Chapter Fifteen
She wasn’t answering her texts. Not that he expected her to, but he also didn’t like being brushed off, either.
Jax pulled into her drive and stared up at the big, two-story house. Paul Daniels would love knowing Livie was living here again, even if it was temporary. He’d wanted her to come home for so long, and here she was.
“Do you think they’re going to like these cookies?” Piper asked from the passenger seat. She held the tin of homemade snickerdoodles in her lap and looked at him with wide eyes.
“Of course they will,” he assured her as he turned off the truck. “I bet nobody has made them cookies since they’ve been here.”
“Then it’s a good thing you thought about it.”
He may have had ulterior motives when it came to the treats. One, Piper loved baking so that was some bonding time they got in. Two, he could thank the women for taking his daughter shopping. But the main reason was to see Livie and force her to stop hiding. When she’d left his house the other morning, he’d never dreamed he’d miss her, but he had. That in itself was a major warning sign he was getting in deep here.
“Can I ring the doorbell?” Piper asked.
“Sure.”
He reached over and took the tin from her hands as she unbuckled her belt. Jax got out of the truck and circled the front as he came around to help Piper out of the booster and down onto the driveway. She promptly ran up onto the front porch and rang the doorbell . . . multiple times.
“I think that’s good,” he called as he headed down the sidewalk.
The front door swung open just as Jax mounted the steps. He glanced up to a smiling Melanie.
“Hope this isn’t a bad time,” he stated.
“We made cookies.” Piper bounced up and down, her lopsided ponytails flopping.
Jax held up the tin. “We wanted to thank you for shopping and pampering Piper the other day.”
“Oh, that was no problem at all. She’s such a sweet girl.” Melanie opened the door wider and took a step back. “Come in. Jade is out, but Olivia is here.”
Perfect. Never say he wasn’t one to take advantage of the situation.
“I hope you like snickerdoodles,” Piper exclaimed as she passed Melanie. “They’re my favorite.”
“I don’t remember the last time I had a snickerdoodle.” Melanie closed the door and reached for the tin. “You can go into the living room. I’ll put these in the kitchen.”
Jax knew the layout of the house. He couldn’t count the number of times he’d come here as a teenager and again when he’d returned from the air force.
As he stepped into the living room, he couldn’t help but be drawn to the mantel and the emptiness. Paul had always kept pictures of Olivia on display. Most were of her when she’d been a young girl, but now there were no images. As he glanced around he realized there was nothing on the walls, either . . . the newly painted walls.
There was a punch to the gut he hadn’t expected. Apparently, Olivia was sprucing up the place, no doubt to sell. He should’ve thought of that, should’ve seen it coming, but he’d been too preoccupied with fighting his emotions and ultimately giving in.
He’d known from the start that Olivia wasn’t staying, so why would she need a house? He should be thankful they’d come to some sort of agreement on the airport—terms they’d yet to discuss.
Piper wrapped her arm around his leg and leaned into him. “I miss Papaw Paul.”
Yeah, his little girl had also gotten to know the love of one of the greatest men. Jax leaned down and picked her up.
“It’s okay to be sad. I miss him too.” The void was more than he wanted to admit to his toddler. He chose to remain strong for her. “He sure loved you, so he’d be very proud that you are friends with his little girl.”
Not that Livie was a little girl anymore, but for Piper’s sake, he opted to keep his lingo simple.
“Jackson.”
He turned, keeping his arms banded around Piper. Livie stood in the doorway wearing a pair of capris and a crisp, button-up sleeveless shirt the color of strawberries.
They were back to square one if the look in her eyes and the way she used his full name meant anything at all. She was too reserved, too . . . emotionless.
Maybe him giving her this time apart wasn’t the smartest move, but he’d wanted her to think about him because he sure as hell was thinking about her.
“We made cookies,” Piper stated, her arms wrapped around Jax’s neck. “But I ate two on the way over.”
Jax patted her back. “You weren’t supposed to tell that part.”
