Seriously, what the hell had she been thinking?
“Why are you frowning like that?” Griffin asked as he walked up to her side. He held a drink in his non-casted hand and held it out to her. “I got you a lemonade since you’re driving us home.” He winked as he said it, and she held back an eye roll.
His home, she reminded herself. Not hers. Contrary to what her hormones wanted, she hadn’t slept at his place since that first night. Storm had replaced her battery so she could drive where she wanted to and chauffeur Griffin around when he didn’t have one of his countless family members doing it for him.
“Thanks,” she said as she took the lemonade from him. “What about your drink?”
He grinned as Storm walked over with a drink for his brother. Storm snorted then did that chin lift thing guys did. “Now I have my drink.”
“But…but why didn’t you just keep that one and let Storm give me the extra one in his hand?”
Storm snorted again. “Need some allergy meds, bro?” Griffin asked. “And I wanted to get you your drink, and rather than risk my mother’s carpets, I asked Storm to help.”
She did not understand men. She really didn’t understand Montgomery men.
“You’re weird, but whatever.”
“You like me that way.”
Storm snorted. Again.
“Seriously, do you need something for your nose?” Griffin asked, and Autumn held back a laugh.
“I’m fine,” Storm said casually. “Just enjoying the show.”
Autumn narrowed her eyes. “There’s no show.”
“Sure there isn’t, hon.” The man winked.
“Don’t call her hon,” Griffin said. “She prefers Fall.”
She closed her eyes and prayed for patience. Most days, Griffin was tolerable, but put him in a room with his brothers when he’s in a mood, and suddenly he’s a little kid again, bent on torturing all those in his vicinity. If only she could make her drink stronger.
There were so many sides to Griffin. There was the fun one that teased her and his siblings. The overprotective one that had apparently punched Decker for daring to touch Miranda. The dark and broody one, who emptied himself into the pages of his book. Then there was the possessive one, who took her by the hair and plunged into her mouth, making her ache and beg him for more.
It was enough to make her head spin.
“I think you’ve made her head hurt,” Storm said, interrupting her thoughts. He smiled at her, his eyes filled with laughter. “I don’t know how you work with him every day. You’re a stronger person than I am.”
“I’m not that bad,” Griffin added in.
She bit her lip and winked at the man who kept invading her thoughts. “Oh? Uh…as my employer is standing right next to me, I should probably only say nice things.”
Griffin huffed but leaned closer to her, his breath warm against her neck. “You like coming to my home now, don’t you? It’s not like it was before.”
She couldn’t help shivering from his nearness, and she knew Storm hadn’t missed the encounter either. One eyebrow rose high, but the other man didn’t comment. Thankfully.
“What are we talking about over here?” Wes asked as he came up to them. Storm’s twin grinned and ran a hand down his tie. She loved that the twins were so different, though it seemed as if they held a special bond that none of the other Montgomerys had. Or rather, an additional bond since she’d never seen a family as close as them.
“About Autumn’s fortitude,” Storm said easily.
“For working with Griffin? Yeah, I would say she has nerves of steel, but that would be rude to our dear baby brother.”
Griffin flipped them both off, and this time, it was Autumn who snorted.
“Watch your language!” Meghan snapped from her corner with Luc. They weren’t making out—yet—but they were leaning on one another like they couldn’t wait to get alone.
“I didn’t curse!” Griffin called.
“Finger gestures count, man,” Luc said, not taking his eyes off Meghan.
Those two needed to get married already.
Meghan’s two kids from her previous marriage—Sasha and Cliff—giggled from their spot on the floor as they played a game with Austin’s son, Leif. Austin and Sierra’s baby, Colin, was sleeping happily in his grandmother’s arms near them. Harry sat in his large chair, watching his grandchildren with an odd smile on his face.
