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Chapter twenty-four

I’ll take the chaos, the laughter and all your midnight freak-outs

Charlie

" O h my God.” Jake swiftly pulls my dress over my head, leaving me in just my bra.

I press my lips together, holding back a grin as his hungry gaze sweeps over me. I’d hoped tonight would lead us here, and judging by the look in his eyes, he’d been hoping the same.

“God, you’re beautiful,” he murmurs against my skin. His lips drag down my neck, hands sliding up my thighs. “So fucking beautiful.”

“Jake…”

Reaching behind me, he pulls me flush against him as he unhooks my bra one handed. “This is coming off,” he says, voice rumbling against my ear.

“Then you’re losing these.” I fumble with his jeans, yanking them down his hips.

He chuckles low as he kicks them off, and I trace my hands over him, feeling tension coiling in his muscles. He groans, tipping his head back, and I let my hand drift down to stroke him slowly.

“Fuck, Charlie…” His voice is taut, like he’s barely holding himself in check.

There’s nothing restrained about him—he’s all hard lines, raw strengt h, barely contained power. Like a god above me as he peels off his boxers.

He catches me admiring him, mouth curving in a dark smile as he leans in, cupping my breast. “Like what you see, sweetheart?”

“Hmm, the view is okay, ” I tease, but my facade crumbles as he rolls my nipple between his fingers, the bite of sensation sending a thrill through me.

“Don’t tease me, baby.” His words are a rough demand, his mouth recapturing mine in a searing kiss that brands me.

After a beat, he pulls back, hands tracing up to frame my face, his expression turning serious. “I’ve got condoms,” he says hesitantly, but frowns when I laugh.

It’s not a mean laugh, it just feels like an awkward moment straight out of high school. Two responsible adults about to sleep together, and we’re both hesitating like it’s our first time.

“Would you prefer to?” I ask, and he raises an eyebrow. “I’ve had the injection,” I clarify, trying to sound casual.

His frown shifts into a slow, relieved nod. “Oh. Right. That’s, uh, good.” There’s a pause before he clears his throat. “I get checked regularly, you know. With the team and all.” He pauses, scratching the back of his neck. “But I mean, it’s been a while since, uh, anyone else.”

I can’t help it; a small snort escapes me. “Same. A very long while.”

“Right,” he says again, his lips twitching. “Cool. So we’re, uh, good?”

“Super good.”

His smirk finally breaks through as I reach up to brush my thumb over his bottom lip, but he ruins the moment by catching it between his teeth and biting.

“Ow!” I yelp, jerking my hand back. “What the hell was that?”

“Payback for laughing at me, Lady Lightning. It’s a serious topic.”

“Oh, very serious,” I deadpan. “So serious I can’t believe you didn’t write out a formal agreement first.”

“Don’t tempt me. I’ve got a pen around here somewhere,” he says, pretending to look around before tackling me back onto the bed.

We laugh and both move at the same time, colliding again, hands exploring, lips claiming, a tangle of breathless touches and heat. Every nerve in my body is attuned to him, and the tension that’s been building all day explodes. Nothi ng else matters now. Only him.

“Open up for me, Charlie girl,” he says, positioning himself over me and nudging my legs apart.

My breath hitches as his cock slides against me, slow and deliberate, teasing every nerve.

“Look at you, spread out and dripping for me like this. You’re fucking stunning.”

“Jake… please…” The words come out shaky, my hips tilting up in desperation.

His tip slides up and down, grazing over my clit, making me gasp. I squirm beneath him, desperate for more, but he just grins.

“Patience, baby,” he murmurs, like it’s a lesson I’m about to fail. “Tell me how much you want this.”

“I want you… I want this,” I manage, my voice breathless.

The dimple in his cheek deepens as he smirks, his thumb brushing over my cheek like he’s savoring every second of my unraveling. “Say it again,” he commands, daring me to hold back. “Tell me exactly what you need. Use those sweet lips.”

Heat floods my cheeks, but his gaze pins me there, and the desire roaring through me drowns out any hesitation. “Fuck me, Jake. Please. I need you.”

The second the words leave my mouth, his lips are on mine, stealing my breath. “That’s my girl.”

He draws back and positions himself at my entrance, eyes flicking up to lock on mine as he slides in.

