Courtney

By Laura Lee McKellips

Courtney Worth has dated several men in her sheltered life due to her mother’s meddling in her love life. None of them has captured her heart like her orphan boys though. Being a caseworker for the boys is her first and only love. A chance encounter with her brother’s best friend will challenge her and force her to rethink her life.

Jacob Scott meets Courtney after an unfortunate meeting with another woman. He is instantly drawn to his best friend’s younger sister. Mystery surrounds Courtney’s appeal as Jacob tries to get closer and learn more about her.

A woman scorned with a life-changing secret threatens their happiness and future together. Will Jacob and Courtney band together to deal with the secret? Or will they fall apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Lee McKellips
• Release date: Aug 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311656018

Laura Lee McKellips

Self-proclaimed history bluff, Laura Lee McKellips writes romance novels laced with history as well as modern-day trials. She likes to write smart and funny heroines and equally strong and funny heroes.She is a mixture of all her characters including the males: funny, smart, sassy, outgoing, loving, and guarded. She lets her characters tell their story in their own way much to her dismay at times.After reading a self-published book in 2013, Laura Lee decided to type out one of the stories floating around in her head. Since then she has written Cursed Soldier, The Woman Behind the Letters, Sorority Sisters Duet (Courtney and Lily), Savannah, Slay the Demon, Falling for Cody, Life in the Moments, Diamond Dirt, and Siren Song. She is currently working on another historic novel based in her hometown.You can check out what she's up to on social media.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraLeeMckellips/?ref=hlTwitter: @leeredmarlinGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7232508.Laura_Lee_McKellipswww.lauraleemckellips.weebly.com

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Courtney

Sorority Sisters Duet

Book 1

Laura Lee McKellips

Smashwords Edition

Dedicated to everyone who wonders if I’m writing about them.

I am.

ILY

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Copyright © 2015 by Laura Lee McKellips

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

All Rights Reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the author constitute unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property.

Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

Except for the original material written by the author, all speeches are property of the respective writers and copyright holders.

Cover Design by Christina Malone

Editing by TCB Editing Services

Prologue

Courtney tucked a wayward strand of blonde hair behind her ear as she entered the lobby. Worth Technologies was owned by her family with her brother at the helm. The lobby was as impressive as its portfolio. The glass and steel emerged and wrapped around the beams. A bank of elevators lined the back wall behind the receptionist’s desk while all the company’s awards lined the glass shelves. Her grandfather had created the company while her brother had pushed it into this century. Her father didn’t have a chance to show his mark on the company due to his premature death.

Shaking her head, she walked toward the bank of elevators. She was supposed to be here ten minutes ago. Her brother was going to kill her for being late yet again. Traffic was a nightmare, but Eric would never let her use that excuse. He would just explain that she would need to leave earlier because traffic was always a nightmare in Atlanta. Sometimes she just wanted to hit him.

Whitney, you cannot be here. This is my place of work. A tall black haired man stated angrily.

She looked over at the man and woman. The man was in a dark suit while the woman was wearing tight white pants and a flower print top. It was apparent that the woman did not work here. Everyone who worked here wore suits. It was one of the dress codes her grandfather put in place when he opened the company years ago. He wanted everyone to dress for the global company they would become.

I know you work here, but I need to talk to you, the woman claimed.

This little scene wasn’t proper in a workplace either, but she wanted to hear more. It was like a scene right out of a movie.

Well, now is not a good time, the man stated. In fact I have nothing to say to you. I told you it was a one-night stand, nothing more.

Courtney grimaced as she eased back. This was a private moment, and she shouldn’t be eavesdropping. She didn’t need to be caught up in their drama even if it was shaping up to be Oscar worthy.

Jacob, we were good together, Whitney stated even though she almost sounded like she was begging.

I was drunk, he sighed, and I’m pretty sure you were too out of it to know if it was me, he explained.

Courtney paused and looked back at the couple. The man was handsome, and she knew that no amount of alcohol would erase him from any woman’s mind. He looked like the type to leave a string of women in his wake, though.

Honey, I wasn’t that drunk, Whitney said while waving one hand.

Courtney watched as Whitney placed her waving hand on Jacob’s chest. It wasn’t a good move on Whitney’s part. Jacob obviously didn’t want her touching him especially at work. His step back proved her point. She really should give lessons on how to handle a post break-up talk.