Autumn narrowed her eyes at the man. There was something different about him, but she couldn’t quite place it. It wasn’t as if she truly knew him, but there was something…changed at least. It also wasn’t her place to say anything, so she pulled her gaze from him and the children and turned back to Griffin as he spoke to the twins about some Montgomery Inc. project.
“You’re not allowed to help,” Wes said quickly. “Your hand.”
“I still have another hand,” Griffin explained.
“It’s not about that, bro,” Storm said. “Come on. You remember the incident with the saw, don’t you?”
Autumn’s eyes widened. “Saw? Oh my God. What did you do?”
Griffin winced. “We don’t talk about the Incident.” He turned to his brothers. “And I’ll thank you for not bringing it up every time I want to help.”
“You have your own deadline, Griffin, we’ll manage ours,” Wes said, not unkindly.
She felt Griffin’s wince this time, though he didn’t actually show it on his face. She knew he’d been working more before the accident, but since, he hadn’t written a word. He’d been healing under her care, but tomorrow they would have to find a new routine. There was no way they could put it off any longer.
“Are you annoying Griffin again with the Incident?” Miranda asked as she leaned into Decker. The two looked as if they didn’t match—her with her dainty features and school teacher smile, him with his bearded, broody look and tattoos covering his body—but the way they looked at one another, there was no doubt they were perfect for each other.
“We’re not discussing the Incident,” Griffin bit out.
Now she really wanted to know, but she wouldn’t ask in a group like this. She’d wait until they were alone so she didn’t end up embarrassing him. Why would she go and think of them alone? This wasn’t good for her brain…or her heart.
“Did someone mention the Incident?” Austin asked as he came over, his hand firmly tangled with Sierra’s.
“Really, boys, stop making fun of Griffin,” Sierra said with a smile. Her long chestnut hair trailed in waves over her shoulders and looked as if someone with large hands had pulled at the masses ever so slightly. Go, Sierra.
“Yes, stop making fun of me,” Griffin said with a smile. “And now that you’re all gathered, I’m going to go take Autumn on a tour of the house.” He handed his drink off to Storm, who of course snorted, and took Autumn’s free hand in his own. “Come on.”
“No making out in your old room!” Decker called, and Autumn blushed.
“I can’t believe you just did that,” she whispered as he pulled her into the hallway where no one could see them. “Now people think we’re going to make out or something. I work for you, writer boy.”
He smiled at her, and her heart clenched. It wasn’t supposed to do that. Her heart was supposed to remain firmly in her chest and get in line with her mind. Only her mind kept giving her images of Griffin over her, under her, and behind her, using his one good hand to show her just how talented he was.
Damn it.
“I like the blush on your cheeks, Fall. You going to tell me what you’re thinking about?”
“I’m thinking about the Incident.”
He narrowed his eyes. “No, you weren’t. And no, I’m not going to tell you about the Incident. You should really tell me what you were thinking.” He cupped her cheeks, and she licked her lips.
“What are you doing?” she breathed.
“What do you think I’m doing?” he asked, lowering his head. His breath warmed her lips, and al
l she had to do was tilt her head up ever so slightly and she’d feel his mouth on hers.
She didn’t move.
She couldn’t.
“Making a mistake,” she whispered. “You’re making a mistake.”
He frowned at her but didn’t pull away.
“We’re in your parents’ home, Griffin.” She swallowed hard. “Let me go, please.”
He pulled away then took a step back, clearing his throat. “You’re right. This isn’t the place, isn’t the time.”
“There can’t be a good place or time, Griffin.”
He tilted his head, studying her face. “Are you sure about that?”
No. Not at all. But she couldn’t say that, could hardly even think it.
“What are you doing, Uncle Griffin?” Sasha asked, startling Autumn.
She turned toward the little girl and tried to smile. “Hi, Sasha. I thought you were playing with your brother and cousin.”
“I need to go potty, and you’re standing in the way,” she said with a smile. “Were you going to kiss Uncle Griffin?”
Autumn closed her eyes. “No. No, I wasn’t.”
