Page 54 of Seal the Deal

“Thanks for telling me, Zoe.” I grab my jacket and sling my bag over my shoulder. “I’m gonna head over there, see if she needs anything.”

“Jake—” Zoe hesitates, her concern flickering as I turn back. “Maybe just call her first. Give her a heads up before you charge in.”

I nod, already pulling my phone out as I head towards the exit. Zoe gives me a small, encouraging smile as she waves me off, and I dial Charlotte’s number.

After a few moments, she picks up. “Hey, Jake.” Her voice is tense, guarded, and a bit muffled—she’s clearly on her car speaker. There’s an edge of tiredness in her tone that tugs at me.

“Hey,” I say, keeping my tone soft. “Zoe told me what happened with Noah. You okay?”

There’s a pause. I hear her breathing, the sound of traffic faint in the background. I can almost visualize her walls going up. “I’m fine. I’m just on my way home before I go pick him up.”

I know her too well, even after all these years. She’s holding back, trying to sound unbothered, but I hear the strain. A pang of frustration hits me—she’s shutting me out, carrying all this weight on her own, and I’m damn tired of watching her carry it alone.

It’s like she’s desperately rebuilding a wall I’m trying to break through.Let me in, Charlie.

“Do you want me to come with you? I can be there in a few.” I keep my tone steady, but inside, I’m pleading.

Another pause. “It’s okay, I’ve got it handled.” There’s a coldness to her words, a barrier she’s put up. I know it’s because she’s stressed, trying to protect herself and the kids, but it still stings.

Handled, she says. Like I’m not even an option to lean on.

I force a nod she can’t see. “Alright.” The word tastes bitter. I don’t want to push her away by coming on too strong, but I can’t just sit by and do nothing. “You know I’m here if you need anything, right?”

“Thank you,” she replies politely, like she’s talking to one of her clients. “I’ll talk to you later.”

The call ends before I can respond. I stare at my screen, frustration and helplessness churning hot in my chest.

Fuck this.

She thinks she’s protecting herself and the kids, but she’s wrong. She doesn’t know how to lean on someone, totrustsomeone, but I’m going to show up for her. Prove I’m not going anywhere. That she doesn’t have to carry this alone.

I grab my keys, tossing my bag into the back of my car, and slam the door shut. Her place isn’t too far—if I move fast enough, I’ll get there before she does. She might not have asked for help, but I’m going to be there with it anyway.

***

Charlie

I pull into the driveway, my mind still a chaotic swirl of worry and guilt. This day has turned into a nightmare, and all I want is to get inside, change, and pick up Noah. I feel like I’m teetering on the edge of a cliff, trying to hold it all together. So, the last thing I expect to see when I turn the corner of my street is Jake.

But there he is, leaning casually against his SUV, arms crossed, waiting. It feels like a double-edged sword seeing him here. A wave of emotions collide in me—nerves, frustration, and something that feels suspiciously like relief. The sight of him both calms and unsettles me, and I realize I’ve missed him. God, I’ve missed him. But I can’t focus on that. Not now.

As I pull into my driveway and step out of my car, he straightens up with concern etched in his eyes, which only makes me feel more on edge.

“Hey,” he says softly, eyes searching mine.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, frustration sneaking in, betraying my attempt at calm.

Jake’s brows knit together for half a second before smoothing out. “I told you, I’m here if you need anything.” His voice holds a steady resolve, a quiet promise that he’s not going to let me push him away. “I thought you might want some help.”

“I already said, I’ve got it handled.” I let out a sharp breath, torn between clinging to my independence and the overwhelming relief of having him here. I want to lean on him, but I can’t shake the feeling that it means I’m losing control. He gives me a look like he wants to tell me how wrong I am, but I continue before he does.

“You don’t have to keep doing this, you know.” I bite out, but the words feel brittle. “You don’t have to keep showing up like this. What if—”

“I know I don’t have to,” he interrupts, frustration clear as he steps closer. “I choose to. I’m here because Iwantto be. I’m not making promises I can’t keep, Charlie.”

I look away, not sure how to respond. The wall I’ve been holding up to keep him at a safe distance feels fragile. Part of me knows he means it—whenever I look into his eyes, I can see that he does. But another part of me, the part that’s been burned before, can’t help but wonder if it’s all too good to be true. That he’ll get tired of this. Ofus.The very thought of it makes my throat burn, so I go for half the truth.

“I just… I’m worried about Noah. I brought him here, to this new place, and now he’s being bullied because of it. It’s my fault.”

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