Whitney, I’m asking you to leave, or I will have security escort you out.

Do that and you will be sorry, she warned.

Did this woman not get the hint? He didn’t want her here.

No I won’t, but you will, he remarked. Now, leave and do not come back.

This isn’t over, Whitney huffed before spinning and walking away.

Courtney bit her lip before slinking over to the elevators. She didn’t want this man to know that she listened in on his private conversation.

Ms. Worth, Carol, the receptionist, called out as she sighed, so much for sneaking away.

Carol was pushing fifty and had worked for the company since the day she graduated from college. She also never referred to her as anything but Ms. Worth, no matter how many times she asked her to call her Courtney.

Yes ma’am, she said while walking over to the desk.

Your brother has been asking about you, Carol explained. You are to go up as soon as you arrive.

Thank you, I’m on my way now, she said as Carol nodded.

I’ll escort you, a voice said behind her, the same voice that belonged to the one night-stand guy, Jacob.

She closed her eyes before turning around. I think I can find my way, she stated as she looked into Jacob’s eyes. They were a deep blue and reminded her of the ocean off the coast of Greece. Why did his eyes have to be blue? It was the one color that could make her knees go weak. She had always been fond of blue eyes.

I’m going up anyway, he stated as he ushered her into the elevator by placing his hand on her lower back.

His touch sent shivers up and down her spine. What was going on? No man’s touch had ever caused this reaction. She wasn’t sure she liked this reaction to this man. He was a player or at least a man who had drunken one-night stands.

Once the elevator doors closed, she stepped away and watched him out of the corner of her eye. She didn’t know what to say to him or even if she wanted to talk to him. She didn’t know anything about this man other than the fact that his women showed up at work.

So you’re Eric’s baby sister, he mused.

I am, she confirmed without looking at him.

There was no reason to deny that she was Eric’s younger sister. Carol had already revealed her relationship to him but besides that, she and Eric looked alike. They both had blonde hair with green eyes. Height was the only real difference. Eric was 5’11’’ while she only stood 5’7’’ on a good day.

I know you heard, he commented.

She sighed and shifted to face him. Apparently, he wanted to talk on their ride up. I won’t tell my brother, if that’s what you’re worried about.

I’m not worried, he stated with a shrug.

He looked relaxed as he leaned against the back wall. He had his hands tucked into his pockets with his ankles crossed.

Okay, fine, she muttered. Glancing up at the numbers, she wondered why this ride felt so long. Normally she barely had time to answer a text or email while she rode up.

Are you late again? he asked as the elevator rose.

Maybe, she hedged.

He chuckled as he uncrossed his ankles only to re-cross them the other way. You know your brother worries when you’re late.

Sighing she leaned against the opposite wall. Apparently, Eric shared his worries with this man even though, she had no clue who he was or what he did in the company. I know he worries, but traffic was bad.

Traffic’s always bad, he remarked. This is Atlanta.

You know, you sound just like my brother, she muttered. I know traffic is bad, but it was worse today.

I’m sure it was.

She suppressed the urge to slap him for that remark. She wasn’t a child and she didn’t need him siding with her brother. There was a wreck on Peachtree Street, she supplied evenly.

Why were you on that side of town? he asked as he stared at her.

She shrugged. It was none of his business why she was over there. She also didn’t want him to tell her brother why she was over there. Eric would come unglued if he ever found out that she helped with the boy’s home on that side of town.

You know you can’t hide it from Eric.

Maybe not, but I don’t have to tell you either, she stated. You should focus on your women drama and not on what Eric’s baby sister does on her own time.

I don’t have drama and Whitney is not one of my women, he commented.

Could’ve fooled me, she murmured thinking about the scene she witnessed only minutes ago.

You sound jealous.

She rolled her eyes as the elevator finally stopped. Straightening she waited for the doors to open when she felt him come up behind her.

Jealously looks cute on you, he whispered. Have fun with your brother.

The doors finally opened and she quickly made her way out. His whispered words still echoed in her ears. Jealous? She wasn’t jealous. There was nothing to be jealous about concerning Jacob and Whitney. He might have blue eyes that made her knees go weak, but it wouldn’t make a difference. He worked with her brother, and she never got involved with anyone close to Eric. It was better to stay away from men who talked to Eric on a regular basis.

