“Thanks.” He sat down on the couch and Nikki settled herself into her recliner. “So tell me what your relationship is to my boy.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You don’t beat around the bush, do you?” she asked.
“Can’t see any point in that.”
“Okay... we’re... good friends.” She hoped her nose didn’t start to grow. Lately she and Kevin hadn’t shared much in the way of heart-to-heart talks, so she couldn’t really classify them as friends anymore. Though that was another thing she hoped to change.
The older man’s snort told her she’d been found out. “I’ve been around the block long enough. Try again and let’s see if I believe you.” He grinned, letting her know he meant no harm, but intended to get an answer.
The sound of a key in the lock saved her from having to answer. Kevin, she thought, and held her breath, not knowing what kind of reaction to expect.
Max’s eyes darted toward the door. When Nikki heard the slam, she knew he’d entered the house.
“So you didn’t answer. What’s your relationship to my son? Girlfriend? Roommate? Lover?”
A heated blush rose to her cheeks.
“Lay off her, Max.” Kevin turned the corner into the family room. His gaze darted from Max to Nikki, to the table with refreshments, and back to Max again. “And tell me what the hell you’re doing here.”
She sucked in a deep breath and steeled herself for what lay ahead. Max had obviously timed his question to coincide with Kevin’s entry and she understood Kevin’s gut reaction to the crass question. What she didn’t understand was why Max had chosen to act out, when he’d been at least diplomatic up until now.
She’d been right to be concerned about Kevin’s reaction to finding his father here. Max Manning wasn’t going to make this a comfortable visit. Neither, she assumed, was Kevin.
* * *
Kevin should have known the silence meant trouble. He should have anticipated Max’s behavior. When ignored and threatened in his pocketbook, Max lashed out. If he couldn’t use his fists, he’d find other means. So here he was, searching for trouble.
One glance at Nikki’s concerned expression and Kevin knew Max had accomplished his goal. He had no idea how much damage had been done in the time Nikki had been alone with the old man. Judging from his clear gaze, Max was sober. That was something, at least.
If he’d bothered to think about it he’d have realized he couldn’t keep Max and Nikki apart forever, but he’d have liked to try. “I didn’t hear an answer,” Kevin said to his father.
Max rose from his seat. “Is it a crime to visit my son? For damn sure you wouldn’t have invited me.”
And that ought to tell you something, Kevin thought But Max only saw things one way. His own. “It would have helped if you’d called first.”
“Like it would have mattered. You’ve been living here how long and I’ve never stepped foot inside.”
Nikki jumped to her feet. “Kevin, can I get you a club soda?” she asked.
“No boy of mine drinks that sissy stuff. Get him a beer.”
Kevin shot his father a warning look. “There’s no alcohol in the house.”
“Why not? I don’t come by, so you can’t be keeping the stuff from me.”
Nikki met his gaze, her violet eyes wide with curiosity. No doubt she’d been wondering what caused his about-face. During all the football games and holidays he’d spent with her family, he’d always chosen beer.
He shrugged. “I have my reasons,” he muttered. Why insult Max by admitting the truth? It wouldn’t do either of them any good.
“Afraid you’ll end up like your old man?” his father asked.
Kevin rolled his head from side to side in a futile effort to work out the tension brought on by this homecoming. “I’d love a club soda,” he said, hating to have Nikki wait on him, but wanting any excuse to get her out of his father’s presence.
She smiled. “No problem. Max? Can I get you more water?”
“No thanks. It’s only making me thirsty for a real drink.”
She glanced Kevin’s way, obviously unsure how to react. He gave her a small nod and she left for the kitchen. And Kevin turned to Max.