Page 42

Chapter forty-one

Push me, asshole. See what happens

Jake – 12 Years Ago

T he sun’s setting, casting a golden glow across the field, but something’s off. Charlie sits alone in the bleachers, her head bent low, fingers twisting in her lap. The usual spark in her is dim. She’s closed off, and it sends a ripple of unease through me.

The rest of the group is still goofing around on the field, but I can’t focus on anything except her. Something’s wrong. I feel it, a heavy shift in the air that sinks into me. And I don’t like it one bit.

I move toward her, an instinct kicking in. I don’t know what’s wrong, but it doesn’t matter. She’s not okay, and that’s all I need to know.

I make it to the bleachers and slide in next to her, close enough to feel the tension. “Hey. What’s going on?”

She glances at me, her eyes rimmed red. My chest tightens—she’s holding back tears. “Nothing,” she whispers, voice small. “It’s stupid.”

I shake my head, jaw tight. “If it’s got you like this, it’s not stupid.”

She sighs, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t know... Everything’s just messy. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do when this is over.”

Her shoulders sag, and it’s like watching the strongest person I know crumble. Something inside me twists—hard.

“You’re not stuck, Charlie,” I say, voice rougher than I intend. “You’ll figure it out, you always do.”

She forces a smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. It’s hollow. “Sometimes it feels like I’m just pretending I’ve got it together.”

Anger stirs in me. Not at her, but at whatever or whoever has made her feel like this. Like she’s not enough. The need to shield her from it flares in me, fierce and possessive. I’ve never felt this surge to protect before. Without thinking, I reach out and place my hand on her knee.

“You don’t have to have it all together. Not with me.”

Her wide eyes snap to mine, startled. Something passes between us, unsaid but undeniable. I hold her gaze like I’m daring her to look away, but she doesn’t.

Her hand slides over mine, sending a jolt through me, solidifying this unspoken connection. It’s a move that’s too much for just friends. Too close. Too familiar. It’s something more, something deeper than either of us will openly acknowledge.

“Thanks,” she whispers.

I tighten my grip on her knee as I lean closer. “And if anyone ever makes you feel less than what you are, they’ll answer to me.”

The words come out fierce and low, more promise than threat. They hang between us, heavier than I intended. But I mean every damn word. The thought of someone hurting her, of making her feel any less than the magic she is… It sets something raw and primal alight in me. Something that says she’s mine to protect.

She laughs softly, but there’s a weight to it, like she knows exactly what I’m saying. Like she knows I’d go to war for her if I had to.

We sit there in the dusky light, my hand on her knee, hers on mine. The world around us fades, like it always does when it’s just the two of us. But this time, it’s different. It’s not just comfort in her presence—it’s the weight of something deeper. It’s the weight of realizing I’d do anything for her.

Always.

***

Jake - Present Day

I pull up outside Charlie’s office, the SUV humming as I wait. The building looms, reflecting the fading light, and I feel the weight of everything settling on me.

The custody threats, the away games coming up, playoffs looming, and Charlie’s big client meeting next week which she’s been working on non-stop.

When I see her walking out of the building, her usual confidence seems a little dimmed. Her sharp blazer and sleek hair could fool anyone else into thinking she’s in control, but I see the heaviness in her eyes.

She slides into the passenger seat, offering me a tired smile. “Hey.”

“Hey.” I lean over to kiss her. “How’d work go?”

She sighs, sinking back into the seat. “Busy. Lots of prep for this onboarding meeting next week. If it goes well, it’ll really prove I’m capable here.”

I glance at her as I pull back into traffic, watching her fingers fidget with the hem of her sleeve. She’s stressed, and I don’t blame her. “You’re gonna kill it, Charlie. No one can handle this stuff like you do.”

She tries to smile, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thanks. It just feels like there’s so much at stake, and I can’t shake the feeling that something’s gotta give.

I take her hand, my thumb brushing her skin. “Nothing’s gonna give. You’re amazing at your job, and we’ll deal with Alex together.”

Her gaze shifts to the window, tension creeping back into her shoulders at the mention of him. “It’s not that simple, Jake,” she says quietly. “You don’t know him like I do.”

Something in her tone catches me off guard, and I glance at her. “Tell me.”

For a long moment she’s quiet, like she’s weighing whether or not to open up. Then she lets out a soft sigh. “I was always a bit of a trophy wife in his eyes, my career never really mattered to him.”

I keep my eyes on the road. “He tried to make you quit?”

“All the time, but especially once I was pregnant with Meadow. He thought I should just stay home, focu s on the kids. He never got how much my work meant to me.”

There’s a tightness in my throat as I hear the frustration in her voice. How could anyone—especially someone who claimed to love her—try to diminish what she loves? The thought pisses me off.

She swallows, avoiding my eyes as she continues. “He was so manipulative, so obsessed with his own job. And he’d use his size to intimidate me when things didn’t go his way. He never hit me, but he always made me feel like he could.”

A hot and sharp protectiveness surges in me. Just thinking about that asshole looming over her makes my fists clench on instinct.

