Page 41 of Seal the Deal

Jake:We could talk it out. Or kiss it out. Your call

Me:You’re a bad influence, you know that?

Jake:Only when it comes to you

My stomach flips wildly as another text rolls in, and I take a sip from my glass.

Jake:So… what are you wearing?

I choke on my wine. Is he serious? Oh God, he’s serious. I’m giggling like a teenager, thanking God Zoe can’t see me right now.

Me:You’re impossible

Jake:But you’re not answering the question…

Nibbling on my lip, I play along.

Me:I’m still in my dress from the event. Happy?

Jake:Very. That dress looks incredible on you. Bet you look even better out of it, though

I laugh again, pulling the sofa blanket up to my chin like I’m hiding.I am going to pass away, and all we’ve done is kiss.I channel Zoe’s confidence and type back.

Me:You’ll have to wait and see.

A pause. I wonder if I’ve gone too far, but then the three little dots appear again.

Jake:I’m counting down the hours already

Me:See you tomorrow, Captain Thunder

Jake:Sweet dreams, Lady Lightning.

I set my phone down, the giddiness of our exchange mixing with lingering anxiety. Zoe’s right—I should enjoy this. I’ve spent so long worrying about everything that could go wrong, I’ve forgotten how to enjoy something that feels right. And Jake and I feel right. We always have.

As I settle against the cushions, the memory of our kiss floods back. His lips on mine, the way my walls felt like they were crumbling around me. How he held me like he knew it. Like he was anchoring me, promising he wasn’t going anywhere. A warmth spreads through me, soft and terrifying all at once.

Becauseshit. Tomorrow, I’m going on a date with Jake Brooks.

And he wants to see me out of my dress.

Chapter fourteen

Lions and tigers and one giant hot hockey player, oh my!

Charlie

Nina:Hey Charlotte, I’m so sorry, but I’ve come down with a nasty bug. I won’t be able to watch the kids tonight.

My stomach sinks as I frantically think through options. Zoe and Jade might be able to help, but I remember Zoe mentioning they’re both tied up at a family event tonight.

Still, I quickly text her, hoping by some miracle I misunderstood.

Me:Zo, just checking—are you free tonight? ????

Zoe:Sorry, babe. I’m at that family thing with Jade xx

Of course. Just my luck. I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I try to come up with another solution. But without the nanny, a babysitter, or Zoe, I’m out of options. Nerves tangle in me as I type out the dreaded message to Jake.

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