Page 8

Chapter seven

Just a quick conversation about baked goods

Charlotte - 12 Years Ago

J ake and I collapse under the shade of a massive oak tree, sheltering from the relentless, blazing sun. We’ve just finished playing a round of tag with a group of kids, and their laughter still rings out in the distance. But all I can focus on is the boy next to me. Jake, with his easy grin and playful energy that’s made the start of this summer unforgettable.

“You know what this camp really needs?” Jake asks, still catching his breath. There’s that mischievous glint in his eyes, the one that always seems to promise fun.

“What’s that?”

“Superheroes,” he declares, his grin widening. “Every camp needs them, right?”

I chuckle. “And you’d be who? Superman?”

“Nah, I’m thinking more like Captain Thunder. You know, because of my voice. You’re always saying it’s loud enough to get all the kids in line.”

I laugh, nodding in agreement. He’s not wrong—his voice can carry across the entire camp with ease, booming out commands or jokes with the same effortless charm. “Captain Thunder suits you.”

“ But as we know, you can’t have thunder without lightning. And you… you lighten the mood wherever you go. Plus, you did great during that storm the other night. You should be Lady Lightning.”

I feel my cheeks heat up, but I play along, pretending to consider it seriously. “What, like your sidekick?”

He shakes his head. “More like a partner. I bring the thunder, you bring the flash.”

“Lady Lightning, huh? I like it.”

Jake smiles, clearly pleased with himself as he extends his hand to me. “Captain Thunder and Lady Lightning, partners in crime. Saving the camp one kid at a time.”

I take his hand, feeling the warmth of his grip as I grin. “Deal.”

***

Charlie - Present Day

Today’s been busier than I expected. The interview with the new nanny, Nina, went well. She jumped right in, hosting Meadow’s dolly tea party and swapping space facts with Noah. It’s a relief to finally find someone who clicks with the kids. And best of all, she’s local, so she knows all the best spots to introduce them to their new city.

After Nina left, I braved the grocery store with the kids. Everything feels different here, even basic things like groceries. The kids did well, despite the store’s size—though Meadow treated me to an epic meltdown in the cereal aisle. I did my best to stay calm, but the stares from other adults were piercing. It’s hard enough managing a meltdown without feeling like the entire store is silently judgin g you.

With my hands braced on the kitchen island, I take a long breath, savoring the calm as the busy afternoon fades into evening. Noah’s absorbed in his latest LEGO creation in the living room, while Meadow is happily coloring at the dining table, tongue poking out in concentration as she carefully fills in the lines. She’s completely forgotten about her earlier meltdown—and that’s how it should be. But after moments like that, I do miss having someone there to tell me I’m doing okay. A partner in crime who’d get it, pour me a glass of wine, and tell me I’m not alone in this.

I’m still pottering in the kitchen, debating what to do for dinner, when my phone buzzes on the counter. I wipe my hands on a dish towel and glance at the screen. It’s an unknown number. I hesitate for a moment before picking up.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Charlotte? It’s Jake. Jake Brooks.”

The deep timbre of his voice slides through the phone, familiar yet startling. It’s been years, but somehow it still feels like coming home. I stand a little straighter, gripping the phone tighter. “Oh, hey, Jake. How are you?”

“I’m good, thanks. I, uh, got your number from Zoe—hope that’s okay? I wanted to ask you about something.”

My heart does a little flip. “Sure, what’s up?”

“Well…” He pauses, and I can almost hear him gathering his thoughts. “I’ve got this charity event coming up, and I thought… well, your brownies were a hit at the meeting today. Tasted very familiar ,” he pauses, waiting for me to react.

My stomach dips. Shit. I clear my throat, thankful he can’t see my cheeks heating. But before I can conjure a reply, he continues.

“So I was wondering if you’d be interested in baking some for my event.”

I blink, caught off guard by the request. “You want me to bake for a charity event?”

“Yeah, exactly.” His tone is lighter now, like he’s relieved to have asked. “It’s a big event I’m passionate about, and I think your baking would be a perfect addition. We could use something like that to make the day extra special for th e kids.”

His words wrap around me, unexpected but welcome. I love the idea of helping out, especially if it’s for a good cause. “Um, wow… okay. That sounds great, Jake. I’d love to help out. When do you want to discuss the details?”

“How about now?”

“Now?” The surprise is obvious in my voice, earning a soft chuckle on the other end of the line.

“Yeah, if you’re free. It’ll be easier to talk in person.”

I glance around, hyper-aware of the toys and the mess that comes with two young kids. But this is us, our everyday life. If he wants my brownies, he’ll have to handle a little bit of chaos. “Uh, sure, I guess that works. The kids are here though, so it’s a bit… lively.”

“That’s fine with me,” he replies, his tone light. “I’ll see you in a few?”

