Slow Burn--A Sensual Second-Chance Romance by Janice Maynard

Author:Janice Maynard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-08-11T20:10:54+00:00

Eight

The bachelor party was a huge success. Even the guys who imbibed heavily were classy enough not to get falling-down drunk. Or maybe Joshua picked his friends carefully. Maybe he surrounded himself with men of depth.

Whatever the reason, the evening was going well.

When it was time for dinner, the men moved as one to the tables, where shrimp cocktails and Caesar salads sat waiting. As everyone dug in, Jake noted that Joshua had perhaps intentionally not set up a head table. In most families, the groom-to-be might be flanked by his two brothers. But the Lowell relationships, though cordial, were strained by the events of the past.

Jake sat with Oliver to his right and a Black Crescent employee he had just met on his left. The meal was fabulous. And it must have cost a fortune. Again, Jake felt guilty. He should have been the one paying for this spread. He could certainly afford it. But, heck. He hadn’t even known his brother was getting married.

Jake had kept himself out of the loop.

When the steaks and potatoes were only a memory, and there was a brief lull before dessert was served, Jake seized the moment to say a few words. He stood and cleared his throat. “As the twin brother of the groom, I believe it’s my duty to make a toast.”

Joshua grinned, his expression a mixture of surprise and pleasure. “By all means,” he said. “But if you start telling childhood stories, I’ll plead the Fifth.”

Ignoring laughter and a few catcalls, Jake began his spiel. “Joshua...you were known as the good kid, and I was the bad apple. I guess some things never change.”

A titter of laughter went around the room.

Jake continued. “For a decade and a half, you’ve managed to find the best in a really crappy situation. Now, although I’ve only met Sophie briefly, I can already tell that the two of you are a perfect match.”

“Thanks,” Joshua said, his posture slightly guarded as if he didn’t know what was coming next.

Jake reached beneath the dinner table and picked up the small package that was loosely wrapped in brown butcher paper. “Oliver and I want to give you something to mark this occasion. It’s not exactly a wedding gift. It’s more of a thank-you for being a damn good human being, and our steady-as-a-rock brother. We love you, man.”

Jake walked past several people and handed over the small package, then returned to his seat.

Joshua stood and carefully peeled back the paper. He examined the painting intently, his fingers clenched on the frame. His face went pale. He looked up, startled, staring at his two brothers. “My God. Is this really a...” He trailed off, his expression gobsmacked.

“It’s a Matisse,” Jake said quietly. Joshua’s reaction made him damn glad he’d come up with this idea.

Oliver, shoulder-to-shoulder with Jake, spoke up. “We’re pumped as hell that you’re jump-starting your art career, and I hope you know we’ll both be first in line to hang a few Josh Lowell masterpieces on our walls.

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