Page 75 of Jay Bird

“I told her I didn’t understand how I could have feelings toward a man after Chen. I spent three years being controlled by someone who treated me like I wasn’t human.” Her voice softened. “You would think every instinct I have would tell me to stay away from someone like you.”

“Someone like me?”

“Look at you. You’re huge, and whether you know it or not, you are very intimidating. You’ve got that Navy SEAL badass vibe.”

He looked offended. “That’s not my fault.”

She laughed, and then grew serious again. “But I feel safe with you. I trust you. I feel peaceful when you’re around.” Willow looked down briefly. “You listen to me. You don’t make decisions for me. You ask before you touch me.” Her gaze moved back to his. “And Lily…” She felt a slip out of her eye. “I can already tell that she loves you. And you’re incredible with her. That matters more to me than I can explain.” She took a deep breath. “Is this too fast?”

Jay Bird’s hand shifted on her waist, while his other came up to wipe the tear from her cheek.

“Maybe it is,” he said quietly. “But that doesn’t change how I feel. Somewhere along the way, that little girl got wrapped around my finger, and her mom got under my skin.” His thumb brushed gently over her cheek. “I don’t know what this is going to look like yet, Willow, but I know I want the chance to find out. With both of you. I’m not going to push you. Whatever happens here happens at your pace.”

“Our pace,” she corrected.

Jay Bird stared at her.

“If we’re talking about being equals, then it can’t only be my pace.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “Fair enough.”

“My pace might still be very slow.”

“I can handle slow.”

She smiled.

Jay Bird’s expression turned more serious.

“My career isn’t easy either. Sometimes we leave with no warning. There are times I’m gone longer than planned, and the majority of the time, I can’t tell you where I am.”

“That’s scary.”

“It is.”

He didn’t sugarcoat it, and Willow found she appreciated that more than she expected.

“But one thing I can guarantee you is a support system when I do have to leave.” He lifted one hand and carefully brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. “You and Lily aren’t alone anymore.”

Willow leaned slightly into his touch before she could stop herself.

“I don’t need someone controlling my life. But I don’t mind someone standing beside me.”

His eyes softened. “That I can do.”

She smiled. “Slow?”

“Slow.”

Willow laughed softly, then shifted a little closer and settled more comfortably against his chest.

Jay Bird adjusted his hold around her automatically.

For the first time, sitting on a man’s lap didn’t make Willow feel trapped. She could move whenever she wanted. And somehow, that simple certainty was exactly what made her stay.

Her gaze drifted toward the dock. “You know what this area needs?”

Jay Bird groaned. “Don’t.”