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“It’s me. Nikki Reardon. I’m here to see Joshua. Very briefly.”
The other woman’s face lightened. “Nikki, of course. How nice to see you again.” Her gaze went to the computer screen at her elbow. “I don’t have you on his calendar...”
The door behind the desk opened, and Joshua Lowell poked out his head. “Thanks, Haley. Please hold my calls. Nikki, it’s good to see you after all these years.”
Nikki entered Joshua’s office and waited as he closed the door. “I won’t take much of your time, Josh,” she said quietly, conscious of the gatekeeper just outside the door.
Joshua waved her to a comfortable seat in front of his massive desk. “No worries. Let me have your coat. What can I do for you?”
She shrugged out of her thigh-length parka, handed it to him and sat down. Joshua was Jake’s twin. By all accounts, she should be feeling the tug of sexual attraction. But despite the fact that both men shared an unmistakable physical similarity, they projected a different vibe.
Josh was very handsome, confident and appealing. But he projected authority and a no-nonsense air of being all business. Where Jake was funny, and at times outrageous, Joshua was more reserved.
Nikki folded her shaky hands in her lap. “I’m sure Jake has already talked to you since last night. I owe you an apology,” she said bluntly. “He showed me one of the emails my mother sent. I knew nothing about them, and I am so very sorry. I’m going to speak to her firmly and warn her never to do anything like this again. She was trying to help me, but it was wrong. I hope you can forgive me.”
Joshua leaned back in his chair and smiled wearily. “I think you and I both know that parents don’t always make good choices.”
“Touché.”
“How did my brother react when you told him he’s the father? He wasn’t forthcoming about that part of the evening.”
Nikki tried not to fidget. Joshua Lowell was a powerful man. “Well, you had already given him a heads-up. I suppose me telling him wasn’t news. He says he wants to be part of Emma’s life.”
“And?”
“And I’m not sure. You know your brother, Josh. What your father did—what my father did—sent Jake running fifteen years ago. As far as I can tell, the only reason he’s back at the moment is because you asked him to go with you to see Vernon. I don’t think he’s father material.”
“You could give the guy a chance.”
The suggestion was couched in mild tones, but Nikki felt the unspoken edge of criticism. Her defenses went up. “I have to protect Emma. She’s my first priority.”
“I understand.”
“May I ask you a personal question?” she said, taking a deep breath.
His eyes widened fractionally, but he nodded. “Yes.”
“Is it true that you’re giving up your position here at Black Crescent? That you’ve been interviewing potential replacement candidates?”
Joshua nodded slowly. His gaze narrowed. “Yes. I have.”
Nikki leaned forward, feeling an urgency that was perhaps not hers to feel. “Have you thought about asking Jake to replace you? I know he likes to pretend he has no depth, but he’s whip-smart. Especially with finances. He could do this job and do it well. Maybe the challenge would be enough to make him stay. To put down roots.”
Jake’s twin sighed, and his expression filled with sympathy. “I get where you’re coming from, Nikki. And, yes. That would be a great plan. But I already offered him the helm of Black Crescent, and he turned me down flat.”
“Oh.” The bottom fell out of her stomach. Suddenly, she realized she had been naive. She knew it was stupid to think she and Jake could have a relationship after all this time, but her need for him continued to sabotage good sense. Clearly, Jake only wanted to leave. Again.
She stood abruptly, near tears. Her sleepless night was catching up with her. “I should go. Thank you for your time.”
Before Nikki could move, the door burst open and Jake strode into the room. He pulled up short when he saw her, his gaze narrowing. “What are you doing here?” The question was just short of rude.
Nikki hitched her purse on her shoulder. “I wanted to talk to Joshua. Don’t worry—we’re done. I’m leaving—”
Josh interrupted before Jake could speak. “It’s my turn to ask you something, Nikki. Jake is here now, because he and I are headed into the city to see our father. It occurs to me that you might want to ask a few questions, too. Since your own father can’t answer them. My dad owes you that much.”
Jake’s face had frozen in stone. “I don’t think that’s appropriate. Vernon asked to see us. No one else.”
Nikki flushed, mortified. “Thank you, Josh, but Jake is right. This will be a family moment. I don’t want to intrude.” She scooted toward the door.