Livie glanced to Piper and her entire face softened. “It’s difficult to resist cookies. I understand.”
Melanie came back through the foyer and stepped in behind Livie. “Why don’t I take Piper in the kitchen for milk and cookies and you two can talk?”
“Oh, you don’t—”
“That would be great,” Jax stated, cutting Livie off. “She’s had two already so maybe just one more.”
He let Piper down and she scurried across the room to Melanie’s outstretched hand. Once he and Livie were alone, she remained in the wide doorway as if she was afraid to step into the same room as him.
They’d definitely taken a leap backward.
“We didn’t get around to talking about the airport the other night,” he told her, remaining by the fireplace.
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Is that why you’re here?”
“Not really, but I was giving you an easier topic than what I really want to discuss.”
She glanced over her shoulder toward the laughing and chatter from the kitchen. Then she moved farther into the room. Jax held his ground and waited for her to come to him. He wasn’t going to beg and he sure as hell wasn’t going to make this easy because he was turned inside out . . . she may as well be suffering, too.
“Would you rather start with why you’re ignoring my texts?”
Without looking at him, she leaned against the window frame and stared out into the evening. “What do you want me to say?”
“I want you to acknowledge that you’re just as torn up as I am.” He pushed his hands into his pockets and decided to be brutally honest. “I know this complicates the hell out of things, but you can’t just ignore me.”
“I was doing a good job of it until you showed up.”
Laughing, Jax closed the space between them. She looked too damn rigid and fearful. He was glad she could at least attempt humor.
“You didn’t honestly think I’d let you off that easy, did you?”
Her hair waved down over her shoulder and he smoothed it away with the tip of his finger. She trembled, only proving she wasn’t as immune as she pretended to be.
“Maybe we should talk about the plans for the airport.” She turned to glance over her shoulder, those pale pink lips begging for his touch.
Without thinking twice, he leaned in and captured her mouth. He didn’t touch her anywhere else, but just that simple kiss was already so familiar, so right, he lingered a little longer than was smart.
When he eased back, her lids fluttered open. “You can’t do that.”
“I just did and I plan on doing it again,” he assured her. “I did come to discuss plans, but I also want you to be fully aware that just because I’m a guy, doesn’t mean I take this lightly. Something is going on between us and I’m not going to let you scare yourself away simply because it’s not what you wanted.”
She glanced back out the window and nodded. “You know nothing can come from this. I’m not staying long.”
So she’d reminded him a few dozen times. At this point Jax wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince him or herself, because he was starting to see a little crack in her defensive barrier. She didn’t want to like Haven, she didn’t want to stay here longer than necessary, and she didn’t want to like him. Yet here she was . . . doing all three.
He glanced around the room. “Looks like you’re gearing up to sell.”
“I can’t keep this house,” she told him as she turned to fully face him. “I have no need for a house in Haven, especially one this size. I think once I do some minor touch-ups, it will sell pretty quick, but painting one space has turned into working in every single room.”
There was no doubt the home would sell fast. The location was close to town yet still out where there was a little land, the neighborhood was great, and Haven was thriving and a hot spot for those wanting to be close to Savannah.
Livie’s childhood home was just outside the main part of town. It had a huge yard for children, five bedrooms, two staircases leading from the kitchen and the foyer up to the second floor. The old Georgian charm was everywhere you looked, from the built-ins to the original crown moldings to the curved staircase just inside the front door. The gleaming hardwood floors in some of the home were original and he’d bet there was more beneath the old carpet.
This house was a thing of beauty and he’d hate to see it go. Paul had loved this house. Even when he’d been alone and sick, for a time all he’d say was how many great memories he’d had here and he wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“I was going to ask you first if you were interested.”
Her quiet statement caught him off guard. He hadn’t thought about buying it for himself. Hell, he doubted he could afford it. This house was more than double the size of his cottage. It wasn’t like he and Piper needed a ton of space, but this yard was so much nicer and it was actually on the side of town where the airport was.