“Okay.” Autumn opened her eyes again as Sasha skipped by them and closed the bathroom door behind her.
“Well, that went easier than it could have,” Griffin said dryly. He leaned against the wall opposite her and smiled.
He hadn’t shaved since she’d first started working for him, and now his beard was more than scruff and right at the point where he had to comb it every morning. She never knew she had a beard fetish, but damn she wanted to run her hands through that beard and rough it up some so she could feel it against her skin.
He raised his brows at her, and she let out a breath.
“Let’s go see your family,” she said instead of petting him like she wanted to. She was stronger than that. Maybe. “Though I still don’t know why I’m here. This isn’t one of your normal BBQs from what I hear. I only see family.”
He shrugged. “Maya will be here with Jake. You aren’t the only one who isn’t family. And I wanted you here. My parents wanted you here.”
She didn’t know what to think about that. “But aren’t Maya and Jake an item or something like that?”
“They keep denying it, and Mom said Jake is bringing his girlfriend.” He lowered his brows then, and Autumn blinked.
“Jake has a girlfriend. How do we not know that?”
“I didn’t know until Mom mentioned it. It’s apparently getting serious or something. That’s why she wanted the girl here. Or maybe she wants the girl here so Maya can see what she’s missing. I don’t know.”
Autumn shook her head. “Your family confuses me.”
“Welcome to the Montgomerys. Come for the ink and food, stay for the drama.”
She smiled as they made their way back into the living room that had gone quiet. As soon as Autumn’s gaze drifted to the foyer she knew why.
Maya and Jake had arrived.
Along with an adorable blonde in a very cute pink and white dress.
The difference between this blonde and the way she looked, and Maya’s skinny jeans and black tank top showing off her ink and piercings as much as possible couldn’t be more prominent if they’d been standing side by side.
The fact that Jake stood between them, looking oblivious, just made it more awkward.
Maya glared at her family as if willing them not to make a remark that could hurt her. Or knowing Maya, that could hurt Jake.
“You brought Holly, Jake,” Marie Montgomery finally said as she handed off her grandbaby to his mother. “I’m so happy you did. It’s about time we met the woman stealing our Jake’s heart.”
Holly blushed right to her pale blonde roots, and Jake wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Maya stared at him as if she’d never seen him before, but she didn’t look hurt…didn’t look jealous. She just looked…different. As if the other woman didn’t know what to do now that her best friend had someone to hold.
Maybe the Montgomerys had been wrong and Maya and Jake weren’t for each other. Maybe they didn’t love each other the way they all thought. Maybe this would work out.
Or maybe someone would end up broken in the end.
And that was just another reason Autumn couldn’t fall for Griffin or the Montgomery family. When she had to leave—and that was any day now—it had to be quick. Painless. She couldn’t leave so many strings, so many connections.
She knew it was too late for some pain, but the agony could be held off.
She prayed, at least.
Marie hugged Jake close, then did the same to Holly. The young woman’s eyes widened for a moment, then she hugged Marie back.
“Thank you so much for inviting me,” she said softly. “I know this is a family thing, but Jake and Maya said it would be okay since you wanted me here.”
“We don’t bite. Much.” Maya winked at Holly and smiled.
Autumn met Griffin’s eyes. He just shrugged, and she let out a breath. Well, at least dinner would be interesting. Of course, she knew it would have been even without the Holly/Jake/Maya drama. The Montgomerys knew how to intrigue her just by breathing.
Hence why she should ready leave as soon as she found a place to go.
“Well, it’s good you’re here,” Marie said. “I’ll introduce you to everyone, and then we can all come and gather around the couches. Harry and I have something we’d like to say.” She smiled softly, and Autumn felt Griffin stiffen beside her. “I didn’t know we’d be announcing this today, but I’m glad you’re here since you’re part of Jake’s life.”
“What’s going on?” Maya asked.
“Go sit down, darling. We’ll explain in a moment.”
