Grateful for the change of subject, she replied, “I’ve been a few times. Their clan is mostly inside the mountains, which is definitely different.”
And as they peppered her with questions about Snowridge and Wales, Emily slowly relaxed as she ate, until she was yawning. Then she said, “I’m sorry, as lovely as this is, it’s been a long day and I just want to get some sleep so I can get an early start tomorrow.”
Cam stood, moved behind her chair, and waited. She frowned up at him, but it was his mother who spoke up, “He’s a gentleman and will help you out of your chair as you get up.”
She bit back a laugh. It felt like something from an old-fashioned story.
Unsure of how it worked, she tried to push back, but Cam moved the chair. A little too quickly, and she was about to land on her arse when his hands caught under her arms and lifted her up. Which then threw off her balance, and she fell backward against a hard, warm chest.
With his hands on her waist, a rush of heat shot through her for a beat before she bolted out of his arms and moved a few feet away. “I’m not sure I’m cut out for old-timey manners. It’s safer for everyone if I get up by myself.”
Her cheeks burned at the memory of Cam’s warm chest, and she wished her skin wasn’t so fair because everyone would notice.
She waited for them to tease her, but Mary came to her side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Sorry, Emily. And don’t worry, anything embarrassing that happens in this house, stays in this house. No one else will know, I promise it.”
As the older woman gave her a quick squeeze and released her, the gnawing ache of missing her mother shot through her.
Damn it.If she didn’t get out of here, she would most definitely cry in front of these people.
After clearing her throat, she nodded and did her best to keep her voice even. “Thank you. Now, if someone would just show me to my accommodations, that would be fantastic.”
Cam grunted. “I will. Follow me.”
He turned and exited the room.
Dread pooled in her stomach. Was he going to make fun of her for being clumsy?
Tor was at her side and said, “Don’t worry, Cam is a good male despite first impressions. There’s no one I’d trust more with my life, or anyone else’s.”
She faced Tor, saw his flashing dragon eyes, and was about to reply when Cam’s shouting voice reverberated down the hallway. “Come on, Dr. Davies. I need to get back to the security office.”
Tor made a face. “If I can hear him, then he’s loud. You’d better go, Emily.”
She smiled at the teenager. “It was nice to meet you, Tor. Maybe later you can teach me some words and phrases in sign language.”
His hands moved as he said, “Any time you want to learn, just ask.” He waved his hand back and forth near his head. “This is goodbye.”
She did the same. “Goodbye.”
Mary looped her arm through Emily’s and said, “Come on, I’ll see you out.”
Emily waved goodbye to Angus, and then was soon moving down the hallway as Mary whispered, “We can have lunch together soon. Give me your mobile, and I’ll put my number in.”
Even though they’d reached the front door, where Cam stood with his arms crossed over his chest, she took out her phone and gave it to Mary. After some typing, she gave it back. “I also put Cam’s number in there, too, just in case he forgets. If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, let him know. I also sent a text to myself, so I’ll let you know the details. Good night, Emily. We’ll chat again soon.”
Cam took her suitcase, opened the door, and walked out. After Emily grabbed her bag, she followed.
Cam grunted. “There’s no escaping her now.”
She frowned. “Your mother? Why would I? She seems nice.”
His lips twitch. “Aye, she’s a lovely person. But mark my words, she’ll do her best to keep you on Seahaven now.”
“Um, I’m just here to help Dr. Keith, and then I’ll go home.”
Although at this point, she didn’t know if Stonefire would still be her home any longer.
Cam remained silent for nearly a minute before replying, “She was right, though. If you ever feel unsafe or threatened, tell me. My job is to protect everyone here, including you.”
