“I never thought about it like that.”
“Of course you didn’t. He’s like one of those guys in those historical romances, giving his daughter’s hand to the man who’ll bring the most prestige to the family. No wonder he was devastated when you told him it was over.”
Autumn’s breath caught in her throat. Was Lydia right? She thought about the night she met Josh, at a garden party in the Hamptons. He’d walked over to her with a glass of champagne and told her she was the only beautiful woman at the party. And she’d fallen for him, hook, line, and sinker. But now she could also remember him telling her he’d been talking to her father, and asking about his business.
“When I told him Josh and I were divorcing, Dad begged me to give it another year,” Autumn admitted. “Said that I wasn’t a quitter, that I just needed more time to get used to things.”
“He doesn’t like not being in control.” Lydia walked over to the window that faced the bright blue ocean, pressing her nose against it. “I think this is the first time in your life you’ve done something that makes him angry.” She looked over her shoulder at Autumn. “And it looks good on you.”
“He wants me to sell the pier.”
Lydia sighed. “Of course he does. He wants you back home and dating a suitable guy. Imagine how pissed he’ll be when he meets Griff.”
Autumn’s stomach fell at the thought of it. Angel Sands felt like a million miles away from New York, not just the couple thousand that separated the East Coast from West. She liked it that way. Liked who she was here, and the people who took care of her. Sometimes it felt like they’d get eaten alive in Manhattan.
“Oh god, you’re in love with him!”
Autumn blinked. “What?”
“That expression on your face. All soft and faraway. You love the pants off Griff.” Lydia’s eyes widened. “What did he say when you told him?”
“I haven’t.” Autumn shook her head.
“Why not?”
“Because it’s too soon. And I’m not sure he believes in love.”
“Doesn’t matter whether he believes it or not, it exists.” Lydia turned until her back was against the window and folded her arms across her chest, the way she had when they were kids and she was being stubborn as hell. Not much had changed. “And he feels the same way about you. I know he does.”
“Do you think so?”
“Absolutely. You have to tell him. And before I leave town. I can’t get on a plane all worried that you’re going to mess things up.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Autumn chuckled.
“So, you’re going to stay here in Angel Sands? Keep the pier? Settle down with the man mountain?”
“I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
“But you’ve told dad you’re not selling the pier, right?”
“Kind of.” Autumn shrugged.
“What does that mean?”
“It means he’s sending a guy over to meet with me and discuss the sale. I tried to say no, but he wouldn’t have any of it.” And she was so tired of fighting against him. “But I’m not going to sell. I’ll listen politely and explain that it’s not for sale, and then at least I can tell Dad I heard him out.”
“What a waste of time.” Lydia sighed. “One of these days you’ll learn to say no to Dad, the same way I have.”
“It was okay for you. I took the heat off you.”
Lydia’s eyes softened. “I know you did. And I’m grateful for it, I really am. But it pisses me off to see him try to make you do the things you don’t want to. He’s thousands of miles away, what’s so scary about him?”
“Nothing. I’m not scared. I just don’t want to let him down.”
Lydia walked toward her, taking Autumn’s hands in hers. “You haven’t let anybody down. Not ever. You’re the best big sister in the world. I know you used to cover for me when I snuck out at night. And I heard you stand up for me when I refused to go to college and wanted to travel the world.” She squeezed Autumn’s palms. “I just wish you could stand up for yourself, too.”
“I will.” Autumn felt sure of it. “Just let me get this charity day over with, then I’ll let dad know I’m not selling the pier. I’ll even tell him I’m serious about Griff.”
“You should probably tell Griff that, too.” Lydia winked.
Autumn laughed. “Whatever you say.” She reached forward to hug her sister tight, breathing in the aroma of strawberry shampoo in Lydia’s flowing hair as it tickled her nose.
There was nothing to be afraid of. Not anymore. Angel Sands meant safety, and Griff meant happiness. The thought of it made her smile.
24
Autumn woke to the sensation of warm lips sliding down her back, pressing a kiss to the sensitive skin at the base of her spine. It made her toes curl with delight, and her breath catch in her throat. The sun was streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the bleached color telling her it was early in the morning, before the yellower rays had stretched their arms to wake up.
She was laying on her front. Looking over her shoulder, her eyes met Griff’s as he ran his fingers over her ass, his suntanned skin almost eclipsing the white of her flesh.
“Good morning.” He grinned lazily at her.
“Morning.” She closed her eyes as he ran his fingers down the back of her thighs, his thumbs pressing into her skin. “You’re the best alarm clock I’ve ever had.”
He chuckled. “I aim to please.” He slid his hands around until his palms were brushing her inner thighs, the tips of his fingers tickling the crease where her legs ended and her torso began. She felt herself clench at his gentle touch, then again when his thumbs feathered against the warmest part of her. She arched her back, her breasts and stomach pressed against the mattress. Griff kissed her ass, scraping his teeth against the smooth globes.
“You have the most beautiful ass,” he told her, kissing her warm skin before he slid his lips down, curling his hands around her thighs to pull them apart.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should.” He feathered his lips against the inside of her thigh, then pushed her legs up, until her knees were bent, her ass raised, her face still on the mattress. “And this,” he said, kissing her right where she needed him. “Is even prettier.”
“We shouldn’t,” she whispered as he brushed the very tip of his tongue against her. “Lydia is across the hall.”
“Then you’ll have to be quiet.” There was a grin in his voice.
“I’m not sure I… oh…” She pressed her face against the pillow to stifle her groan as he dragged his finger along her crease, that teasing tongue still flicking at her as he pushed first one, then a second inside. Her legs were shaking, and he used his free hand to steady her thighs as he continued his teasing onslaught on her body.
She gripped the edges of the pillow, pressing her lips closed as pleasure began to spark like electricity inside her. “Griff,” she called out, her voice muffled.