Page 29 of Bravely Yours

She smiled. “Do you think he’s great?”

I huffed. I loved my mom, but I did not have time for her reverse psychology crap tonight.

“Of course. I think he’s amazing. But I’ve been blind to red flags before.” I sucked in air, then forced out the last of my thoughts. “So please, for the love of God, tell me I’m not wrong this time.”

“Oh, honey.” She pulled me into a hug. “I can’t promise you that he won’t break your heart, but no, I don’t think you’re wrong for thinking he’s amazing.” She pulled back to look at me. “And I think he feels the same.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because all night, his attention has been fixed on either you or Nora.”

I glanced back into the living room, meeting Jay’s gaze. The smirk he shot back had my body doing stupid things.

“He’s really good with her,” I whispered as my one-year-old giggled from where she was balanced on his knee.

Her smile was slow. “He is.”

There was a but coming. Dammit. Heart in my throat, I studied her, waiting.

“But just make sure he’s as amazing with you as he is with her.”

My stomach twisted. It was important that my potential life partner cherish Nora the way I did. But no, that wasn’t the only reason my heart soared. He looked at me with so much affection, and his touch made me feel safe, loved. Even the way he cared for Nora showed his affection and dedication to me. He was obviously smitten with Nora, but he also understood that by taking care of her, he was taking care of me. Like occupying her while I cooked dinner or putting her to bed so I didn’t feel guilty leaving her there crying for me.

The thoughts swirled for the rest of the evening. Even after he carried Nora out and put her into her seat and we were in the car heading home. Even after he continued to be patient with me every time I said he didn’t have to do something. He would just cup my cheek and remind me for the hundredth time that he knew, but that hewantedto.

Chapter Twenty

JAY

I proppedmyself up against the wall, one ankle crossed over the other, and watched, entranced by this gorgeous woman working in her kitchen. She subconsciously did a little booty shake as she washed the dishes.

These carefree moments, when she wasn’t stressing or worrying about all the things that loomed over her, were rare, and I couldn’t help but soak them in. I’d offered to put Nora to bed because it was easier on Sarah. Although Nora hadbeen going down better, it was clear that it still hurt Sarah to leave Nora in her crib if she was fussing.

As I came up behind her, she startled, but quickly, she relaxed back into my chest.

I understood now why she startled so easily sometimes. But would that ever go away?

“So did I get the parental approval?”

“My dad gave you his favorite beer.” She chuckled. “He only does that for people he likes.”

“Yeah, but he asked if I was old enough to have one first.”

She spun, and her mouth fell open. “He did what?”

“I thought it was hilarious.” I shrugged. “Your dad speaks my language.”

Lips turning down, she lowered her head and focused on the floor between us.

I gripped her chin with my thumb and forefinger, gently raising her face so I could look her in the eyes.

“What is it?”

“People will wonder why a hot young guy like you is dating a thirty-one-year-old single mom.”

My heart clenched at the sadness in her tone. I didn’t give a shit about what people thought. “You have it backward. They’re all going to wonder what the blond bombshell is doing with the young idiot.”

Her only response was a sigh.

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