“He’s a fucking coward.”

She nods, but her eyes are distant, haunted by memories I can’t erase. “I kept telling myself it would get better, that I could make it work. But I was miserable. He was never there for the kids, he let them down every time. And that’s what broke me the most. I didn’t care if he hurt me, but the kids…”

Her words echo my own memories of growing up in a house where my mom was always miserable, stuck in a marriage she didn’t have the strength to leave.

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my anger in check, but I can’t stand hearing her talk like that.

“You did the right thing, Charlie.”

She nods, but there’s still a shadow of something dark in her expression. “I know, but I stayed for the kids. I thought I could hold it together for them. But then, a week into our trial separation, he slept with someone else.”

“He what ?"

She shrugs, expression pained. “And then I found out there had been others. Affairs on his business trips. He said they didn’t mean anything, that he just needed to scratch an itch when he wasn’t with me.”

Nausea twists in my gut. “He said that to you?”

“Yeah,” she says quietly. “Like it was nothing.”

I can’t even put into words the rage I feel at this moment. The idea of him treating her like some acce ssory—when she’s the whole damn world—makes me want to drive straight to his hotel and rip him apart.

“Charlie…”

“I know.” She laughs, but it’s humorless. “That was when I knew it was really over. He didn’t care about me or the kids. It was always just about him.”

Hearing the way he hurt her makes my chest burn with fury. I already hate the guy, but now I want to break his neck. It’s like he’s tried to erase the best parts of her, piece by piece. And I can feel every protective instinct in me flare, demanding I shield her from this kind of hurt forever.

“He’s disgusting,” I spit. “And he thinks he can stroll back into your life and pull rank? Screw that. He’s fucking delusional.”

She doesn’t say anything, just stares out the window as we drive. Finally, she speaks, but her voice is small and uncertain. “I don’t know what he’s planning, and that’s what scares me. He’s never cared much before, but now… There’s nothing in writing, no legal documents proving I have custody. It was all verbal. He could try to take them back.”

“He won’t,” I say firmly, but underneath, I’m rattled. I don’t like that there’s nothing in writing, no formal custody agreement. That bastard could use that to tear her life apart. “We’ll fight him if we have to. You’re a great mom, Charlie. No court is going to take those kids away from you.”

She nods, but I can see the doubt still lingering in her eyes. And honestly, I can’t blame her. Alex isn’t just some asshole we can brush off—he’s a real threat, and I hate that he still has this hold over her.

We pull into the hotel parking lot, and I cut the engine, letting the silence wrap around us. I can feel the anger still bubbling under my skin, but I force myself to focus on her. On Charlie.

She’s staring out the window, her shoulders stiff, bracing herself for whatever bullshit Alex is about to throw at her. And I realise it’s not just anger simmering in me anymore, it’s fear.

Fear that despite everything, Alex might still have some hold on her. Fear that he’ll manipulate her, and she’ll cave. Because she’s got such a big heart and always tries to do what’s best for the kids—even if it means giving in to him. Giving another piece of herself. I can’t let that happen.

I turn to her, grabbing her hand. “Charlie girl, look at me.”

She blinks, her eyes finding mine, and I don’t soften the way I usually do. I need her to see how serious I am. How much I mean every word that’s about to come out of my mouth.

“I love you,” I say, my voice full of conviction. “You and the kids, you’re everything to me. I don’t care what he says—he’s not controlling this. Got it?”

Her eyes widen slightly, and I can see the doubt still lurking there, the worry she’s still carrying. The part of her that thinks maybe she needs to give Alex some kind of power to keep the peace. But I need her to get this. To really hear me.

I grip her hand tighter, leaning closer. “He’s done, Charlie. You’ve been so strong, but I’m here now, too. I’m gonna fight for you, for the kids. And I’ll rip him apart before I let him mess with you again.”

She exhales shakily, her lips parting like she wants to say something, but I keep going. I’m not leaving any room for doubt. Not when it comes to this.

“And I’m not saying this because I think you need saving,” I continue. “But I’ll be damned if he thinks he’s gonna use his words, his size or the past to control you. I’m not letting him pull you back into his web.”

That’s what’s driving me mad—the thought that Alex could still find a way to get to her, through the kids or through his threats. And worse, that Charlie still might give in, thinking she has to.

“You’re mine, and he doesn’t have any power over you.” The words coming out harder than I intend. “Or the kids, or what we have. You're safe with me. ”

Her lips tremble as she leans into me, her forehead pressing against my shoulder. “Jake…”

I cup her face, tilting her head back up to look at me. “You don’t deserve this, Charlie. Not him, not his bullshit. You deserve someone who’s going to stand with you. Someone who’ll fight with you. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

For a moment, it’s just us, the intensity of what I’m saying crashing between us. Her eyes are full o f so much emotion but I see the shift in her, like she’s finally letting herself believe me.

“I love you,” I whisper, but it’s not soft. It’s a promise. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

She leans into my touch, her eyes closing for a second as she exhales shakily. I kiss her slowly, like I’m sealing my promise into it.

