Ember laughed again. “I’m going to let you two dig your way out of this one. And for what it’s worth, Jack’s a good guy. He just needs someone to tame him a little.”
“He’s wild?” Lydia asked, leaning in close to tickle Arthur’s pudgy cheeks. “Why do I like the sound of him already.”
“He’s not wild. He runs his own business. But he’s not great with women.” Griff sighed, deciding to change the subject. “Anybody want a drink?”
“I’d love one.” Lydia grinned. “Is it too early for champ…” Her voice trailed off, and she swallowed hard as she stared over Autumn’s shoulder. “Um, it’s okay. I’m not thirsty.” Her faced paled as she pulled her gaze to Autumn’s.
“What’s wrong?” Autumn asked her. “You never turn down champagne.”
“Did you invite Dad?” Lydia asked, her brows pinched together.
“No. Why would I?” Autumn smiled at the suggestion. “He wouldn’t have come if I did.”
“You might want to turn around.” Lydia’s voice was low. “Oh shit, is that Josh with him?”
“Who’s Josh?” Griff asked.
It was as if Autumn’s neck muscles had gone into spasm, as she stopped mid turn. Little goose bumps broke out across her skin. Without thinking, she stepped out of Griff’s embrace. His arm fell back to his side, and he looked down, as though he was surprised to see it there.
“Josh is my ex-husband,” Autumn said, before she finally managed to turn and look at the coming onslaught.
* * *
Autumn was as stiff as a board beside him. Griff leaned closer to check if she was actually breathing. Natural instinct made his arm want to curl back around her and pull her close, but he somehow resisted the urge.
He got the feeling it wouldn’t have been welcome.
“Why the hell are they here?” Lydia asked. “And who’s that man with them?”
“I have no idea.” Autumn’s voice was croaky. She glanced at her sister and then back at the three men walking toward them, as though she had no idea what to do next.
Griff wasn’t sure whether he should disappear or walk forward to shake her dad’s hand. Autumn was giving him no clues, so he licked his lips, watching as they approached.
“I should…” Autumn’s hand fluttered to her neck, “go talk to them.” Her wide eyes caught his. “I’ll catch you later, okay?”
No, it really didn’t feel okay. He felt invaded, like these men dressed in dark suits and sharp ties were here to stake a claim. His fists curled with the need to defend what was his.
God, he really was a caveman. Autumn was her own person and she didn’t need defending.
Yeah, well tell his body that.
Ember licked her lips, shifting Arthur in her arms. “Maybe we should go find Lucas?” she said to Griff, curling her lips in what looked like a smile. “Come on.”
“Are you okay?” he asked Autumn before she could walk away or Ember could pull h
im away. He wasn’t sure what he wanted the answer to be. Yes, he wanted her to be okay, but he also wanted her to want him to stay.
Christ, what a mess his head was.
“Yeah,” she said, not looking at him. “I just need to find out why they’re here.”
“You want me to stay here with you?”
Her eyes widened at his question. “No,” she said quickly. “I don’t think you should… Ember’s right, you should go.”
Her suggestion felt like a slap on the face.
“Autumn!” her father boomed. “We’ve been looking all over for you. What’s going on?” He looked around, a bemused expression on his face. “Why didn’t you answer your phone? I’ve been calling you all morning.” His eyes alighted on Lydia. “And you, too.”