I agree, ending the call before I can overthink things, especially how he knows where I live. Zoe’s doing, no doubt. I stare at my phone for a second, processing what just happened. Jake Brooks is coming over. To my house. Right now.

I do a quick, frantic clean-up, picking up scattered toys and stashing the last few groceries in the pantry. I’m still tidying when the doorbell rings, and Meadow, as eager as ever, beats me to it.

“Mama, someone’s here!” she calls out as she flings open the door.

I hurry over, wiping my hands on my jeans, my breath catching when I see Jake standing there. He’s dressed casually in a t-shirt, jacket and jeans, but he fills the doorway in a way that’s impossible to ignore. Meadow, wide-eyed, stares up at him like he’s the most fascinating thing she’s ever seen. And honestly, I don’t blame her.

“Hi there,” Jake says, his smile warm as he crouches down to her level. “You must be Meadow.”

Meadow’s usual shyness vanishes. She sticks her hand out toward him just like I taught her, all business. “I’m Meadow. I’m three.”

Jake chuckles, gently taking her tiny hand. “Nice to meet you, Princess. I’m Jake.”

The nickname makes me melt. Let’s hope I’m not a complete puddle by the time he leaves. He just stepped into her world so naturally, and watching him wi th her, it’s hard to reconcile the boy I knew with the man he’s grown into. He’s hot. All man now. And the easy gentleness he shows Meadow just magnifies it.

When his eyes meet mine, my throat goes dry. He rises slowly, towering over me, and I can’t help but notice every inch of him. He’s tall, lean, and if I’m being honest, probably the best-looking man I’ve seen.

“Hey, thanks for coming over,” I say, trying to sound composed.

“Thanks for letting me barge in.” His eyes crinkle at the corners, and I don’t miss the way they sweep over me, taking in every detail. My pulse quickens, but I shake off the distraction, determined to stay focused.

Taking a breath, I open the door wider. Letting him step into our space feels like a whole wave of memories and possibilities all at once.

Brownies. He’s here for brownies. For his brownies.

“Come on in.”

***

Jake

I’m not one to overthink, but as I pull up to Charlotte’s place, I realize I’ve done exactly that the whole drive here. What the hell am I doing? I’ve seen her once, and here I am pulling up outside her house like a lunatic because I can’t stop thinking about her.

Because of the brownies . Gran’s brownies.

But I know there’s more to it. She’s stuck with me since I saw her at the arena. Maybe it was her surprised look that day, like she couldn’t believe I was real. Or the memory of that summer, when she was my whole world for ten unforgettable weeks.

I look up at her house as I approach. It’s cozy, with a big porch that looks made for family dinners and lazy Sunday mornings. A swing hangs on one side, and I can picture her th ere, reading to her kids or watching them play in the yard. A thought suddenly stirs in me: I want that. Want to be part of something like that.

Before I can overthink, I ring the bell. There’s a scurry of activity before the door flies open, and a tiny strawberry-blonde tornado in a unicorn dress appears. Her eyes are bright blue, her expression one of fascination, like I’ve just arrived straight out of a fairy tale. She looks just like a mini version Charlotte. With lighter hair and different eyes, but with that same spark of light.

“Hi there,” I say, crouching down to her level. “You must be Meadow.”

She hesitates for only a second before she pops her little hand out, surprising me. “I’m Meadow. I’m three.”

I shake her tiny hand and chuckle. “Nice to meet you, Princess. I’m Jake.”

Her face lights up, and for a second, I’m completely disarmed. I’ve always had a soft spot for kids, but she’s a whole new level of adorable. Her innocence, her trust. It’s a lot to take in.

Behind her, Charlotte appears, looking a little flustered but still pulling off that natural grace she’s always had. “Hey, Jake. Thanks for coming over.”

“Thanks for letting me barge in.” I stand and take her in. She gives me a warm smile, and for a second, the tension eases.

Damn, she looks good. I immediately notice how her clothes hug her curves, how her hair falls in soft waves around her face. It’s hard to focus on anything else. I can't believe how nervous I am about this, like I'm desperate not to fumble this opportunity to spend time with her.

“Come on in,” she says, gesturing me through the door.

I step inside, absorbing the house’s warmth and color. Toys are scattered around, a half-finished LEGO spaceship sits on the coffee table, and there’s the faintest hint of vanilla and coffee in the air. It’s a real home, cozy and alive. Unlike my condo downtown, which feels more like a pit stop than a place to settle. Here I feel grounded, like I could stay a while.

Noah, focused on his LEGO creation, glances up when he sees me, his eyes going wide. “Are… are you that hockey player from the TV?”

I can’t help but chuckle as I approach him, noticing Charlotte’s cheeks pinken slightly as she replies, “Yeah, buddy, this is Jake. ”

He looks at me with awe, as if I’ve just promised he can eat cereal out of the Stanley Cup itself, but then, just as quickly, it fades.

