Page 34 of Seal the Deal

Without overthinking it, I shoot him a quicktext.

Me:You forgot something

Jake:Did I? Was it important?

I snap a picture of the cap and send it.

Jake:Oh, that. For a second there, I thought you meant something else.

Me:Like what?

Jake:A kiss? My dignity? I lose track around you.

My heart skips as I read his message. I bite my lip, warmth spreading as I type back. Maybe it’s the wine making me bold, or maybe it’s just him.

Me:Maybe you did

Jake:In that case, I’m definitely coming back

Me:Haha. You should feel lucky I didn’t fire you as my sous chef.

There’s a pause while I watch the little dots move, and then—

Jake:Lucky, huh? How about I make it up to you tomorrow?

Me:What, by not burning down the kitchen?

Jake:No guarantees. But I mightaim for a promotion.

Me:To what? Head dishwasher?

Jake:Nah. Head taste tester.

My pulse picks up as I think of a reply, but then my phone pings again.

Jake:I had a great time tonight, Charlie.

Me:Me too. Night, Jake

Jake:Sweet dreams, Chef.

I laugh softly, placing my phone down and closing my eyes.

There’s something about the way Jake pays attention to me. It’s always felt different. Under his gaze, I feel steady and weightless all at once, like I’m standing on solid ground but still capable of reaching for more.

With him, I feel seen. Heard. Respected. He notices the little things, listens like every word matters. His eyes never waver, like I’m the only person in the room. Like he genuinely cares, not because it’s convenient, but because it’s who he is.

It might be the familiarity of old memories clouding my judgment, but it’s been so long since someone looked at me like that. Back then, his attention felt almost accidental, like he didn’t realize how much of it he gave me. But tonight was different. That flirting wasn’t innocent. It was deliberate, focused, intentional. And I felt it, every charged word and lingering glance.

Alex was always too busy, too wrapped up in his own world to really see me. I was an afterthought, a convenience, something to check off a list.

But Jake makes me feel like I matter. Like I’m worth the time, worth the effort. Even with something as small as teaching him how to fold batter.

Still, I can’t ignore the past, and I need to remind myself to be cautious. Because letting myself fall without a safety net feels risky as hell.

Chapter eleven

You’re the dessert that should be on this table

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