Page 73 of Her Faithful Protector

“Okay, nine. You’ve had major surgery, you’re still in pain, and from what I understand you’ve been reunited with the love of your life. I’d say you’re entitled to a breakdown, maybe even two or three.”

Camilla hiccupped. “You think?”

“I know.”

“Carys, I feel so lost. I don’t know what to do,” she admitted. “I know Nic brought me here to take care of me, but that was because I’m physically injured. I’m sure he wasn’t expecting an emotional basket case.”

“You’d be surprised. These men understand a hell of a lot more than most. They see things that other men don’t see, and it gives them a unique perspective. I’m positive that Nic knew what he was signing up for.”

“So I should see one? A therapist I mean. It would actually help me?”

“I hear that you’re a genius. Nic’s been bragging about you. So I know that you know you should see one. Or at least the normal Doctor Ross would know.”

Camilla lifted her head from Carys’ shoulder. “That’s a lot of ‘knows’. You know?”

Carys giggled. “Hey, the woman has a sense of humor, all is not lost.”

22

Nic was sitting in the waiting room for Camilla to come out. It was her sixth session with Doctor Cricket in two weeks. He wasn’t really surprised that she was going at it so fast. When Camilla made up her mind about something, there was no stopping her. He just wished that she hadn’t put a hold on talking about them. She kept insisting that she needed to get her feet back under her before she could contemplate any kind of relationship talk.

The only thing that had Nic keeping it together was that when Camilla had a nightmare, and he went to her in the middle of the night, she held on to him tight. Those nights he would kiss her temple and tell her she was safe, all the time stroking her back. The first night it happened, after she had quieted down, he had eased her back under the covers and attempted to leave. She’d begged him to stay. How could he resist?

They’d developed a pattern. Almost every third night, she would have a nightmare, and he would go to her. Those were the only nights that he could get a good night’s sleep.

The office door opened, and Camilla came out, her smile was blinding. Nic shoved to his feet. He didn’t know what in the hell had happened in that room, but he was pretty damned happy about it.

“Do you want to go for lunch?” Camilla asked.

“I don’t know, are you buying?” Nic teased.

“Absolutely. Name the place.”

“We’re definitely going to eat near the water. Let’s go.”

As soon as they got into his truck, he had to ask her. “So what’s got you so excited?”

She blew out a breath and her smile dimmed. “Doctor Cricket made me see something from a different angle. I’d been holding onto a lot of shame—”

“Shame! What in the hell would you have anything to feel shameful about?”

“Nic, just drive the car, would you?”

“Truck, baby. It’s a truck.”

“Whatever, just drive it.”

He knew he was coming on too strong and he needed to dial it back. He gave her a sideways look. “I don’t think you appreciate how important a man’s truck is to his self-image.”

“Maybe you’re the one who needs to see Doctor Cricket,” she giggled.

Giggling was good. It was very good.

“Fish and chips?”

“Oh man, that sounds wonderful. I didn’t eat much at breakfast.”

“You never do before a counseling appointment,” he reminded her. God, it was good to see her looking so good. This reminded him of the bubbly old Cami from high school.