Page 33

Chapter thirty-two

What’s the point of half-assing it?

Jake - 12 Years Ago

T he kitchen is quieter than usual, the chaos of meal prep finally winding down. I’m scrounging around, hunting for a snack, when I hear it. A soft, melodic voice drifting from around the corner.

Curious, I follow the sound, slowing my steps as I near the dishwashing station. And there she is. Charlotte, sleeves rolled up, hair tied back, belting out a song like she’s on stage at Madison Square Garden.

It takes me a second to recognize it: “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Not exactly my go-to, a bit too sappy for my taste. But the way she’s singing it, I’m captivated.

Charlotte’s completely in her own world, voice growing stronger as she hits the chorus, a dish brush in one hand like it’s her microphone, hips swaying slightly to the rhythm.

I lean against the doorframe to watch. She’s always been a mystery, this mix of strength and softness, and right now she’s showing a side I haven’t seen before.

The song swells, and she turns, spotting me standing here. But instead of stopping or looking embarrassed, she grins and doubles down on her performance, raising her imaginary mic and belting out the lyrics with even more passion.

I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “You’re really going for it, huh?”

“Of course!” She grins, eyes bright with mischief. “What’s the point of half-assing it?”

I chuckle, moving closer until I’m leaning against the counter beside her. “ Not a fan of half-measures, are you?”

“Nope.” She keeps singing but gives me a wink. “Especially not when it comes to this song. You’ve got to really feel it.”

I watch her, a strange mix of admiration and amusement bubbling up. “I dunno, Charlie. It’s a bit… I don’t know… sappy?”

She pauses mid-lyric, narrowing her eyes at me in mock offense. “Sappy? Jake Brooks, you just don’t get it.”

I raise an eyebrow and cross my arms. “What exactly am I not getting?”

“The lyrics, obviously. It’s about being so in love with someone that you never want to leave them, about wanting them to truly see you.”

I blink, caught a little off guard. I’d never given the song a second thought—just another radio hit. But hearing her say it, I wonder if I’ve missed something.

“Okay, I’ll bite,” I say, keeping my tone light. “Maybe it’s not so bad. But I think I like it better when you’re singing it.”

Her laugh is bright and genuine, then she goes back to scrubbing the pot. “That’s because I’ve got soul , Captain Thunder.”

“You’ve definitely got something , Lady Lightning.”

We both laugh, her voice filling the kitchen as she finishes the song. And as I stand there watching her, I realize there might be more to this song than I gave credit for. Or maybe there’s just more to Charlotte than I ever expected.

***

Jake - Present Day

The bar is packed, buzzing with the electric energy of holiday cheer and drunken karaoke performances. It’s the 22nd of December and we’ve just had our last home game before the break, so the whole team’s making the most of it.

It’s been over a week since Meadow’s illness, and life’s finally starting to settle again. Meadow’s back to her playful self, and I’m with Charlie every chance I get.

Most nights when I’m in Denver, I’m at her place. Things between us are shifting and getting deeper. Normally, this is when I’d start feeling that itch to pull back. But not with her.

With Charlie, the old rules don’t apply. The kids, too. Telling them about us had been nerve-wracking as hell. Charlie and I sat on the couch like two awkward teenagers, overthinking every word, while Noah and Meadow watched us like we’d grown three heads. We were braced for a million questions or maybe even tears. Instead, Noah had just looked at us with this deadpan expression and said, “Yeah, I figured. You kiss all the time.”

I’d choked on my water and Charlie had gone bright red, but before she could say anything, Meadow climbed right into my lap and declared, “Good. ‘Cause you’re my Jake.”

It was so simple for them, like they’d already decided I belonged there long before we did. And damn, if that didn’t knock me flat.

Those kids mean the world to me, just as much as their mom does. Every moment of the past twelve years feels like it was leading me back to this life with them, to Charlie. And the way she’s looking tonight? I’m ready to set the whole place on fire.

I scan the crowd, drink in hand, looking for her. Zoe and Charlie came here earlier with some of the WAGs, while I stayed behind to wrap things up at the arena.

Nothing could have prepared me for the outfit she wore to the game. She looks fucking incredible. When I saw her from the ice in those leather pants, my brain short-circuited.

