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“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 movie with Emma and me late Friday afternoon.”
“Joshua’s bachelor party is Friday night.”
“The wedding’s so soon?” The prospect of seeing people from her old life sent anxiety coursing through her veins.
“The actual ceremony is a week from Saturday. You never answered me. Will you be my date?”
She saw a challenge in his eyes, a dare. She weighed the prospect of attending a romantic wedding with Jake against her very real concerns. “I will,” she said. “But I’ll be nervous about seeing Falling Brook folks.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong. We’ll face them together.”
“Okay.” It might be the only carefree time she had with Jake. An evening that would have to sustain her for the long, lonely years to come. “Good night,” she muttered. Jake was too tempting. Too everything.
He cupped her neck in his big, warm hands and pulled her head to his. “I’ll dream about you, Nik.”
This kiss was lazy and slow. As if he had all the time in the world.
She put her hands on his shoulders to steady herself when her knees went weak. He tasted like coffee and dreams. Her dreams. All the ones that shattered when Black Crescent imploded, and Jake left her.
For long seconds, she let herself kiss him back. It was exhilarating. Toe curling. She felt like a princess at the end of a fairy tale. A very hot, flustered, needy princess. Only this particular prince was never going to stick around for the happily-ever-after.
When she realized she was running her fingers through his hair, she made herself step back. Take a breath. Reach for reason. “I should go in,” she said. “I have a few mommy jobs to accomplish before I head to bed.”
“I’ll pay child support,” he said gruffly. “Even if we decide not to tell her.”
Nikki’s temper flared, but she held her tongue. He was trying to do the right thing. “I don’t need your money, Jake. Emma and I are fine. A child is a huge responsibility, but money is the least of it.”
