Page 24

Chapter twenty-three

Fashion crime or not, I’m not complainin’

Jake - 12 years ago

T he camp buzzes with energy, a mix of excitement and chaos as kids race around, getting ready for the evening’s big event.

We’ve spent the past week planning this; our very own mini celebration for the kids. It wasn’t on the official schedule, but we thought they could use a night to look forward to before summer ends.

“Think they’re going to like it?” Charlotte loops another balloon around the makeshift party area by the campfire, stepping back to assess her work.

“They’re going to love it.” I grin. “You did great, Charlie.”

She returns the smile, a little shy but proud. “ We did great. Couldn’t have pulled this off without you.”

I shrug, playing it cool, but inside I’m buzzing. The planning, the decorating, the skits we put together—it’s been a highlight of my summer. And the best part is I got to do it with Charlotte.

As the sun sets and the kids gather around, faces bright with anticipation, a surge of pride hits me. We did this. We created something special, something they’ll remember long after camp.

The night unfolds perfectly. Laughter, music, and surprises fill the air. Charlotte convinced a couple of the other leaders to perform a silly dance that had the kids in stitches. I can’t take my eyes off her, watching as she moves throug h the crowd, making sure everyone’s having a good time.

At one point, she catches me staring and walks over, nudging me with her elbow. “You look like a proud dad watching his kids,” she teases, her eyes twinkling.

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Nah, if I’m camp dad, that makes you camp mom. And I think we’re a little cooler than that.”

She nods. “You’re right. We’ve got nicknames for a reason, Captain Thunder.”

I smirk, crossing my arms. “Exactly, Lady Lightning. Best duo this camp has ever seen.

Her laugh is warm, her eyes softening as she looks out over party. “Yeah, I like that.”

We stand there, watching the kids dance, and toast marshmallows over the fire, their faces glowing in the flickering light. The air is filled with smoke and laughter, one of those moments I know I’ll carry with me for a long time.

“This is what it’s all about,” she says quietly. “Creating moments, making people feel special… like they belong.”

I nod, my chest whirring. “Yeah.”

When the kids head back to their cabins, Charlotte and I stay to clean up. It’s quiet now, the energy fading into a comfortable silence between us.

“Thanks for doing this with me,” she says after a while, her voice soft as she picks up a stray marshmallow stick. “It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

“Anytime,” I reply, meaning it more than she probably realizes. “I’m always up for making something special.”

She looks at me, her expression thoughtful. “You’re really good at it, you know. Making people feel like they’re part of something.”

***

Jake - Present Day

The warmth of Charlie's han d in mine is something I don’t think I’ll ever get used to. As we walk back through to the kitchen, I steal a glance at her. She’s fit into my life so easily, like she's always meant to be here.

And damn, it’s hard to keep my hands off her when she’s all flushed from our little bathroom encounter. Any longer in there, and I would’ve kept my promise to bend her over the sink.

Laughter and the clatter of plates greet us in the kitchen. Claire’s checking on the turkey, and Tamara’s stirring something on the stove, her expression set with that familiar glint, the one that means she’s about to say something I’ll regret hearing.

“Well, look who’s back,” Tamara says, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm as she glances over her shoulder at us. “What were you two up to? Or should I not ask?”

I squeeze Charlotte’s hand before letting go to grab a dish towel. “Just soaking in the chaos of the day, Tam. You know how it is.”

“Uh-huh,” Tamara replies, her tone skeptical but amused. She turns back to her pot, but I don’t miss the glance she throws our way. “Soaking in something , alright.”

Charlotte turns about three shades of pink before mumbling something about finding Zoe, leaving me to fend for myself. She’s always so composed, but I love knowing I’m the reason for that blush creeping up her chest.

“Tam, leave the poor girl alone,” Ryan says, walking in with a tray of drinks. “She’s already gotta deal with Walton trying to woo Zoe.”

Tamara snorts, turning off the stove. “Please. Chase wouldn’t know what to do with Zoe even if she gave him a manual.”

Ryan chuckles, handing out the drinks. “True. But it’s fun watching him try.”

I laugh, thinking about Chase’s hopeless attempts with Zoe. It’s a miracle she hasn’t punched him yet. She gives as good as she gets though, which makes it even more entertaining.

As if on cue, Chase walks in. “Did I hear my name being mentioned? Talking about my undeniable charm again?”

“More like your undeniable failure rate,” Tamara shoots back. “How’s Zoe today? Managed to avoid the death glare?”

