Page 56 of Seal the Deal

“Come on,” I say, standing and reaching for Noah’s hand. “Let’s go home.”

Noah nods, his hand slipping into mine. Jake slowly stands, his quiet support unspoken but tangible. I feel his hand slide over my shoulder and squeeze gently, but I don’t dare look at him because I know I’ll break. My wounds are on full display, and he’s seeing right into my biggest fears.

As we step outside, the stares from parents and kids hit us like a spotlight. A group of boys from Noah’s class hangs nearby, their eyes widening at the sight of Jake. “Whoa, Noah, you knowJake Brooks?”

Jake grins, clearly enjoying the attention his presence is affording Noah. He ruffles Noah’s hair and says, “Yeah, Noah’s cool. We’re buds.”

The boys gape in awe, and I see Noah’s posture straighten a little, his shy smile breaking through.

As we reach Jake’s car, he leans close to Noah, his voice dropping so only he can hear. “Remember buddy, those things that make you different? They’re your superpowers. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Noah nods, gripping my hand tighter as he climbs into the backseat. I catch Jake’s eye, mouthing a silent “thank you.” He just smiles, his gaze lingering on mine for a beat too long. He wants me to see this. wants me to see how much he cares.

As Jake drives us away from the school, his quiet presence fills the car again. I glance over at him—this man who keeps showing up, and something in me softens. The weight that’s been pressing down on me all day begins to lift.

And it's all because of Jake.

Chapter eighteen

You’re practically part of the furniture

Jake

We pull into Charlie’s driveway, and I kill the engine but linger in the driver’s seat as Charlie gets Noah out. I can feel the weight of something unspoken—like we’re both waiting for the other to make the first move.

Once we’re all out, I hover near the front door as she finds her keys, hesitating as she unlocks it, unsure if I should follow her in or give her space. It’s been days since I’ve properly seen her, and it’s driving me crazy. Every part of me wants to be close, but I don’t want to push—especially not today, when everything feels so fragile. Still, leaving without making sure she’s alright isn’t an option.

Noah tugs on my sleeve, blissfully unaware of the tension between his mom and I. “Are you coming inside, Jake?”

I glance at Charlie, searching her face. Her hesitation is brief, and she quickly nods.

“Yeah, come in. You’re practically part of the furniture now.” Her voice is teasing, but her eyes have questions—uncertainty about us.Fuck that. I’m not letting you doubt this.

Inside, Noah practically launches himself onto the sofa, grabbing the remote. “Can we watch hockey? I wanna learn the rules!”

“Absolutely, buddy.” Settling next to him, I start flipping through channels until we find a game.

As the game unfolds, I explain the rules, pointingout plays and strategies. He’s never played hockey before—hell, he’s probably never even seen a game up close. The idea that I might be introducing him to something he could come to love fills me with a surprising sense of pride.

“You know,” I say, glancing at Charlie as she watches us from the kitchen, “we should get you some skates and take you out on the ice sometime. I can show you a few tricks. What do you think?”

Noah beams. “Yes! That’d be awesome!”

“And maybe,” I add, turning back to him, “if it’s okay with your mom, you could come to one of my home games soon. I’ll get you the best seats in the house.”

Noah’s face practically splits with excitement. “Really? Can I, Mum? Please?”

Charlie pauses from pulling things out of the fridge, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Sounds like a lot of fun. I’m sure we can make it happen.”

I linger on her, imagining them front and center at a game, wearing my jersey and cheering me on. The idea of them being there, making the game mean so much more… It’s something I want more than anything. “I’d love that.”I think I love more than just that.

As I sit with Noah, explaining the game, I glance over at the kitchen and notice Charlie distracted, her eyes glued to her phone. She steps around the corner as it rings, her posture tightening, and I catch the strain on her face. I try to focus on Noah’s questions, but something’s tugging at me, making it impossible to ignore.

After a beat, I make an excuse to Noah. “Just grabbing some water, buddy. Be right back.”

I step into the kitchen and grab a glass, catching the tail end of her conversation.

“Look, it was an isolated incident, Alex,” she says. “I don’t think you need to—”

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