Page 40 of Seal the Deal

She gasps dramatically down the phone. “Oh my God, he’s beenpining for you for years! Charlie, that’s disgustingly romantic!” She pauses. “Why are you freaking out again?”

“I don’t know! What if this complicates things with the kids? Or what if I’m not what he’s been imagining all this time?”

Zoe scoffs. “Please. You’re even better. And you deserve to be happy, babe. Does Jake make you happy?”

“Yes.” My whispered answer comes without hesitation.He always has.

“Then go the fuck to sleep, and enjoy tomorrow.”

I close my eyes with a sigh, holding the phone tightly to my ear. “Okay…”

“Trust me, this is a good thing. Take it one step at a time and see where it goes.”

I smile, feeling a bit lighter. “Thanks for another stellar motivational speech.”

"And if he rocks your world, I expect a full report. Charts, graphs, and a dramatic reenactment."

Chuckling, I end the call. I set my phone down, but before I walk away, it buzzes with a new notification from Zoe.

Zoe changed the chat name to: Jake's #1 Fan Club??

Me:Cute. Real cute.

Zoe:Welcome to Jake's #1 Fan Club, Madame President!

I snort, shaking my head as I snuggle into the sofa. I’m about to text her back again when another message comes through.

Jake:You get home okay?

My heart thunders.

Me:Yeah, just got the kids settled. You?

Jake:Just got in. Any idea why Zoe just texted ‘finally’?

Fucking Zoe.I’m mortified.

Me:Ignore her, she's meddling

Jake:I’m not ignoring it. 'Finally' feels like the right word

I blink, his words sending a thrill through me. Before I can respond, another text pings.

Jake:Can’t stop thinking about that kiss.

Me:Same. It was intense

Jake:In a good way, I hope

Me:Yeah. Definitely in a good way

Jake:Good. Because I don’t think I can wait until tomorrow night to see you again

I bite my lip, smiling as another message pings.

Jake:Maybe I should come over and help you freak out about this kiss in person

Me:How exactly would that help?

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