Chase smirks, leaning against the doorframe and glancing out to where Zoe and Charlie are deep in conversation. “She loves me. She just needs time.”

“Time, and maybe a restraining order,” I mutter, grabbing a drink from Ryan.

“She’s playing hard to get,” Chase says with a shrug. “I respect the long game.”

“Yeah, and we respect your delusion,” Tamara fires back, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

Before Chase can respond, Claire gasps. “Is that—Tam, is that a ring?!”

Tamara smiles, letting Claire grab her hand for a closer look. “Yep. Eli proposed last night in our backyard.”

I turn to Eli, who’s hovering by the doorway, and slap him on the back. “Congrats, man! Took you long enough.”

Eli shrugs, looking unbothered. “Had to make sure she’d say yes.”

“Enough about us,” Tamara says, waving off the attention and lowering her voice. “What’s going on with you and Charlie, Jake? You’ve been glued to her all day.”

“Can you blame him?” asks Ryan. “The guy’s clearly smitten.”

I glance toward the living room, where Charlie is laughing with Zoe and the kids, completely oblivious to our conversation. My chest tightens at the sight. She fits. Here, with my friends, with me. And the thing is, it doesn’t feel forced. It feels right.

“Yeah,” I say, almost to myself. “I am.”

“Good,” Eli says, slapping my back. “Now stop being a pussy and lock it down.”

“You guys are relentless,” I mutter, shaking my head.

“Only because we care,” Claire says. “And because we want you to be happy, Jake.”

I am happy. She makes me happy.

Before I can dwell on it, Meadow and Noah come barr eling into the kitchen, Meadow’s curls bouncing as she skids to a stop in front of me.

“Jake! Jake! Can we play tag outside? Please?” she pleads, tugging on my hand.

I glance out the window, where the sun is dipping lower, casting the yard in golden light. “It’s getting a bit late, Princess. Maybe we should stick to indoor games.”

“Noooo.” She pouts, her eyes pleading. “Please, Jake?”

I sigh, unable to resist those eyes. “Alright, but just for a little while.”

Meadow cheers, dragging Noah toward the back door. I glance at Charlotte, now lounging on the sofa with Zoe. She raises an eyebrow and makes a whipping gesture in my direction, her smirk pure mischief. Brat.

I shake my head, laughing as I follow the kids outside. The cool evening air greets us, and soon enough, everyone joins in for a chaotic game of tag. Meadow’s giggles fill the yard as she chases Ryan, and Noah laughs as Eli pretends to trip over his own feet.

“Tag, Jake! You’re it!” Meadow shouts, whacking me before darting off.

I pretend to stumble as I charge after her. She giggles uncontrollably as I scoop her up in my arms, and I feel a surge of pride in making her so happy.

When Charlotte steps outside, her soft gaze finds me. I can see the affection in her gaze, and it makes me want to be the reason she continues to feel that way.

“Alright, you two,” I say, gesturing to Noah and Meadow. “Dinner time!”

As we head inside, Charlie lingers for a moment, her eyes catching mine, and that smile of hers nearly undoes me.

She doesn’t realize it yet, but she’s already mine. And tonight I’ll make sure she knows it.

***

As we all gather around the table, the energy in the room shifts from playful banter to something more meaningful. The table is packed, brimming with plates of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, all the trimmings.

Claire’s gone all out, and the warm scent of roasted turkey and spices fi lls the room. I look around at everyone—my friends, Charlie, the kids—and I can’t help but feel a swell of gratitude.

This is what it’s all about. Family, found or otherwise.

Ryan’s sitting at the head of the table, looking every bit the proud dad-to-be as he glances over at Claire, who’s glowing in that way pregnant women do. He’s older and has been my rock since I joined the Storm. We’ve shared a lot of highs and lows, and seeing him so settled with Claire makes me think maybe there’s hope for me yet.

“Alright, everyone,” Ryan says, raising his glass. “Before we dig in, I just want to say how thankful I am to have all of you here. This year’s been a lot, but having you guys has made all the difference.”

There’s a murmur of agreement around the table, and I catch Charlie’s eye, giving her a small smile. She’s beside me, close enough that our knees brush. I reach for her hand under the table, loving how her fingers curl into mine. Natural. Right. Like her hand belongs in mine.

