Page 56 of Family Bonds- Garrett & Justine

“Emma is on the way if you want to go meet her in the lobby,” Griffin said.

“Really?” she asked. “Are you sure it’s okay?”

“She’ll be fine with it. But she’s not coming into the casino just yet. She’s going to go watch behind the scenes.”

“Thanks,” she said. “I’m just going to let Garrett know.”

“He’s behind you,” Griffin said.

She turned and looked and Garrett was a few feet away making his way toward her.

“You didn’t have to leave the table,” she said.

“Yes,” he said. “I did. I’m getting slaughtered.”

Griffin smirked. “Doesn’t seem to be the night for family.”

“It’s not all about winning money,” he said, looking down at her.

“Don’t I know that,” Griffin said. “Emma will be here in a minute. I asked if Justine wanted to meet her in the lobby, then I’m taking her to the camera room.”

“Let’s go say hi to Emma,” he said. “I can use the break.”

“If you’re sure?” she asked. She didn’t want to take him away. He seemed excited to come here as much as her.

“Positive,” he said, his hand going to her lower back again. Every touch of his on her body sent her brain into overdrive.

She had to stop thinking and just go with how she felt for once.

And so far tonight everything she’d felt had been magical and she wanted that fantasy dreamland to continue.

They moved out of the casino, her small purse across her shoulder and chest, holding her chips. She wasn’t sure how to dress tonight and had put on black pants with a pair of black pumps and a light blue silk shirt tucked into her waist.

Garrett was in dark jeans and a green button-down shirt with white stripes.

She couldn’t believe how dressed up some people were in the casino, but there were just as many in jeans and T-shirts. She supposed no one cared as long as the money was flowing.

They’d been in the lobby for less than a minute when Emma French walked in. She didn’t look much like the picture on her books.

That picture was professional and she had her hair done and makeup on.

The Emma French in front of her had her hair in a ponytail, light baggy jeans on, and a peach T-shirt snug to her body and stopping just past her waist.

“Griffin,” Emma said. “Love the personal escort and thanks for letting me do this. I won’t touch anything, I promise.”

“No worries,” Griffin said.

“Garrett,” Emma said. “I haven’t seen you in a while. I heard you were on the island for a year.”

“Nice to see you,” he said. “This is Justine Keller. She’s a big fan.”

“He wanted to score points,” Griffin said.

“I love fans,” Emma said, wiggling her shoulders, her hand reaching out. “It’s nice to meet you. And can I say you have the most stunning eyes and hair color? It’s natural, I can tell, and I’m being rude, but I just process things out loud rather than in my head. So sorry. I’m going to have to use your features with a character.”

Justine got all giddy. “No worries,” she said. “That’s exciting.”

“What do you do?” Emma asked, pulling her phone out. “Got to take notes quickly before I forget.”

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