Page 38

“Because, brother dearest, everything was black, white, or stainless steel before Leah moved in. Now there’s colour. The sofa has cushions and throws. The walls have artwork. Evenyour dining chairs have been upholstered. It looks like a home.”

Gabriel grunts, but I can see he’s pleased with my observation.

Gabriel’s penthouse is one of the first Jax and I designed and built together. Its views over the Thames are spectacular. Gabriel and I own several apartments in the building we rent out. The other side of my property business is my rentals.

“How are you, little momma?” I ask Leah.

“I’m good. Callum is doing well. He’s sleeping. I’ll take you in for a peek in a moment, but first...”

She hands me her phone and the latest photos of my nephew. Something inside me wrenches.

“When did he get so big?” I ask, unable to take my eyes off the pictures, itching to get my hands on the little man. “I need cuddles.”

Leah laughs. “Don’t worry, you can give him his bottle when he wakes up.”

Gabriel huffs.

“Don’t worry. You can do the two AM feed so you don’t feel left out.”

I laugh at my brother’s face. “Hopefully, Callum will be able to tell us apart, like his mother.”

I can’t keep the grin from my face. “If not, I can be the cool daddy, and you can be the boring old fart.”

Gabriel picks up one of the colourful pillows and throws it at me. Leah rolls her eyes at us both. She’s known me for almost as long as my brother, having worked for him for many years. Yanking Gabriel’s chain has always been enjoyable, especially when it comes to Leah. Now I have Callum to add to the list.

“Dinner is ready,” Leah says.

Gabriel and I grab the pots from her hands before she can carry them to the table.

We sit down and tuck in. Leah is an amazing cook. For my brother, the way to his heart was through his stomach, although I cannot imagine anyone more perfect for my twin.

“Any updates on the new development? There are all sorts of things on social media,” Gabriel says, refilling my wine glass.

I take the wine, followed by a large swig. It’s only been twenty-four hours since I saw her, but the woman is invading my every thought. I’ve spent half the day on the phone trying to solve the planning issues to get the board off my back.

“It’s nothing,” I say.

Gabriel looks at me over the top of his glass. “It doesn’t look like nothing. Protests outside your office, a flash mob. Looks to me like someone wants to be heard.”

“They do—she does,” I say, sighing, sick of trying to explain myself. “Her landlord, the seller, has sold her business out from under her. A business she’s invested a lot into. She and the community are rightly aggrieved.”

Gabriel frowns. “Can you compensate her?”

I run a hand through my hair.

“It’s more complicated. She’s a large part of the community. The flash mob. Those were her students. Kids whose lives she’s turned around. Got off the streets, given a purpose to.”

Leah leans forward. “Can you incorporate her business into the new development?”

I stare across at Leah, my shoulders sagging. “I’m trying. I’ve got Jaxson reworking the building plans, and I called a board meeting earlier. I’ve asked her to trust me, but she told meactions speak louder than words.”

I scowl at the smirk that appears on my brother’s face.

“What?” I say, snapping at him.

“Sorry, but it appears this woman is the first person inhistory to resist your smooth-talking charms. Sounds like she’s asking you to put your money where your mouth is, brother.”

“Excuse me.” Leah coughs with a chuckle, looking at my brother. I watch in fascination as his hand snakes out and captures hers, raising it to his lips.