His gaze, which had clouded over as if his self-loathing had affectedhis eyes, finally focused on her. “What did Malcolm say?”
“He said that if you hadn’t fallen off that rock face on Christmas day, there was a ninety percent chance you would have died anyway within a year.” She watched him digest that news. Anything to keep him from beating himself up and making another decision they’d both regret.
Cam’s eyes had widened in surprise, but now his brows were lowered.“Did he say how else I would die?”
She shook her head. “Nothing in particular, but you should talk to him. You know, he’s a very good spirit guide. Joy and Malcolm work well together. They really didn’t need any help from me. Then again, I think Joy had the hots for Malcolm right from the start.”
Her ploy worked. Cam was staring at her as if she’d grown whiskers and a tail. “Worked well together?Are we talking about the same Malcolm and Joy? Spirits of Christmas Future?”
She grinned. “Yes. They were like a well-oiled machine. Sometimes he’d make me think about something then she’d make me think about something. They even mixed up taking me to fun and heart-wrenching visits. I tried to blame Malcolm for how I felt about an uncomfortable visit, but as Joy pointed out, it was my decisionsin the future that caused it.”
Cam’s shoulders fell, something she’d never seen happen when he was alive. That in itself worried her. “Isn’t that what you wanted?”
He nodded. “Yes, it is.”
“Then why do you look so defeated. Is there anything I can do? We work well as a team, too. Look what we’ve done with six spirits already.” She smiled to hide her fear at Cam’s concerned look.
“Speakingof spirits, I need to have them debrief. I’m still angry at them for upsetting you so much.”
She flounced over to her chair since Mac was still sitting in Cam’s and she sat on the arm. “I’m made of strong stuff. Besides, I got to be held by you, so I’m definitely not complaining.”
Cam grimaced, which hurt more than she wanted him to know. Had he moved on? Was this odd job he had his new life?Not comfortable with her thought, she pointed to Mac. “For two years, he sat in my chair. Now he’s in yours again. He can’t seem to make up his mind.”
Mac stopped washing himself to look at her, then went back to chewing on his hind claws.
Cam studied the cat. “He’s almost seven years old now. I guess he’s entitled to change his mind.”
She winked. “I think that’s a woman’s prerogative, notan age thing.”
“True.” Cam shook his head as if clearing it, then glanced at the clock. “I need to go.”
Her heart tightened. “But you’ll be back, right? There’s still almost three hours before Christmas day. Your spirits work fast.”
“I’ll make a deal with you. You get dressed and go to Brody’s party, and—”
She jumped off the arm of her chair. “Wait a minute. How do you know Brody has a partytonight? Have you been spying on me?”
He chuckled, the first smile she’d seen from him since he brought her home. “No, I don’t have to. Brody will always throw a Christmas Eve party. It’s just who he is.”
She was pleased she’d made him smile. “Fine, I’ll go to the party, but I’m coming home by half past eleven at the latest.”
“Half past eleven?” His lip quirked up at that. “Since when do Americanssay half past?”
“Since this one married a Scot and lives in Deervale, Scotland. I even say ‘wee’ on occasion.”
He laughed again, making her feel oddly better. “I’ll see you back here later.”
“Will you phase through me?” She loved feeling Cam’s essence as he did that. It made her happy again.
“Let’s wait until later, okay?”
“As long as you promise.”
“I do.” He started to float up toward theceiling.
Holly ran beneath him. “Nice balls.”
His laughter filled her heart as he disappeared. Taking a deep breath, she plopped down in her chair, needing a few minutes to relax before changing for the party.
