Page 36 of Seal the Deal

I laugh, nudging her. “Zoe, please. You’re making this sound like some middle-school crush.”

Despite myself, I sneak a glance at Jake across the room. He’s talking with some of his teammates, but even as they laugh and clap him on the back, his gaze drifts my way. And the second our eyes meet, the crowded room seems to narrow, like it’s just the two of us tethered by some unspoken connection. A smile tugs at his lips, his dimple on full display like he’s been saving its presence just for me.

“See? Heart eyessss,” Zoe singsongs, using the distraction to grab the cupcake again and biting into it before I can take it off her.

“You’re being ridiculous.” I try to brush her off, but she’s right. That look of his is impossible to ignore. “He’s probably just making sure the event’s running smoothly.”

“Riiight,” Zoe says, dragging the word out between her mouthful of cake. “As smoothly as the way he just tracked you across a room full of people.”

I shake my head, trying to focus on rearranging the gap in the cupcakes. “He’s busy. This whole thing is for his foundation. Which, by the way, is amazing. I had no idea he was this involved.”

“He is,” Zoe says, softening. “He puts his whole heart into this foundation. Every off-season he’s visiting schools, organizing events, talking to kids… He never wants them to feel like they’re on their own.”

I nod, understanding the depth behind Jake’s dedication probably more than Zoe realizes. Each smile, word, and laugh with these kids is genuine. This isn’t just showmanship for him; it’s his heart on display. A chance to give kids the support he didn’t have growing up.

But before I can respond, Zoe’s smirk reappears. “Anyway, don’t let me distract you. I’m sure you’ve got to make sure thatcock-um-boochis ready. I have a feeling he’ll beveryimpressed.”

I groan at her mispronunciation. “It’scroquembouche.And he probably doesn’t even know what it is.”

“Bet he will when you tell him. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” She grabs another cupcake and saunters off to schmooze more guests, grinning at my disdain for her outright cake theft.

I try to lose myself in organizing the desserts, but it doesn’t last long. That feeling prickles at my skin again—the weight of a gaze. When I glance up, I catch Jake looking my way again. His eyes hold mine for just a beat, his lips tugging into a quiet smile before he nods at something his teammate says.

My pulse roars in my ears. I don’t know how much longer I can keep pretending I don’t notice his eyes on me. With a quiet sigh, I slip into the kitchen to catch my breath and double-check the remaining desserts. I’ve been in and out all day, but the space is empty now, giving me a chance to breathe.

But even in here, away from the crowd, I can’t shake the warmth of his eyes on me.

Chapter twelve

You and me, we’re happening

Jake

“Dude, are you even listening?” Eli’s voice snaps me back to the present, and I realize I’ve been staring at Charlie again.

I look back to my teammates, watching me with varying degrees of amusement. The event’s in full swing, and I should be right in the thick of it, running on the energy in the room. But I’m only half present. The other half? Laser-focused on Charlie.

“Yeah, sorry,” I mumble, trying to follow the conversation. But it’s impossible. Not when Charlie’s just a few feet away, looking so damn beautiful it hurts.

Eli chuckles, following Ryan’s gaze to where Charlie’s in a cupcake stand-off with Zoe. “You’ve been watching her like she’s gonna vanish if you blink.”

Ryan claps me on the shoulder. “You’ve got it bad, Brooks.”

I don’t even care that they’re giving me shit. My brain’s on one track.

“Not denying it,” I mutter, eyes back on her. She’s laughing at something Zoe said, and it’s like I’m magnetized, drawn to every expression, every movement. The guys are right, and I couldn’t care less.

Chase smirks. “Whole room’s here for you, and she’s the only one you’re looking at.”

“That’s rich coming from you, Walton. HowisZoe?”

"She's onto her third cupcake and has threatened me with physical violence eight times so far."

The guys all laugh, but I’mrestless. I’ve been antsy all day, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t stop thinking about Charlie. My eyes track her again, watching her walk back towards the kitchen.

Ryan gives me a nudge in that direction. “Go. Put us all out of our misery.”

I don’t argue. Sliding away from the crowd, I head toward the kitchen. Each step picks up my pulse, sharpening my focus. I’ve been in a fog of speeches and handshakes, but now I know exactly what I want.

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