Page 22 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
“Understood,” Cole mutters, shifting in his seat.
The silence returns, and I sink back against the seat, eyes again drawn helplessly toward Ava’s sleeping form. She stirs, her mouth closing before falling open again as she slips deeper into sleep. She shifts again, murmuring under her breath, and something warm flares in my chest at the simple, peaceful sight.
We reach the motel quicker than I expect, the low buildings appearing out of the darkness like shadowy specters. Liam parks around back, in a spot shielded by trees, engine idling.
“Stay put,” he instructs, stepping out smoothly and disappearing toward the front office.
As silence settles again, I glance toward Cole. He’s still facing out the window, expression unreadable.
“So,” I say, lowering my voice even further, “what do you think of Ava and Eli? They seem...different, right?”
Cole’s gaze flicks briefly to mine, eyes narrowed. “Different from what?”
I shrug, uncomfortable under his steady scrutiny. “Just...I don’t know. They’re good people. Genuine. Ava’s stronger than she looks, and Eli? He’s a great kid.”
Cole grunts again, eyes back out the window. “Yeah.”
I roll my eyes, sighing in frustration. Of course, the broody bastard would refuse to elaborate. “You’re a great conversationalist, Cole, you know that?”
He snorts, a faint smirk ghosting across his lips. “You talk enough for both of us.”
“Fair,” I concede, smiling despite myself as my eyes drift again toward Ava. Her lips part softly as she exhales a deep breath, eyelashes fluttering in sleep. My gaze lingers longer than it should, tracing the soft curve of her cheek, the delicate dip of her collarbone. I shouldn’t be watching her like this. But damn if I can help it. “I just mean, there’s something about them. Ava—she’s got depth, you know? I can’t quite figure her out yet.”
Cole’s gaze meets mine briefly again, something unreadable in his expression. “Maybe that’s the point. Maybe you’re not supposed to.”
I pause, considering his words. Maybe he’s right. But even still, I find myself inexplicably wanting to know her better, to unravel whatever mystery lies behind those guarded hazel eyes.
Cole’s phone buzzes, and he glances down briefly. “We’re clear.”
I nod and gently touch Ava’s shoulder. She stirs, eyes flying open in a panic before recognition settles in.
“Hey,” I say, “it’s just me. We’re at the motel.”
“Oh,” she whispers sleepily, blinking rapidly to clear the fog of exhaustion. “Okay. Eli, honey, wake up.”
Eli murmurs, leaning further into Ava’s side. “Don’t wanna.”
“I know, sweetie,” Ava soothes, stroking his hair. “Just a few minutes, okay?”
“Kay,” Eli agrees grudgingly, sitting up with heavy eyes.
We step from the car, Cole and I grabbing the duffel bags and guiding Ava and Eli across the still parking lot. Ava moves like she’s underwater, each step slow and unsteady, exhaustion clearly weighing heavily on her.
Inside the motel room, Eli yawns widely, eyes barely open, as Ava guides him toward the small bathroom. She silently washes his face, brushes his teeth, and helps him into pajamas, every movement gentle and patient despite her exhaustion. When she finally lifts him onto the bed, he collapses into sleep, small snores filling the room.
Ava disappears into the bathroom herself, emerging moments later in a worn, oversized T-shirt that hits just above her knees. All three of us freeze, eyes involuntarily tracing the soft curve of her thighs beneath the hem of the shirt. Ava’s oblivious, her eyes heavy-lidded with sleep as she crawls onto the bed beside Eli, lying down and immediately slipping into deep, even breaths.
Cole clears his throat, eyes averted. Liam shifts awkwardly, turning toward me with a faint smirk.
“Guess sleeping arrangements just got interesting.”
I roll my eyes, forcing a casual smirk despite the unexpected tightness in my chest. “One bed, a couch, and an armchair. I’ve had worse.”
Liam nods, glancing toward Ava again. His face softens, then sharpens again. “I’ll take first watch.”
“No,” I argue immediately, shaking my head. “You drove all day, Liam. Get some rest. I’ve got first watch.”
Liam hesitates, clearly reluctant, but finally nods. “Fine. Wake me up in three hours.”
