Ian's Ultimate Gamble - Brenda Jackson [11]
Ian told her that Prince Jamal Ari Yasir was his primary investor and that Ian's brothers. Spencer and Jared, and his cousin Thorn had also invested in the Rolling Cascade. The one thing Brooke had always admired about the Westmoreland family was their closeness and the way they supported each other.
When he showed her his bedroom a spurt of envy ran through Brooke at the thought of the other women who'd shared the king-size bed with him. But then she quickly reminded herself that Ian's love life was no business of hers.
"So, what do you think?" he asked casually
His question momentarily froze her, and she shifted her eyes from the bed and met his gaze. "I'm really proud of you, Ian, of all your accomplishments. And you are blessed to belong to a family that fully supports what you do. They are really super."
Ian smiled. "Yes, they are." "And how are your parents'?"
"They're doing fine. You do know that Storm got married?" he asked, leading her out of the bedroom, down the spiral stairs, to an area that led toward an enclosed pool.
She smiled up at him. "Yes. I can't imagine marriage for the Perfect Storm."
The corners of Ian lips curled in a smile. "Now he's the Perfect Dad. His wife Jayla and their twin daughters are the best things that ever happened to him. He loves them very much."
When there was a lull in the conversation, Brooke said, "And I heard about your uncle Corey's triplets."
He chuckled. "Yeah, can you believe it? He found out an old girlfriend had given birth to triplets around the same time he was united with a woman who'd always been his true love. He's married now and is a very happy man on his mountain."
Brooke nodded. She had visited Corey's Mountain in Montana with Ian and knew how beautiful it was. "I also heard that Chase got married and so did Durango."
He nodded, grinning. "Yes, both were shockers. Chase and Durango married two sisters, Jessica and Savannah Claibome. Durango and Savannah eloped and held their wedding here."
He then looked over at her. "I see Dare's been pretty much keeping you informed."
She shrugged. She detected a smile in his voice, although she didn't see one in his face. "Yes. Do you resent knowing Dare and I keep in touch?"
"No. not at all," he said, his tone making it seem as if such a notion was ridiculous. "Dare knew you for a lot longer than I did. You used to be his deputy and the two of you were close. I didn't expect you to end your relationship with him just because things didn't work out between us. Brooke. The Westmorelands don't operate that way."
Moments later he added, "And I also know that you've kept in touch with other family members." He shook his head, grinning. "Or should I say they kept up with you. Delaney let me know in no uncertain terms that our breakup had no bearing on your friendship."
"Did she?" Brooke asked, attempting to conjure an air of nonchalance she was far from feeling. She and Delaney had remained friends, and a few years ago when Delaney had accompanied her husband to an important international summit in Washington, the two of them had spent the day shopping, going to a movie and sharing dinner.
"Here we are."
They stopped walking, and Brooke's breath caught. Now this was paradise. Ian's enclosed pool was huge, including a cascading waterfall and several tropical plants, and connecting to his own personal fitness center and games room.
"You like if?"
"Oh, Ian. It's wonderful, and you're right— it's better than the one by the villas."
He reached behind her and handed her a couple of towels off a stack. "Here you are, and I meant to ask earlier, how's your mom?"
Brooke smiled. "Mom's doing fine. Marriage agrees with her. While Dad was living— even though he was incarcerated— she refused to get involved with anyone. She was intent on honoring her wedding vows to