Every time I glanced up at her, I lost focus. She’d thrown a blazer casually over her shoulders, but it did little to hide the skimpy camisole underneath. She knew exactly what she was doing, and I’ve been a ticking time bomb ever since.

I catch sight of her now at the bar with Zoe. Her legs are crossed, that damn blazer draped over the back of her chair, the casual vibe she had at the arena replaced with a sultry confidence that’s driving me out of my mind. She’s glowing, her auburn hair tumbling over her shoulders, cheeks flushed from the heat of the room or maybe the espresso martini she’s holding. Every teasing glance she throws me is a playful dare, and I’m more than ready to collect.

I weave through the crowd, feeling the eyes of far too many guys lingering on her, and I’m about two steps away when I hear Logan calling out behind me.

“There she is, Brooks! Damn man, you sure you’ve got that locked down?” He’s a few drinks in so I forgive this rookie for being so bold.

I smirk, pushing past him. “Trust me, Pooks, it’s locked down.”

When I finally reach them, Zoe has her sass turned up to eleven, clearly enjoying the show. “Well, well, look who finally decided to show up.”

Charlie turns, her gaze locking on mine. That familiar pull hits me, the one that clears everything else from my mind. Her smile quirks, like she’s letting me in on a secret only I’m worthy of. It takes every ounce of restraint not to grab her and haul her home immediately.

“Hey, you,” she says playfully. There’s a spark in her eyes—a mix of challenge and quiet certainty, like she’s been waiting for this moment as much as I have.

I slide a hand around her waist, fingers grazing the bare skin under her top. “Distracting me with this outfit?” I murmur, lips brushing her ear. “You think you can just walk out of the arena after that and not expect payback?”

She laughs, the sound traveling straight to my cock. “Payback, huh? What did you have in mind?”

I don’t answer. Tugging her off the barstool, I guide her to a dim corridor, away from prying eyes. The second we’re alone, I press her against the wall, crashing my mouth onto hers the way I’ve been dying to all night. Her hands tangle in my hair, nails scraping lightly against my scalp, and I grip her hips, fingers digging into the smooth leather.

She moans softly into my mouth as I press my body closer, letting her feel exactly what she’s doing to me. “You’ve been driving me crazy all night,” I growl against her lips.

“Good. That was the point.”

My hands slide to her ass, grabbing a handful. “These pants... no VPL, huh?”

She bites back a grin, eyes glittering with mischief. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

I’m abou t to lose all control when Zoe’s voice cuts through from around the corner. “Jake! Charlie! If you two don’t get your asses back here, I’m sending a search party in with a bucket of bleach!”

Charlie giggles, burying her face in my chest. “We should probably get back.”

I force myself to take a steadying breath, adjusting myself before stepping back. “This isn’t over,” I warn, stealing one last kiss before letting her go.

“Counting on that.” She straightens her top and saunters back out to Zoe. I follow her, though I’m two seconds from dragging her back into that corner.

Zoe’s standing there with her arms crossed and a smirk plastered across her face. “You two are disgusting,” she says, shaking her head. “But damn, Charlie, you’re gonna give this poor guy a heart attack in this outfit.”

Charlie throws her head back in a laugh, and I have to stop myself from leaning in to suck the curve of her throat. “You’re the one who convinced me to buy it!”

Zoe nods proudly. “Best purchase you ever made.”

“Not sure if I should be grateful or pissed,” I mutter.

“Oh, shut up, Brooks,” Zoe says with a playful shove. “Just enjoy the fact that every guy here wishes they were you right now.”

Charlie glances over her shoulder, throwing me a wink as she starts to rejoin the group. “They can keep wishing.”

I playfully smack her on the ass as she steps into the booth. Damn right they can.

Zoe scrunches her nose. “God, you two are nauseating.”

We settle into our booth, but the tension between us hasn’t cooled, the heat from earlier simmering beneath the surface.

Chase slides in beside us. "You two ready to sing your hearts out tonight?”

Charlie shakes her head, laughing as she takes a sip of her drink. “Don’t count on it.”

I smirk. “She’s just being modest.”

“Traitor,” she mutters with a ghost of a smile on her lips.

“Come on, Charlie! You’ve got to do it.” Zoe’s voice rises through the noise, tugging on her hand.

Charlie laughs, shaking her head. “No way, you’re not getting me up there.”

“You p romised!”

