Page 61 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
My pulse quickens further at the sound of my name in his deep voice. I swallow hard, trying not to let my sudden nerves show.
“Absolutely.”
His eyes linger on mine for just a second longer than necessary, sending a shiver down my spine. “We’ll see about that.”
The last cards are dealt, and my heart thuds steadily in my chest. I study Liam, searching for any sign or indication of his hand, but his expression gives nothing away. I glance back at my cards, my confidence faltering.
“Your move,” Liam murmurs, leaning back in his chair.
“Fine,” I mutter, forcing a casual shrug as I push the last of my chips forward. “I’m all in.”
He meets my eyes steadily, unreadable. “Bold move, Ava.”
“I like to live dangerously,” I quip, hoping he can’t hear the tremor in my voice.
His lips finally curve into a faint smile, and my breath catches. He reveals his cards, the triumph in his eyes unmistakable.
“Sorry, Ava,” Liam murmurs. “Looks like I win.”
My heart sinks as I stare at his winning hand, the reality settling heavily over me. Liam’s eyes never leave mine, and he leans forward, his voice gentle yet firm.
“Now tell us,” Liam says quietly. “Why have you been avoiding us?”
I glance away, embarrassment rising hotly in my cheeks.
“You already know,” I whisper. “I don’t see why I have to say it again.”
Jax leans forward, eyes softening. “Because we need to hear it from you, Ava. Your words, not ours.”
I take a deep breath, my voice trembling as I finally admit the truth. “I’ve kissed all three of you.”
Cole’s expression is calm and reassuring, his voice gentle as he speaks. “We know, Ava.”
“Then why make me say it?” I snap, the vulnerability twisting into frustration. “I know you tell each other everything.”
Jax’s voice is softer than I expect. “Because it mattered that you said it. That you were ready to face it.”
I swallow hard, my heart pounding. “Face what, exactly?”
Jax glances briefly at Cole, then back at me. There’s no teasing in his eyes now—just raw honesty. “After that night... we talked. A lot. About you. About us. And we realized something.”
I don’t breathe. “What did you realize?”
Jax steps forward, his voice quiet but unwavering. “That we’re not interested in fighting each other for your heart. Not when we all already care about you.”
Cole adds, his tone equally sincere, “You don’t have to choose between us, Ava. Not unless you want to. But if you don’t—if there’s even a part of you that wants this, wants us—then we’re ready. Together.”
“You could have all of us,” Jax finishes gently. “If that’s what you want.”
Shock floods through me, breath catching painfully in my throat. I stare silently at them, mind spinning, utterly overwhelmed, and completely unsure what to say.
My heart hammers against my ribs as Jax’s words echo through my mind, leaving me breathless. I stare at each of them, pulsequickening in confusion, disbelief, and overwhelming desire. I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out at first.
“What?” I manage, finally, voice trembling as my gaze darts between the three of them. “You…you decided what?”
Cole offers a small, reassuring smile, leaning closer. His gaze is gentle, filled with genuine sincerity. “We decided we could share you, Ava. But, only if that’s something you want, too.”
Jax gives a soft laugh, nudging her knee gently with his. “Besides, that card game gave you a few wins of your own.”
