Page 47 of Seal the Deal

I roll my eyes. “Fuck off, Chase. At least I have more to write about than beer and bad dates.”

As the locker room starts to empty, Ryan sticks around, glancing at me more seriously.

“You good, man?” he asks, lowering his voice so the others don’t overhear.

I nod, knowing I can’t hide much from him. “Yeah, just been thinking about a lot lately. Balancing everything, you know?”

Ryan leans back against his locker, arms crossed. “Yeah… But you’ve always been good at handling pressure.”

“It feels different now,” I admit, running a hand through my hair. “Didn’t expect to get this attached this fast. And then there’s the contract stuff, the chirps tonight… it’s getting to me. Makes me wonder if I can really do this—be there for them and still give everything to the game.”

Ryan studies me before speaking. “You’re not alone, Brooks. We’ve got your back, especially me. And as for Charlotte and the kids, sounds like they’re worth the effort. You can balance it, man. Don’t let the noise get to you.”

I nod, appreciating his words more than he realizes. Ryan’s always been the voice of reason, keeping me grounded when things start to spin out of control. “Thanks, man. I’ll figure it out.”

His expression softens. “Trust me, I get it. With Claire pregnant, I’m already trying to figure out how to balance this. It’s a whole new game when there’s more than just you to think about.”

The mention of Claire and their baby on the way makes me smile. Ryan’s been a rock on this team, and seeing him so settled, with a family on the way, gives me hope.

“By the way, Claire and I are hosting Thanksgiving this year. First time in the new house. Eli and Chase are coming, and we want you there, too. And Charlotte and the kids are welcome, if things are… you know.”

I nod, appreciating the gesture. “Thanks, man. I’ll see how things are going by then.”

The idea of bringing Charlie and the kids to Thanksgiving at Ryan and Claire’s is both exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s only a few weeks away, and it feels like a big step. But the truth is, I want them there. I want to share this part of my life with them.

***

Back in my hotel room, the adrenaline from the game still pulses through my veins. The post-game high usually sticks with me, especially on the road. Normally, a win is enough. But tonight, I can’t shake this restless energy. The thrill of the game, the chirps from the other team, the roar of the crowd—all distractions. Now that it’s silent, all I can think about is Charlie.

I head into the bathroom to shower, hoping the scalding hot water will clear my head. I know the team’s physio hates it when I do this, but there’s something about the heat of the water that I can’t resist. Under the spray, my mind keeps drifting to Charlotte—her laugh, her smile, the way she looks at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention. The way she trusts me.

Closing my eyes, I imagine her here with me. And that’s probably the worst thing I could’ve done, because now I’m rock hard. I lean a hand against the wall, letting the water cascade over me, and reach down with the other to grip myself.

I let out a low groan as I work my hand up and down, picturing Charlie right here with me, her warm freckled skin pressed against mine, so damn soft. And God, her lips. Those soft, inviting lips I could kiss for hours.

My hand motions grow jerky at the thought of pinning her against these tiles, wondering what shade of pink her nipples are and how I’d take them into my mouth, making her moan as they turn to hard peaks between my teeth. Tasting her, feeling her go weak under my touch—it’s all it takes. I shudder, coming hard against the tiles, her name slipping out softly.

I stand there for a moment, letting the water spray over me, washing away the evidence. For fuck’s sake. I want her bad.

Turning off the water, I grab a towel and step out, staring at my reflection in the fogged-up mirror. I see the tension in my own eyes. I need to figure out how to balance this—my career, my feelings for Charlotte, the life I’m starting to imagine with her and the kids.

As I towel off and get dressed, I think about texting her. I just want to see her name light up my screen, maybe hear her voice. Before I even pick up the phone, it buzzes. My pulse kicks up when I see her name.

Charlie:Congrats on the win! That goal you scored in the second period was unreal. ?? And the way you took that hit - ouch. Your shoulder okay?

A grin spreads across my face. She watched the game. No one I have ever truly cared about has watched my games. Knowing she was watching, thinking about me, sends a thrill through me I can’t shake. I type back quickly.

Me:Thanks, Charlie girl. Shoulder’s fine, just a little sore. You turning into a hockey fan now? ??

Charlie:When the star player is someone special, it’s hard not to pay attention ??

I laugh softly, flopping down on the bed, feeling lighter already. I can almost hear her playful tone in that message, but the fact that she watched, was cheering me on and thinking about me, makes me feel like I’m playing for more than just the win.

Me:Someone special, huh? I’m flattered. Maybe next time you’ll have to come in person

Charlie:Hmm, I dunno. Sounds like a lot of ego stroking is involved.

I resist the urge to tell her there’s plenty of other stroking I’d prefer for her to do right now.

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