Claire nods, hand resting on her bump. “And I’m thankful for this little one on the way,” she says softly, looking at Ryan with so much love it’s almost too much to witness. “And for all of you, for being our family, especially when mine is so far away.”

Her family’s on the East Coast, and she doesn’t get to see them often, especially not during the season. She’s strong, like Charlie.

“Let’s not forget Eli and Tam,” Chase cuts in, always ready to steer the moment somewhere lighter. “Or should I say the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Parnell?”

All eyes turn to Eli and Tamara, who exchange a look before Tamara lifts her hand dramatically, the giant rock on her finger catching the light.

“Finally someone made an honest woman out of you, huh?” Zoe jokes.

“Long overdue,” I add, raising my glass.

Eli and I have been through a lot together. We came up in the league around the same time, and he’s always been the romantic of the group, always talking about finding ‘the one.’ Tamara keeps him grounded, challenges him in the best way. They’re good for each other.

“And let’s not forget the real hero of the day,” Tamara says, straigh t-faced. “The canned cranberry sauce. Without it, Thanksgiving would’ve been a total disaster.”

Laughter erupts around the table, Claire groaning as she buries her face in her hands. “It wasn’t that bad!”

“Oh, come on, Claire,” Tamara teases. “Your homemade sauce looked like it was plotting revenge on all of us.”

Charlie leans into me, laughing. “I had no idea cranberry sauce was such a hot topic in this country.”

Ryan grins. “It’s not Thanksgiving until someone defends the can. Tam’s just carrying on the tradition.”

Tamara lifts her wine glass with a smug smile. “And I do it with pride.”

The laughter dies down, leaving a warm, lingering glow. Claire turns to me next, her expression soft. “Jake, what are you most grateful for this year?”

I clear my throat, caught a bit off guard, but then I look at Charlie and the kids, and the answer feels easy. “Honestly? I’m grateful for family—the one I was born into, but especially the one I’ve chosen.”

There’s a moment of silence, and then Ryan raises his glass. “Well said, man. To family."

“To family,” everyone echoes, glasses clinking.

I catch Charlotte’s gaze as we sip, her smile shy but touched. Her warm hand is still in mine, and I stroke my thumb lightly over her knuckles. She glances down at our joined hands for a second, the faintest hint of color dusting her cheeks before her eyes meet mine again.

I love you.

As the conversation flows, I catch Chase laughing at something Zoe said. He’s the wildcard, but I’ve noticed the way he looks at Zoe when he thinks no one’s watching. It’s obvious he’s got a thing for her, but whether he’ll ever make a move is another story. Chase has a reputation, and I know he won’t want to screw things up with Zoe, who’s become a big part of our crew.

“So, Chase,” I say, leaning back in my chair, “you gonna tell us what you’re grateful for?”

Zoe raises an eyebrow. “Yeah, Chase, what makes you thankful?”

Chase's smirk falters for a moment as he looks at her, but he recovers quic kly. “What can I say? I’m a man of mystery.”

“More like a man of bullshit,” Ryan quips, earning a round of laughs.

The banter is light, and I can see Charlie sinking right into it, laughing along. She’s fitting in like she’s always been here, and watching her be part of this is one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever felt.

As we pass plates around, I lean close to her. “How you holding up?”

Her eyes shine bright. “Really good. Everyone’s amazing. Thanks for inviting us.”

“Thanks for being here.” I squeeze her hand under the table. “Wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

Dinner’s a flurry of conversation, laughter, and the occasional argument over who got the last bit of stuffing. Charlotte fits in seamlessly, laughing at all our old stories—like when Ryan and I got lost on a road trip and ended up at a bar in the middle of nowhere, or the time Chase nearly burned down his kitchen trying to impress a girl with homemade pasta.

Across from me, Noah’s eyes are bright as he watches Chase make goofy faces at him, trying to make him laugh. Meadow, on Charlotte’s other side, is happily chatting away to Tamara, who listens with genuine amusement.

It’s perfect.

After dessert, the kids are fighting to stay awake, eyelids drooping. I catch Ryan’s eye, and he gives me a knowing look. He doesn’t say it, but I can hear it: You’ve got something good here. Don’t screw it up.

And he’s right. I do have something good—something incredible. And I’m not letting it slip through my fingers again.

I start gathering their things while Charlotte says her goodbyes. Crouching down, I scoop Meadow up in one arm, carrying some of their things in the other. “Come on, Princess. Let’s get you and your brother home.”

Meadow yawns, resting her head on my shoulder. “Okay. Can you read a story?”