“I’m building a spaceship. It’s gonna be really fast, maybe even faster than you!”

“Good call,” I say, squatting down to get a closer look at his creation. “We could use some spaceship speed on the ice.”

He smiles, and I can’t help but feel the pull of these kids’ open acceptance. It’s genuine, uncomplicated. They don’t care about your status, your money, or your contracts. They just see you for who you are in the moment, and there’s something pure about that.

It’s something I’ve been missing. These real connections, not overhyped interactions with people who only care about my points or how many sponsors I have.

Charlie catches my eye and nods toward the kitchen. “Wanna chat while they play?”

“Sure,” I say, though I’m reluctant to leave this room that feels full of life.

As I follow her towards the kitchen, I’m unable to shake this feeling of wanting to know every detail of her world. I walk close enough behind her to catch a faint scent of vanilla—or maybe it’s something floral. I’m not entirely sure, but it’s distracting as hell, and I have an immediate urge to bury my face in the crook of her neck and inhale deeply.

Instead, I force myself to take a seat at the breakfast bar, stealing glances at her while she gets me a water. As she hands me the glass, our fingers brush just for a moment, but it sends a charge through me. She glances at me briefly, and I wonder if she feels it, too. God, I hope so.

She quickly goes to help Meadow find stickers for her coloring page, and my eyes trail after her. Watching her with Meadow, I feel a pang deep in my chest and try to name it. Longing, maybe. For something I’ve never had but suddenly want.

I shake my head, mentally chastising myself as she walks back over to sit next to me. I need to keep it light. But somehow, with Charlie pulling up a barstool next to me, so close I could reach over and tuck that stray strand of hair behind her ear if I wanted to, it feels impossible. Inevitable.

Dam n, she’s beautiful. The kind of beautiful that makes you forget why you’re here in the first place. She smiles at me, crossing her legs and raising an eyebrow. I remind myself that I’m here to talk about the charity, not to get lost in those mossy green eyes tinged with gold.

“So, tell me about the event,” she prompts, looking at me with genuine interest as she takes a sip of her water, waiting for my reply.

I inhale deeply, watching the way her throat moves as she swallows. Get it together, you creep.

“It’s for my foundation called Play It Forward, ” I begin, feeling the pride swell in my chest. “We give underprivileged kids the chance to play sports—equipment, training, even mentorship.”

Her expression softens as I speak, her smile growing. “That sounds like a wonderful cause, Jake. I’d love to help. How many brownies are we talking?”

“Ahh… maybe more than just brownies.” I pause, giving her a pointed look. “Though I’d be lying if I said those weren’t my favorite.”

Her eyes twinkle with knowing, but she doesn’t comment, waiting for me to continue.

“So definitely more brownies than I could ever eat, and maybe a spread of cookies, cupcakes, whatever you think would be a hit.”

She nods thoughtfully. “I can do that. And it’s a family-friendly event?”

“Absolutely,” I say. “It’s all about the kids. No stuffy banquet, just fun, games, and dessert. Bring Noah and Meadow, too. They’d love it.”

Her smile widens, and for a second it feels like the years haven’t stretched between us. Like it’s just me and Charlie again, building something together. She reaches for her glass, taking another sip, and for a moment I’m caught watching her tongue flick out to catch a stray droplet. She’s so close, the warmth of her body a reminder of what I want. More time, more moments, just more of her.

I force myself to look away, scanning the kitchen to keep my hands from doing something stupid, like brushing my thumb over her moistened lower lip. The place mirrors her—warm and full of life. My eyes shift back to Charlie, lingering on the soft curve of her neck, the delicate sweep of her collarbone peeking out from beneath her sweater.

“This place, it suits you,” I say, desperate to extend this time together.

Her smile shows a flash of pride, and I can tell how much effort she’s put into making it home.

“Thanks. Zoe really hit the jackpot finding it,” she says. “It’s been an adjustment, but it’s starting to feel like ours.”

I nod, trying to imagine what it took to uproot her life halfway across the world. “Must be a lot to handle—new city, new country. You seem to be managing pretty well.”

She pauses, her expression thoughtful. “I won’t lie, there are moments when I wonder if I’ve made the right choice. The kids are my priority, so as long as they’re happy, that’s what matters.”

Admiration floods through me. She’s strong in a way a lot of people aren’t, carrying so much with such grace. “You’re doing a good job, Charlie. They’re lucky to have you.”

Giving me a shy smile, she glances down at her hands. “And what about you?” she asks, shifting the focus back to me. “How’s the season treating you so far?”

I lean back in my chair again, smiling at the question. There’s something disarming about the way she’s asking, like she genuinely cares about my answer. “It’s been good. A lot of pressure, but that’s the norm. I guess I’ve been at it long enough to know how to manage.”

