Rule's Property (The House of Rule 2)

"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.