Page 80 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
She hesitates, eyes flicking to each of us in turn, clearly gauging our reactions. Eventually, she lets out a tired sigh and shakes her head, offering a dry, humorless smile.
“Honestly? It caught me off guard. But Eli’s made up his mind—he chose you three. Who am I to tell him no?”
Jax snorts, leaning against the wall with his usual ease. “Kid has impeccable taste. Clearly gets it from his mom.”
Cole elbows Jax, rolling his eyes. “You’re just impressed he gave you ice cream strategies.”
Jax shrugs, not denying it. Ava’s mouth twitches into a genuine smile now, the tension in her shoulders easing a fraction. When her gaze settles on me, it’s sharp, searching—not for reassurance, exactly, but something close enough. She’s checking to see if I’m truly on board.
I step closer, keeping my voice firm and steady, no room for doubt. “Eli knows exactly what he wants, Ava. As far as I’m concerned, the kid’s judgment is solid.”
She nods, weighing my words before she responds. “So, we’re really doing this, then?”
I hold her stare, unflinching. “Already decided.”
Ava relaxes visibly at that, dropping her arms and exhaling like some invisible pressure just eased off her chest. The cautious hesitation she’s worn since Eli’s question fades toacceptance, and something deeper, something more resolved, settles between us all.
“Alright,” she says, voice steadier now. “We’re all in.”
Jax pushes off the wall, already turning toward the living room. “About damn time.”
Cole gives a quiet chuckle, following closely behind. I gesture for Ava to walk ahead, falling into step at her side, the silence between us comfortable. No sentimental words needed. We’ve made the decision, and it's one I stand by without question.
Whatever shit comes our way, we’ll handle it. Together.
32
COLE
Eli’s been asleep for a while now, leaving the downstairs quiet except for Ava’s soft laughter as Jax teases her from across the room. She’s curled up comfortably on the sofa, wearing those little sleep shorts that have become my weakness. I try not to stare, but my eyes keep drifting back to her bare legs, and each glance makes it harder to keep my thoughts clean.
I catch Jax smirking knowingly at me. He’d made a point of mentioning just how good she looked in shorts more than once since his little private moment with her a few days ago. Seeing her like this, I have to admit the bastard had a point.
Liam is busy tidying the kitchen, and Jax is lounging comfortably in the opposite chair, leaving Ava alone and easily accessible on the couch.
I watch her for a moment, taking in the way she’s curled up with one leg tucked beneath her, the soft hem of her shorts riding dangerously high. She’s focused on something Jax is saying, laughing quietly, completely unaware of the effect she’s having on me.
I move.
Crossing the room in a few silent strides, I ease down beside her on the couch without a word. She looks up at me in surprise, smile widening as I pull the throw blanket from the back of the couch and drape it casually over both of us. Her bare thigh brushes against mine under the soft fabric, and I take a slow, deep breath to steady myself. She doesn't flinch or pull away. She's safe here, with me, and somehow, that means more than it should.
“You cold?” I ask, voice low enough for just her.
She gives me a curious look, cheeks slightly flushed. “Not really.”
I lean in, brushing my lips along the curve of her ear. “You will be.”
Her breath catches, and that’s all the invitation I need.
I shift just slightly, angling my body to shield what’s happening under the blanket from anyone else’s view. My hand drifts slowly beneath it, brushing the outside of her knee, then higher… inch by inch along the inside of her thigh.
She tenses, then relaxes just as quickly, her gaze flicking toward the kitchen and then back to me.
“Cole…” she warns softly.
I don’t answer. Just smile.
From across the room, Jax tosses popcorn into the air and catches it in his mouth, totally oblivious.