“I doubt that would be possible.”
She tipped her head. “If you’re referring to finances, I can—”
“No.” Like hell he’d let her lower the price. Couldn’t a man have some pride? “Piper and I are fine where we are. We love this house, we loved Paul, but you need the closure and if selling is how you’re going to do it, then so be it.”
She opened her mouth as if she wanted to argue, but closed it and nodded. “Okay, then. Why don’t you sit and we’ll discuss the plans? Jade and Melanie have already put the ball into motion for a grant.”
When Livie sank into the leather chair, he smiled. Obviously, getting cozy on the couch together wasn’t an option. He was fine with that, but he meant what he said. He’d have her again. That simple kiss moments ago only whetted his appetite for more.
“How soon will we know about that?” he asked, sinking onto the old leather sofa.
“Could be anywhere between a week to a few months. If they need more information, they’ll let us know. If not, they’ll just come back with an answer.”
He didn’t know which scared him more, the possibility they’d be denied or if they’d get the funds and move forward with completely renovating the small-town airport.
“I think we have a pretty good shot,” she went on. “We have so many ideas regarding how to expand and how to pull in more clients, especially with the film industry booming in Georgia. But we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves and spend too much time on it if it’s not going to happen.”
Because they all had other jobs. It was understandable, but the airport and the current clients were his job—they were his life.
“And if the grants don’t go through, then what?” he asked.
More laughter filtered in from the kitchen. There was something so heartwarming about hearing his daughter bond with another woman. There were only so many things he could give her and a female’s perspective certainly wasn’t one of them.
“I’ll think of a way.” She let out a sigh and propped her feet on the coffee table, crossing her ankles and relaxing somewhat. “When I want something, I make sure I get it.”
Oh, the opening was just too good.
He stared across the space between them and met her gaze. “So do I.”
“You already had me, so stop looking like that.”
He couldn’t help but smile at her bold command. “I may have had you, but I’m not finished and neither are you. You’re scared, that’s why you didn’t answer my messages. If we’re going to go full in on this project, there will be no dodging me.”
“I’m not dodging,” she insisted, complete with a tilt of her defiant chin.
Wasn’t that adorable that she was trying to convince herself? But he wasn’t into playing games.
“You are,” he countered. “But I’m not going to let you.”
She opened her mouth to say something else when his cell chimed from his pocket. He kept his eyes on hers as he reached in and pulled the phone out. A quick glance and he knew he couldn’t just let it go to voice mail. They needed all the business that came their way.
“Hello,” he answered as he came to his feet.
“Hey, man. It’s Brock. You said to call when I got my online work done and it’s officially complete. I’m ready to get my hours in.”
Jax was always eager to show new pilots the ropes. There was nothing more rewarding as far as he was concerned.
“What’s your schedule like with work and college?”
“I’m pretty flexible,” Brock replied. “I’m still working for my aunt at Knobs and Knockers and my classes are all online. I can work around your schedule.”
Jax turned back around as Piper came running through the house, cookie in hand. She saw him on the phone and came to a halt.
“How about you come to the hangar in the morning about nine?” Jax suggested. “Can you spare about three hours?”
“Oh, man. I would love to. Thanks.”
Jax recalled being a nineteen-year-old boy and eager to discover more. Then the military had shown him so much more than he’d ever dreamed. He’d traveled, met people who would stick with him forever, and ended up heartbroken and a single father. Life never went the way you planned when you were a teenager.
“See you then.”
He disconnected the call and slid the cell back into his pocket before turning his attention fully to Piper.
“I’m pretty sure you’ve had enough cookies.”
She flashed him that sweet smile that too often had him turning all soft and giving in. If only his air force buddies could see him, they’d be stunned that someone so little and innocent could turn him into a pile of mush. But Piper was his world and while he often disciplined, he also knew to give in and choose his battles wisely.
“Why don’t you give that one to Livie?” he suggested. “Unless you’ve licked it.”
She glanced to the cookie in hand and smiled wider. “Maybe.”
