Chapter Ten
“I need to get to the station.”
Jax glanced up from the invoices and gave his cousin a nod. “Close the door behind you. I don’t have any flights until later this afternoon.”
“Who’s getting Piper from school?”
Jax loved how his cousins were always eager to pitch in and help with his daughter. It was almost as if she had three dads. When Jax had come back from the air force, Tanner and Cash hadn’t even hesitated to step up to the plate and help. They’d only bashed Carly a little, until Jax put a halt to that. While he loathed her for leaving Piper and ignoring their sweet, innocent baby, he never wanted Piper to overhear anything negative about her mother.
He’d delicately explained that she had to leave and couldn’t come back. No doubt as Piper got older she’d ask more and as he saw fit, he would explain. But for now, she didn’t ask about her own mother anymore . . . she was too busy hooking him up on dates with Livie.
“Cash is picking her up and taking her to the gym. I’ll get her there after work. I just have to fly a couple to Charleston. They’re planning on staying a few days, so I’ll head back up when they’re done. It’s just a quick flight there and back.”
Tanner nodded and started for the door leading to the hangar. “I’ll be covering a shift until eleven tonight, but text if you need anything.”
Jax glanced back down to the invoice currently on the top of his pile, wondering how the hell he was going to get all of this paid on time. The flight today would bring in a good chunk since it was a little farther than most of his clients traveled. But with Piper wanting to join a karate class, he was probably going to have to pay these bills by priorities. Half now and half in a couple of weeks when the renters’ checks were due.
He wished he could get more pilots to house their planes here. Not only would it generate more income, but it would also add an attraction in a positive manner toward the place he loved to call home.
Women’s voices mixed with Tanner’s, pulling Jax out of his thoughts. He pushed away from his desk and stepped out of his office to see Tanner standing in front of the firing squad—er, Livie, Jade, and Melanie.
“You know this guy?” Melanie was asking her friends as she pointed an accusatory finger at Tanner.
“We went to school together,” Olivia stated. “How you doing, Tanner?”
Tanner looped his thumbs through his belt loops and nodded. “Doing great. Headed out to work now.”
“To give more tickets to innocent people,” Melanie muttered.
Tanner laughed. “If you were innocent, you wouldn’t have been pulled over, and I wouldn’t call speeding nearly twenty miles over the limit ‘innocent.’”
Jax glanced to Livie, who looked like she was holding back her laughter as well. When she met his gaze, the slight grin on her face twisted something in his gut. He didn’t know if she was smiling at him or just at the situation. Either way, he’d take it. He didn’t recall seeing a genuine smile since she’d been back. Even when she lived here before and he’d been an awkward preteen, Livie had never flashed him a smile.
“Tanner.” Jade stepped forward and crossed her arms over her chest. “Haven’t seen you in years.”
“Jade.” Tanner nodded his greeting. “I never thought you’d be back in this town.”
She shrugged a slender shoulder. “Hadn’t planned on it, but I’m here for Olivia.”
“Why are you nice to everyone but me?” Melanie grumbled.
Now Olivia did laugh. “Calm down, killer. Tanner is headed out to work and I’m sure he’ll target other unsuspecting criminals.”
Tanner threw Jax a glance over his shoulder. “See ya, man.”
Once Tanner headed out the door, Jax turned his attention back to the small gang of women. He knew this was not just a simple social call and he was about to get bombarded with estrogen. He had no problem taking time from his day, and from the looming invoice, to see Olivia.
“I assume the three of you are not here to take me to lunch?” he asked, propping his hands on his hips.
“Not likely.” Jade glanced around the hangar before turning her attention back to him. “Place hasn’t changed much.”
Jax could tell from her tone that she wasn’t being judgmental. If anything, she was being kind because the place had changed. While it may have needed some minor repairs, he did most everything himself and definitely kept the place clean. Just because he was low on funds—story of his life—didn’t mean he was lazy. He worked his ass off to make sure this place stayed running. As long as the planes took his clients to and from, that’s really all that mattered.
“Is this where you all tell me about this grand idea to transform my airport into something on a bigger scale with fancier clients?”
