Page 37 of Jay Bird

“I’m not seeing anyone.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

“And if some mystery woman appears claiming otherwise, don’t let her inside. She’s probably just after the TV.”

Willow huffed cutely. “I’m serious.”

“So am I. That’s an expensive TV,” Jay Bird argued, trying to keep a straight face.

Willow rolled her eyes, and he found he liked that she was already comfortable enough to do it around him. Her fingers idly traced the condensation on her glass.

“There’s something else. As soon as I get identification sorted out, I’m going to start looking for work.”

Jay Bird leaned back. “Okay.”

“I worked as a receptionist, but I was going to school to be a veterinary technician before everything happened. I don’t know what my education status is, considering it’s been three years. But I want to finish it and earn my degree.”

“Okay.”

Her gaze lifted to his. The certainty in his answer seemed to catch her off guard.

“And when I do, I’m going to pay you back.”

Jay Bird almost told her absolutely fucking not, but he stopped himself. There was a stubborn set to her jaw he’d already learned to recognize, and he knew arguing with her now would accomplish nothing.

He gave her a slight nod instead. “Okay.”

Willow started at him. “You aren’t going to argue?”

“Nope.”

Suspicion entered her eyes.

Smart woman. Jay Bird had absolutely no intention of accepting a dime from her, but that was a future Jay Bird problem. For now, the current version of him preferred peace.

“And I can cook.”

Jay Bird grinned. “I’m aware. You threatened my kitchen earlier.”

“I said I could do damage.”

“Same thing.”

She smiled. “I’ll cook dinner and clean up around here. I can do laundry, vacuum, or whatever else needs doing.”

His eyebrows drew together. “You don’t need to—”

“I’m not saying I have to. I want to contribute.” She glanced around the living room. “And frankly, this place could use some sprucing up.”

Jay Bird stared at her. “Excuse me?”

Willow tried to look innocent, but it didn’t quite land. “I’m just saying the leather couch and giant television seem lonely.”

“They have each other.”

She laughed. “I also promise Lily won’t be in your hair. I’ll make sure she keeps her toys in the room.”

Jay Bird leaned forward. “First of all, Lily couldn’t bother me if she tried. She can run through this house. She can leave toys in the living room. Hell, she can color on the walls if she wants.”