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
