Page 30 of Seal the Deal

“Just saying man, she’s hot! And I wouldn’t mind—”

“Fuck off, Walton. She’s not some hookup for your list.”

Chase raises his hands in mock surrender, smirk in place. “Alright, alright. Didn’t peg you as the jealous type, Brooks. Gotta say, it’s kinda cute.”

“Chase,” I say, the edge unmistakable now.

He grins, clearly thrilled with himself. “Okay, Romeo. Just keep that fire on the ice too, huh? Wouldn’t want you slipping because you’re too busy playinglover boy.”

“This coming from the guy who loses his mind every time Zoe scowls at him from the stands?”

“Touché,” he laughs. “But don’t go getting soft on us, Brooks.”

“Not a chance.” I give him a playful shove. “I’m fully focused.”

“Yeah, on something that’s definitely not hockey,” he teases, skating off.

Coach blows the whistle, signaling the end of our practice. We gather at center ice, listening as he runs through the week’s schedule, but my mind’s already on what’s next — getting those ingredients and heading to Charlotte’s.

As we start to head off the ice, I spot Zoe standing near the boards, her camera in hand. “Jake! Smile for the camera!”

I laugh, giving her a mock salute as I skate over. “What’re you doing here so early?”

Zoe shrugs, lowering her camera to scroll through shots. “Just getting some content. Plus, Chase said you guys were doing new drills, so I thought I’d capture some of them.”

I glance over at Chase, who’s giving Zoe his classic lopsided grin. I smell bullshit. That guy will say anything to get her attention. “New drills, huh?”

“Yeah, we’re all about innovation,” Chase calls back, laughing.

Zoe narrows her eyes. “Uh-huh. Try not to innovate too hard and break something, Walton. I’m not in the mood for a PR disaster today.”

Chase chuckles, slinging his stick over his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Zoe. I’ll be a good boy for you. Wouldn’t want to get you all worked up.”

Zoe shakes her head, but she lingers on him for a moment before turning back to me. “Anyway, how’s your morning going, Jake?

I shrug, feeling a little exposed under her knowing watch. “Good. Got some plans this afternoon I’m looking forward to.”

“Oh? Care to share?” Her tone is light, but I know better. The way girls talk, she probably already knows exactly what I’m up to.

I smirk, leaning in slightly. “Let’s just say I’m working on a special project close to my heart.”

Zoe raises an eyebrow, biting her tongue to hold back a smile. “Well, good luck. I’m abig fanof special projects when the heart’s involved.”

I give her a nod. She knows exactly what I mean. And as Charlie’s closest friend, it feels good to have her as an ally.

As I head toward the locker room, I catch Chase circling back to Zoe. Her eyes roll at whatever he says, but a smile tugs at her lips. Those two are like a storm waiting to happen, but I’ve got my own shit to handle.

By the time I’m showered and changed, most of the guys are gone. I grab my keys, my mind already set on the afternoon with Charlie. I swing by the store, checking off her list and feeling that surge of determination again.

This isn’t just about baking. It’s about showing her I’m here for more than just a good time. This feels significant—like maybe one of the most important things I’ll ever do. I want her to let me in, to trust me enough to see where this could go. And if she’s not ready, then I’ll wait. Because I’m not going anywhere, not this time.

When I finally pull up to her place, I take a deep breath, looking down at my notebook on the passenger seat. I jot a couple of stars onto a page, then tuck it back in my bag and grab the groceries, my nerves humming.

I ring the doorbell, hearing the sound echo inside. A few moments later the door swings open, and there she is. Red hair catching the light, her bright smile already disarming me.

"Hey, Charlie.” My grin sharpens as I let my eyes roam over her just a little. “Or should I call you Chef?”

Chapter ten

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