Stay with Me by Jules Bennett (3)

Jax knew instantly that they weren’t alone anymore, but he wasn’t going to stop playing with his daughter simply because the princess had returned. Piper’s squeals had him spinning and running faster. She had an adventurous spirit just like her father. His spunky daughter may have been the exact image of her mother, but thankfully she didn’t have the personality.

“Daddy,” Piper giggled. “You have a visitor.”

Yeah, he knew, but he didn’t like this visitor. He slowed down and slowly put Piper on her feet. One of her ponytails was lopsided, but he was pretty proud he’d mastered this little-girl style. Those tiny rubber bands he had to use in her hair were damn hard to maneuver with hands his size.

Piper raced across the hangar toward Olivia. Jax opted to stand back to see what she wanted. No doubt she thought they’d pick up where they left off in conversation earlier.

He had to bite back a smile when he realized she’d changed. Now she wore a pair of white cropped pants and a fitted red tank. She still had on a pair of damn heels. Did she always have to silently scream money?

“My name is Piper,” his daughter greeted because she’d never met a stranger. “I’m four. You’re really pretty. Did you need Daddy to fly you somewhere?”

Olivia met his gaze from across the open space. When she quirked her brow, he merely smiled.

“No.” Olivia looked back down to Piper and squatted down to get on her level. “I’m actually here to give him this sack.”

“Like a present?” Piper exclaimed.

“Exactly like a present,” she stated, holding her hand out. “I’m Olivia and you are pretty, too. My age isn’t important.”

“Does that mean you’re old?” Piper asked. “Because you don’t look old. Can I guess your age?”

Oh, this was always a fun game. Jax waited to see what number she’d come up with. He never knew what she’d say . . . the joys of parenthood. Sometimes she guessed him to be fifteen and others she pegged him as eighty-eight.

“Well . . .” Olivia stood back up and shot a worried glance to him.

“I say nineteen.”

Olivia’s wide smile did that whole twisty thing to his gut again. He liked it better when she was grouchy and frowning.

“I’m quite flattered, but I’m a little older.”

Piper shrugged and turned, threw her arms wide, and ran back toward Jax. “Go open the sack so I can see your surprise,” she told him as she ran right into his leg.

He scooped her up and tossed her over his shoulder, causing an instant scream. “Daddy,” she squealed.

Easing her down just a bit, he kept hold of her against his side as he headed toward Olivia and the mysterious sack . . . though he had a pretty good idea as to what she had in there, especially since she had changed.

“You didn’t have to bring me a peace offering.”

Olivia’s bright eyes narrowed into slits. “This is your dry cleaning. My new suit apparently has a stain on the a—”

“Yes, I believe I saw that when you left earlier.” Jax smiled as he darted a glance to his daughter, then back to Olivia. “I’m sure it was already there when you arrived.”

“Oh, I think you know exactly how it got there.”

“Can I go get some juice in the office?” Piper asked.

Jax sat her on her feet and she darted off out of the hangar to the adjoining office where he kept snacks and drinks. They seemed to be here more often than home, so he liked to keep things stocked. He even had a pull-out sofa because before Piper had started preschool, she’d be here most days and would take naps. Only when he was flying did he pay for a sitter.

Now that Piper was in all-day preschool, his schedule was a bit freer, but he missed her. He wasn’t used to being without his knee-high sidekick. They were a team. Where he went, she went. Even some flights he’d taken her on when the passengers didn’t mind and seating allowed. She loved the sky as much as he did, maybe more because she only knew the fun side of this job. The hard work hadn’t come into her life yet, but as she got older, he’d teach her the mechanics, the technical things so she was independent.

Not to mention he wanted her to know that sacrifice was all part of the job. But, when you were doing what you loved, then even the most trying things didn’t feel like work.

“She’s adorable,” Olivia stated once they were alone. “She must take after her mother.”

Jax knew her comment was meant to be a jab, but she’d hit a nerve. “Beyond her looks, she’s nothing like my ex-wife. She doesn’t even remember her, so don’t mention her again when Piper is around.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Olivia blinked, her face indeed expressing just how sorry she was. “I didn’t know.”

“Exactly,” he retorted, shoving his hands in his pockets. “There’s quite a bit you don’t know about what’s happened here since you left, so don’t come in all assuming.”

