the arena and immediately frame this in my locker.

“Really,” I promise, giving her pretty hair a soft ruffle before looking back up at her equally pretty mother. “Even Captain Thunder needs a little magic, right?”

Charlotte’s eyes flicker with recognition, the corner of her mouth lifting in a knowing smile. “Right,” she echoes softly.

“See you soon, Lady Lightning,” I say, unable to help the warmth in my voice.

“See you soon,” she says, her voice a little breathless. I’m definitely having an effect on her, and damn it feels good.

I hesitate at the door, wanting to keep this conversation going so I can find other ways to get under her skin. But the words are caught somewhere between my heart and my throat.

What the hell am I doing? This visit was supposed to be about the charity event, but now I’m leaving with a thousand unspoken questions, the biggest one flashing like a neon sign:Wannago on a date?

Instead, I give her one last smile and tap the doorframe lightly. “Text me,” I say softly before stepping outside.

As I walk to my SUV, something’s shifted. Not just in her, but me too. The pull’s still there, a spark that feels like it’s been waiting years to ignite.

And this time, Captain Thunder is ready to strike.

Chapter eight

Sweeteners are for the weak

Charlie

Two days have passed since Jake came over, and I still haven’t texted him. It’s not that I don’t want to, I do. But every time I pick up my phone, I freeze. I’ve spent most of my free time researching dessert table ideas, trying to figure out what would work best for the event, but the thought of actually texting him makes my heart race.

It’s Wednesday morning, and I’m sitting at my desk staring at my screen. My focus is supposed to be on a report due by the end of the day, but my mind keeps drifting back to Jake’s visit and the way he looked at me.

With a heavy sigh, I lean back in my seat and glance at my phone, lying innocently on my desk. What do I even say?

Hey, Jake. Thanks for coming over. About those ingredients…

No, too lame. Too stiff. I’m not stiff, I’mfun. I huff out a breath, feeling ridiculous. It’s just a text, for God’s sake.

Before I can overthink it anymore, there’s a soft knock on my office door, and Zoe peeks her head in. “Morning! Got a minute?”

“Of course,” I say, grateful for the distraction. “What’s up?”

She steps inside, holding out a coffee cup, and I take it with a smile. “Just wanted to check in. And,” she adds with a teasing grin, “I haven’t had the chance to properly talk to you about Monday.”

I sigh, already knowing where this is headed. “Oh, that.”

“Yes,that.” She settles into the chair opposite my desk. “Mr. Hockey Star casually turns up on your doorstep, and I’ve been dying to know more ever since. So, spill.”

Stalling for time, I take a sip of my coffee, but I can feel my cheeks betraying me as they heat with the memory of Jake’s smile. I take a breath, relishing in the taste of the dark brew as it hits my tongue.

“There’s nothing to spill,” I say, trying to sound casual even though my heart’s still doing that annoying stutter whenever I think about him and that little dimple on his left cheek when he smiles. “He asked me to bake for his charity event, that’s all.”

Zoe raises an eyebrow. “And?”

I frown, a blend of excitement and anxiety bubbling up. “And… we talked about the event. He was just really nice. Supportive, actually. Even offered to help me with the baking.”

“Nice? Supportive? You know, I’ve known the guy for a while now and I’ve never heard him described asjustnice and supportive. Try again.”

I shake my head, smiling despite myself. “Okay, fine. He was more than nice. He was sweet. And maybe a little flirty.”

Zoe laughs. “Sweet and flirty, huh? So, what’s the problem?”

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