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As Jack continued to study him, Marc put on his hard hat and searched for a diplomatic approach to uncover the answer to that question.
Jack saved him the effort.
“In case you’re wondering how much Bri told me, she’s been very closemouthed. The only personal detail I could pry out of her was your first name. After our arson people passed on your full moniker, I put two and two together.”
Marc’s spirits nose-dived. If Bri hadn’t bothered to tell her brother his whole name, she must not be—
“Her reluctance to talk about you was telling.” Jack angled away from the bright sun. “Whenever she clams up, it means one of two things. She’s in trouble, or she’s interested in someone. I’m assuming with you it’s the latter. At least it better be.”
Marc squinted at Bri’s brother.
That sounded almost like a threat.
Apparently she hadn’t been exaggerating about her brother’s über protectiveness.
But what had prompted it? Normal sibling loyalty, or something more?
“I’m in Bri’s corner—always.” Marc dodged the sun’s piercing rays too. “I’d prefer to save her from trouble rather than cause her trouble.”
“Good to know.”
“Also, just to set the record straight, we’re not dating.”
“So she said.”
“Then why the subtle threats and third degree?” Two could play this in-your-face game.
Jack regarded him in silence for a few beats. “She tell you her history?”
“She shared some of her work background. Not much on the personal side. What should I know?”
“That’s for her to decide. But she’s had more than her share of tough breaks. All three of us have. So we watch out for each other, like the Three Musketeers. One for all, all for one.”
And don’t even think about doing anything to hurt either of my siblings or there will be consequences.
Jack didn’t have to say that for the warning to come through loud and clear.
“Understood—and admirable.” He folded his arms and adopted the wide-legged stance that was useful in situations where he needed to communicate strength and authority. “So do you want to tell Bri we had this conversation, or shall I?”
An important question, now that he’d decided to follow Nan’s advice and walk through the door that appeared to be opening. Relationships should be based on trust and openness, and keeping this encounter with her brother secret wouldn’t advance his cause.
Jack flicked a speck of ash off his jacket. Pulled out his sunglasses and slipped them on. Transferred his weight from one foot to the other. “There isn’t much to say. It was just an introductory chat.”
Marc waited him out.
When the silence lengthened, Jack cocked his head. “You think I came on a little too strong?”
“I’m more interested in what Bri would think.”
Jack snorted. “Nothing complimentary, that’s for sure. She thinks I overplay the protective brother role, and she isn’t afraid to tell me to butt out if she thinks I’ve overstepped.”
Yeah. That sounded like Bri.
But it was hard to fault a caring brother.
“I’ll tell you what. Why don’t I say we met at a crime scene and gloss over the protective part?”
“That works for me. I’d like to stay in her good graces. The three of us are pretty tight, and I wouldn’t ever want anything—or anyone—to change that.”