Silence surrounded them and Jax wondered if she was going to apologize again. But, nope. There went that defiant chin he’d been introduced to earlier. Oh, and right on cue there went the squared, rigid shoulders. Olivia was now in fighting position . . . he’d do best to keep his armor in place.

“I came to drop this off.” She dropped the sack between their feet and took a step back. “I was hoping we could talk, but maybe this isn’t the best time. Does tomorrow work for you?”

“I have two flights tomorrow before Piper gets out of school and then another one around five. Tomorrow won’t work.”

Olivia crossed her arms over her chest, which only managed to press her breasts up even higher in that scoop of her tank.

“Considering I’m pretty free while I’m in town, you tell me when you’re available.”

Jax thought to his schedule and really didn’t want to find free time. If she wanted to chat about how she could assist or help fund the new-to-him Cessna he’d been saving for, then he’d be all too obliging. But, since she wanted to rip away his whole livelihood and pass over a check like she was buying a pair of shoes, he wasn’t too quick to come up with a time.

“You’re going to make this difficult, aren’t you?” she asked on a sigh.

Jax shook his head. “I’m not the one being difficult. I’m doing my job, making sure my daughter has a happy, secure life. If you feel like this situation is difficult, maybe you should point the finger elsewhere.”

Why the hell hadn’t Paul put this place in Jax’s name only? Paul was fully aware that Jax had nothing else immediate to fall back on, that this airport and flying were his life. Jax loved Paul like a father, and Paul had said more than once that Jax was the son he’d never had. They’d shared a bond, something so deep and meaningful. And it was out of respect for the man who’d helped Jax through the toughest times in life that he was being so cordial to Olivia. Well, as cordial as he was capable of, considering the circumstances. He was pretty damn proud of how nice he was.

“Listen.” She dropped her arms and met his gaze with one of the sincerest look he’d yet seen from her. “I’m not trying to make your life harder. If you want to buy my half, fine. Otherwise, I’d really like to sell this place so I can be done in Haven and with memories once and for all.”

Jax truly didn’t get her disdain for what could’ve been her legacy. “Are you upset because I took over here? Were you wanting it?”

She jerked back, her nose wrinkling as if he’d just sprouted a third head. “Heavens, no. When I left, I never intended to come back. My mother made it clear that my dad chose this place over us. . . .”

She trailed off, her eyes darting over his shoulder to the plane. Blinking once again, she focused back on him. “My reasons don’t matter. But no, I’m not upset he gave this place to you. I just want it out of my life.”

There was no doubt she’d been misguided by her mother, because Paul had loved Olivia more than any airplane or this airstrip. When Olivia and her mother had left, Paul had been gutted and had thrown himself into his work even more. It was during that time that Jax really started hanging around more and taking on greater responsibility.

Paul had gotten so drunk one night and ended up spilling his emotions out in a tearful confession. How he’d e-mailed, but never knew what to say. How she did respond, but claimed she was happy in Atlanta. He’d worried he’d never see her again, that he’d driven her away for good. Paul had confided in Jax things that no one else knew, and Jax still held on to those secrets.

Olivia had a set opinion of her father and if she truly thought he hadn’t cared about her, then she didn’t deserve the truth.

“Daddy, this is the last juice box.” Piper came running back into the hangar, breaking the moment. “Are we still going to the movies? Can I have pop?”

Jax shot his daughter a knowing look. “Have I ever given you pop?”

“If I keep asking you will.”

Piper stopped in front of him and held out her juice for him to put the straw into it. Why these straws were made so flimsy and the holes so tiny was beyond his realm of comprehension. He was utterly convinced that people who made things targeted for kids had no kids of their own.

“When you’re older,” he stated, handing the pouch back to her.

“That’s what you always say,” she muttered. “I guess when I’m fifty I can have Pesi.”

“Pepsi,” he corrected with a grin. “And I was thinking more like sixty.”

When Piper groaned, he smiled and turned his attention back to Olivia. She stood there just staring at Piper, and he had no idea what was going through her head. She looked almost . . . sad. Was she having regrets about coming here and all but demanding he sell? He sure as hell hoped so because she was going to be waiting awhile if she was holding out for a different answer from him.

“Livie?”

She jumped as if he’d broken her trance. “Olivia,” she corrected.

