He is apparently very devoted to you—”

“Don’t start again.”

“Just saying, he’s here because he insisted.”

“I appreciate it. He’s been awesome with her since the beginning.” Logan frowned at the size of the two suitcases. “How long are we going to be gone?”

“Your buddy Joe did the packing. Apparently you girls need a lot when you travel.”

Logan’s eyes met Rowan’s. She gave her head a slight shake, her expression mocking. “You sound a little jealous of him, you know.”

“Me, jealous, of that...kid? Right.” Rowan made a scornful sound and turned away as Joe approached Logan.

“You all right?” Joe asked Logan even as he handed Jax a sippy cup with water.

Logan nodded and shot Rowan’s retreating back a disapproving look. “I hope he wasn’t rude to you,” she said to Joe. “If he was, don’t take it personally. He’s that way with everyone.”

Joe smiled and shrugged. “I’ve met worse.”

Logan gave him a look.

His smile broadened. “He doesn’t bother me. And he was actually pretty sweet with Jax—”

“Don’t say it. Don’t want to hear it.” Logan cut him short. “So is he going to send you back in the helicopter or are you having to grab a cab back? If you need a cab, just put it on my account. I won’t have you paying for something like that. It’ll be ridiculously expensive.”

“I’ll grab a rental car and drop it off at LAX.” Joe hesitated a moment. “Are you going to be okay?”

Logan kissed the top of Jax’s head and nodded. “Need tomorrow’s event to go off without a hitch—”

“It will. The fund-raiser will be huge, and the fashion show will be wonderful. But you’re the one I’m worried about.”

“Don’t. I’m fine. And my company...it’s everything. It’s my reputation. My livelihood. It’s how I provide for Jax—” She broke off, overwhelmed by stress and the weight of her reality. Her reality was harsh. People didn’t give her the same benefit of the doubt they gave others. She didn’t get second chances or opportunities...no, she had to fight tooth and nail for every job, forced to prove herself over and over again.

“I’ll handle it,” Joe said quietly, his deep voice firm.

“Thank you.”

And then he kissed Jax on the top of her head and he left.

Rowan didn’t seem to even notice that Joe had gone and it burned Logan up, how arrogant and callous Rowan was. Joe had been a huge help and Rowan didn’t thank him or care.

Why couldn’t Logan fall for someone like Joe...someone smart and kind and caring? Someone with emotions?

And then as if able to read Logan’s mind, Rowan was returning. “We need to go.” He nodded at the toddler.