Page 67 of Seal the Deal

This time when I kiss her, I let everything pour out—the intensity, the longing, the quiet certainty that's been building since the moment she walked back into my life.

Her lips part beneath mine, and fuck, I swear I could get drunk off her. She tastes warm and sweet, but there's something else too. Something distinctly Charlie that I’ve been chasing for twelve years without even realizing it.

A low hum escapes her as her fingers tug into my shirt, pulling me closer. My hands drift down, tracing the curve of her spine until they settle firmly on her hips. She presses into me, and a sharp breath leaves me as the heat of her body sinks into mine.

Griping her ass, I squeeze just enough to feel the way her breath stutters against my lips. She moans, and I swallow the sound down as I deepen the kiss, teasing her lower lip between my teeth before soothing it with my tongue. Fuck, I want her.

When I pull back, her eyes stay closed for a moment, her lips parted and breathy. I press a lingering kiss to the corner of her mouth, memorizing the way she feels against me. She exhales, eyes still closed, gripping my shirt like she's not ready to let go, and I fucking love it.

I love you.

“See?” I murmur, studying her. “Told you this would be fun.”

She opens her eyes, and the look she gives me is all I need to know I’m right where I’m meant to be. Whatever comes next, whatever challenges we’ll face, I know one thing for certain.

With Charlie, I’m home.

Chapter twenty-two

Don’t you know a VPL can ruin an otherwise fantastic outfit?

Charlie

I’m staring at the mirror, debating whether this dress is too much.

It’s not what I’d usually wear, especially not to a Thanksgiving dinner with Jake’s friends, but Zoe insisted it wastheone. With my makeup done and hair cascading over my shoulders, I have to admit it does look good. Tight, yes, but not over-the-top.

My phone buzzes with a message fromJake's #1 Fan Club??

Zoe: Send me a pic. I wanna see if my hard work’s paid off x

I snap a full length mirror selfie, flipping her off with my free hand. Her response is almost immediate.

Zoe:HOT. But girl, are you seriously wearing those panties? ??

Me:What’s wrong with my panties?

Zoe:VPL! Can see it from here. Lose them.

Rolling my eyes, I glance in the mirror, tilting my hips. Shit. She’s right. It’s a faint but undeniably visible panty line.

Me:Fine, commando it is. But if I flash Jake’s friends, I’m blaming you.

Zoe:You’ll be thanking me when Jake can’t keep his hands off you. Trust me.

Laughing, I toss my phone aside. Zoe makes everything sound so simple, but today feels like a big step. Bigger than the fundraiser, where I was just ‘the friend who made cakes.’

Today, I’m… what? His date? His something-more? Everything’s been moving fast, and we haven’t defined it yet, which ties my stomach in knots.

My phone buzzes again.

Jake:Just leaving mine. Be there in 15

Me:K. Warning—Meadow’s bouncing off the walls!

Jake:Good. I’ll bring the tranquilizers ??

Me:If only…

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