~ ~ ~ ~

Jacob smiled as he watched Courtney make her way to Eric’s office. He knew who she was the minute she stepped into the lobby. Eric had pictures of her and their mother in his office. What he didn’t expect was his strong reaction to her. If Whitney wouldn’t have chosen today to talk to him, he wouldn’t have seen Courtney.

Eric never introduced anyone to his sister. Of course, Eric kept his personal life out of the office most of the time so introductions were not an issue. If Courtney was his sister, he wouldn’t introduce her to anyone either. He knew she probably thought the worse of him because of Whitney and her drama, but he would change her opinion.

There was something different about Courtney and he wanted to explore it. No one had ever caused him to lose his train of thought like she did when she breezed into the lobby. Thankfully, Whitney had been speaking so she didn’t notice when all his attention centered on Eric’s blonde headed baby sister.

He also wanted to know why she was near Peachtree Street, alone. There was a story, and he wanted to know what it was. She was a young woman and didn’t need to be over there by herself. Eric would lose his legendary calm, if he knew his baby sister was near Peachtree Street.

Turning, he stepped into his office. He closed the door before rounding his desk. Two women in one day: one he didn’t want to speak or even see one of them ever again, and one who didn’t want to speak to him. What was wrong with this picture? Normally he never had trouble with women.

There was a nagging thought in the back of his mind that he needed to listen to Whitney. She had some piece to a puzzle he didn’t even know existed. He wasn’t sure why because he knew all she wanted was a shot with him. She wanted to date him for his name and money. They had one night and that’s all it would ever be.

Chapter One

Two Months Later

Why do you look like you just failed a pop quiz you didn’t know about? Lily asked.

Courtney sighed and looked over at her best friend. They had been in the same sorority together. Lily was a few years old than her but it didn’t matter. Sisterhood bonds of shared secrets, late night parties, and many tears had forged a lasting friendship between them.

After college Lily had gone on to pursue her dream of event planning after some inspiring words from Courtney. They got together once a week to catch up on their lives even though she did miss living together. There was just something about having your best friend down the hall instead of across town. She had to actually put on real clothes to see Lily now.

You remember me telling you about Jacob? she asked flopping down in a nearby chair. Lily had the most comfortable furniture, which is why she normally came to her house.

Yeah, he works with your brother.

He’s also the one who had a one-night stand, Courtney reminded her as if it would really make a difference in Lily’s opinion.

Court, you can’t hold that against him, Lily gently stated. I’m sure your brother has had a few of those himself.

Lily was always the calmer and more rational one of the two. It was the reason their relationship was as strong as it was.

Oh, I don’t even want to think about my brother in that way, she remarked with a shudder. No one wanted to know about their sibling’s sex life. Anyway you remember him?

Yes, I remember how your body tingled when he touched you, Lily murmured with a smirk.

Courtney groaned and rolled her eyes. I’m trying to forget that detail, she commented.

You’re not doing a good job of it, Lily pointed out.

Anyway, every time I go to see Eric he’s waiting for me.

Oh the horror! Lily teased as she took the seat beside Courtney. I couldn’t imagine anything worse than a man waiting for me. I declare, I may just pass out if a man ever waited for me.

You know I always wonder why we’re still friends when you tease me constantly.

Because you love me, Lily stated. She patted Courtney’s knee before settling back against the cushions.

Whatever, Courtney muttered, so you know that I met with Eric today.

Yeah, were you late again? Lily knew Courtney was always late to meet her brother. It was always blamed on traffic even if there was no traffic. Lily knew that Courtney never really wanted to meet her brother at his office. It was his kingdom and one that he ruled well.

No, I was actually ten minutes early, Courtney chirped.

I’m impressed.

You should be but I was testing a theory.

Okay, you have to explain, Lily stated leaning forward.

Since I’m always late, I thought that Eric had Jacob waiting on me to make sure I actually get there. I left early so I could get there, but Jacob was still waiting for me.

Well that’s a little odd, but maybe your brother sends him, Lily shrugged. I can see your brother asking him.

Courtney shook her head. No, I don’t think Eric sends him to wait for me. I think he waits on his own.

I still don’t see what the big deal is, Lily commented.

Why is he waiting on me?

Maybe he likes you? Lily suggested. You are a beautiful, single woman.

Courtney groaned and scrubbed her hands down her face. What am I going to do?

