Page 86 of Seal the Deal

“I’m going to be around, and I’m going to be here for all of you.” I look Noah in the eye, hoping he understands.

He seems to accept this for now, though I can tell he’s still processing. Finally, he nods. “Okay. But you better be good to my mum.”

His words are so earnest, so full of unspoken worry, that it tugs at my heart. I reach out and ruffle his hair gently. “I promise buddy, you have my word. I’ll be the best to her,andto you and Meadow.”

The tension in the room eases, and Charlie gives me a small, grateful smile. But I can see the uncertainty lingering in her eyes.

As we gather our things to leave, I feel a mix of emotions. The game was tough, but these questions from the kids were tougher. The whole evening stirs something deep. But despite it all, I’m over the moon knowing they were here cheering me on.

Outside, the crisp night air bites at my skin, mingling with the lingering adrenaline from the game. I glance at Charlotte holding Meadow, Noah by her side.

I force myself to keep some distance, to act like we’rejust friends, though all I want to do is wrap Charlotte and the kids in my arms and take them all home.

When we reach the parking lot, Charlie gives me a small, apologetic smile. “Thanks for tonight, Jake. The kids had a great time.”

“Yeah, it was really good,” I reply, voice tight with the effort of holding back as the kids clamber into the car. “It meant a lot to have you all here.”

She nods, her smile growing. “We’ll have to do it again sometime.”

“Definitely.”

I crouch down to wave to the kids as I close the car door, then turn back to her with one more smile. Leaning in, I press a light kiss to her cheek, my lips lingering by her ear as I murmur, “See you soon.”I love you.

On my way back to my car, I hear footsteps. Charlotte's rushing over, her car only a few spots down. She crashes into me, pulling me down the side of my car, out of view of her own.

“You forgot something.”

My hands slide to her waist. “What’s that?”

She stretches up on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to mine with a soft urgency, her smile curling against my mouth as her tongue flicks along my bottom lip. The taste of her, the warmth, pulls a groan from my chest. I pull her closer, the kiss turning needier.

But just as fast as it starts, it’s over. She pulls back, her cheeks flushed from the chilly air. “Talk later?”

“Among other things, yes.” I swat her ass playfully as she walks back to her car, and she grins over her shoulder.

God, the chokehold this woman has on me.

As I watch them drive away, a familiar determination settles in my chest. We might be taking it slow, but there’s no slowing the way I feel about them.

Later that night, after a long hot shower that barely eases my restlessness, my phone buzzes with a text.

Charlotte:I’m surprised you didn’t melt the ice out there tonight ??

Me:Oh yeah? Liked what you saw?

Charlotte:Liked? I was worried that they’d need to bring out the Zamboni early

I chuckle, her playful teasing bringing a smile to my face.

Me:I love it when you hit on me, Lady Lightning.

Charlotte: Just stating facts ?? You sure you’re okay, though?

Me:I’m fine. Just wish my “best friend” was here to see for herself.

Charlotte:Ouch, I deserve that. But seriously, you’re okay?

Me:Want me to come over and show you?

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