Page 8 of Seal the Deal

She gives me a look, leaning forward. “It’s okay to be nervous, Charlie. This is a big step. Just remember, you’re here because you’re damn good at what you do. And trust me, you’re gonna knock their socks off.”

Before I can respond, there’s a tap on the door, and a man steps inside. He’s tall and lean, with sharp features and a confident air. “Morning, ladies.”

“Morning, Marcus,” Zoe says with a grin. “Charlotte, this is Marcus Li. He heads up our tech accounts.”

“Nice to finally meet you,” Marcus says, extending a hand. “I’ve heard great things.”

“Great to meet you, too,” I say, smiling politely. He squeezes my hand a little firmer before letting go.

“I'm looking forward to working with you on some big accounts.”

“Likewise,” I reply, feeling his eyes lingering on me a little too intensely.

Zoe seems to pick up on it, because she gives Marcus a playful nudge with her elbow as she stands from her chair. “Careful, Marcus. Charlotte’s a heartbreaker.”

He chuckles, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I’ll behave, I promise.”

He takes his leave, and Zoe turns back to me. “He’s harmless, I swear. But watch out—he’s got a reputation.”

“Noted,” I reply. “I’m not here for that anyway.”

Zoe smirks, clearly unable to resist. “Look, you’re gonna have to date again someday, but let’s just say Marcus isn’t exactly the Cinderella story I envision for you.” She smooths her blazer down then looks at me. “So we have some meetings lined up for you this morning, but I’ll be there every step.”

I nod, choosing to ignore her comment on dating entirely. At this point, I’m determined to be a spinster. “Thanks, Zoe. I really appreciate it.”

She shrugs a shoulder. “Don’t mention it—I’m beyond thrilled to have my best friend here. Naturally, I volunteered to be your buddy.”

I raise a brow. “Hope the Board approved that decision.”

“Pfft, those guys don’t need to know everything.” She waves a hand like she’s dusting the thought away.

As we leave my office and head down the hallway, I feel like I’m on the edge of a make or break moment. This is it. The start of something new. And while I’m still terrified, I’m also determined. I’m going to make this work.

Before we reach a board room for our first meeting, Zoe nudges me with her elbow. “Oh, and by the way, I’ve got something fun planned for this weekend.”

“Oh yeah?”

“An ice hockey game! The Colorado Storm have their home opener, and I’ve got great seats. You can’t live in Denver and not go to a game. I won’t allow it.”

I chuckle, appreciating Zoe's enthusiasm. “Alright, sounds fun. I’ve never been to an ice hockey game before.”

“Trust me, you’re going to love it," she says, her excitement building. “And who knows, you might even get to meet some of the players afterwards. They’re pretty cool guys.”

Chapter three

Is that a foam finger, or are you just happy to see me?

Charlotte - 12 Years Ago

Iflinch as the first crack of thunder reverberates through the woods, my heart leaping into my throat. The sky, bright and clear only an hour ago, is now dark and churning with the promise of rain.

“Uh, Jake?” I glance over at him, struggling to keep my voice steady. “Is this normal?”

He looks up at the sky, a small grin tugging at his lips. “Yeah, summer storms roll in pretty quick around here. No biggie, but we should head back.”

Another bolt of lightning splits the sky, so close I swear I feel it, and I clench my fists as my nerves jangle. Back in New Zealand, storms are nothing like this. Here, the air feels charged, like it could spark at any second.

Jake chuckles, clearly amused by my reaction. “Don’t tell me you’re scared of a little thunder and lightning?”

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