Autumn looked over at Harry, who leaned back in his recliner as Marie introduced Holly to the rest of the Montgomerys. They all looked as shell-shocked as Griffin. Between Holly and now this mysterious announcement, it was a lot to take in.
“Tell us now,” Austin said as he pulled Sierra onto the couch next to him. Leif sat on the floor, leaning into his dad’s legs.
“Yeah, what’s wrong, Daddy?” Miranda asked. Decker sat next to Sierra and tucked Miranda on his lap, running his hand over her back.
“Are you having to get more treatments?” Meghan asked. She sat on the other couch next to Luc. Both kids piled onto the couple’s laps and held hands. They were old enough to know that something was off…or least that something was coming.
“Just tell us already,” Wes said. He leaned against the couch, Storm next to him. The other twin didn’t speak, only frowned at his father.
Maya sat next to Luc as Jake and Holly took the empty seats next to her. Her shoulders stiffened for the barest of moments, and Autumn wasn’t sure anyone else had caught it but her.
Griffin took Autumn’s hand, and she squeezed his. They hadn’t moved from the hallway, but with the way the living room was situated, they were still in the center of it all. Autumn couldn’t help but think that she, Holly, and perhaps Jake shouldn’t be there right then. But even as she thought it, Griffin tugged her close. She shuffled to his side and let him lean on her just a little. If he needed her there, then she’d be there. But she’d have to do her best to stay strong against him.
She looked over the Montgomerys and knew she’d never again see such a close-knit group. They loved each other even through the worries and pain that came with life. The fact that they were missing one of their own wasn’t lost on her either. Alex should have been there, and she hoped one day he would be. He needed to heal himself first.
“Dad,” Austin growled out the word, and the others quieted down.
“I went to the doctor yesterday for my appointment,” his dad said smoothly. “As of that appointment, I’m officially in remission. I can’t call myself cancer free until I reach a certain time, but I’m well on my way.”
It was so quiet she could have heard a pin drop. Everyone held his or her collective breaths until it was as if someone had pun
ctured the vacuum. People jumped up, hugged, yelled. Others cried, holding on to one another and their father. The kids danced around, giggling for their grandfather.
Yet with all of the chaos, Autumn only had eyes for one man.
Griffin kept his gaze on his father, who gave him a small nod. He shook slightly, and Autumn put both hands on him, making sure he was okay.
“Griffin?”
He fell to his knees, pushing her against the wall as he put his head on her stomach, his arms going around her waist and butt.
“Thank God. Thank God.”
Tears soaked her dress, and she lowered herself to the floor as much as he would allow, running her hands down his back and through his hair.
“He’s okay,” she whispered. “He’s okay.”
He nodded against her shoulder, placing his face between her neck and chin and held her tight. At that moment, she didn’t care what they looked like, what others would think. She only cared that this man held so much inside, so much on his shoulders, that he’d broken just a bit—broken to the point that he needed to let it all out.
She let him cry, let the others celebrate and allow their emotions to come out however they needed to. She’d care about the rest of the world later. Right then, it was all about Griffin. All about the man in her arms.
And soon she’d figure out what all of that meant.
Soon.
MAYA
This wasn’t the first time she’d eaten a meal with Jake and a woman he was sleeping with. This was the first time Maya didn’t know what to do with her hands, didn’t know what to do with her words.
She didn’t like this feeling. Didn’t like the way she couldn’t figure out what to say next or do when it came to this sweet girl named Holly.
Maya didn’t hate Holly. Not in the slightest. There was nothing to hate about Holly. She was nice, compassionate, and truly cared about Jake. As Jake was Maya’s best friend, Maya couldn’t ask for anything more in a woman for him.
Sure, Holly didn’t have a single tattoo on her, and probably only liked missionary with the lights off, but if that’s what Jake wanted, then more power to him. It wasn’t Maya’s job to worry about Jake’s lovers.
Written in Ink (Montgomery Ink #4) Page 9