With an exasperated laugh, Charlie lets Zoe lead her to the stage, and I sit back watching as the opening chords of “I Will Survive” start playing. I can’t help but grin as Charlie reluctantly grabs the mic. Her eyes meet mine across the bar.

I raise my drink in a mock toast, mouthing, “You got this.”

As she starts singing, her voice cuts through the bar, commanding everyone’s attention. I can’t look away. By the time she hits the chorus, the entire place is singing along, and I’m grinning like a fool. Knowing she’s mine, that I get to be the one holding her at the end of the night, fills me with a rare kind of contentment.

“She’s killin' it,” Chase says, taking a sip of his beer. “Didn’t know your girl had pipes.”

I chuckle. “I did.”

When the song ends, the bar erupts in applause. I’m on my feet before I realize, making my way to her through the crowd.

“You were incredible,” I say, pulling her into me.

“Yeah?” She looks up at me, catching her breath.

Instead of answering, I kiss her, letting her know exactly how I feel without saying a word. But before things get too heated, Zoe’s voice interrupts.

“Hey, lovebirds! Don’t leave me out here on my own!”

We turn to see Zoe on the dance floor, waving us over. But she’s not alone for long.

Charlie laughs, leaning into me as Chase sidles up to Zoe. “Looks like Chase might make a move.”

“About time,” I say, tightening my arm on her waist.

We join them on the dance floor, but I can’t shake the eyes on us. I feel a burn to stake my claim. There’s an energy between us tonight, something heavier than just the fun we’ve been having. It’s like we’re standing on the edge of something, and neither of us knows what comes next.

“Hey, you were amazing up there,” a guy says, eyeing Charlie in a way that sets my teeth on edge.

“Thanks,” Charlie replies, giving him a polite smile. “My boyfriend thinks so, too.”

The guy’s smile falters a little, and I don’t miss the way his eyes flick to me before he nods and steps back. I tighten my arm around her waist, pulling her closer as we sway to the music.

“You’re mine, Lady Lightning,” I murmur in her ear.

The night continues, laughter and music blurring around us. Zoe and Charlie buddy up to do that dramatic sing-dance thing girls do together on the dance floor while Chase and I watch from a distance. We’re talking hockey until I see some asshole move in behind Charlie, his hands on her waist, pulling her back against him. My blood boils, and before I know it, I’m over there shoving him off her.

“Back off,” I growl, voice lethal. The guy stumbles back, eyes wide with surprise, muttering an apology before he disappears. Smart move.

I turn to Charlie. “You okay?”

She nods, a mix of relief and gratitude in her eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

I don’t say anything, my jaw ticking as I scan the crowd for any more idiots.

“Jealous much?” she says, a glint in her eyes as she steps into me, but I’m not ready to joke.

“You’re damn right I’m jealous. That guy had his hands on you, Charlie.”

She laughs, her eyes twinkling. “That’s what happens on a dance floor, Brooks. You don’t have to go full caveman.”

I pull her closer, my voice lowering. “I protect what’s mine. No apologies.”

She smiles, leaning up close. “Keep dancing, and maybe I’ll let you keep me.”

I can’t help the laugh that rumbles through my chest, pressing my lips to her ear. “You’re pushing it, you know that?”

“Yep. But you love me for it.”

Oh baby, you have no idea.

I don’t respond, just lean down to kiss her, sucking her lower lip into my mouth. The truth is, she has me completely, in every way possible. There’s no question, no room for doubt.

As the night winds down, I can tell the drinks are catching up to her. She’s more than a little tipsy, her steps slower and more deliberate. I wrap an arm around her waist to steady her, guiding her back to the booth.

When we finally sink into our seats, the noise of the bar fades around us, like we’re in our own little world. I’m grateful that the rest of our group is still on the dance floor or at the bar. She leans into me, quietly resting her head on my shoulder, as if something’s weighing on her mind. I run my hand gently along her arm, waiting for her to speak.

After a long pause, she lifts her head and her eyes meet mine. There’s a vulnerability there I don’t see often, and it pulls at something deep inside me.

“Jake…” She bites her lip, like she’s debating whether or not to continue.

“Yeah, Charlie girl?”

She takes a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her top. “I’ve been thinking… about us.”

The words hang, and a knot tightens in my chest. I have no idea where she’s going with this, but I know it’s important.