When we pull back, I brush a thumb over her cheek and nod toward the hotel. “Ready?”

She takes a breath, straightening in her seat. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”

As we step out of the car and walk toward the hotel bar, that possessiveness claws its way up inside me. I’ve kept it in check for her sake, but every time I think about Alex—what he did to her, how he treated her, how he let those kids down—I feel it pushing me closer to the edge.

He can try all he wants to mess with Charlie, but he’s not getting near her again.

Not with me standing right here.

***

It doesn’t take long to spot him. He’s sitting at a table in the corner, that smug look already plastered in place. I fight the urge to wipe it straight off him.

He rises when we approach, but I catch the flicker of surprise when he spots me with Charlie. It’s subtle, just a quick clench of his jaw. Good. Let him be pissed.

"Jake," he says smoothly, his voice dripping with mock surprise. "I thought you'd be off... what is it, hitting pucks or fighting on the ice by now?"

“Funny, I'm real good at both. You wanna find out which one I feel like doing today?”

Alex’s smirk falters for a split second before he turns his attention to Charlie. "Hi, Lottie."

His voice is soft, trying to play the caring ex-husband, but I see right through him. He’s sizing her up, already playing the game. I grit my teeth, but I keep quiet—for now.

We take a seat across from him, and I position myself so Charlie’s tucked against my side, my arm draped casually over the back of her chair. Alex’s eyes flick between us, a flash of irritation crossing his face.

"Nice of you to bring an escort," he says, his tone dripping with condescension. "But I thought this meeting was about the kids."

"It is," Charlie says, her voice steady, though I can hear the strain underneath. "Jake's here because we’re in this together.”

" Together ," Alex repeats, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “Must be nice to have a... distraction." His eyes dart to me and I resist the urge to nail his hand to the table. “Although I do wonder how stable that is for the kids. You know, them being dragged around while you’re playing house."

I can see what he’s doing—trying to rattle her, trying to plant those seeds of doubt. She’s strong. But I also know this is a pressure point for her because she’s always thinking about the kids, about their stability. And he’s weaponizing that against her.

Charlie doesn’t bite. "The kids are fine, Alex. They're happy."

"Are they?" He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table like he’s trying to be reasonable. “Lottie, I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but I’m genuinely concerned. I don’t think this move was the right decision. Uprooting them like that… It’s a lot for them to process. And now you’re throwing a new relationship in the mix? That’s a lot of instability for two young children."

I feel Charlie stiffen beside me, see her knuckles turning white as she grips the edge of the table. My hand moves instinctively to her knee, a steadying touch. But internally I’m seeing red. I can’t believe this asshole has the nerve to talk about stability after everything he’s done.

“You’re worried about stability?” I snap. “That’s a joke, coming from someone who only shows up when it suits him.”

Alex’s gaze lands on mine, and I see the flash of irritation again. Good. Push me, asshole. See what ha ppens.

“Look, Jake," he says, charm slipping. "I know you think you’re swooping in here being the hero, but this is between me and Lottie. It’s about what’s best for our kids."

"Exactly," I spit back. "Which is why they’re here with her . Because she’s the one who’s been there for them. Not you."

The smirk falls away, his face hardening as he shifts his focus to Charlie. “You know what? I’m done playing nice. I want the kids back in New Zealand, and I’m taking this to court.”

Charlie inhales sharply. I tighten my grip on her knee, a silent anchor, but I can see it—the fear creeping over her face.

Alex leans in, his voice dripping with faux concern. "It’ll be easier for you to just agree now. You could find another job back home. Save the kids the trauma of a legal proceeding. Don’t you want to avoid all that stress for them? For you?"

And there it is. The manipulation. He’s laying it on thick, trying to guilt her into agreeing, pretending like he’s doing it for the kids. I can see her struggling, trying to hold strong, but the doubt is creeping in. And that’s when I lose it.

I stand abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. “We’re done here.”

Alex looks up at me startled, but his lips curl into a mocking smile. "What’s the matter, Jake? Can’t handle a real adult conversation?"

I brace my hands flat on the table, leaning in just enough to let Alex know I'd like an excuse to throw him over it. “You don't give a shit about those kids. So you don’t get to sit here, manipulating her and pretending you do.”

His jaw twitches, but he stays silent. He knows exactly how close he is to crossing a line.

I straighten up, turning to Charlie. "We’re leaving."

She looks up at me conflicted, wanting to fight, but the weight of it all is pulling her down. I’m not letting him twist the knife any further.

"Charlie," I say softly, holding out my hand. "Let’s go."

She swallows and takes my hand, standing slowly. Alex watches us, his smirk returning, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of reacting.

As we turn to leave, his voice follows us, smug and sharp. "This isn’t over, Lottie. It’ll be easier for everyone if you just come home."

I turn, ice in my voice. “She is home.”

With that, I place my hand on the small of Charlie’s back, guiding her out of the bar. She leans into me as we walk, the weight of it all pressing down.

She’s strong, but even strength has limits. And I’ll be damned if I let Alex touch it.