Slow Burn (Dynasties Seven Sins #7) - Janice Maynard Page 0,34

how his brother felt being present at an event where the alcohol flowed freely, but Oliver never seemed tempted.

The room was booked until midnight. Gradually, the guests began making their goodbyes. Oliver had come with a trio of guys and was the designated driver. Eventually, quiet fell. Only Joshua and Jake remained.

Joshua yawned. “That was fun. But I sure as hell am glad the wedding is not tomorrow. I’m going to go home and crash hard.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Jake said. “You want me to drive you? I switched to coffee a couple of hours ago.”

“Sure. I’d like that. My driver is waiting, but I’ll send him on.”

In the car, Jake adjusted the heat and made his way out of the crowded parking garage. “This may take a while,” he said, grimacing at the line of cars.

Joshua took off his tie, reclined his seat a few inches and sighed deeply as he stretched out his legs. “If you had told me six months ago that I’d be getting married soon, I’d have said you were crazy.” He shook his head, but he seemed more smug than reflective.

Jake swiped his credit card and waited for the arm to raise. “What does it feel like?” he asked, easing out into the traffic. “Knowing that you’ve found someone for a life partner? Isn’t it scary? What if you’ve made a mistake?”

“I know the statistics. But I also know Sophie. I didn’t even realize I had been waiting for someone like her. She argues with me and pushes me and makes me a better person. Plus, she’s hot as hell. Not that I’m bragging.”

Jake horse laughed, wiping his eyes with one hand. “Of course you’re bragging. That’s what a groom is expected to do.”

“And what about you and Nikki and Emma?”

Josh shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road. “Nikki and I are having dinner tomorrow night to talk about the situation.”

“A date?”

“Not a date.” The clarification was irritating, mostly because he had asked himself the same question a dozen times.

“What are you going to say? About the daddy thing, I mean.”

Jake rotated his shoulders. He felt as tight as if he had been driving for hours. “I’m not sure. I don’t think I can walk away from my own flesh and blood.”

Several seconds passed. Long, suddenly awkward seconds.

Joshua ran a hand across the back of his neck. “Not to belabor the point, bro, but you did before. I can understand where Nikki is coming from. She wants to protect her daughter from getting hurt.”

Suddenly, all the warm fuzzies Jake had been feeling as he reconnected with his twin evaporated. Was he always going to be the bad guy? Was there nothing he could do to make up for his fifteen-year hiatus? Nikki insisted she had changed, but did no one entertain the possibility that Jake might be changing, too?

He reached for the radio and tuned it to a station that played current music. It wasn’t long before Joshua was snoring.

It was just as well. Jake knew where he stood now. He was always going to be on the outside looking in, wishing for something he couldn’t even name...

Nikki worked the eight-to-four shift on Saturday, then rushed home to shower and change. Emma was pouty because her mom was leaving again, but it couldn’t be helped. And, honestly, except for work, Nikki seldom left her daughter to go out. Mommies had needs, too.

She gave herself a mental slap. Tonight wasn’t about a single mother’s needs. She and Jake were getting together to discuss his role in Emma’s life, her future.

The red sweater and black skirt, both newly mended, gave Nikki’s confidence a boost. She paired the outfit with spiky black heels and silver snowflake earrings. Her black wool coat was at least seven years old, but it had classic lines. The forecast called for spitting snow, so she had no choice but to dress for the cold.

Roberta had been with Emma during the day, but Nella came over at five thirty to help with Emma’s dinner and stay until Nikki returned.

“Enjoy yourself, Ms. Reardon,” she said. “I brought stuff to do when Emma is in bed. If you’re late, it won’t matter. I’ll doze on the sofa.”

“Thanks,” Nikki said, hoping her cheeks weren’t as red as her sweater. “Text me if you need anything. And I’ll check in with you a time or two.” When the doorbell rang, Nikki kissed her daughter. “Be good, sweetheart. You and I will spend the day together tomorrow, I