She nodded her head. “Gotcha. One beer, one water. I’ll be back in a minute.”
“She’s nice,” Rafe observed.
“Yes. India is lucky she at least has one relative in her life who cares for her.”
“I’m very lucky to have Aunt Val,” India said softly as she entered the room. She’d moved with such stealth and grace, neither he or Rafe had heard her approach.
Both men stood. Grant’s heart did a summersault as he drank in her beauty. She wore a pink tank top that skimmed the gentle swell of her breasts and a khaki mini-skirt that showed off her shapely legs. Her short haircut sat well with her, making India’s brown eyes look bigger than ever and her cheekbones higher.
She gave them a tentative smile. “I’m glad you two came. I…” India broke off, stared at them for a minute, before launching herself toward them.
Grant caught her in his arms, holding her tight and not wanting to let go. Rafe moved behind her and molded himself against her back.
“I missed the two of you so much. It almost seems surreal to have you here right now. It was one thing to talk to you on the phone, but your being in plain sight is so much better than I imagined.” She sighed.
Grant couldn’t tear his gaze away from her upturned face. “I don’t remember you being this beautiful, or maybe you just got even lovelier.” When he would have taken her lips in a kiss, he halted at the sound of a throat clearing broke him out of his trance.
“Sorry to break up the reunion , but I have your drinks.” Val reentered the room. She looked at each of them in turn as though trying to assess the situation. How much had India told her about what happened on the island, and furthermore, did she approve?
Whether she did or not, she didn’t give any indication. Grant supposed she would be a bit curious, but he wasn’t going to offer any explanation when none was demanded. Reluctantly, he let go of India, as did Rafe.
India moved away from them, smoothing her clothing with her hands. “Aunt Val, I take it you’ve met Grant and Rafe?”
Val came forward and handed Grant his drink with a smile. “Yes, we’ve met. You never told me how charming they were.”
Grant took a seat with drink in hand and took a sip. India sat on the couch next to him and Rafe on the opposite side of her. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat from her closeness. His cock stirred and he willed it to stay down, otherwise it would cause a bit of embarrassment. From the corner of his eye, he could tell Rafe was having a similar dilemma.
Val gave him a reassuring smile. “So how does it feel to be back in civilization? Are you having a hard time acclimating back into your lives?”
“It’s been interesting. We’re still trying to get used to the attention we’re getting. This has certainly taught me to appreciate the little luxuries in life we take for granted, like clean running water, a fresh change of clothing and a hot meal. I don’t think I ever want to see another fish again.” Rafe made a face at the memory.
“So how long do you plan on staying?” Val asked.
“We’ll be in the city for the weekend, and then we have to head back on Sunday. There’s still a lot we need to sort out with our company,” Grant explained.
“I hope you two aren’t thinking of staying at a hotel. I have plenty of room here. I’d be happy to have you with us,” Val offered.
“No!” India said sharply. “I mean…they can’t.” She wouldn’t meet anyone’s eyes.
Why would she say that? There was no doubt in Grant’s mind that India had been glad to see them, so why now did she seem so anxious to drive them away. Whatever the deal was, he couldn’t wait until he and Rafe could be alone with her and find out exactly what was going on with her mixed messages. “We would love to stay here, but we wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.”
Val reached over and patted him on the knee in a gesture of reassurance. “It’s no trouble at all. India is just being silly. Of course you can stay. I love visitors, and any friends of my niece are friends of mine. Besides, offering you a place to crash for the weekend is the least I can do. From what India has told me, if it wasn’t for you two, she wouldn’t have made it. Please say you’ll stay.”
“Thank you. We will.” Rafe gave India a narrowed-eyed look, daring her to protest.
“Then it’s all settled.”
India nibbled on her bottom lip, still not looking at anyone in particular.
Grant bent his head a couple inches from her ear. “Are you okay, India?”
“Yes. I’m fine. I…it’s nothing.” She eyed her aunt. “Aunt Val, didn’t you want me to remind you that you have to pick up that thing you wanted by…” she glanced at her watch, “…six?”