Page 90 of Faking It With My Pucking Protector

I nod, my cheek rubbing against his chest, the steady beat of his heart soothing.

Afterward, he pulls me closer, one strong arm locking around my waist, the other cradling the back of my head. I press my face to his chest, breath still ragged, and for a second, everything stops.

“You’ve made me feel things I didn’t think I could feel again, Ava. I never thought I’d be ready for something like this, but now I’m here, with you, and I’m not going anywhere.”

I swallow hard, warmth blooming in my chest at the certainty in his voice. It’s not just the heat between us anymore. There’s trust now, too. The sense that we’re finally letting go of everything that’s held us back.

I lean into him, knowing I’m ready for what’s next.

Chapter Twenty-Six

JACKSON

Something wakes me early. Maybe it’s the soft shift of blankets or just the quiet sense that I’m not alone in this bed anymore.

I lie there for a while, letting my eyes adjust to the faint light slipping through the curtains. Ava’s still asleep, her face turned slightly toward me, her hand resting lightly against my side.

Waking up next to her feels as natural as breathing.

I can’t help it. I lean in, brushing my lips lightly against her lips, a soft kiss that feels like more than a simple gesture.

Ava shifts then, her lashes fluttering as she starts to wake. She blinks up at me, her eyes soft and a little hazy, and then that small, sleepy smile spreads across her face.

After a long, comfortable silence, she shifts slightly, her voice a little teasing, but warm. “Good morning, real boyfriend.”

I chuckle softly, my heart catching.

“Good morning, real girlfriend,” I answer, enjoying how the words settle in my chest.

Ava plants a kiss on my lips, then slips into the bathroom while I dig out a hoodie and jeans. I hear the water running, her quiet movements. The normal sounds of someone moving through my space, and it hits me all over again how right it feels.

I grab my phone, and without thinking too much, I text my mom.

Mom, just wanted to let you know I’m dating Ava now.

I never thought I’d be here, but here we are.

I hit send, the weight of it settling in my chest. I never imagined I’d be telling her I’m ready to move forward, to let someone in. A minute later, my phone buzzes.

Greg’s little sister? Oh, I'm so happy for you, honey.

I’m glad to hear you’re letting yourself be happy again.

Tell her hello from me. You deserve this, Jackson.

Her words stick with me as Ava and I head downstairs a few moments later.

Downstairs, the house is already bustling. The scent of coffee hits first. Then the sound of the twins chattering, voices overlapping in that chaotic way only six-year-olds can manage.

Miss Taylor glances up from the kitchen island, a mug in hand and a patient smile on her face. “Good morning,” she says, eyes twinkling. “They’ve been up since seven. I think they’ve rebuilt half the LEGO city already.”

I grin. “They’re ambitious.”

Ava appears behind me, hair still damp, cheeks flushed. She offers Miss Taylor a warm, easy smile. “Good morning.”

The twins barrel in a second later, arms full of colorful bricks. “Daddy! Ava! Look!” Liam beams, holding up a half-constructed tower.

I watch as Ava crouches to admire their handiwork, her voice warm and full of encouragement. Noah tugs at her sleeve, bouncing with excitement. “This part is where the dragonssleep,” he says quickly. “And this”—he points to a stack of crooked bricks—“is the trap in case bad guys come.”