Page 57 of Kiwi

I look over at Chance stretched out on the cold floor, his eyes closed. "Just because he's different doesn't mean he should be tossed away."

"Piper used to talk about him all the time." Nova gets a distant look in his eyes, but I know he didn't come here to talk about Chance. "I'm still pissed," Nova looks dead at me. "Let's just make that clear. My head is a little fucked with the idea of you and my daughter being together." I say nothing in response, giving him the floor to say his piece. He leans forward, placing his elbows on his knees. "I'd be a damn liar if I came in here and said I was completely blindsided by it. Hell, looking back, all the signs were there. I was just so wrapped up in having her home, then almost losing her I…" his words hang in the air for a beat as he runs his hand through his hair. "I respect the fact that you were man enough to bring it to my table and confront me head-on, but the truth is, I'm not here for you or myself. I'm here for Piper. She loves you."

"I love her too," I tell him, and he holds up a hand.

"Fuck, Kiwi," he grumbles. "As bad as I hate to admit it, I know you love my daughter. But, if you hurt her, brother, I'll kill ya." It feels good to hear him call me brother again.

There's a soft knock on the door, followed by Piper's voice on the other side. "Tai."

"Come on in, babe," I call out, and the door swings open. Piper pokes her head inside.

"I thought we could have lunch together," she smiles at me before noticing her dad sitting on the sofa, and her features turn to worry. "Is everything okay?"

"I was having a chat with Kiwi," Nova tells her, and Piper steps inside the room. She leans against the doorframe, holding a couple of takeout bags in her hand.

"Dad," Piper looks at her dad.

"Relax, Bean." Nova stands. Facing Piper, he leans in, kissing the top of her head. "I only want what's best for you."

"Tai is what's best for me, Daddy," Piper confesses.

"I know," Nova admits, and Piper's eyes widen with shock. "That's why I'm here."

"So, you're okay with this—us?" Piper glances at me, then back to her dad's face.

"I'm workin' on it. Of all the men it could have been, I'm glad it's Kiwi who loves you." My chest tightens at his words, and a lump of emotions forms in my throat. I was not expecting Nova to say what he just said. Tears pool in Piper's eyes as she looks at her dad.

"Thank you, daddy," she whispers, then wraps her arms around his waist.

"I love you, Bean. Your happiness means the world to me." He pulls away, and Piper sniffles. "Go on and feed your man." He smiles at her, before looking back at me. "Grab a beer with me tonight?" he asks.

I nod. "Sounds good."

"I'll see the two of you later." He walks out of the office, leaving his daughter shocked and staring at me.

"Does this mean…?" Piper wipes her eyes. Moving, she sits the bag on top of the desk. I grab her hand, pulling her down on my lap, and swipe away the rest of her tears.

"It's definitely a step in the right direction, babe." I tangle my finger in her hair. "Give me your mouth." I press my lips to hers.

"Aren't you hungry?" she says playfully as my hand slips beneath her shirt, cupping her breast.

"I'm always hungry for you, babe."