by Lynda Chance
“No, I only supported her decision to get her master’s degree,” Garrett replied.
As Garrett watched his brother with a look of confusion on his face, Nick took a deep breath and stuck to the original conversation. “We have two issues here. One is the question of forming a holding company and if we’re going to do it—”
Garret cut him off. “I’m doing it. The question is whether or not my brothers want in on it.”
Nick glared and continued, “And the other issue is Courtney. She’s not working for you, and that’s final.”
Courtney felt a hot jolt of anger at that decision being made for her. “I’m sorry, what?” she asked sarcastically.
“You’re not working for him,” Nick restated as he turned his glare on her.
Suddenly so mad that she could barely breathe, she snapped, “I don’t think you get to make that decision.”
Nick blasted her with a look and then glanced over at Garrett who’d suddenly gone still and was watching them once again with suspicion.
Nick turned back to her and Courtney could tell he was at least trying to control his impatience. “He travels all over the world, sweetheart. Personally, I think we make enough money within the U.S., but if he wants to chase after more, I can’t stop him. Overseas travel is dangerous, and you’re not doing it.”
Courtney stared at Nick. Why she was surprised? This was exactly Nick’s method of operation and why it should shock her now she didn’t know. She had a couple of different thoughts clamoring for room in her brain. The first and foremost was the fact that Nick couldn’t be allowed to get away with treating her as if she were his puppet to control, and the second was that, in this instance, it was going to be difficult to prove her independence because she didn’t want to travel overseas on business. Within the U.S. would be okay, but she didn’t want to live out of a suitcase for the foreseeable future and she wasn’t a traveler by nature.
So what was she supposed to say? She decided to ignore his over-the-top behavior and turned to Garrett instead. “Thanks for having such faith in my abilities. Even though your brother is wrong when he thinks he can make decisions for me,” she turned and gave Nick a glare for good measure before turning back to Garrett, “regardless of that, I don’t want to travel all over the world.”
Garrett answered back swiftly, “You both have it wrong. I don’t need you overseas at all. I need somebody focused, somebody trustworthy and ambitious to run things here while I’m gone. You’re the perfect person. You’re smart, that can’t be denied. You’re family so there’s no question of your loyalty. But I’m sorry if we made an assumption that you’d want to work with us. Erin has fit in perfectly and we just assumed after you came home that you’d want to come on board, too. If I was wrong, I apologize.”
“No, that’s fine. I’m honored that you think so highly of me.”
“Well, shit, Courtney. It’s not just that,” Garrett said. “Of course it helps that you’re brilliant. But, you’re family. Of course you’re going to get the first shot. Even if Nick and I can’t agree on which division will get you, you’ll always have a place at the corporation if you want one.” He glanced at his brother for corroboration. “Tell her, Nick.”
Courtney glanced over at Nick and wasn’t the least bit surprised at what she saw. A mask had descended over his features, but his body language spoke volumes. His arms were held rigidly at his sides and his muscles were corded like steel. Although she couldn’t read his eyes, his features told her all she needed to know. His facial skin was pulled tautly across his cheekbones; his jaw was clenched in lines of tension. When he finally answered, his voice was flat and terse, “Of course. Family first.” His gaze left hers and fixed on Garrett. “We done here? I’ve got work to do.”
Chapter Four
Courtney stiffened, dismayed that Nick had just left the penthouse so abruptly.
Garrett released a pent-up breath at his brother’s curt retreat. “Ignore him. He’s too damn controlling, just like Damian. So, are you in?”
Was she in? She’d like to be, but she didn’t want to work directly for Nick. Garrett, though, working for him would be perfect, especially if she didn’t have to travel all the time. “It sounds great, but I’ve got a couple of interviews lined up. I should really go to them.”
“Sure, do that.” He gave her a measured look. “Actually, that’ll be good experience for you when you start having to hire people for us.
She grinned. “Thinking about it that way makes going to an interview easy.”
Garrett’s lips twisted into a smile. “Absolutely. And when you’re done, I think you’re going to like your first assignment with us.”
“Oh, yeah?” She asked, tilting her head in question.
“Yeah.”
“Just as long as you don’t have me travelling to crazy-ass places no normal person would want to go.”
“No?” Garrett asked with a teasing note. “What if I told you I need you in Florida for a couple of weeks?”
At his words, a fierce shot of pleasure shot down her spine. Florida would be perfect. Getting away from Nick for a while and planning her strategy would be even better.
“Done,” she agreed happily.
“Welcome aboard.”
****
Nick sat at his desk and pressed his fingers into his temples. He’d popped three ibuprofen, but the painkillers weren’t helping yet.
Why the fuck did his feelings toward Courtney sometimes feel vaguely … incestuous? A river of guilt ran through his blood. For the hundredth time he reiterated to himself: She wasn’t his sister. No blood connection. Different last names. Never lived in the same house at the same time. Nothing wrong with his feelings for her.
Thank fuck. Because he would have her. He wasn’t waiting any longer. His balls were as blue as they could possibly be. Courtney was his, she always had been, and she and his family would just have to come to grips with that fact.
