Page 52 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
And there’s Liam. I can’t imagine what he must be thinking. He’s probably disgusted by my behavior, knowing I kissed both of his closest friends. But then, he’s been avoiding me so blatantly, maybe he doesn’t even care.
My stomach twists again, anxiety creeping in as my thoughts spiral endlessly. The idea of being honest with any of them terrifies me. It would mean facing emotions I’m not ready for, putting my already fragile heart on the line again. I’ve spent years protecting Eli, focusing solely on his safety. Allowing myself to feel this deeply for not just one, but three men feels reckless.
But there’s a part of me—a stupid, hopeful, impulsive part—that wonders if it could work. Yet even as the thought crosses my mind, reality slams down hard. They’re here temporarily. Eventually, this job ends, and they’ll leave. There’s no logical way for anything real to come of this.
A burst of laughter echoes up from downstairs, Eli’s bright giggles accompanied by Jax’s loud whoops and Cole’s low chuckle. I smile faintly again, heart aching with both happiness and sorrow. Eli’s attachment to them grows deeper every day. The way he looks at them—like heroes, role models, the father figures he’s always lacked—it breaks my heart. He deserves so much better than the uncertainty and confusion I’ve allowed to seep into our lives.
Sighing heavily, I stretch, muscles stiff from lying so long in one position. My eyes drift again to the window, focusing briefly on the distant horses. The late-afternoon sunlight has begun softening, casting everything in gentle golden hues. But even the peaceful scene outside can’t fully calm the storm raging within me.
My pulse quickens, heart thumping anxiously as I contemplate what to do next. Do I continue avoiding everyone? Do I pretend nothing happened, acting oblivious to the kisses and unspoken tension? That might be easiest, safest. Eli’s happiness matters too much to risk further hurt and confusion.
I sit up, running my hands nervously through my tangled hair, frustration and embarrassment washing over me again. God, Ava, get your shit together. You’re a grown-ass woman, a mother, not some confused teenager. These feelings can’t derail your entire life. Focus.
Yet even as I lecture myself silently, uncertainty still lingers stubbornly at the edges of my thoughts. There’s no clear answer, no easy solution to this tangled emotional mess I’ve created. I close my eyes, rubbing the tension from my temples, hoping some clarity will magically present itself.
Outside, Cocoa lifts her head again, ears perked attentively as if sensing my turmoil. Then she turns, moving toward the group of horses grazing farther out. The simplicity of their lives, their uncomplicated relationships—it makes me ache with envy and longing.
Lying here, stewing in my own guilt, isn’t going to solve anything, and it’s definitely not going to get me closer to figuring out how to handle this mess. With a frustrated sigh, I toss backthe quilt and swing my legs off the bed, padding softly toward the bedroom door.
The house has gone quiet. Eli must’ve convinced the guys to take him outside, so I take the opportunity to slip down the hall toward the bathroom, desperate to splash some cold water on my face and shake off my own self-pity.
I’m so lost in my thoughts that I don’t hear the footsteps approaching the bathroom door until I collide face-first into a solid wall of muscle. Panic jolts through me, and I let out a startled yelp, stumbling backward.
Strong hands catch my shoulders, steadying me immediately. “Easy, it’s just me.”
My pulse is racing as I look up into Liam’s face, illuminated dimly by the hall nightlight. He’s staring down at me, eyebrows drawn together in confusion and mild amusement.
“Jesus, Liam. You scared the shit out of me.”
His lips twitch in something that might almost be a smile, if Liam were actually capable of smiling. “I gathered. What are you doing wandering around in the dark?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” I shoot back defensively, crossing my arms.
Liam shrugs, expression unreadable. “Security check.”
Of course he is. Because Liam doesn’t relax, ever. Even here, even now, he’s still in full protector mode.
An awkward silence settles between us. I shift uncomfortably, unsure of what to say. The tension we’ve been dancing aroundever since I kissed his friends seems to crackle louder in the quiet hallway.
Finally, Liam clears his throat, eyes flicking away for a brief second before returning to mine. “You okay?”
I blink, taken off guard by the quiet sincerity of his question. “I’m fine.”
Liam arches an eyebrow and then says, “If that’s what you want me to believe.”
He goes to walk away, and don’t ask me why the words fall out of my lips, but they do.
“Liam?”
He stops and turns partially to face me, his shadow long in the hallway light. I swallow the lump rising in my throat.
“I… I just wanted you to know that you guys are all equal to me. I really value all of you, and I hope, no matter what, you know that.”
His expression shifts, something unreadable flickers in his eyes. Then, before I can register what’s happening, he takes one step forward. Then another. His boots are nearly touching my bare toes.
“Is that right?” he asks, voice low. Quiet. Dangerous in the way it curls around my spine.
I nod, breath caught in my throat.
