Tyler’s jaw dropped. Griffin narrowed his eyes and gave a slight shake of his head in warning. Dolly and Ben got out right behind Penny and Noah. Dolly saw them and waved, he waved back, then turned to the woman interviewing him when she asked another question.
“Oh my! This is quite the reveal! I’m sure it’s old news to you that your co-star is pregnant. Is that why she’s been avoiding the press?”
“No comment.” He turned and walked toward the entrance, with the fans clamoring. “Come on Ty.”
“Griffin, Griffin, over here.”
“We love you Griffin!”
“Griffin will you sign my magazine?”
He smiled and saluted the crowd but kept walking. No more autographs, no more interviews. He wanted to get inside and away from public scrutiny as quickly as he could. He was in shock. Was it possible that it was his baby? He needed a stiff drink.
The three of them, along with Stewart, would be introducing the film. Maybe he’d get a chance to pull Penelope aside before then. There was an after party being held later; he could always corner her there if she’d talk to him.
45
Penelope thought she’d mentally prepared herself for seeing Griffin again, but she was mistaken.Damn him.She had seen his shocked expression the exact instant he’d realized she was pregnant. Her face had heated with embarrassment and guilt, but even more than that, she had felt a familiar heat and desire.
As she watched Griffin and Tyler disappear into the theatre she had wanted to run after him and beg his forgiveness. She felt horrible. It wasn’t too late to make it right. Seeing him again had cleared the fog. It was his baby too. She had no right to keep it from him. He was a decent man. It would be different if he were an abusive awful person, but he wasn’t. She loved him. That too, was suddenly crystal clear.
Noah kept his arm possessively around her waist. He had promised to shield her from as much chaos as he could. He was her linebacker for the evening.
“Penelope, when are you due?”
“Penelope is it a boy or a girl?”
“Penelope who is the father?”
The same woman who’d been interviewing Griffin fromEntertainment Tonight, blocked Penelope’s path and planted herself right in front of her. She thrust the microphone under Penelope’s nose while her camera operator vied for a good angle.
“I see we have some baby news?”
“Yes.”
“When are you due?”
“I have another three months to go,” Penelope said, forcing a smile.
The host looked at Noah and said, “You must be thrilled.”
Noah smiled, “I’m very happy for Penny. She’s going to be an incredible mom.”
“And you? Are you excited to be a father?’
Noah ignored the fishing expedition and looked down at Penelope and said, “Shall we go? We’re going to be late if we don’t get in there.”
The TV host laughed, “Oh I’m quite sure they won’t start without their two superstars.”
Noah smiled and pushed his way around her, pulling Penelope along. It was madness. The fans were in a frenzy as the biggest names in Hollywood kept coming. They hurried away, avoiding any more interviews.
When they entered, she looked around and spotted Griffin standing in front of a white silk backdrop getting photographed. He was one gorgeous man. He would have his pick of films after this. Tyler as well. She had no doubt that would appeal to Ty, but what about Griffin?
Stewart found her and corralled her over to a photo op booth to get some photographs taken. Stewart wanted her to get some with Noah and with Griffin, then all three together.
Griffin was now leaning against the wall next to the theatre entrance, talking to Tyler and another famous director. He straightened when he saw her looking at him. He’d been waiting for her. Her throat tightened.
His expression tugged at her heart. He looked wounded. She’d done that to him. She felt like crying. Any lingering doubts she’d had about telling him seemed to melt away. By the time he reached her his face was set in an unreadable expression. If she had not seen the pain moments before, she would have sworn he was immune.