Page 62 of Austin

An older gentleman with salt-and-pepper hair and eyes as dark as Bryce’s appears behind Missy. I recognize him from my internet research of Austin. The man before me is the great Edward Sexton.

“I’m surprised to see we have company,” Edward says as he takes the seat next to mine.

“Edward,” Austin says curtly.

I’m surprised to note he hasn’t stood to greet Missy or shaken his father’s hand.

As the maître d’ pushes Missy’s chair in, Edward’s eyes slowly graze up and down the side of my body, right down to the straps of my heels. Austin’s hand gently squeezes my leg and pulls me into him.

“Are you going to grace us with the name of your guest, or are you going to sit there in silence?” Edward says.

My hand finds Austin’s, and we lock pinkies. I turn to him and offer him a small smile.

“This is my girlfriend, Jalynn. Jalynn, this is my father, Edward.”

A small gasp of surprise escapes my lips. Missy cocks her head in condescending amusement.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I cordially say to Edward.

The waiter interrupts our introductions to take our drink orders.

“Cranberry and club,” Austin tells the waiter.

“You’re not drinking?” Edward asks, baffled.

“I’m driving,” Austin says with a sarcastic tone.

Missy laughs. “When has that ever stopped you?” she says to Austin and then turns to the waiter. “Bring a bottle of Dom Pérignon. It looks like we’re celebrating.”

“Celebrating what?” Austin hisses.

“Your new relationship. Jalynn, you’ll have a glass, won’t you?”

“No,” Austin says at the same time I reply, “Yes.”

Austin turns to me with a raised brow and tilt of his jaw. “I thought you didn’t drink?” he whispers into my ear.

I lean into his ear. “I don’t, but I have a feeling this dinner with your family is gonna make me want to start.”

He gives me a light kiss on the cheek. “Bottoms up, baby. If it’s okay with you, I’m gonna stick to the virgin variety.”

My heart swells lightly at both the term of endearment and the fact that Austin is not drinking, which I’m starting to learn is a big deal. My cheek is still tender from the kiss when I look over and see Missy’s narrowed eyes sending laser beams across the table at me.

“You two are cute,” she says, but it actually feels like she’s saying the complete opposite. “So, tell us, Jalynn, what do you do for a living?”

I turn to Austin and pinch my brows together, wondering if Missy has no idea who I am or if she’s just playing a game with me.

“I’m Bryce’s assistant,” I answer.

Her eyes widen, and her injected lips create an oval as she places an elbow on the table and points a finger. “You’re writing me an exposé.”

Shit.

“Yes, I am.”

“What kind of exposé?” Edward asks, seeming aloof.

“It’s fascinating really. The world of underground street racing,” she explains to Edward, who doesn’t seem to have any idea what she’s talking about. “There’ve been so many accidents and a recent death in the area because of one. It’s a shame no one has arrested any of the orchestrators. If convicted, that’s three months in the county jail.” Her focus roams from Edward to Austin and back to me. “You’re supposed to have an in with the races. I was surprised when you volunteered at the meeting, but now”—she laughs a little and sits back in her seat like she’s just turned on a great show—“I get the whole picture.”