Page 67 of Mulberry Hollow (Riverbend 2)

Here we go. So much for him not being concerned. Should’ve known better. She slipped outside and pulled the door shut—she definitely didn’t want Wes hearing this. “Is this the part where you stick your nose in my business again?”

“The man’s in your bed, Avery. Can you blame me for—”

“He threw out his back, and I have a guest in the—you know what? I don’t owe you an explanation.”

“Don’t you find it a little odd that he keeps extending his stay?”

“You mean when he offered to help me out of a jam? He’s the one who got that apartment finished just in the nick of time. And he hurt his back doing it, so forgive me if I offer him a place to recover.”

“It just doesn’t add up.”

“He’s a nice guy, Cooper, and he’s become a friend. I know it’s your job to be skeptical and pessimistic but—”

“I’m not pessimistic—I’m realistic.”

She snorted. “Sure, whatever you say.”

“I found out something you should know.”

She pursed her lips. “You did a background check on him.”

“Of course not; that’s not lawful. But I checked a public database and—”

“Here we go.”

“I found some stuff that raises a red flag. He’s been sued by three different corporations for large sums of money.”

“What, no speeding tickets?”

“Two, actually. Come on, you don’t find that a little fishy—that he’s been sued three times? How many times have you been sued? Oh, none? Me either.”

“It’s really none of your business—or mine for that matter. And how do you even know you have the right Wes Garrett?”

“I do.”

“How do you know?”

He shifted his feet. “I used his social security number.”

She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes on her brother. “And how exactly did you come by that, Cooper?”

“I... might’ve seen his W-4 on your island.”

“And you just helped yourself to that information? Nice.”

“I did it for you. I’m concerned about your safety.”

“I can take care of myself. Furthermore, I trust him, Cooper.”

He pointed a finger at her. “Thatis exactly what worries me.”

She was getting pretty tired of this. Tired of her family treating her as if she couldn’t manage her own life. Tired of them thinking she needed them to oversee her affairs, be her guardians, and make her decisions. She was not helpless. She was not incapable. And she was notill.

Avery took a step closer. “I have had enough of this. I don’t need you taking care of me, Cooper. I’m perfectly capableof handling my own life. Being a potential carrier for the Huntington’s gene does not make me incompetent.”

“I never said—”

“You’ve said it a thousand different ways. And I’m tired of this family treating me like an invalid. My decision-making abilities have not been impaired. If I start having symptoms, you’ll be the first to know. Until then, butt out.”