Page 44 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
I know she’s scared. Not just of Randy, but of trusting anyone again. Of believing someone might actually stay.
Well, I’m staying.
She needs consistency. Protection. Maybe even someone who can take a bit of the weight off her shoulders. I don’t know what this will become, but I know I want to be the one standing beside her when the storm hits.
I take another sip of coffee, the hot liquid scalding my tongue. The pain barely registers compared to the turmoil swirlinginside me. Maybe I shouldn’t be thinking this way. It hasn’t been that long since Ava and Eli crashed into our lives. Normal people don’t fall this hard, this fast.
Then again, normal has never exactly been my style.
My whole life, I’ve been the impulsive one. Jumping into situations feet first, never hesitating once I’ve made up my mind. Liam and Cole have always been cautious and strategic. Me? I trust my gut, make decisions, and commit fully. Sure, I think things through, briefly, but once my mind’s set, I’m all in.
And last night, sitting under the stars with Ava, my gut made a crystal-clear decision. I’m not leaving her. I’m not letting Randy get anywhere near her or Eli ever again. And I’m sure as hell not allowing her to slip back into that isolated fear she’s lived in for so long.
But Ava called our kiss a mistake. Said it, almost apologetically, her voice trembling with uncertainty. I saw right through her, though. That wasn’t regret or disinterest. It was fear. Fear of getting hurt, fear of relying on someone only to lose them. She’s guarding her heart fiercely, understandably so.
Little does she realize, it’s far too late for that. She’s already stolen mine.
Footsteps coming down the stairs break my restless thoughts. I look up just as Liam enters the kitchen. He’s already dressed in jeans, a simple T-shirt, and boots. His standard uniform, down to the scowl creasing his forehead. Morning-Liam, pre-coffee, is about as friendly as a rattlesnake with a headache, and I can’t resist the urge to provoke him.
“Morning, sunshine,” I say with exaggerated cheerfulness, offering a bright smile that I know will irritate him. “Another beautiful day, isn’t it?”
Liam gives me a glare that could melt paint, his response little more than a low grunt. Without another word, he heads straight for the coffee pot. I stifle a chuckle, pouring him a steaming cup before he can reach it. He accepts it silently, lifting the mug to his lips as though it holds the antidote for his bad mood.
“Always a pleasure talking to you in the morning,” I tease, leaning back against the counter. “Your enthusiasm is truly infectious.”
He shoots me a dark look over his cup but remains quiet, clearly unwilling to engage just yet. Before I can continue poking the bear, Cole pads into the kitchen, footsteps silent even on the old wooden floors.
Cole gives us both a quiet nod, eyes flicking curiously between Liam and me, sensing tension. Without a word, I prepare another mug of coffee, handing it to Cole along with the milk he always takes.
“Morning,” Cole says, his voice calm and deep as usual, taking his first careful sip.
I clear my throat, deciding there’s no point delaying the inevitable. “So, something happened last night.”
Liam and Cole both turn toward me, alert, their attention fully focused. Liam narrows his eyes suspiciously, coffee mug hovering near his mouth.
“What happened?” he demands curtly.
“I kissed Ava,” I say bluntly, meeting their shocked expressions head-on. “And before either of you starts lecturing me about professionalism or whatever, hear me out.”
Liam’s jaw clenches so tightly it looks painful. Cole just raises his eyebrows, his expression neutral, waiting patiently for me to explain further.
“Last night, Ava came downstairs late, and we had a conversation,” I start, my voice firm but steady. “She couldn’t sleep, and honestly, neither could I. We talked about how scared she is about being alone again when this job ends. About how hard it’s been for her to carry the responsibility of Eli’s safety entirely on her shoulders. And guys, she admitted she feels safer here, with us, than she ever did in witness protection.”
Liam’s eyes soften, but suspicion still lingers there. “So, you decided kissing her was the solution?” he says sarcastically.
I sigh, giving him a frustrated look. “It wasn’t exactly planned, Liam. But in the moment, it felt right. And I don’t regret it. In fact, it clarified a lot of things for me.”
“What exactly did it clarify?” Cole asks, his voice calm, curious rather than accusing.
“I’m not willing to leave her. Or Eli. Not until Randy is no longer a threat.”
Liam scoffs, disbelief clear in his tone. “Jax, do you realize how ridiculous you sound?”
“I don’t see it that way at all,” I argue stubbornly.
“Then what the hell do you call it?” Liam challenges harshly. “We have a business, responsibilities. How exactly do you plan to manage that if you’re off babysitting Ava indefinitely?”
“I’ll manage from behind the scenes,” I shoot back, shrugging. “I can still handle things remotely. But I’m staying with Ava, Liam. My mind’s made up.”
