Page 112 of Jay Bird

There was nothing sexual about the touch. Willow’s eyes filled with tears.

For years, touch had been something taken from her. Even after escaping, there were moments when an unexpected hand near her body could send panic racing through her. This wasn’t that.

She had chosen this. She had said yes.

“Jesus, Willow,” he murmured.

She immediately looked away. “That’s why I don’t want people seeing them.”

“No.” Jay Bird stepped around until he was standing in front of her. “That’s not why I said that.”

She blinked back tears. “They’re ugly.”

His jaw tightened. “What he did was ugly. Not you.”

Willow stared at him.

Jay Bird lifted his hands but stopped before touching her again.

When she didn’t pull away, he rested them gently against her upper arms.

“You don’t have to show these scars to anybody until you’re ready.”

“What if I’m never ready?”

“Then I’ll buy you every damn cover-up in Virginia.”

A wet laugh escaped her. “Every one?”

“Every single one.”

“That’s a lot of cover-ups.”

“I’ve got a steady paycheck. I’ll survive.”

She laughed again, wiping beneath her eyes.

Jay Bird smiled. “But don’t hide them because you’re worried about what I think.”

Willow looked down. “I was.”

His fingers gently tightened around her arms. “There isn’t a damn thing you could show me that’s going to change the way I look at you.”

That nearly started the tears all over again.

“You keep saying things like that, and I’m going to cry.”

“Please don’t. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do when you cry.”

She looked at him incredulously. “You’re a Navy SEAL.”

“Exactly. Shoot at me, I’m good. Crying woman? Completely outside my training.”

Willow laughed.

Jay Bird smiled before leaning forward and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Keep the top on. Wear shorts. Wear a cover-up. Hell, wear a winter coat if you want.”