“Holy shit,” I squeak, feeling him everywhere.

“Fuuuuck,” he moans into my ear, dotting wild, wet kisses along the column of my throat.

“Jake…”

“You feel that?” His voice is thick with restraint. “That’s us, baby. Perfect.”

I can’t even respond, my head tipping back with each wave of heat spiraling through me. My breath leaves me in a shudder as he moves, and he cups my face to hold me steady. “Look at me,” he murmurs.

I meet his gaze and everything stops for a b eat, every inch of him pressing into me. He’s looking at me like I’m the only thing in the universe, something precious to behold.

“God, you feel amazing.” He finds a rhythm, each movement driving me higher. “Like you were made for me, Charlie. Only me.”

I’ve never been looked at like this—like I’m everything. His gaze burns into mine, anchoring me as if he’s afraid I’ll slip away. The intensity of it drags a sigh from my throat that feels like surrender.

“Yeah, that’s it, I wanna hear you.”

“Jake,” I moan, arching up to meet him. Every touch of his skin against mine feels electric, like he’s rewiring something deep inside me. “You feel so good. Don’t stop.”

“Fuck,” he rasps, his voice fraying at the edges as his gaze flickers down to where we’re joined. “Tell me where you need me, baby. Right here?” He circles his hips, drawing a desperate cry from my throat. “Yeah, thought so.”

“Harder.” I grip his shoulders, nails biting into his skin as I meet each thrust. He watches me like he’s committing every reaction to memory, like he’s hungry to give me exactly what I need.

“You want harder?” His lips curl into a wicked grin. “I’ll give you everything, Charlie girl. Every. Fucking. Inch.”

We move together, my body responding to every word, every touch, as if we’ve done this a thousand times. His lips graze my neck, teeth catching my skin, and I clench around him.

“Such a good girl, taking me so well.”

“I’m… I’m close…”

“Then give it to me,” he commands, his grip tightening on my thigh as he pulls me flush against him, his own movements becoming erratic. “Come for me, Charlie. I wanna feel you come all over me.”

My release tears through me, his name a broken cry on my lips as I shatter. I cling to him, my body trembling as waves of pleasure ripple through me.

“That’s it,” he groans. His hips falter as his own climax overtakes h im, body shuddering as he buries his face in my neck, hot breaths dragging over my skin. “Fuck, that’s my girl.”

Everything around me falls away and rebuilds in a heartbeat, and in this moment I know there’s no going back.

“You're so gorgeous when you come, you know that?”

All I can do is let out a breathy chuckle in reply. He brushes my damp hair from my forehead, pressing a lingering kiss there as his hand skims down my neck.

After a moment, he pulls out, his gaze softer now but still filled with that same possessive intensity. He stays close, hand tracing light patterns along my back as his breathing slows. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”

“You might need to pace yourself,” I tease, though my voice comes out breathy.

“You okay?”

I manage a nod, pressing a kiss to his collarbone.

We fall into a comfortable silence, his hand dragging slowly up and down my spine, grounding us in the moment. But then I sense a shift in him, like he’s about to say something deep. Something important.

So of course, I ruin it by sitting up.

Jake’s hand shoots out, catching mine. “Where are you going?”

“Just… need the bathroom.” I give him a weak smile, slipping out of bed and grabbing my robe.

Closing the door behind me, I sit on the toilet and take a deep breath, my head falling into my hands. Why am I being a weirdo? That was fucking perfect. The best. Gourmet. It was so good I almost feel as if it wasn’t real.

But it was real. It was Jake.

Jake, who looks at me like I’m the only thing he’s ever wanted.

I shake my head, trying to slow my racing heart. I need a minute to get my head straight, because that was not just sex. It was everything.

And here I am, on the verge of a freak out, while the hottest man I’ve ever seen is in my bed.

I wash up and catch sight of myself in the mirror. My hair’s a mess, make up smudged, but it’s my face that catches my eye. I have that glow. The glow people have when they’re in… I can’t say those words. Nope. I’ll settle for a safer phrase.

It’s a freshly fucked glow.

Yeah. Definitely not a glow that comes from a man slowly handling every broken piece of me with reverence, clicking each one back into place like he owns the very blueprint of who I am. No, definitely not that glow…

Shit.