****
Three weeks later
Courtney walked away from the remodeling contractors, about to tear her hair out. Why the hell couldn’t they follow simple instructions? It was as if someone were sabotaging everything she did and said. How could things keep going so badly? This Florida trip was supposed to have been simple. Nothing more than a hotel remodel. Was Nick lurking somewhere, trying to aggravate her life so much that she’d come running home to St. Louis?
She walked back into the office and tossed her notebook on the desk she’d been using. She looked across the room at the young woman who’d worked for the hotel since she was a teenager. Maria was about her age, possibly a bit younger, but that’s where their similarities ended. Where Courtney was blonde and of medium height, this girl was a dark brunette, petite in height, but voluptuous in every other way.
As the girl glanced up and couldn’t contain a slight glare, the truth hit Courtney all at once; she was looking at the culprit. This girl was the thorn in her side. She was the person who was undermining all of Courtney’s orders. She saw it in a flash, how easy it would have been for the other girl to accomplish her manipulations.
Without a word, Courtney turned away and slipped upstairs to the suite she’d been using since she’d been back in Florida. She pulled out her cell and hit the button to connect her with Garrett, not giving a damn about the international time difference.
When he answered, she wasted no time. “I’m about to fire Maria.” Courtney announced with fury in her voice.
There was dead silence on the other end of the line.
“Did you hear me, Garrett?”
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat, grogginess in his voice. “So, what’s up? What’s the problem?”
“She’s like a fox in a hen-house, that’s what. She’s changing purchase orders, rerouting deliveries, manipulating every order I give, dragging this remodel out. She’s not on our side.”
“Yeah, okay, I hear you. Can you do me a favor and let me get back to the States first?”
/> “How long?” Courtney demanded succinctly.
“I’ve got it wrapped up here. I’m actually already booked on a flight in the morning.”
Not having ever fired anyone before and not exactly anxious to do it, Courtney took a deep breath. “You want to handle it?”
“Yeah. How close are the contractors to finishing up?” Garrett asked.
“About a week or two out, if nothing else disastrous happens,” Courtney answered, having calmed down somewhat.
“Okay. You want a break from sandpaper and sawdust for a while? Just hang tight and when I get there, you can go back to St. Louis and start getting things organized in your new office, okay?”
“Sounds good. But Garrett?” Courtney was mollified somewhat, but still angry.
“Yeah?” he asked.
“I’m dead serious. That little witch has made my life hell from day one and she’s got something coming in return.”
There was silence for the space of three seconds before Garrett rasped out with a promised retribution that almost made Courtney feel sorry for the girl, “Trust me, she’ll get what she deserves.”
****
Garrett arrived late the next day and for once, Courtney had never been quite so happy to leave Florida as she was this time.
She’d planned on getting a cab to the penthouse, but Justine had insisted on picking her up at the airport.
Now, as Courtney leaned her head back and rested her eyes in relief, she asked the older woman, “Is the house finished?”
“Yes, darling, and it’s beautiful! After you get moved back in, I think we should have a little party, don’t you?” Not giving Courtney time to form an answer, Justine continued, “I hope so, because I’ve already planned it.”
Courtney groaned inwardly. Justine’s parties were always a thinly veiled excuse for the older woman to practice her matchmaking skills. Who would be the victims of her machinations this time?
Her godmother continued, “It’ll be small, maybe twelve to sixteen. Garrett’s not here, of course, and won’t be able to make it, but I don’t see why the rest of my kids shouldn’t get to attend.”
“Nick’s still out of town,” Courtney warned, knowing he was still on the west coast. His emergency trip to California was the only reason she still retained her virginity.
“Oh, is he? He’s never gone long. Maybe he’ll be back in time,” Justine replied.
Courtney kept her eyes closed as the long hours began to catch up with her while the other woman rattled on about the party. Justine went through a running commentary on what foods to serve, which couples she would invite. After a bit, Courtney actually felt herself falling asleep and was only hearing bits and pieces of the one-sided dialogue.
“Damian will come … handsome boy … I think the two of you would make a darling couple. I know you must agree, don’t you, sweetheart? Especially since there’s no one special in either of your lives right now.”
Courtney’s eyes flew open and her head snapped toward Justine as disbelief consumed her. “I’m sorry, what?”
Justine didn’t reply as she concentrated on making a lane-change in the heavy traffic and Courtney asked with impatience, “Did you say something about Damian … and me?” She couldn’t contain the half-horrified shriek that came from her throat.
“Well, yes, sweetheart. Don’t you think he’s perfect … and handsome? Obviously, I know I’m biased as he’s my son, but you can’t deny how handsome he is.”
Courtney couldn’t stop her jaw from dropping open. Damian … and her? The idea was absurd. Ludicrous. Damian was like a … a brother to her … an aloof, I’m-too-busy-to-deal-with-you, older brother. Was he handsome? Undoubtedly. If you liked a cynical, stone-faced, totally-wrapped-up-in-making-money businessman.
She immediately felt guilty at her harsh assessment of his character. She truly loved Damian. She really did. But not in a romantic way. God, no. The idea was horrifying.
