Page 106 of Courting Gossip (Courting)
Epilogue
Genieve’s first action as CEO was a major milestone – hosting Luxxor Limited’s first company picnic. In actuality, it was a joint affair: a celebration of the company’s new ownership and a kickoff for Nina’s new, still-to-be-named start-up. She’d kept the event small, with only escorts and a few exclusive clients on the invitation list, but things were already hopping.
‘Have I told you how much I love your house, Brody?’ Rielle asked when she and Darien arrived.
‘Thanks,’ he said simply. ‘I like it, too.’
Genieve bumped him playfully with her hip as she moved on to the kitchen. She was still surprised he’d let her have the party here. He was becoming more laidback and easy-going.
‘Just don’t let them trick you into playing darts upstairs,’ Darien warned as he entered behind his girlfriend.
Genieve laughed. Little did they know, but she was going to trick the couple into playing cards next. Only she knew her guy’s tells.
‘Feel free to go to the man cave if you want,’ she said. ‘We’ve got the grill fired up outside, and others are talking in the living room.’
Brody followed her into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to get fresh beers.
‘Can you get the ice?’ she asked.
She kissed his cheek when he hefted the heavy bag out of the freezer for her. ‘Thanks again for letting me have my friends over.’
‘Everyone seems to be having fun,’ he said.
The living room was busy with people talking, while more were out in the back yard. The weather was cooperating with sunny skies and mild temperatures. Josh was manning the grill outside, while Sienna and her friend Erin were putting out the side dishes on the breakfast bar.
Genieve peeked over their shoulders. ‘Which one did you bring, Erin?’
‘The jalapeño potato salad.’
Behind her back, Sienna gave a fearful shake of her head. Brody actually smiled, and Genieve sent him a sidelong look to stop. He covered it with a cough. Sienna’s boyfriend walked into the kitchen, and Brody passed him one of the beers.
‘I wondered what was taking so long,’ Jason said. He sidled up to the tall blonde and wrapped his arm around her waist. ‘Now I see, you found better company. Hi, Princess,’ he said, giving her a quick kiss.
He looked at the other sunny blonde. ‘Erin, the detective wants to know if you want cheese on your burger.’
‘Oh, yes, please.’ She hurried out to the grill to place her order.
The other couple followed, leaving Genieve and Brody alone.
‘The Sloan Gunman is in my house,’ he said in amazement. Jason had been a star defenceman for the Capitals back in his playing days.
Genieve winked. ‘Stick with me. My crowd is more fun than yours.’
‘No doubt about that.’ He put down his beer. ‘Let me help you with that ice.’
He strongarmed the bag and dropped it onto the counter to break apart the cubes. Genieve held a bowl as he poured. ‘You talked in your sleep again last night,’ she teased.
‘Oh, God. Here we go.’
‘Want to know what you said?’
‘Not really.’ He put the tie back on the bag and returned it to the freezer.
She snuggled up against him. ‘Let it rain,’ she said sexily.
She gasped when his expression went totally blank. ‘Come on, tell me what it means. Please? What are you thinking about when you’re saying those things? Rain, umbrellas…Did you want to be a weatherman?’
‘Nope.’ He picked up his beers and turned his back. ‘Not talking.’