I just left him out there, while I freak out in here like a complete psychopath. I close my eyes, willing myself to quit being the biggest flake of all time. Then I take a deep breath and open my eyes, glaring at my reflection.

“Get it together, bitch,” I whisper. I know I want him. Every nerve in my body is screaming it.

I step back through the ensuite door, the soft click echoing in the stillness. The silence wraps around the room until Jake rises from the bed, eyes immediately locked on mine.

He steps closer, that irresistible grin deepening the dimple in his left cheek. “Charlie,” he says. “I’m just gonna say this before you freak out again... Be mine.”

I arch an eyebrow, crossing my arms in mock defiance. “Is that a question or a demand?”

He chuckles, undeterred as he takes another step. “A heartfelt request,” he amends.

I tilt my head, pretending to ponder, stalling to steady myself. “Hmm, I don’t know. Sounds like a lot of work.”

“Oh, it definitely will be,” he agrees, reaching to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “But I’m good at heavy lifting.”

“Is that so?” I quip, trying to suppress a smile. “Because I’ve got two kids, a full-time job, and a leaky kitchen faucet that says otherwise.”

He laughs, hands settling on my hips. “I’ve got two strong arms, a flexible schedule, and a toolbox ready for anything you need.”

“You make a tempting offer, but I’m not sure you know what you’re getting into.”

His thumbs trace slow circles on my sides. “I know ex actly what I’m getting into,” he murmurs, leaning in close so his breath brushes my cheek. “And I want it all. The chaos, the laughter, these midnight freak-outs. Everything.”

I feel my resolve slipping, but I muster a playful retort. “What makes you think I’d want to share my freak-outs with you?”

“Because sharing is caring," he says, lips ghosting over my ear. "And I promise to bring wine.”

A laugh escapes before I can stop it, and I shake my head, lightly pushing his chest. “You really have an answer for everything, don’t you?”

“When it comes to you, absolutely.” His tone is light, but his eyes hold something deeper that makes me nervous.

I take a step back, trying to regain control. “Jake, this isn’t just about you and me. There’s more at stake here. The kids, our jobs…”

“I know. I care about them too Charlie, you know that. I’m not looking to rush or disrupt their lives. We can take it slow, be careful… But I want you to be mine. I want to know that when I look at you, I’m looking at the woman who’s mine. Who was always mine.”

“And what happens when things get tough? When life throws curveballs?”

He steps forward, his hands warm and steady as they frame my face. “Then we swing together,” he says softly. “I’m not afraid of the hard stuff. I don’t wanna miss out on this just because we’re scared of what might happen.”

The honesty in his voice wraps around me, and when I look into his eyes, I see a depth of emotion that’s so intense it’s almost terrifying. The thought crosses my mind that he actually might be insane, but if he is then I definitely am, too.

“You really don’t give up, do you?”

He just smiles, thumb brushing tenderly across my cheekbone. His hazel eyes flicker with gold, unrelenting but not demanding. “Please, Charlie girl… Be mine. Let me be yours.”

I bite my lip, searching for a good comeback, but the way he’s looking at me like I’m everything makes my heart race. I’m done for.

“Jake,” I finally whisper. “I’m scared…”

“I know you are.” He leans his forehead to rest against mine. “But I ’m not going anywhere. I’m in this, all the way. And I promise I’ll be careful with your heart, and with the kids. I’ll be careful with all of it.”

I search his face, looking for any sign of doubt, but all I see is unwavering certainty.

“You’re impossible, you know that?” I say, shaking my head with a small smile.

“And you love it.” He leans in, pressing his lips to my ear, his voice a soft plea. “Please be mine, Charlie.”

How is it possible to feel this wanted? This seen? It terrifies me, because if I let myself believe him, there’s no going back.

I release a long breath, feeling the last bit of my resistance melt. “You’re not going to stop until I say yes, are you?”

“Not a chance,” he whispers, lips dragging to my jaw. “Say it. Say you’ll be mine.”

I tilt my head like I’m considering it. “What do I get in return?”

His eyes glint with mischief. “Everything. All of me. But you already knew that.”

“Hmm, tempting…” I tease, letting my fingers trail up his chest. “You’re awfully sure of yourself, Brooks.”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” he counters, leaning closer.

I close my eyes, letting the warmth of his touch and the weight of his words wrap around me. “Fine,” I finally whisper, heart pounding.