“About us?” I repeat.

She nods, looking down for a moment before meeting my eyes again. “Yeah. I mean, we’ve been spending so much time together, and it feels… serious.”

I nod slowly, trying to keep my tone even. “It does.”

She pauses, her gaze searching mine, almost as if she’s looking for reassurance. “It’s just… sometimes I wonder…”

I can see the struggle in her eyes, like she’s wrestling with whether or not to say what’s on her mind.

I don’t push her, letting her take her time, but praying to God she’s not about to tell me she wants to cool things down. After a moment, she sighs, her shoulders relaxing slightly, and she leans into me a little more.

“Wonder what?” I prompt.

“Wonder if…” She trails off, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she’s scared to say it out loud. “… if you feel the same way. Like, do you… you know…”

My heart pounds as her words sink in and I realize what she's asking for. She’s practically confessing, and I know she wants me to bridge the gap, to make this clear.

I reach out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Charlie…” I start, my voice as gentle as I can ma ke it, feeling the weight of this moment.

But before I can say more, she shakes her head, an embarrassed laugh escaping her. “God, listen to me. I shouldn’t be asking you this.”

But I can see the vulnerability in her eyes, the hope she’s trying to downplay. She wants to know, even if she won’t ask again.

“Charlie.” I take her hand in mine and hold it between us. “You’re a little drunk…” You’re the love of my life.

She lets out a frustrated laugh, rolling her eyes. “Dutch courage.”

I chuckle, squeezing her hand. “I know. But when I tell you how I feel, I want you to remember it. I want it to be clear. I want you to remember every word.”

She pouts, looking more like Meadow than she probably realizes. “Fine,” she mumbles, tilting her head towards the ceiling. “But you will tell me?”

I run my thumb along her cheek. “Yeah, Charlie girl. I’ll tell you. I promise.”

She holds my gaze for a long moment, then finally nods, her body relaxing as she leans into me again.

I hold her close, my mind racing with everything she’s said. The truth is, I’m absolutely, without a shadow of a fucking doubt, in love with her. It’s a fact that feels as undeniable as gravity.

I think I’ve known since that night under the stars. I’ve spent twelve years chasing my dream. The dream we promised each other we’d chase. I didn’t realize until recently, the dream was always her.

But she deserves more than a confession while she’s half-asleep on my shoulder, tipsy from a night out. She deserves to hear it when we’re both fully present, fully aware of what we’re saying. I want her to soak in every damn word I tell her. Because once I say it, that’s it. She’s it.

I catch a glimpse of Chase out of the corner of my eye. He’s guiding Zoe away from the dance floor, his arm around her shoulders. They’re laughing, and she’s completely unaware of the way he’s subtly steering her away from the crowd, away from any potential trouble. I’ve never seen Chase laugh like that, and it suits him.

As the night winds down, I help Charlie outside, her steps unsteady . I guide her into my car, and as we drive back to her place, she’s quiet, her head resting against the window.

When we pull up, I turn to help her out of the car, but she surprises me by leaning in and crushing her lips to mine in a kiss that’s anything but innocent.

“I want you,” she says, hand trailing up my chest.

I groan, pulling back slightly. “Charlie, you’re drunk.”

“So?” Her fingers play with the fabric of my shirt.

I gently cup her face. “ So , I’m not taking advantage of you when you’re like this.”

She stares at me for a long moment, then huffs and crosses her arms. “You’re too good, you know that?”

“Just trying to do the right thing,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Leaning back in her seat with a sigh, her eyes droop with exhaustion. “But you’ll stay, right?”

“Of course,” I say, getting out to help her inside.

Once upstairs, I tuck her into bed, stripping down to my boxers and sliding in beside her. She immediately curls up against me, her head on my chest, arm draped over my stomach.

“I do know you love me, you know,” she mutters groggily, her breath warm against my skin.

I smile, resting my lips against her hair. “Get some sleep, Lady Lightning.” I’m fucking obsessed with you.

Humming softly, her body sinks deeper into my hold. Within moments, her breathing evens out, and she’s fast asleep.

Holding her close, I replay her words in my mind, letting them settle deep inside me. This is where I’m meant to be, right here with her. And when she’s ready, when she’s sober, I’ll be here to tell her exactly how much I love her.