Court, have you asked him why he waits?

No, I don’t want to acknowledge that I know.

Hun, that doesn’t make sense, Lily stated. Normally, when you are this out of whack over a man, you really like said man.

I do not like him!

Calm down, I’m sitting right next to you, Lily said patting her knee again. I think you should ask him why he’s always there.

Sighing, Courtney closed her eyes because she knew Lily was right. She did like Jacob, but she just didn’t know what his motive was. There was also the problem about his playboy lifestyle that she knew firsthand; if you could call what she witnessed her evidence. She hadn’t seen another meeting with a woman in the lobby, but that didn’t mean anything.

What if he is waiting for me because he likes me? she whispered.

Are we back in middle school? Lily questioned. If so, then I need to pull out my tube socks and tennis shoes. I might also need some bubble gum so I can pop it.

I’m having a life crisis and you’re joking about it.

Lily laughed as she nodded. Court, I’m pretty sure this Jacob likes you. He is probably waiting to ask you out because of your brother.

Oh, I didn’t even think of that; what if Eric fires him?

I’m pretty sure your brother will not fire Jacob just because the man likes you, Lily reasoned.

No, I meant him firing Jacob if we date.

You are jumping ahead, Lily reminded her. He may not want to date you at all.

I thought you said he liked me.

Liking and dating are two different things, Lily pointed out. My advice is to ask him the next time you see him.

Such great advice, she murmured. I may need to call the physic hotline. They give better advice.

They will also charge you for the advice, Lily remarked. My advice is free.

Courtney shot her best friend a dirty look. She knew calling a physic wouldn’t help because she had called them years ago. Needless to say, Eric made her pay the phone bill and their advice ended up being wrong. She learned her lesson, to never seek answers from someone who wants you to pay them.

Fine, I’ll ask him, she groaned. Now how is business?

It’s getting better, Lily replied. I just wish I had more bookings.

Don’t worry, you will get there.

I know, Lily sighed. You know if you and Jacob work out, I can plan your wedding.

Hey, you already promised to plan my wedding.

True, but if you never date then how can I plan your wedding?

You don’t date either, Courtney pointed out.

I’m too busy to date, but once everything settles down I will, Lily promised. Lilian’s Occasions needs my full attention for the time being.

I guess.

So why did you meet your brother today? Lily inquired, circling around to the original topic.

It was our weekly lunch meeting, she answered.

I thought that was on Monday.

No, Monday’s meeting was about momma, she explained.

What’s wrong with your momma? Lily asked her voice laced with concern. I thought she was doing better after her surgery.

Momma is great just meddling like she always is, she replied. Eric is worried about her because she is too involved in our lives since dad died.

Does she still set you up with men?

Taking a breath, Courtney nodded. Yes, and the last one almost killed me in his car, she admitted. I almost jumped out of the car.

Did you tell your brother? Lily asked.

No, of course, not Eric would have killed him and buried the body.

At least you wouldn’t have to worry about telling your mother it didn’t work out, Lily stated.

Yeah, okay that’s a great thought; my date dead and my brother in jail for murder, Court mumbled. Lily, you’ve met my momma, you know she wouldn’t stop until we are both married and she has grandkids.

Yeah, and I know you and your brother are not going willingly, Lily remarked.

You know it.

Listen, I know you don’t like therapy but maybe your mom needs it. I don’t think she has truly dealt with your father’s death.

Courtney sighed. Eric said the same thing about therapy.

I’m surprised, Lily mused.

Why?

Because he’s male, Lily replied. Most guys don’t consider therapy as an option.

I guess they don’t, but Eric’s not normal. He went to therapy after our father died. The company made it a requirement before he became CEO.

Why would they do that? Isn’t that an odd request for them? Lily asked.

Yeah, but then again they are the Board of Directors and they can require pretty much anything, Courtney remarked.

Lily shook her head while she tried to process what Courtney said. I still think it’s odd.

I do too, but he went and now he believes our mother should go.

I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt if she did go, Lily murmured. You just need to make sure you find a good one.

Oh, I won’t have to worry about that, my brother will only hire the best, Courtney remarked.

It doesn’t matter if they are the best, it matters if they can help your mother with her problems, Lily reminded her. You know it’s got to be someone she will feel comfortable with talking about all of her pain.

I know.

