Page 10 of Caught in the Middle

Lulu let out a sigh. “My dad,” she offered.

Her dad? Henry Davis was her dad? Her last name was Lockwood and no one at work ever mentioned anything. He’d never seen them act in anything other than a professional manner. Then again, maybe that was on purpose.

“Few know and I’d like to keep it that way,” Lulu said politely, if not a bit sternly.

He nodded in understanding. It wasn’t his information to share, nor did he care for workplace gossip. From the times he had worked with Lulu, he could guess that she wanted to build a name for herself without others contributing her success to her father’s role. He could respect that.

“Cam, I’m surprised to see you here.” Henry’s voice was like a steady boom through the air. “How do you know our Emma?”

Cam was now standing and opened his mouth to answer, but Emma cut in before he could.

“He’s my boyfriend,” she said in a rush, sidling up next to him. “We’re dating.”

Her words and sudden affection as she slid her arm in between his and patted it comfortingly with her other hand had him in a daze. What was happening? What the hell was Emma doing?

He had to tilt his head down to look at her, noticing the desperate plea in her eyes and the big, yet tense, smile she gave him. It felt like an eternity in that moment, having to choose how to respond. From the little she’d told him, he knew Henry was like family to her but he was also Cam’s boss. He didn’t want to humiliate her nor did he want to lie. He already felt as though if he denied her statement, it’d make him look bad in front of his boss and colleague.

Before he could respond the other woman’s shrill of excitement sliced through the air, breaking his focus on the pleading brown eyes staring up at him.

“Aw! This is so exciting!” The other woman, who he presumed to be Lauren, was coming at him, her arms spread wide and bringing him into a hug before he could react. “It’s great to meet you,” she beamed, releasing him and glancing between him and Emma. “How long have you two been dating?” she asked.

Cam had met many fake women in his life, and considering the small details he knew about Lauren now dating Emma’s ex, who was standing there taking them in like a solid piece of stone, he would have normally figured the woman was a snake. But in his gut, he knew it was sincerity and happiness emanating from Lauren as she smiled at them wholeheartedly.

“It’s fairly new,” Emma said, which Cam was relieved for because he had yet to restart his brain and know how to respond.

Lulu quirked a brow at them both, but quickly fell in line, probably coming to her friend’s rescue no matter how much she didn’t buy this scheme. “Well I’m just glad you found a good one,” she offered, giving them both a smile.

Cam only nodded and then remembered his manners. “I know Lulu and Henry,” he said. “And I’ve heard nothing but great things about you both,” his head turned toward Lauren, then Asher. “I’m Cam.”

“Asher.” The man stuck out his hand and Cam shook it. “And this is Lauren.” She once again offered him a kind smile.

“Great to meet you both,” he said, then he added, “I was just telling Emma I didn’t want to keep you all. I know you have big plans. I just wanted to catch her before your meal.” He noticed Emma’s shoulders relaxed, which were once again rolled back, her head high, and that confidence radiating about her again, all of which he found impressive since he knew how she had just panicked and was nervous about this dinner.

He turned to bid her farewell and make a quick escape but that plan died before it began.

“Nonsense,” Henry bellowed. “Join us for dinner. Anyone who is a part of Emma’s life is always welcome,” he continued. Then, as if sensing Cam was about to make an excuse, he added, “Besides, it’ll be nice to get to know you more. I enjoy learning all about the people working for me.”

Cam didn’t know if he should be intimidated by the smile that followed those words or not. He mentally assured himself that Lulu and Lauren received their kindness from their father. Yet a small part of him knew better than to do anything but accept the invitation.

He nodded and smiled. “I’d be honored.”

“Great,” Lulu said. “Because I’m starving.”

“Didn’t you eat lunch?” Henry asked, his voice having turned to that of a concerned father versus the force of a boss Cam knew him as. “We had it catered today. There was enough to send leftovers home with everyone.”

“Every time I headed in that direction someone needed me.”

He let out a laugh. “You have to learn to say no sometimes.”

She shook her head and turned toward the entry where the host was standing. “Yeah, yeah. Now let’s go get our seats.”

Cam let the group lead the way, placing his hand on Emma’s arm to stop her before she could walk off.

She looked up at those blue eyes again, noticing the puppy dog appeal had been replaced with the likes of a protective German Shepherd. And that protection was likely for his skin and career rather than hers at the moment.

“What are you doing?” he growled.

“I panicked,” she whispered back.

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