It was as if she finally had a brother, but in a very adult kind of way, and during the three weeks he'd been settling in before assuming his full mantle of responsibility at the Rule Corporation, the two of them had become close. They'd enjoyed any number of deep, philosophical discussions. They talked about movies and television and debated the impact of digital technology on literature. They discussed world politics, religion, the scope of the universe, and whether or not any other beings were 'out there'. Garrett had shared confidences with her that she didn't think he'd even told his brothers. They laughed and they argued, but never once did Courtney feel anything for Garrett other than a deep, familial type friendship and respect . . . and never once did she feel anything other than a sibling-like relationship being returned.
That truth was underlined one day when Erin came by and all three of them spent some time together. It didn't escape Courtney's notice that Garret seemed to treat her exactly as he treated his sister. That realization didn't upset Courtney in the least; it had the opposite effect, it made her feel more grounded within the family fold. She was becoming rooted, and the knowledge enveloped her in a sense of contentment that she hadn't felt in a long time.
With Garrett seemingly unaware that she was an unrelated female, the two of them were floating in the pool one evening when the sun was just beginning to sink after she'd spent the morning helping him move the first of his boxes into his new apartment. Justine had been sitting under an umbrella chatting with them, but she'd walked into the house only minutes before to check on supper.
When his mother had walked away, Garrett had pulled Courtney's float to his so that their heads were close together. Lying on their stomachs, he anchored her float with his arms, and glanced at the house to make sure his mother was inside. Looking back to Courtney, he said, "The DNA test came back. The bitch lied."
"Oh, thank God," Courtney said as a bolt of relief shot through her.
"Yeah. She's nothing more than a c-- a whore. I fucking hate women," he swore vehemently. "Every fucking one of 'em. Out for nothing but a free ride with a rich man. Swear to God, Courtney, I'll never trust a woman again."
The fury in his voice was so deep that it worried her. It seemed as if she should hear pain in his voice, but she didn't. His tone was laced with fury. Grabbing his float on both sides as she lifted her head, she rapidly began trying to calm him down. "It's just going to take some time, you know? There are good women as well as bad ones . . . you'll find a good one."
"Don't want one. Don't fucking need one. No need to get graphic, but let's just say that I'll be way more fucking careful in the future."
At his determined look, Courtney's heart sank for him. "Garrett--"
"Nah, I'm done," Garrett said. "I just wanted you to know the outcome. Let's talk about something else--"
His words were interrupted by a deep, booming voice, "What's going on?"
Courtney and Garrett both glanced up to see Nick standing by the side of the swimming pool, his legs braced apart, the edges of his mouth cut into irritated, brooding lines.
Obviously not feeling any guilt or awkwardness for being within Courtney's personal space, Garrett continued to hold on tightly to her float as he answered his brother. "Nothing much, man. Enjoying the day. Get changed and get your ass in here." Letting go of her float, Garrett attempted to splash Nick. "Come on, the water's awesome."
Nick took a step back and the look on his face became completely shuttered. His stance relaxed minutely, but his answer came back forcefully, "No time. Supper's almost on the table."
When neither Garrett nor Courtney made a move to leave the pool, Nick changed direction and lazered his gaze on her. "Out of the water, Courtney. You look chilled already," he ordered in implacable terms.
"The water's warm. She's fine--"
Garrett's argument was cut off as Nick gave his brother a squelching look. "She's been ill with a bad case of the 'flu. You want her to relapse?"
Garrett appeared taken aback as he glanced back to Courtney. "When was this?"
She rolled her eyes as if Nick were being ridiculous. "Last month. I'm fine now," she replied neutrally, refusing to jump to do Nick's bidding.
Nick cracked his knuckles, a sudden antagonism he hadn't been showing before rising to the surface as he barked directly at her, "Get your ass out, now."
As if on cue, Justine strolled through the open French doors. "Darling, Nick's right, despite his appalling choice of words. It's getting late and you might catch a chill. Let's not forget you lost five pounds during your illness and almost developed pneumonia." Her gaze moved to her youngest son. "Garrett, I realize you didn't know she'd been sick, but let's not be a bad example, okay?"