Her smile widened.
“Speaking of which, there’s a party for Lucas’s parents on Sunday. Why don’t you come as my plus one? As a friend,” Griff said, emphasizing the final word. She ignored the little tug in her chest at the word friend. It was what she wanted, after all.
“Won’t they mind me tagging along?” She really wanted to go, but old habits died hard. She couldn’t imagine dropping in uninvited to a party in Manhattan.
He laughed. “You need to live in Angel Sands for a while longer. Of course it’s okay. Everyone will be pleased to see you.”
“Then I’d be delighted to go.”
“I’ll pick you up at one. It’s Deenie and Wallace’s ruby wedding anniversary, in case you want to bring them a card.”
“Deenie and Wallace?”
“The Russells. Lucas’s parents. Caitie’s, too.” He grinned. “And Ember’s in-laws.”
“I’ll never remember everybody’s names.”
“Don’t sweat it. Just call everybody ‘man’ like I do. It saves a lot of time.”
Her eyes met his once more, and those stupid fireworks went off in her chest.
They were friends again, and that was good. The fireworks could go take a hike.
* * *
“Okay, I’m heading off,” Autumn said to the younger Delmonico’s. “Thank you for being such gracious hosts today. And you know where I am if you need anything.”
“Thanks for loving my food,” Vincent said, grinning. “You’re welcome back here at any time.”
“Can I have a quick word?” Carla asked her, as Autumn reached for the handle of the kitchen door, the box of cannolis in her other hand. “In private.”
“Sure.” Autumn followed her to a little office at the back of the kitchen. Carla ushered her inside and closed the door behind them. She sat on the edge of the desk – pushing away some papers that were strewn across the surface, and sighed.
“I saw you talking to Griff earlier.”
The back of Autumn’s neck tingled. “Uh, yeah…” She trailed off, wary of where this was going.
“The two of you looked close. So I wanted to give you a warning, woman to woman. He’s bad news, you should avoid him.”
Autumn waited for Carla to laugh, but she looked deadly serious. “Griff’s bad news?” she clarified, wondering if she was talking about someone else.
“Yeah. He can be charming as hell, but he’s a player. An asshole.” Carla spat the words out. “He leads people on, then breaks their hearts. And I could see the way he was looking at you while you were talking.”
“You were watching us?” Autumn’s eyes were wide.
Carla carried on, ignoring Autumn’s question. “I know he seems like a nice guy. He takes people in. Hell, he took me in. Then he spat me out as soon as I asked for a commitment. He’s happy as hell to get into your panties, but he’ll drop you like a hot tamale if you want more.”
“I don’t want more,” Autumn said, trying not to grimace at Carla’s description. “And I certainly don’t want him in my panties.” She wrinkled her nose. The thought of Griff and Carla together made her stomach turn. “I’m just here to work. Nothing more. And I don’t want any drama.” God knew, she had enough back in New York.
“Okay. Good.” Carla smiled at her, baring a perfect set of white teeth. “Enjoy the cannolis.” She lifted a finger to her lips. “Oh, and if you’re interested, Vincent is single.”
Autumn pressed her lips together to stop herself from laughing. “I’m not. But thank you. And good evening.”
She couldn’t get out of the restaurant fast enough. This town was crazy.
And yet, there was something about it that drew her in.
9