She tilts her head slightly. “You’ve always been like that. So focused, so determined to go all the way. And now, here you are.” Her voice is thoughtful, and for a second it feels like we’re both slipping into the past, remembering who we were back then.

I hold her gaze, my voice dipping deliberately lower. “Guess I’m pretty good at focussing on what I want.”

Her lips part just slightly, and a charged beat passes. I track her eyes as they flick to my mouth before she quickly clears her throat and looks away, shifting in her seat slightly.

“And good ol’ Camp America, eh?” She changes the subject with a playful smirk, leaning her arm out on the counter to gesture her finger back and forth between us. The movement draws my attention to the subtle curve of her wrist. It’s such a simple thing, but I have to fight the urge to reach out and trace the line of her fingers with my own. “I have to say, it’s a bit surreal seeing you after all these years.”

“Actually, I’m surprised you didn’t recognize me sooner, Lady Lightning .”

A genuine, warm laugh fills the room. “Oh my God, I can’t believe you remember that nickname.”

I grin, a little sheepi sh but mostly pleased she remembers. “Hard to forget the girl who kept saving the day all summer.”

Charlotte shakes her head, still laughing. “I’m pretty sure you were the one doing most of the saving. I just kept the kids from tying you up with the jump ropes.”

I chuckle as the memories come back in a rush. The way she looked back then, her eyes full of mischief, not all that different from now. The way she’d lighten up even the toughest days with just a smile. But there’s something more to her now, a maturity that makes her even more captivating.

“Who would’ve thought we’d end up here, of all places?”

“Life has a funny way of working out,” she agrees, her eyes scanning over my face, lingering like she’s seeing right through me. “I always wondered what happened to you after that summer.”

The sincerity in her words strikes me, and I realize how much I wanted to hear her say that. To know I wasn’t the only one who held onto those memories.

“I wondered about you, too,” I murmur.

There’s another beat of silence. I scramble for words, to say anything to stop myself from doing something stupid like telling her how much I regret not kissing her. Or telling her how much I want to kiss her right now.

“Mama, look what I drew!” Meadow’s voice calls out from the living room.

The spell breaks, and Charlotte’s focus shifts entirely to her daughter, her expression softening in a way that has nothing to do with me.

“I should go check on her,” she says, offering me a quick smile as she stands.

A part of me wants to reach out, to pull her back and keep her in this moment with me just a little longer. But Charlotte’s a mom first, and that’s one of the things I respect most about her.

“Yeah, of course,” I say, pushing my own chair back to stand. “I should get going anyway. But thanks for agreeing to help. It means a lot.”

“Thanks for thinking of me,” she replies, her words tugging at something deep inside me.

“Always.” The word slips out before I can stop it. Bu t fuck it, it’s true. And it feels good to say out loud.

I know I should leave, but I can’t quite make myself walk out the door. “Maybe… I could come by and help with the baking?”

Her laugh is playful, the sound curling low in my gut. She raises a brow at me, clearly skeptical. “You bake, Jake?”

It’s flirtatious, and it’s a challenge I'm more than willing to rise to.

“Oh, I can handle a spoon and batter. Worst case, I burn something and you put me on dish duty.” I wink, confident it’ll land how I want.

“Well, maybe I’ll take you up on that.”

“Good,” I say, savoring the hint of pink on her cheeks. “Just text me the ingredients you need.”

As I turn back to the door, Meadow rushes over, holding a unicorn picture. “Look, Jake! I made this for you!”

I crouch, taking the artwork. It’s a colorful swirl of rainbows and sparkles with a very enthusiastic unicorn front and center. “This is awesome, Princess. Gonna put it in my locker for good luck.”

Her wide eyes light up. “Really?”

And just like that, this kid has me wrapped around her tiny finger. I’m tempted to drive straight back to the arena and immediately frame this in my locker.

“Really,” I promise, giving her pretty hair a soft ruffle before looking back up at her equally pretty mother. “Even Captain Thunder needs a little magic, right?”

Charlotte’s eyes flicker with recognition, the corner of her mouth lifting in a knowing smile. “Right,” she echoes softly.

“See you soon, Lady Lightning,” I say, unable to help the warmth in my voice.

“See you soon,” she says, her voice a little breathless. I’m definitely having an effect on her, and damn it feels good.

I hesitate at the door, wanting to keep this conversation going so I can find other ways to get under her skin. But the words are caught somewhere between my heart and my throat.

What the hell am I doing? This visit was supposed to be about the charity event, but now I’m leaving with a thousand unspoken questions, the biggest one flashing like a neon sign: Wanna go on a date?

Instead, I give her one last smile and tap the doorframe lightly. “Text me,” I say softly before stepping outside.

As I walk to my SUV, something’s shifted. Not just in her, but me too. The pull’s still there, a spark that feels like it’s been waiting years to ignite.

And this time, Captain Thunder is ready to strike.