Jax laughed. He couldn’t help it. “I guess it’s yours then. Why don’t you go into the kitchen and get her one? We’re almost done here.”
She popped the cookie in her mouth and scurried off. Shaking his head, Jax turned his attention back to Livie.
“Come over for dinner tonight.”
Livie’s eyes widened. “Are you telling me or asking?”
“Which one will get you there?” he joked.
Livie stood and crossed the room to stare out the narrow, floor-to-ceiling window. “You’re making this impossible.”
As much as he wanted to go to her, to touch her, he kept his distance and let her battle with herself. She’d come around to finally realizing she couldn’t keep him at a distance forever.
“I’m actually making this simple,” he corrected.
She rubbed her forehead and let out a sigh. Oh, how sweet this was to get Miss Prim and Proper tied up in knots. The front door opened and closed just as Piper came rushing back through.
Jax turned toward the foyer to see Jade nearly get mauled by a toddler.
“Oh, cookies for me?” Jade asked.
“This is for Livie,” Piper stated as she ran into the living room. “But I’ll grab you one.”
She handed Livie the snickerdoodle and off she went again just as fast. Jade laughed. “I wish I had that energy.”
“I’m sorry she’s running in your house. She’s excited to share her homemade treats with you guys, plus she’s had a few too many.”
Jade set her keys and her purse on the entryway table and stepped into the living room. “So, did you come just to share cookies or are you returning Olivia’s shoes?”
“Jade,” Melanie scolded as she came in behind her friend.
With a shrug, Jade smirked and continued to stare at Jax just as Piper came back and handed over the treat.
“It was a legitimate question,” Jade defended.
Piper paid no attention to the adult conversation as she sat down on the floor and attempted to tie her shoe. Apparently, it had come undone in all her sprints, but she was still learning so she would be occupied for a bit.
“I’m actually keeping the shoes and the stained suit until she comes to dinner.”
Livie muttered something behind him, something akin to “jerk” and “impossible.” She was crazy about him.
“What are you making?” Jade asked.
“Would you shut up,” Livie exclaimed. “You’re not helping.”
Jax caught Jade’s wink. “Oh, I think I’m being very helpful. A hunky guy is offering dinner and he’s holding your things hostage. What’s there to think about?”
“We’ll watch Piper for the evening,” Melanie contributed with a naughty grin. Who knew the shy, quiet one of the bunch could be an instigator? Jax loved these friends.
“A sleepover?” Piper squealed.
“No.” Livie stepped forward, her hands up. “No sleepovers. I’ll do dinner—”
“And dessert,” Jax supplied.
“Can I pack my new sleeping bag, Daddy? Oh, and my pony pajamas?”
Livie groaned and it was all he could do not to burst out laughing. “Pack whatever you want,” he told Piper.
“I’ll be home by nine,” Livie promised. “But she’s more than welcome to stay all night.”
Jax leaned over to whisper in Livie’s ear. “Nine in the morning, maybe . . . if I let you go that soon.”
Her sharp elbow hit him in the side. Oh, this was going to be a fun evening.
“Come on, squirt.” Jax leaned down and hoisted Piper up into his arms. “Daddy has some things to do before his dinner guest arrives.”
“Can I help you cook?” she asked, her wide brown eyes searching his.
“Of course, but first you have to help me grocery shop.”
She clapped her hands. “I push the cart.”
“I’ll bring her back around five,” he told Jade and Melanie, who hadn’t stopped smiling since they’d ambushed their friend. “And pick Livie up then, too.”
“I can drive.”
“What kind of gentleman would I be if I let you drive to our date?” He ignored her growl and headed to the door. “See you later, ladies.”
What he wouldn’t give to hear those three women chattering once he was gone. But he had plans to make and he was pulling out all the stops.
As he put Piper in her booster, he recalled he was due at the hangar at nine in the morning to meet with Brock. Nothing he couldn’t push back for an hour or so, because Jax had a feeling he would be preoccupied come morning.