“Not how we would’ve worded it, but sort of,” Livie stated. “Should we go outside or into your office?”
Jax shrugged, not really eager to do either. He still hadn’t given this a good deal of thought. Of course it had been on his mind, but he’d done a school project with Piper, then they’d baked cookies, and then he was scheduling future flights, and mulling over bills. So, the whole spending more money to make the airport “better” wasn’t something he’d focused on.
“We’ll go to your office,” Jade chimed in. “It’s hotter than Hades out there even in the shade.”
Resigned to the fact he was going to have to face this firing squad, Jax led the way back into his office. He gestured toward the sofa, which still had Piper’s sleeping bag spread out.
“Go ahead and sit on it,” he told them. “The couch is scratchy, so we keep Piper’s bedding out for when she’s here and naps.”
Suddenly he felt as if he were under some sort of scrutiny. Why was he explaining to them why he kept a princess sleeping bag on a ratty old plaid sofa? Maybe he liked princesses.
Once they took a seat, Jax still wanted to maintain some of the upper hand, so he propped a hip on the corner of his desk.
“Okay. Let’s hear the speech you rehearsed.” He held up a hand to stop them before they started. “Wait. Do you each have a part, like a play? Or are you winging it? Oh, no. Is this going to be a good cop–bad cop rendition?”
Melanie laughed. “How do you want us to deliver the message?”
Livie waved a hand. “We didn’t come for dinner and a show,” she stated. Her bright eyes came back to land on him, once again socking him right in the gut with arousal. “I’ve been thinking and Jade’s idea is actually brilliant and something that is a win-win for both of us.”
Crossing his arms, he made sure to look her right in the eye. She may be a corporate shark and used to negotiating, but he was a former member of the United States Air Force. He used to answer to the government. He wasn’t too afraid of three women. Though they seemed to be staring at him. Were they waiting to attack or were they evaluating him?
No doubt Livie had told them about the kisses. Women liked to chatter, to get opinions, to make sure their friends were in their corner. He didn’t care. If she was talking about their kissing, then that meant she was thinking about him. Jax was more than okay with that.
“And how will we be winning?” he asked. “Because the way I see it, we’d have to invest an amount of money I can’t even wrap my mind around, plus hire contractors, designers. All of that renovating would disrupt the flights.”
Jade held up her hands. “Wait. This can all be worked out. As far as the money goes, there are grants for this type of thing. The money isn’t going to be as big of an issue as you believe.”
“Grants,” he muttered. “So who will draw up those proposals?”
“Actually, I’m an attorney and Olivia works with budgeting and numbers all day.” Melanie offered a sweet smile and Jax immediately saw why Tanner had been so taken with the new girl in town. “Between the two of us, we’ll get it done.”
Her assurance seemed so genuine. He had no doubt with these three they would get the job done because Olivia and Jade were strong, independent women. He didn’t know Melanie, but if she kept company with these two, then she had to be cut from the same cloth.
“Where do you fit in?” He nodded toward Jade.
“Oh, I’m the mastermind,” she stated as if that should’ve already been known. “I’ve been working in business for years. I am more than capable of finding contractors and architects to draw up plans.”
Jax rubbed the back of his neck. Was he supposed to make a decision now? He had six eyes on him, the room wasn’t filled with tension, it was more like . . . uncertainty. How the hell was he supposed to know what the right decision was? If he knew the investment would be profitable, if they could get the funds covered, and only if his already established clients were not disrupted. Not to mention the pilots who rented from him. There were so many variables and not enough answers.
“I need time to think about this,” he told them. “It’s not something that I can decide in a short time. This is my livelihood. You’ll plan from Atlanta where you can continue to work. I have to be with the mess, the contractors. I’d be the one on-site trying to make decisions while you’re hours away.”
Livie’s gaze never wavered. Not once. It was as if she was daring him to keep finding reasons this wouldn’t work. Her set jaw, her clasped hands over her perfectly pressed capris were all telltale signs that she wasn’t going to back down from this.
