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“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.
Eyes up, Morgan. Don’t show weakness in front of the enemy.
“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.”