Yeah, he remembered, but he liked to keep reminding her of her roots. Maybe he’d get through that thick head of hers just who she was and that running away didn’t change the person.

He should know.

“I . . . um . . .” Olivia seemed to be at a loss for words. “I’ll check back with you about our talk.”

“You could go on a date.”

Jax nearly choked on air at his daughter’s declaration. And when he glanced to Olivia, her wide eyes suggested she was just as caught off guard.

“Honey, why would you suggest that?” Jax squatted down next to Piper. This was the first time she’d ever said anything like that before.

“Bella in my class said her mom was going on a date and that if they like each other she might get a new dad.”

Jax’s heart clenched. He had no idea she’d even had such thoughts as wanting two parents. For four years he’d been both mom and dad. He’d even watched YouTube videos to try to figure out how the hell to do her hair, but so far he’d only mastered the ponytails. He polished her nails and had let her polish his. Granted, she told him he couldn’t take it off, so his toes were currently a vibrant shade of purple. Thankfully, he always wore boots or tennis shoes—he only prayed he wasn’t in an accident.

“Honey, Olivia and I barely know each other. We aren’t going on a date.”

Piper’s face fell. “But she’s pretty, Dad.”

That was definitely something he couldn’t deny. Olivia was stunning, even when sneering at him.

“Piper.” Olivia stepped forward and squatted down beside him. “Did you know my daddy used to own this airport? I used to run around here just like you. But, not every daddy has time for dating or relationships. And I bet your daddy is so busy flying clients and having fun with you, he wouldn’t have time to take me anywhere.”

Jax cringed. Not only did she just slam her father, she’d basically lumped Jax in with Paul . . . which was fine because Jax respected the hell out of the guy, but it was clear Olivia didn’t.

Piper’s eyes widened, as did her smile. “I’ll just stay with Miss Mary. She always says she’ll babysit anytime.”

Jax rubbed his forehead. He truly didn’t have the time, nor did he want to get into this conversation in front of Olivia, who clearly had a chip on her shoulder where men in general were concerned.

“Honey—”

“I’ll go on a date with your dad if he wants.”

Jax jumped to his feet. What the hell was she saying? He stared down at her and she merely glanced up to him and winked. Winked. What kind of game was she playing?

“But,” she went on, focusing back to Piper, “we’re just friends. I don’t want you to get any other ideas.”

Piper threw her arms around Olivia’s neck. For a moment, Jax wondered if Olivia would return the innocent gesture, but she enveloped Piper and patted her back.

“I can’t wait to tell Bella,” Piper exclaimed as she pulled back and started sipping her juice.

Olivia stood and straightened her clothes. “Looks like we’ll get to have that talk after all,” she told him with a wide smile.

She’d cornered him and now he was looking at a date with the very last person he wanted to be alone with. Damn it.

* * *

“This shade makes me look like I have jaundice.”

Olivia stared across the table at Melanie’s nude polish. “No, it doesn’t. You’re just used to that pink you always wear. We were hoping you’d be a little more daring.”

Melanie held her hands out, examining her glossy nails. “This is daring.”

Jade rolled her eyes and stroked her mint green across her pinkie. “It’s nude. You might as well wear nothing. It’s a waste of product. Wear red or navy or even black. For pity’s sake, mix it up.”

Olivia still hadn’t decided her shade. She stared at the variety from reds to pinks to bright summer colors. Nothing was hitting her; then again, perhaps she couldn’t concentrate because she’d been set up on a date by a four-year-old. That little tot should grow up to be a politician or lawyer. She was a sneaky one and had them agreeing within seconds. Their piddly excuses to deny her had fallen on deaf ears.

“What’s up with you?” Jade asked suddenly. “You’ve been frowning since you came back from the airport. Did he refuse to get your suit clean or did he feel you up again?”

Olivia reached for the bright red, deciding on something fierce. “He never felt me up to begin with, let alone again.”

“That palm print on your ass says otherwise,” Melanie murmured.

“Good one,” Jade praised. “I’m so proud of the snark that’s been coming out of you lately.”

“I’m learning,” Melanie beamed.

Melanie had been in a terribly abusive relationship. She was just coming out of the hellish marriage when she’d met Olivia and Jade. Melanie had been stifled for too long, beaten down—literally and figuratively—but she was starting to get her sense of freedom again. And Olivia was thrilled to see her friend grow and find herself.