Court, everything will be fine, Lily reassured her. I have faith that it will all work out.

I hope so, Courtney whispered.

How were the boys?

Rowdy, she quipped. They didn’t have school because of the holiday.

You know sometimes I miss being in school, Lily mused.

Why?

All those holidays, Lily replied with a smile.

Yeah, but don’t forget about all the homework. Those holidays don’t make up for that, Courtney commented.

True, Lily agreed. So, did you finally tell your brother about working at the boys’ home?

No, are you crazy?

Court, you really need to tell him, Lily stated. What if something happens to you?

I’ll deal with it then, she quipped. I’m not going to stop going, and that’s what he’ll want if I tell him now.

Lily sighed because she knew Courtney wouldn’t stop working at the boys’ home. Just be careful.

Girl, I’m always careful, she laughed. Now what am I going to do about Jacob?

This is going to be a long day, Lily groaned as she closed her eyes.

Courtney shook her head at the sight of her best friend. Lily might act bored or frustrated, but she knew Lily was the only one who would give her, her honest opinion. Honesty was all she needed now.

~ ~ ~ ~

Jacob sat back and eased his aching back muscles. He’d been sitting excessively long, but he wanted to get this code finished before he left. He had lost time while waiting for Courtney to appear for her meeting with Eric. Thankfully, she had arrived early. He knew she had, just to see if he would be waiting.

It wasn’t hard to figure out he got under her skin. She always managed to ease out of his touch when he escorted her to the elevators. He wasn’t sure why she backed away, but he wanted to find out. There was one person he could ask, but he would need to tread carefully. Eric didn’t like people messing with his sister.

You know if you actually worked, you would have that code done, Eric commented from the doorway.

It was as if his thoughts had called out to his best friend.

Screw you, Jacob muttered. Do you even remember how to write a code?

I taught you, Eric countered.

Eric taught him how to write codes back in college. They had a plan of going into the gaming business before Eric’s father died. Now he wrote codes for anything including gaming.

Eons ago, maybe, he quipped. What brings you into my domain?

Your domain? Eric asked as he looked around Jacob’s office. Jacob knew he would find awards cluttering the walls while spreadsheets covered every inch of his desk. It was messy, but right now, it fit his chaotic mind. I thought I own the company.

Uh, I just let you think that, Jacob laughed.

Really? So the fact that my grandfather started the company has nothing to do with anything?

Not really, he replied.

Okay, well I want you to do something for me.

Eric, I know we’ve got this thing going, but I’m not taking you to the prom, Jacob said seriously. You’re going to have to ask someone else.

Please, you’d be lucky to have me for a date, Eric stated before giving into his laughter.

Wow I didn’t know you could still do that, he remarked. What do you need?

Find out where Courtney works.

What? You don’t know where your sister works? How is that even possible? he asked puzzled. He knew Eric monitored everyone in his family, so it should include his only sister.

She likes to keep her life private, Eric stated. Besides she won’t tell me.

She is the first woman I know of to deny you, Jacob stated. My question is how do I find out where she works when you can’t?

Since you wait for her every time we have lunch, I figured you could just ask her.

So you know that I wait for your sister? he asked slowly.

Jacob, you know gossip spreads like wildfire in this place.

I’ve never known you to listen to gossip, he pointed out.

When it comes to my sister I listen, Eric stated. If I didn’t know you as well as I do, I would warn you to stay away from Courtney.

You know my past and you’re still okay with it? he asked still treading lightly. This felt like a trap.

Eric smiled as he sat down across from him. Jacob, you remember Molly?

My high school girlfriend? he asked not sure why Eric was bringing her up.

Yes, you treated her like a queen even after you broke up, Eric explained. It was the same for every girlfriend you’ve had after. I know you’ve had fun, but I also know my sister is not in the same league as those ‘fun’ women.

No she’s not, Jacob agreed. I’ll try to find out, but your sister doesn’t really talk to me, he revealed.

In two months, you haven’t had a real conversation with her? Eric asked, unbelief laced his voice.

She barely says hi. I don’t know why she doesn’t or at least I don’t know why she’s still like that.

What happened the first time you met her?

Whitney was here, he mentioned.

Whitney, the girl you picked up months ago, that wouldn’t stop calling? Eric asked looking a tad angry.

The same one, he confirmed. She stopped by to talk since I wasn’t answering my phone.

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