Chapter 9 #3
He grinned, tugged her away from the building, lifted her, and twirled.
Emily laughed as she held onto him. Once Cam stopped and slid her down his body, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Is this the real Cam, then?”
“Aye.”
She sensed there was more behind the single word, but then she heard someone calling Cam’s name. So she pushed it aside and allowed him to guide her to the gathering.
As Cam held Emily’s hand and maneuvered them inside the covered area for the gathering, he couldn’t stop smiling.
She was going to give them a chance.
His dragon spoke up. Of course she is. We’re a catch.
He mentally laughed. Aye, but it wasn’t a sure thing.
Just make sure you share everything with her later as well. She needs to know about her.
Before he could answer, his mother walked up to him, grinning at his and Emily’s clasped hands. “Something’s changed. But you can fill me in later. For now, the dancing is about to begin. If you won’t ask Emily, then your father will.”
He frowned. “Dad doesn’t dance.”
“Och, he does sometimes.” His mother moved her gaze to Emily. “Don’t worry, I put in a request, so the first dance is an easy one. Unless you know some Scottish country dancing and can handle the more complicated ones?”
Emily blinked, and Cam wrapped an arm around her waist to bring her against his side.
When she leaned against him, a sense of rightness came over Cam.
Emily shook her head. “No. I saw some on the telly one time, during some Scottish celebration. But I’m not the most graceful of people, so maybe I should sit it out.”
His mother clicked her tongue. “Nonsense. Half the clan lacks any sort of rhythm. We dance because it’s fun, not because we’re skilled. Cam will lead you, and you’ll do fine.”
“Mum, stop pressing.”
Emily jumped in before his mother could reply. “So I won’t be the only one missing steps and moving out of time?” She looked up at Cam. “Tell me the truth.”
He squeezed her waist. “No. Mum’s right—half of Seahaven can’t keep a beat. But it’s fun all the same, as long as you can avoid running into someone.”
His mum jumped in. “Which rarely happens. Now, go get into place. Your father and I will keep your spots at our table, and I can record your dance, if you like.”
Emily scrunched her nose. “No, thank you. I’d rather not have proof of how awful I am.”
He said, “Trust me, you won’t be the worst one here. That title belongs to Roman Baillie.”
Emily frowned. “The charming twin?”
Man and beast didn’t like that she’d noticed his charm.
Thankfully, his mum answered before he growled. “Aye, that’s Roman. Unfortunately, his gift of gab doesn’t translate to dance skills. If anything, I think he keeps trying to be the worst on purpose.”
Cam noticed the musicians setting up their instruments—clan members provided the live music, when possible—and so he stroked Emily’s hip until she met his gaze again. “Ready?”
She smiled at him. “Ready to try, at least.”
“Come on, then.”
After nodding goodbye to his mother, he guided Emily to the edge of the open space used for dancing. As someone called out the name of the first dance, Cam mentally sighed in relief. It was an easy reel, in groups of four. Kaya and her cousin, Dean, came to join them.
Kaya clapped her hands. “You decided to dance, Emily! I’m glad. If you need help, just follow what I do. As much as I hate letting my cousin take the lead, the male part requires it for this dance.” She stuck her tongue out at Dean. “But don’t go thinking this means I’ll listen to you elsewhere.”
Dean rolled his eyes. “And this is why you’ll never find a human mate, Kaya. Their egos couldn’t handle you.”
“Well, maybe I won’t find a human one. My dad keeps saying he wants to hold a joint gathering with Lochguard, now that at least the Dragon Knights are taken care of, where everyone from both clans can participate.
Maybe there’s a braw dragonman waiting for me on another clan.
Maybe he’s even older, and mature, and past needing to constantly prove himself. ”
Dean winced. No doubt Kaya was hinting at Dean’s blunder with the Lochguard bloke who’d been hurt. “I learned my lesson, I promise.”
Kaya arched an eyebrow. “We’ll see.”
Music filled the air, and Kaya stood next to Emily while Cam and Dean stood opposite their partners.
And as they slowly taught Emily the movements, Cam treasured every time their hands touched, every time Emily grinned at him, and every time she laughed at missing a step.
By the end, she seemed a wee bit freer. As if she was less afraid of making mistakes or completely guarding herself from others.
As much as Cam enjoyed the rest of the evening of dancing, eating, and laughing with his family and others inside the clan, he looked forward to when he could be alone with Emily at home.
Because while he might not be able to kiss her on the mouth just yet, he planned to give her his full attention in other ways.
Provided she was okay with it. He could be patient, but more than anything, Cam hoped she would share a little more of herself with him.