Jade never had any issues with being sarcastic and speaking her mind. No, her issues stemmed from work, and so here they all were hiding from their problems back in Atlanta.

“So are you ready to spill about your second visit to see Jackson?” Jade asked as she resumed her polishing.

Olivia shook her bottle before uncapping it. “I met his daughter. She’s so adorable and has lopsided blond pigtails.”

“Oh, no. Do not let the cuteness deter you,” Jade scolded. “You have a mission.”

Olivia kept her gaze on her nails, not wanting to see either of her friends’ reactions to her embarrassing turn of events. There was no way to hide the next bit of information, so she might as well just let them in on everything.

“I’m going on a date with Jackson.”

She didn’t have to look up to know both of her friends stilled. Silence settled so heavy between them, Olivia was almost afraid to say anything else for fear of her friends thinking she’d gotten sidetracked . . . even though that’s exactly what had happened.

“If you think we don’t want the backstory, you’re crazy,” Melanie finally stated. “He asked you out and you agreed? Is this part of the plan to get him to sell?”

“Ooh, are you trying to seduce him to get what you want? Smart girl,” Jade all but squealed. “But you can’t actually sleep with him because that would be wrong. Maybe just flirting and some hot kisses.”

An instant image popped into Olivia’s mind. No, she was not going there. Jackson was hella sexy, but she wasn’t about to stoop so low as to use her body to get what she wanted. She’d worked damn hard to get to the top of her company . . . well, almost the top, and she’d done so because she was damn good at her job and she worked harder than anyone in that company.

There was only one more rung on that proverbial ladder to climb and the promotion had come down to the final round. Olivia refused to lose this to some jerk who thought his balls were reason enough for him to have the position.

“Piper asked if her dad was going to take me on a date because she thinks I’m pretty,” Olivia explained. “He keeps dodging me when I want to talk to him, so I pretty much agreed to a date. It’s all still within my plan. I just took a different approach, that’s all.”

She glanced up from the first coat of bright red on her nails and met her friends’ disbelieving gazes.

“What?” she asked, ready to defend herself. “That’s all this is. I just want to discuss the property.”

“And he agreed that easy?” Jade arched one perfectly shaped brow. “Maybe he’s going to try to seduce you into getting what he wants.”

Olivia laughed. “I doubt it. He’s made it pretty clear he thinks I’m a spoiled brat.”

“Then he doesn’t know you,” Melanie replied, all joking aside. “Maybe if you explain your reasons for wanting out of this—”

“He doesn’t need my reasons,” Olivia growled, but instantly regretted her sliver of anger. “Sorry, I’m not lashing out at you. I’m just frustrated, that’s all.”

“Maybe it’s time for those cocktails,” Jade suggested, then looked to Melanie. “Your nails are dry. Why don’t you make the first round?”

“We’re pretty limited.” Melanie wrinkled her nose as she came to her feet. She crossed to the brown sacks on the counter and started pulling out bottles. “I found some wine of the twist cap variety, some questionable vodka, and the cashier winked at me and slid an extra bottle of flavored vodka into the bag.”

Jade busted out laughing. “We’re sending you every time, then. Free booze? That’s perfect.”

Melanie threw a glance over her shoulder. “The guy was at least seventy. Don’t get too excited.”

“If he thinks you’re hot and wants to flirt, I don’t see the problem.” Jade blew on her nails, then stretched her arm out to admire them. “I think mint is definitely my color.”

“Everything is your color,” Olivia replied putting her last coat on. “You look stunning in everything. Your clothes, your polish, even when you crawl out of bed snarling before your coffee. It’s not fair to be so perfect all the time.”

“Remember my junior-year prom picture?” Jade leaned back in her seat and waved her hands back and forth to dry. “The hairstylist from hell and the dress that made me look twenty pounds heavier. Why didn’t anyone tell me when I tried it on in the store?”

Melanie flicked on the blender, so Olivia yelled, “You didn’t look heavier, it just wasn’t the most flattering. So you had one bad moment? I cringe every time someone tags me on social media in a picture because I never know what I’m going to pull up. I either look great in a photo or I look like that hairy Oak Ridge Boy.”

