His eyes soften, and he leans down, capturing my lips in a tender kiss. “You deserve all the happiness in the world, Charlie."
I smile, a warmth spreading through me that has nothing to do with what we just shared and everything to do with the man holding me
We lie there and talk in hushed tones about everything and nothing, sharing secrets and dreams under the cover of darkness. I’m reminded of that night years ago—when we lay under the stars on that hill at camp, talking about everything we wanted in life.
It feels almost fated, like an invisible string has been quietly tying us together, pulling us through time and space, even when we didn’t realize it. Every thread has led to this connection, this trust, this sense of home I feel only with him.
As the conversation slows and his body remains wrapped around mine, sleep begins to claim us, the only sound his gentle breathing against my hair.
It feels so easy and natural, like we’ve been doing this forever. As my eyelids grow heavy, I drift off to the sound of Jake’s steady heartbeat—a rhythm that feels like home.
***
A soft rustling stirs me from sleep, and I blink groggily as I adjust to the faint pre-dawn light. Jake sits on the edge of the bed, pulling his shirt back on with careful movements.
"Leaving so soon?" I mumble, my voice thick with sleep as I push up onto my elbows.
He turns at the sound of my voice, a guilty smile tugging his lips. “Didn’t mean to wake you,” he whispers, leaning over to press a soft kiss to my lips. “But I should get going—don’t want the kids finding me here in the morning.”
I sigh, reaching up to run my fingers through his tousled hair. "I know. Doesn't mean I like it, though.”
He chuckles softly, capturing my hand and pressing a kiss to my palm. “I don’t wanna go either. But we agreed to take things slow for them, right?”
"Yeah, yeah, Mr. Responsible," I tease, tugging him down for a proper kiss. "Who knew you could be so mature?"
He grins against my lips. "Don't spread it around. I've got a reputation to maintain."
I laugh quietly, but it fades as I trace my fingers along the collar of his shirt. “You sure you can’t stay just a little longer?”
“You have no idea how much I want to.” His voice drops. “But Noah’s sharp as hell, and Meadow’s always watching. They’d figure it out in a second.”
“Right.” My heart twists a little, even though I know this is the right decision for now. “Will I see you later?”
“Try and stop me.” He stands and smooths his clothes. “I’ll bring coffee and donuts for breakfast. How’s that sound?”
“Like you’re trying to win me over with baked goods.”
“I think I won you over enough last night,” he says with a wink, then pauses at the doorway. “Get some more sleep, Lady Lightning. I’ll see you soon.”
"Drive safe," I reply softly, watching as he slips out the room, the door clicking shut behind him.
I flop back onto the pillows with a contented sigh, a smile firmly planted on my face as I pull the covers up around me. The bed still smells like him, a comforting mix of his woody cologne that lulls me back towards sleep.
Chapter twenty-five
That was for you, Charlie girl
Jake
The arena is already humming with energy. The sound of skates slicing the ice, sticks clacking, and the steady thrum of the crowd gathering outside is like a familiar rhythm that always gets my blood pumping.
After finishing our drills and pushing through warmups, I head back to the locker room. It’s alive with the usual pre-game rituals. Eli is taping his stick, his brows furrowed in concentration. Chase is bouncing on his feet, hyping himself up. It’s the calm before the storm, and we all feel it.
Normally I’d be focused, but today my mind keeps drifting back to Charlie. To what we are now. Official.
I can’t stop thinking about the nights I’ve spent with her since Thanksgiving—the way she looks up at me, sprawled on the bed like an angel, the feel of her body against mine, the sound of her laughter.
She’s intoxicating.