His grin breaks wide and unrestrained. Before I can respond, he’s kissing me, hard and desperate, like he’s been holding back far too long. And maybe he has, because the intensity nearly takes my breath away.

“You’re mine,” he murmurs, kissing me like he’s staking his claim in every breath.

I melt into him, kissing him back fiercely, my hands threading through his hair as I pull him closer and allow myself to feel it all.

“You have no idea how happy that makes me.”

My fingers brush the back of his nec k as I softly smile. "I might have an inkling."

“Want me to show you?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. It’s late, and I have a busy day tomorrow…”

He growls low, scooping me up before I can protest. “Too late, no take-backs.”

Our laughter dissolves into something more intense as he throws me onto the bed. Hovering above me, his gaze roams my face, memorizing every detail. “Mine.”

He kisses me again, hands slowly removing the robe I’d hastily wrapped around myself. The rasp of his stubble against my skin sends shivers cascading through me, and I arch into him, silently begging for more.

"I've wanted you to be mine forever,” he murmurs, like it’s a truth he’s been holding onto for too long.

“Me too,” I whisper, my hand moving down to grip him and loving the way he hisses at the contact. A smirk pulls at my lips as I slowly pump him. “You gonna claim me now, Brooks?”

His control snaps, and he's suddenly kissing me with a hunger that’s both feral and tender, like he’s laying claim to every part of me. I lose myself in the sensation—the taste of him, the warmth of his body, his hands exploring every inch.

“You’re perfect.” His voice is rough with emotion as he presses lingering kisses along my collarbone. “And you’re all fucking mine.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” I say breathlessly, earning a low chuckle.

“Good, because I plan on going everywhere.”

Our playful banter dissolves as he pushes inside me again. My name slips from his lips in a breathless moan as he fills me completely, the sensation almost overwhelming. He grabs my leg, bending it up toward his shoulder, setting a new pace that has me seeing stars.

“Shit, God, don’t stop,” I groan, my nails biting into his thighs.

“Not planning on it, baby,” he grits out. “Gonna make you come so hard you never forget you’re mine.”

One hand coasts up my stomach, the heat of his palm branding me as it glides between my breasts and gently collars my throat. He pauses, searching my face for any hesitation, but he won’t find any. Inst ead, I press my hand over his, squeezing his fingers tighter in permission.

His chest rumbles in approval, and he thrusts deeper.

“That’s it.”

Thrust.

“Take all of me.”

Thrust.

“All. Fucking. Mine.”

A loud, raspy noise escapes me as the rough skin of his palm tightens slightly against my throat, grazing the sensitive skin there. Every touch, every kiss, every word pulls us closer, deepening the connection I can no longer deny.

“Look down.” His voice is steady despite the strain as he slows his pace. “I want you to see how good you look wrapped around me.”

“Jake, please. I need you, I need all of you.” My words make him curse softly, but he continues to go slow, teasing me at the edge.

“Say you’re mine,” he commands. “Need to hear it again, Charlie.”

My eyes lock with his, breath coming in shallow pants.

“Say it, Charlie.” His eyes blaze, grip tightening.

“I’m yours, Jake.”

“Mmm, good girl.” He leans down, kissing me again, his movements more erratic. I grind up against him, meeting him thrust for thrust, breathless as I reach my breaking point.

“Come with me,” I plead, my voice husky as I cling to him.

“Christ,” he croaks, burying his face in my neck. That’s all it takes for me to lose control, his name falling from my lips as I come hard, nails digging into him. He follows, his grip on me fierce, holding himself deep as his own release tears through him

When he collapses beside me, a sense of belonging settles over me. I’ve never felt so connected, so utterly consumed as I do lying in his arms.

He presses a tender kiss to my forehead. "That was fucking incredible."

I smile, nuzzling closer to him. "Agreed. You definitely ea rned a repeat performance."

“You won’t have to wait long for that, trust me.”

His fingers trace slow, soothing patterns along my arm as we lie there catching our breath in the quiet darkness.

“You alright?” he asks, breaking the silence.

It’s the same question he asked earlier, before I had my little freak-out. But this time, I feel no fear.

"More than alright," I reply, tilting my head up. "I don't think I've ever been this happy."

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 th e 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.