Page 88 of Seal the Deal

“Everyone’s gotta eat,” he says with an easy laugh, leaning casually against my desk. “Besides, it’s a new place. Great reviews. Thought it’d be nice to, you know, get to know each other better.”

Before I can find a polite way to brush him off, there’s another loud knock, and the air in the room shifts. Jake steps inside, his presence commanding without effort. His eyes sweep over Marcus, then land on me, and I feel my stomach do a flip. There’s a tension in him that immediately sets me on edge.

“Morning, Charlotte,” Jake says, but there’s an edge to his tone. “Zoe said you werein here.”

Of course she did.

“Hey,” I reply. “What can I do for you?” His eyes flash at the question, because I knowexactlywhat he wants me to do, and I stifle a grin.

Marcus pipes up, still oblivious to the vibe. “Hey, Jake. Good to see you again. How’s the team doing?”

Jake’s gaze cuts to Marcus, polite but sharp. “We’re good. Just gearing up for an away game.”

“That’s great,” Marcus replies, continuing like he’s not about to be the target of a seething pro hockey player. “Charlotte and I were just talking about grabbing lunch later.”

I feel the blood drain from my face. I shoot a glance at Jake, a fierce flash of something primal crossing his eyes. I know that look—it’s the one he gets right before he slams an opponent into the boards.

“Actually,” Jake says smoothly but pointed, “I’d already made plans with mygood friendhere.”

I shoot Jake a look, trying to ease some tension. “Your good friend, huh? Thought I was yourbest friend?”

Jake smirks, but his eyes burn into mine. “You’re pushin’ it, Charlie.”

Marcus blinks, clearly taken aback. “Oh, I didn’t realize—”

“You wouldn’t.” Jake cuts him off with a shrug. “We’ve been keeping things low-key.”

The air feels hot, the weight of Jake’s words settling over the room. Marcus glances between us, his smile faltering as he heads for the door. “Right, well… Maybe another time, Charlotte.”

As soon as he’s gone, I whirl on Jake. “What was that?”

He doesn’t answer immediately, his gaze still on the door Marcus just walked out of before clicking it shut and turning to me. “That was me making it clear you’re off-limits.”

“Off-limits?” I echo. “You can’t just—”

“What was I supposed to do? Stand there while he kept hitting on you?”

I cross my arms. “I can handle myself, Jake.”

“Oh, I know you can.” He steps closer, eyes blazing into mine. “But I’m not going to stand there and watch some guy act like you’re fair game. I know we agreed to keep things low-key for the kids, but I’m not okay with you pretending we’re just friends, especially after last night.”

“Jake—”

“No. You’ve now hit your quota on calling me your friend, Charlie. I’m the guy who’s spent the last few weeks in your bed with my face between your legs. I’m not your friend. I’m never going to be okay with that word when it comes to us. You get that, right?”

I bite back a smile, hoping to lighten his mood. “Okay, but what aboutbestfriend? Does that still count?”

His lips twitch but the fire in his eyes doesn’t waver. “Not even close. You’re not just a best friend, you’re notjustanything. You’re mine, and I won’t let you pretend otherwise.”

“I was just trying to keep things simple,” I explain, guilt starting to gnaw at me.

Jake runs a hand through his hair, clearly struggling to find the right words. “I get that, but I won’t sit back and watch some guy act like you’re available. You’re not, Charlie. You’re withme.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I know, but we still need to be careful. I need to protect the kids, and the media… they complicate things. We can’t just tell everyone without thinking about the consequences.”

His expression softens, though frustration still simmers beneath the surface. “I’m not saying we need to broadcast it, but I’m not hiding. I’m proud you’re mine.”

Those words hit their mark, and I feel the weight of everything we’ve been navigating. “You know I’m proud to be with you too, right?”

---