Well, he’d wanted her to move on from selling, right? In his mind, though, he figured he could talk her into just leaving him alone and moving on.
But on the flip side, she’d have to stick around at least for a while to get this ball rolling . . . wouldn’t she? Jax wasn’t too proud to admit he wanted her. That adolescent crush had blown up into something he hadn’t expected, and frankly didn’t welcome. He had a young daughter and he was always careful not to bring women around. Not that he dated, but if he were to find someone, he’d have to be very careful about who he let into his life. Piper was at an age that she wouldn’t understand. And with her mentioning a mother lately, he really had to watch his actions and words.
“I’d be here some,” Livie informed him. “But I am going to have to get back to Atlanta soon. So we don’t have a lot of time to think on this.”
Jax came to his feet, propping his hands on his hips as he shook his head. “You’re not giving me much choice when half of this is mine.”
“Maybe Jade and I should wait outside.” Melanie stood and glanced down to her friends. “This is between Livie and Jackson.”
Jade came to her feet and sighed. “As much as I want to stick around and be nosy, I know Olivia will tell us anyway.”
Jax watched as the two ladies left his office. Jade shot him a wink as she closed the door behind her. With a laugh, he turned his focus back to the woman on his couch.
With her hair perfectly groomed over her shoulder, the polished clothes, and manicured hands, she looked completely out of place in this dingy room. But, at the same time, she belonged here, because beneath all that perfection was the girl who used to call this hangar home.
Her eyes darted around the room. Nothing had changed since her father had passed. The same picture hung on the wall behind the desk. The picture her father had taken of him when he first purchased the Cessna that sat right outside the office door. With a wide smile on his face, Paul Daniels stood proudly in front of the plane.
Piper stared at the photo. Slowly she came to her feet and kept her eyes locked on the picture behind him. He didn’t say a word, didn’t want to break whatever moment she had flashing through her mind. Maybe she was recalling a time when her father taught her to fly. Perhaps she was remembering how he always used to slip her money when she came to see him. Even if it was just five dollars, he always said he wanted Livie to have everything.
At the time, Jax didn’t understand why Paul would literally give the last bit of cash from his wallet, but now he realized that he only wanted Livie to love him.
As she grew older and more distant, Paul randomly reached out to her, trying to connect with her but not push too hard. Livie had always been his little girl, they shared a bond. But when the marital issues started, Jax firmly believed Livie’s mother told her lies and turned her against Paul. Jax never really knew, but nothing else made sense.
He turned to keep his eyes on Livie. She stood within inches of the picture, her shoulders not as rigid as they normally were.
“You said he was sick when we left.”
Her words hovered in the air between them. He knew she’d bring that topic up and he owed her some answers since he was the one who’d tapped into this to begin with.
“He didn’t want you or your mother to know.”
Livie threw a glance over her shoulder. “It doesn’t much matter now, does it?”
Not really, but he’d been the only one Paul had confided in about his fears. Most of the people in town knew he was sick, but Paul did a good job hiding the fact. He never wanted pity, never wanted handouts. He was the most prideful man Jax had ever known.
“He had cancer.”
Livie stared at him another minute before turning her attention back to the picture. “Why didn’t he want anyone to know?”
“The marriage was over, you had sided with your mom and were eager to leave Haven.” Jax would never forget the look of defeat on Paul’s face when he realized his family was leaving for good. “He didn’t want your attention or your mom’s out of pity. You know how he was.”
Livie nodded as she twisted around and gripped the back of his desk chair. “I know. Damn pride.”
Tears shimmered in her eyes, but he wasn’t going to mention it or try to console her. He may not have known the new Livie well enough, but he figured someone this determined and strong wouldn’t appreciate having her weakness brought to light.
She glanced around the office once again, this time her eyes landing on the back of the door. He didn’t even have to turn to know what she saw.
“They’ve hung there forever,” he told her. “Piper loves to put them on and pretend to be my helper.”
Livie’s sad smile caused a tear to trickle down her cheek.
Well, hell. He couldn’t exactly ignore that. Jax circled the desk and came to stand beside her.