“Who?” Melanie asked as she shut off the mixer.

“My dad used to play their tapes in the hangar,” Olivia explained. “It’s an old country band.”

“My parents listened to classical.” She pulled out three glasses and filled each one. “I’m deprived.”

“Trust me, the Oak Ridge Boys are not something you’re missing out on. Except ‘Elvira.’ That’s one catchy song.”

Melanie sat the drinks on the table and took her seat. “So, when is your date and where are you going?”

Olivia reached for her glass and stared at the mixture. “What is in here?”

“Who cares,” Jade replied. “Drink up.”

Olivia took a sip, then a bigger drink when it didn’t taste half bad. “Is that peach?”

Melanie nodded. “I put a little of that peach Bellini I mixed up earlier in it.”

“This is pretty good, actually.” Jade took another long drink, then swirled the remaining contents around in the glass. “Get back to the date. When and where? We need all the deets.”

She should’ve kept her mouth shut. Olivia knew she’d never hear the end of this, but at the same time it’s not like she could keep the date a total secret. At some point she’d have to leave the house and they’d know she was up to something.

Besides, in a town as small as Haven, someone would see them out and they’d instantly become the week’s fodder for the gossip mill. That left her no choice but to suggest they go to a different town for their date. And by suggest, she meant demand.

Olivia sighed and eased back in her seat, clutching her drink to her chest. “I have no clue what’s going on. He said he’d get with me when his schedule wasn’t so busy. Piper made him pinkie swear that he’d call me within two days.”

Jade laughed. “I love that little girl already. She’s going to be a fun adult.”

The spunky toddler would indeed, and an image of her in her teen years with Jackson trying to keep her under control was quite an amusing thought.

Piper was adorable, and it was clear she had her daddy wrapped around her finger. Olivia couldn’t help but see the parallels once again with her own life when she’d been young. She’d thought her father walked on water, she was convinced he was the greatest person, and her very own superhero. He could fly, couldn’t he? Definite superhero material.

But as she’d gotten older, her mother had told her things that made Olivia see her father in a different light. He hadn’t always been there for his family. Her mother had often stated that clearly, they weren’t enough for him, that the airport was all he needed. He’d chosen that dilapidated place over anything else . . . even his health, apparently.

Anger, resentment, even some guilt for not being enough coursed through her. Since her father passed, she’d run the full gamut of emotions. At the root of every single day, though, there was sorrow. No matter what happened in the past, he was still her father and she loved him. All those precious memories from her childhood kept replaying in her mind.

The burning in her throat, then her nose, followed by her eyes had her reaching for her drink again.

“We’re going to need another for her,” Melanie stated, nodding toward Olivia. “I know that look and she is about one second away from a meltdown. Quick, let’s think of a movie we can watch. Something hilarious, nobody can die, and there has to be hot men.”

Olivia shook her head and tipped back the last of her drink. “I’m okay. I just get nostalgic at times. Well, mostly since I came back.”

She blinked away the moisture as it threatened to make an unwelcome appearance. “I’m still determined to sell this property. I have bigger things to worry about than this Podunk town.”

So she kept telling herself, but every time she bashed the town out loud or even in her mind, that niggle of guilt rose once again. She seriously needed to get out of here and back to the life she’d created for herself. Returning to Haven might not have been the smartest move. She should’ve considered doing this business over the phone. Then again, what would she have done with all the stuff in her dad’s house?

There was no good way to get closure. She’d simply have to endure it and hopefully she’d be somewhat unscathed on the other side.

“You’re going to get that promotion,” Jade assured her. She slid her barstool back and headed for the mixer. After surveying the bottles, she started making her own concoction. “That ass you work with isn’t fit to be COO of Stennett Enterprises.”

“The choice is obvious,” Melanie agreed. “And I’m not just saying that because I’m your friend. I mean, I am, but I firmly believe you work harder and you are much more dedicated to your job.”

Wasn’t that the truth? She didn’t recall the last real date she had been on and now she’d been set up by a toddler.

Olivia appreciated her own cheering section—she just wished she was as confident as they were. Examining her red nails, Olivia figured she might as well polish her toes the same shade.

She lifted her knee and propped her foot on the edge of her seat. “Well, they must see something in him or we wouldn’t both be in the running.”

