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Ford ignored him and concentrated on Bailey and Aunt Jess meeting the asshole. He was polite and shook hands, apparently able to play nice when required.
The two women greeted Nash and Ford, then took Ritchie with them inside but only after he got a promise out of his dad that he wouldn’t leave town without saying goodbye.
“I need to speak to Autumn,” the asshole said. “Alone.”
“Not happening. A man who will lay his hands on her like you just did is not getting a second chance,” Ford said.
“It’s okay.” Autumn moved to stand in front of Ford. “Really, he won’t hurt me.”
Her lovely green eyes held his. Ford touched her cheek. It wasn’t a gesture of ownership, but it let the asshole know that something was between them.
“If he does, Iwillbe uglying him up,” Ford said loud enough for the shithead tohear.
“I’ll be helping him,” Nash added.
“You go back inside. I’ll be there soon,” Autumn said.
“I don’t want to.” He went for honesty.
Her smile was just for him. “He won’t hurt me. I promise.”
He didn’t want to leave her, but knew that whatever needed to be said between Autumn and her ex, it wouldn’t happen if he was there.
“Okay, but you yell if you need me.”
Her smile grew. Hell, she was sweet.
“I will. But like I said, he won’t hurt me.”
Ford nodded and only just resisted leaning in to kiss her, branding her as his. He squeezed her hands instead. He turned with Nash and was just working out how to stay within earshot and not have her see him when he saw Mr. Goldhirsh.
“What are you doing?” Nash asked him as they reached the door that led back inside. The man had a broom.
“Getting the cobwebs off the windows. I noticed them when I arrived. You go on and get back on court, boys. I’ll stay here.”
Clearly his wife had told him the state of play out here.
“Thanks, Mr. Goldhirsh. You’re a good man. Just call if you need me,” Ford said.
“Missed you at meditation/yoga this week.” The man was using the broom like a baton now. Clearly he was incapable of keeping still. Ford hoped he had that much energy when he was his age.
“Ah, I was busy.”
“But he’ll be there next time,” Nash said. “He needs to lighten up and learn to relax.”
Ford glared at his brother and then checked on Autumn. Her and the asshole were still talking in the same place. His eyes lifted to Ford. Narrowing his, he gave him his meanest stare.
“Okay, I think you’ve intimidated him enough. Let’s go,” Nash said.
“I got this, Ford. I’ll bring Autumn back inside or call you if need be,” Mr. Goldhirsh said as Nash dragged Ford inside.
“So, you and Autumn,” Nash said the minute they’d stepped through the door.
“Just friends.”
“That was more than friends, bro.”
“No, it wasn’t.”