“Don’t.” She held up a hand. “If you touch me, if you try to comfort me, I’ll break. I’m barely holding it together.”
Ignoring her request, Jax wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his chest. Her fists hit his shoulders as she dropped her head.
She may not have wanted to accept his comfort, but he wasn’t a complete jerk. No way could he stand by and watch as she was obviously hurting. He had no idea what she was going through, and he’d do well to remember that. Her life had been turned upside down too.
“I don’t want to be here,” she murmured.
He knew she didn’t mean in his arms. Livie wanted to be back in Atlanta with her perfect life she’d created. Instead, she was here dealing with a past she’d done a pretty good job of ignoring.
“You’re not upset because you’re here,” he told her, running his hand up and down her back. “You’re angry because you have feelings. You’re upset you left and never saw your dad. Maybe you feel guilt—”
Livie pushed back, swiping at her damp cheeks. “I’m not feeling guilty. I’m angry that I didn’t know what was going on in his life.”
“But you chose to walk away,” Jax stated.
“I was eighteen,” she cried.
Jax wasn’t about to get into a pissing match with her over the past. They both had their own points of view on the subject . . . the only problem was, he knew the full story and she didn’t.
The office door opened slightly and Melanie poked her head in. “Sorry. Um . . . we heard yelling and there’s a young boy out here to see you, so—”
“We’re done here.” Livie wiped her face and smoothed her hair back into place—always needing to put the best image forward. “Jackson is free for his visitor.”
Now wasn’t the time to protest or tell her that what was happening between them, and even in her own mind with her internal battle, was much more important than any unexpected guest.
“I’ll be in touch,” Livie said as she started toward the door. “Make sure you know your answer when I call.”
Her parting words sounded so businesslike, as if she hadn’t just broken in his arms. They’d shared something whether she wanted to admit it or not. None of this was going to be as perfectly cut-and-dried as she wanted it to be. Things were going to get messy and they were both going to be tested—and they’d both see exactly what the other was made of.
Jax stepped out of his office and watched as the trio of gorgeous women exited the hangar. That sight alone would have any man giving a double take.
Pulling in a deep breath, he turned to the young boy who was checking out the Cessna. “You’re here to see me?”
The young man turned around and Jax recognized him as Brock Monroe. Brock was part of the family who had opened the women-only resort and spa in Haven. He’d been a runaway, then adopted, and blended in perfectly with the family.
With Haven being a small town, and Brock being added into such a prominent family in the area, everyone knew who he was.
“I wanted to talk to you about taking lessons.” The young man started across the open hangar. “I’m Brock, by the way. I should’ve called first.”
Jax held his hand out and greeted Brock. “I know who you are.”
Brock gave a lopsided grin and shrugged. “Do you give lessons? I’ve done some training on the Internet, the book stuff, but I wanted to try to get some hours in and I didn’t really know who to talk to.”
“How old are you?” Not that it mattered for flying purposes. Jax was just curious.
“Just turned nineteen.”
Young and eager. Perfect pilot material. Jax loved getting the younger generation involved in this dying sport. With Brock already doing much of the training, he was going to be a great student.
“You in college?” Jax asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.
“Yeah. I help at the resort and take online classes.”
“What do you want to study?”
Brock shook his head. “No idea.”
That was common for someone fresh out of high school. “Thought about the military?”
A wide smile spread across Brock’s face. “All the time.” Jax reached out and slapped Brock on the shoulder. “You got somewhere to be?”
“Not for a few hours. Why?”
“Let’s take a ride and talk.”
When Jax started heading toward the plane to do a preflight check, Brock came up beside him. “In this?”
Jax laughed. “Do you object?”
“No, man. I just . . . I didn’t expect to fly today.”
Jax propped his hand on the wing and stared at this young man who had his whole future ahead of him. He was at a crossroads and if Jax could help him through to the next journey, he damn well was going to. Hadn’t Paul done that for him?
And now Jax found himself at his own crossroads. The only problem was, Livie was wanting to go one way, and he wanted to go another. Somehow, they were going to have to meet in the middle.