Slow Burn (Dynasties Seven Sins #7) - Janice Maynard Page 0,24

body. But if she wasn’t going to have sex with him, there were rules to follow. Fair play. Self-denial.

Though it took remarkable willpower on her part, she moved away. “Would you like some coffee?” she asked, trying to pretend as if everything was normal.

Her kitchen looked the same as always, despite Jake’s presence. Pine cabinets. Faded Formica countertops. Beige walls. This little house was dated and homely, but the community was friendly, and crime was low. Nikki’s neighbors were Black and white and Hispanic. Young and old.

The man with the laser gaze stared at her, his jaw rigid. “Coffee? That’s your answer?”

“I don’t want to fight with you, Jake.”

“And you don’t want to have sex with me.”

She shook her head slowly. “Not like this.” She dealt with the coffeepot and turned it on. When she faced him again, he was leaning in the doorway, arms crossed over his broad chest, a dark scowl doing nothing to diminish his sexual pull. “Have you bought a return airline ticket?” she asked. No point in pretending.

“I have an open-ended one. Because the judge has fast-tracked the trial, I want to catch the opening arguments. Apparently, my father is planning to make a statement. Given the nature of the case, the judge is also allowing wronged parties to face the man who stole from them. Perhaps even let them speak.”

“Poor Vernon.”

Jake raised an eyebrow. “You have more charity than I do. My father deserves public condemnation. In fact, that’s the tip of the iceberg. He should be—”

Nikki held up her hand, halting the flow of angry words. “Stop.” She poured a cup of coffee and handed it to him. “Bitterness will destroy you. Mom and I spent the first several years of our exile constantly in the midst of grief and emotional upheaval. It was only when we decided to forgive my father that we were finally able to move on.”

“I’ve moved on,” he said, his tone defensive.

“You moved away,” Nikki said. “Ran away. By your own admission. It’s not the same thing. I know you’re in Falling Brook for a brief time, but why don’t you use these weeks to find closure with your dad? Actually, closure with the whole dismal experience?”

He stared down at his coffee, his expression moody. “Can we take this outside? I need some air. It’s not all that cold.”

“Sure.” She grabbed a coat and the baby monitor. Jake retrieved his jacket from the living room.

“A baby monitor?” he said. “Still?”

“It gives me peace of mind.”

“I can understand that.”

They settled on the porch, skipping the swing in favor of sitting on the top step. Nikki didn’t bother with the light. Because the stoop was narrow, she and Jake were hip-to-hip. She wanted badly to lean her head on his shoulder and dream of a future that included everything she wanted.

But that was futile. She sipped her coffee in silence. They weren’t the only people taking advantage of the unexpectedly mild evening. Older kids still played up and down the street.

Without warning, Jake put a hand on her knee, making her jump.

“Why don’t you and Emma come to Switzerland with me when this is all over?” he said. “For a visit,” he clarified, as if wanting to make sure she understood. “The mountains are magnificent, and I think Emma would like it.”

“What’s in Switzerland?” Nikki kept the question light and casual, though her guts were in a knot.

“I own a small house there. I have a great housekeeper who handles things when I travel.”

When I travel. There it was. The truth of Jake Lowell.

Nikki clenched the handle of her cup. “I have a job,” she said evenly. “And other responsibilities.”

“Emma’s not in regular school yet. Besides, with the money from Black Crescent, you could quit the diner, right? I’ll cover all the Europe expenses.”

She sucked in a breath. “Being poor is not as bad as you think it is, Jake. But even if I decide to take the money from Black Crescent, it’s a long time until January. Besides, I think Emma is a little young for a trip like that. I appreciate the offer.”

They were both being so damn polite. As if roiling currents of emotion and discord didn’t threaten the foundation beneath their feet.

Jake stood abruptly and set his empty coffee cup on the porch railing. “When can I swing by tomorrow?”

Nikki stood, too. The night was cloudy. She couldn’t read his expression. “Tomorrow is not good. I work a double shift. Maybe you could come to a