“Of course,” I reply, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Anything for you, Little Lightning.”

By the time we step out into the cool night air, Meadow’ s half-asleep on my shoulder, and Noah’s holding onto Charlotte’s hand, his eyes heavy.

The drive back to Charlie’s place is quiet, the kids knocked out in the backseat. I glance over at her, and she gives me a tired but happy smile, resting her hand on my thigh. I reach down and give it a gentle squeeze, grateful for the connection between us.

“Thank you for today,” she says softly. “It was perfect.”

I take her hand and bring it to my lips. “You are.”

Back at her place, I help settle the kids into bed. Meadow mumbles something as I tuck her in, her tiny hand clutching my shirt for a moment before letting go. “Sweet dreams, Princess.”

When the kids are finally asleep, we head downstairs, the house quiet except for the soft creak of the floorboards. Charlie pauses at the bottom of the stairs, turning to face me with a look that tells me everything I need to know.

“Wanna stay for a bit?”

My heart hammers as I step closer, my hands finding her waist. “Is that a trick question?”

“Depends. What’s your answer?”

I lean in, brushing my lips against her ear, my voice low and teasing. “Whatever gets me upstairs with you.”

Her laugh is soft and entirely too tempting as she tilts her head, eyes glinting with mischief. God, I’m so gone for her.

“You talk a big game, Brooks.”

I chuckle, the sound vibrating between us as I close the final inch. “That’s because I always back it up.”

She relaxes into me, fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt, and her eyes flick to mine, holding them for a beat longer than feels safe. Something passes between us—a question, a dare, an inevitability.

Her breath hitches, and my gaze drops to her lips. That’s all it takes.

Our mouths collide, and the world falls away. It’s not just a kiss, it’s a collision that’s been building all day, maybe even longer. Her lips slide against mine, and when her tongue brushes tentatively before tangling with mine, my head spins.

Gripping her hips, I pull her firmly against me, deepening the kiss until I can feel her heartbeat racing alongside mine. She lets out a soft moan, and it’s everything I can do to keep from losing control right here at the bottom of the stairs.

I pull back just enough to catch my breath, resting my forehead against hers as I try to steady myself. “You’ve been driving me crazy all day, Charlie girl.”

She smiles, a wicked little grin that makes my blood run hot. “Good,” she whispers, sliding her hands into my hair. “Because I’ve been waiting for this all day.”

This time when I kiss her, there’s no holding back. The world narrows to her—her touch, her laughter, the way she looks at me like I’m someone worth waiting for. I lift her effortlessly, her legs wrapping around me as I carry her upstairs. I’m so ready to lose myself in her that I can barely think straight.

We stumble into her room, kicking the door shut behind us. Setting her down gently on the bed, I take a moment to drink her in. Her hair is mussed, her lips red from our kisses, eyes heavy and full of desire.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” I say, my hands skimming over her waist as I lean down to kiss her again. She arches into me, her hands slipping under my shirt, nails dragging across my skin, and I’m gone.

My hands find the hem of her dress, slowly lifting it as she lets out a soft moan against my mouth. The fabric slides up her thighs, baring her to me, and I remember our earlier conversation.

“You weren’t kidding about the VPL.”

She laughs softly, her breath deliciously hitching under my touch. “Told you. Fashion crime, Jake.”

“Fashion crime or not, I’m definitely not complaining.”

Her laughter turns into a gasp as I push her dress higher, my hands gliding up her bare skin, warm and soft under my touch. It’s intoxicating the way she responds to me, the way she bites her lip like she’s trying to hold back. She’s as wound up as I am.

I lean in to kiss her, pressing myself against her so she can feel exactly what she’s doing to me. Her hands slide up into my hair, tugging me closer, and the electricity between us feels like every second of waiting has been worth it for this.

“Charlie, you’re killing me,” I murmur, barely able to contain myself.

She smiles, that wicked, playful grin that makes my heart race, and begins unbuttoning my shirt, fingers slow and deliberate. “I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not.”

A low rumble escapes me as I trail kisses along her neck, savoring the way she shivers. “You’re a brat, you know that?”

“Only when I’m winning,” she says, arching into me, her breath warm against my neck.

“Well consider this game on.”

The need to feel her, to claim her, to show her exactly how much she means to me, it's overwhelming.

Charlotte Andrews has changed everything for me.

Tonight, I’m gonna make sure she knows it.

She’s mine.