“It’s ridiculous and insulting that they even compare the two of you,” Jade fumed. “He asked me out and when I turned him down, he attempted to tarnish my business. It didn’t work, but he’s such an arrogant jerk, he doesn’t even deserve the position even if he was qualified.”

Olivia had been with the company longer than Steve, but he’d brought in more business than she had. In her defense, he’d gotten sneaky when he’d pulled clients away from other agencies. Olivia didn’t believe in being deceitful. She’d gotten this far in her career without being ruthless or flat-out lying. She worked her ass off, put in way more hours than Steve ever thought about, and had a legitimate love for the business and their clients. Steve basically loved himself and anything wearing a skirt.

“Are you still dodging the date question?” Melanie asked, raising her brows.

Olivia shrugged. “I don’t know anything else. We didn’t set a place, so for all I know we’ll have takeout food in the hangar office.”

“Or maybe he’ll fly you somewhere fancy for a nice dinner,” Melanie retorted with a wide grin.

“You’re a hopeless romantic even after all you’ve been through,” Jade stated as she added more ice to the mixer.

Melanie pulled her hair back and smoothed it all over one shoulder. “I have to be. I refuse to believe what I had was a typical marriage. I still feel that there’s someone out there for me.”

Jade threw Olivia a glance over Melanie’s head. They both were too cynical and definitely not on the same page as Melanie when it came to men. Olivia and Jade were busy with their careers, proving they deserved their places and working toward higher goals. Even if they had time for men, they both had their reasons for not wanting to get into that.

Melanie, though, she was still on the lookout for Mr. Right. She wasn’t one of those desperate women, though. She didn’t hang on every word a man said just because he gave her attention, but she was hopeful. Maybe that’s what made her so sweet, despite the fact her jerk of an ex continued to randomly rear his ugly head just to get under her skin.

“Well, I doubt there’s someone for me,” Olivia stated. “I’m not even looking anyway. My eyes are on this COO position and nothing else.”

The knock on the front door had all three women jerking toward the front of the house.

“Expecting someone?” Jade asked, looking between her friends.

Olivia came to her feet and glanced down to her yoga pants and tank. Not what she’d normally greet guests wearing, because she prided herself on being classy and professional like her mother raised her, but her friends’ outfits weren’t faring much better.

“I’ll get it,” she stated as she swayed. “Wow. How much alcohol did we have?”

“Not enough if you’re worried about it,” Jade laughed.

Now the doorbell rang through the house and Olivia placed a hand on the narrow hall leading toward the entryway. With the porch lights illuminating the sidelights and etched glass door, she could make out the shape of a man. She had to assume it was a man from the broad shoulders.

As she got closer, she recognized those shoulders. She cringed when arousal curled low in her belly. She didn’t want to be turned on . . . she couldn’t afford to be.

What was he doing here? Did he think he could just drop by unannounced? Was this his game plan? To catch her off guard?

“Who is it?” Melanie asked from behind her.

Olivia glanced over her shoulder to see her two friends at the other end of the hallway, huddled together as if there were some serial killer who went around ringing doorbells before he chose his victims.

This was Haven. Their crime rate was pretty much nonexistent.

“It’s Jackson,” she whispered.

“I know you’re in there.”

Jackson’s voice mocked her and she ignored Jade’s laugh behind her. The spiteful side of her wanted to completely ignore him and go back into the kitchen with her friends. But the female in her wanted her to open that door and see the glorious man standing on the other side. Even if he was on the opposite side of what she wanted, she couldn’t deny he was absolutely a joy to admire.

Olivia flicked the lock and jerked the door open. “Jackson. What are you doing here?”

“Jax,” he corrected.

Those dark eyes raked over her and she trembled. Damn it. She didn’t want to tremble from just one look. He hadn’t even touched her and . . .

No. She refused to even entertain such thoughts. She’d been given a visual lick by sexy men before, no big deal.

But something about the way Jackson looked at her had her realizing nobody had actually looked at her who’d made her feel as if he was literally touching her. How the hell did he do that? If she could tingle from just one of his intense stares, what would happen if he ever actually touched her?

No. No touching allowed.

“What do you want?” she repeated.

He flashed that devilish grin and propped an arm on the screen door, which only drew her attention to his perfectly flexed bicep. “I’m picking you up for our date.”