Page 68 of Seal the Deal

Jake:You look beautiful, by the way. I’m already picturing that dress on the floor later.

I grin at his words, which make absolutely no sense as he hasn’t seen me. I’m not used to this kind of effortless flirtation. This easy confidence. Especially from someone who sets my skin on fire. It’s been so long since I felt like this with anyone, and I can’t deny how much I enjoy it.

Me:You haven’t even seen what I’m wearing ??

Jake:Don’t need to. I already know you’ll look perfect

Me:Flattery will get you everywhere, Brooks

Jake:That’s the plan, Lady Lightning

Smiling, I tuck my phone away and head downstairs to check on the kids who are watching cartoons. Meadow twirls in her princess dress, her little face lit with joy, while Noah sulks on the couch, casting a baleful eye down at his outfit.

“You look like a prince,” I say to him, adjusting his collar as he squirms.

“I don’t wanna be a prince,” he mutters. “Can I just wear my hoodie?”

“Not today,” I say, ruffling his hair. “Besides, Jake’s friends are going to think you look really cool.”

He grumbles, but his shoulders relax a bit. Progress. He’s been becoming more independent, but his moodiness usually fades whenever Jake or Zoe is around.

The doorbell rings, and Meadow bolts for it. “Jake’s here!”

Taking a deep breath, I give myself a final glance in the foyer mirror—tight dress, no VPL—and open the door. Jake stands there holding a bouquet of flowers, looking far too good in a casual shirt with rolled-up sleeves.

“Wow,” he stammers. “You look…” My heart does a little flip when his eyes roam down my body.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” I say, taking the flowers as he steps in, his hand slipping to the small of my back. His touch is grounding, and I can feel the warmth of his palm through the fabric of my dress.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” he replies, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. Hishand lingers at my waist, thumb grazing my hip. “I brought something for the kids, too.”

Meadow’s eyes light up as Jake pulls out two boxes wrapped in shiny paper. “What is it?”

“Open and see,” Jake says, crouching to their level.

The kids tear into the paper, revealing a new animal family set for Meadow and a LEGO box for Noah. Seeing their delight, I feel a swell of gratitude for this man who just gets it.

“Thank you, Jake!” Meadow squeals, hugging his leg. Noah gives a shy smile, mumbling his thanks before retreating slightly, still holding the gift.

“You’re welcome,” Jake chuckles, picking Meadow up with one arm, tendons rippling his forearm as he does so. I try to restrain myself at the sight of it.

“You ready?” Jake asks, eyes on mine.

I nod, composing myself. “Yeah, let’s go.”

The drive to Ryan and Claire’s is filled with Meadow’s excited questions and Noah’s attempt to play it cool, though he keeps sneaking glances at the LEGO box on his lap. Jake reaches over and gives my knee a gentle squeeze.

“You doing okay?” His voice is low and intimate, just for me.

I smile as his thumb sweeps up and down. “Yeah, think so. A little nervous.”

“You look incredible, by the way.”

“Thanks,” I say, feeling my cheeks flush a little as we stop at a red light. “Zoe insisted I wear it. Said it was a winner.”

“She was right.” He gives me a once-over, slow and deliberate. I turn to the window, biting my mouth closed to keep it from spreading across my face.

At Ryan and Claire’s, the warm, savory scent of butter and sage mingles with the faint tang of citrus, carrying a richness that feels unmistakably like Thanksgiving. Ryan greets us with a broad grin, while Claire stands beside him, her hands resting on her growing belly.

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