At her continued silence, Justine glanced over. “Oh, darling, were you asleep? I’m sorry. Close your eyes again. We’ll get you home in a bit.”
Courtney took the excuse given and did as suggested, swiftly closing her eyes.
****
The next couple of days flew by. Courtney ignored Justine’s reference to a relationship with Damian as if the woman had never mentioned it. Instead, she threw herself into her new job. Garrett emailed her a list of instructions every morning, and his directions were so meticulous she rarely needed any guidance.
She spent the evenings getting about half of her belongings moved from Nick’s penthouse back to Justine’s house. But even that living arrangement had to be temporary; she needed her own place.
Since Nick was out of town for a few days, it made it easier on Courtney because he couldn’t stand over her and try to stop her while she packed. Not that she’d had much of an opportunity to unpack everything; she’d only spent a few nights here before returning to Florida for Garrett.
But even though Nick wasn’t around, that didn’t mean he didn’t breathe fire over her via text messages.
The first text came the evening after she’d arrived back in St. Louis. You’re back home?
No doubt Garrett had clued him in. Her answer was short and sweet. Yes.
What are you doing?
Hmmm. He wasn’t going to like it. Why not get it over with and tell him the truth? Moving back to your mother’s.
Why?
Because that’s where I live.
His text reply came back immediately. Not anymore, you don’t.
Wow, okay. That was straightforward. How to respond? Are you planning on telling your mother that I live with you?
She’ll figure it out sooner or later.
Probably sooner. She’s having a party tomorrow night and guess what she’s gotten into her mind this time?
No telling.
Courtney took a deep breath and went ahead and keyed the words in. She’s trying to set me up with your brother.
Nick had been answering back within seconds but now there was nothing from his end.
Courtney waited. And then she waited some more. And then she texted a prompt. Nick?
Yeah?
Ugh. Sometimes it was like pulling teeth with him! What do you think about that?
Garrett’s out of town, so I’m assuming she means Damian?
Yes.
His reply came swiftly. She’s either out of her mind or she knows something’s going on between us.
Courtney stared at the words and swallowed hard. Well, it was true. She and Nick both knew it; there was something going on between them. But had Justine figured it out? Was she trying to throw Damian into the mix to force a confession from Courtney? Or a confrontation with Nick? She took a deep breath and thought about it. There was no question; Justine could be wily when she wanted to be.
Christ. Poor Damian. He was caught in the middle of all this. Courtney almost cringed with embarrassment. Did he even know what his mother was up to?
She waited too long to respond and her phone vibrated again with Nick’s response. Whatever. Don’t move out of the penthouse.
Looking at the last box she intended to move that evening she sighed. I’m already doing it.
Best not.
I am.
No answer. Courtney loaded the remaining box in her car and pushed the ignition button. Just as she was about to pull out of the parking spot, her phone vibrated again.
She slid the bar across and stared at Nick’s text. Stay the fuck away from Damian.
She studied the words and a combustible heat spread through her limbs at the jealousy Nick couldn’t contain, even via text. She struggled to control the pleasure that was invading her bloodstream because, really, there wasn’t anything good about jealousy. She quickly lost the battle, and a tiny smile she couldn’t control broke out on her lips.
But still, she didn’t dignify his text with a response.
****
Nick landed at the L
ambert-St. Louis International Airport and forty-five minutes later parked a couple of houses down from his mother’s newly refurbished home. The party that he’d declined to attend looked to be in full swing, with lights blazing and the circular driveway full of top-of-the-line vehicles.
He wasn’t in the mood for a party. He wasn’t in the mood for idle chitchat. He wasn’t in the mood to deal with his mother or her friends.
So why the hell was he here? He trusted Damian. But Nick had never really come straight out and claimed Courtney for himself, had he? Damian couldn’t know his intentions. So it was probably best to head off that particular collision if he could.
Walking around to the back of the house, he slid in through the back door and made his way around the secondary staircase and came to the point where the living area merged with the rear hallway. He could see the guests from here, but they shouldn’t be able to see him unless they were looking at the exact spot where he stood.
It wasn’t his intention to join the party. It was only his intention to observe. And from his vantage point, he could plainly see the living room and the front entrance.
He glanced around and spotted Courtney immediately. She wore a bright yellow sundress that made her skin and hair look luminous. The material clung to her torso, and accentuated the curves of her breasts. Even from this distance, he could see that she was wearing the charm he’d given her all those years ago. That was no surprise, to the best of his knowledge, she always wore it.
As she chatted with a female friend of his mother’s, he watched as she picked up the charm and fingered it lightly.
His chain. Wrapped around her neck. A sharp jolt of possession slid down his spine and produced a throbbing heat in his jeans. He was staring at the curve of her lips when he heard Damian’s arrival through the front door. Nick clearly saw the color bleed from Courtney’s face when she noticed his brother’s arrival, but then it came flooding back and her features were suddenly transformed by a radiant smile.
What the fuck?
Twisting his head toward where she watched the front entrance, he immediately realized what had caused her enjoyment. Damian had brought a woman.
