Elizabeth turns her back to him as she tries to calm the flush of her cheeks. Whoever this guy is, he has Elizabeth discomposed, and not in the fun way I do. Her face is a mix of shame and terror. Without thinking, I step between them, shielding her from his sight. No one gets to make Goose uncomfortable but me.

The guy is older, maybe late fifties judging from his gray hair and the prominent wrinkles on his forehead from what I assume has been a long life of scowling. He clears his throat as he stands from the couch and buttons his suit jacket.

“Good evening,” he says with a professional detachment.

“Evening,” I answer.

“And may I ask who you might be?” He is polite enough, but I recognize the stern challenge in his eyes. We’re like predators stumbling on each other in the jungle, deciding if the other is a threat.

“Austin Jacobs, Elizabeth’s boyfriend.” The words come out in one steady breath, without hesitation.

Why did I fucking say that?

I don’t need to tell this guy anything about my relationship, or lack of one, with Elizabeth. For some reason I have the urge to lay claim to her with some sort of title, and ‘girlfriend’ seems about as good as any.

I’ve never called myself someone’s boyfriend before, although I’m sure I know a few girls who have. I usually avoid labels more than sorority girls avoid carbs. Labels come with expectations, which I inevitably never meet. What’s the difference what I call myself if it’s all fake anyway, right? Judging by Elizabeth’s sudden death grip on my forearm, it matters to her.

“And you are?” I ask the well-dressed stranger.

“Richard Wilde, Elizabeth’s father.” He lays his own claim on her as he holds out his hand to shake mine. No wonder Elizabeth is blushing. Her dad just watched her mouth get tongue-fucked by her boyfriend. Or whatever the hell I am.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Wilde.” I pry my arm free from Elizabeth, who is hiding her face from both of us, and give him a firm handshake. Time to climb out of this hole I dug us into.

“Likewise, Austin. And please, call me Richard. Elizabeth did not mention she was involved with someone.” Both of us turn our focus to Elizabeth at my side. This is the most timid I’ve ever seen her, and that’s saying something.

“I…” Her soft voice trails off and she peers up at me with pleading eyes.