The three of them had eaten in the main dining room, joined by a handful of other Roundhouse authors. Lucern hadn't said much at the meal, just listened with interest as Kate and Chris talked to the others. It was then that he'd realized how much of their time he was monopolizing. They were babysitting him as if he were a child. He'd almost felt shame.
His pride had made itself known, then, and when they'd all moved on to the hospitality suite, Lucern had insisted that Kate circulate and talk to her other writers, telling her he could take care of himself. She'd appeared torn, but at last had given in to the need to spend time with as many authors as she could. She glanced his way often, stopping by occasionally to make sure he was all right, but she had spent the better part of the morning circulating the room, talking and laughing, reassuring and praising.
Chris, too, had gone about his business, tending to his own authors, leaving Lucern to sit with the writers with whom they'd breakfasted. Luc had spent the morning mostly listening, only commenting once in a while. These were nice women, interesting and creative, and they had included him in their circle without question. But they also tended to act a touch protective toward him, helping him handle his never-ending droves of fans.
He appreciated their assistance, but Lucern was starting to get something of a complex. Why did everyone think he needed protecting? They acted like he was fragile and—he shuddered—sensitive. Lucern was the least sensitive man he knew. Why, in his youth he'd been a warrior, thinking nothing of hacking men down with his sword. When pistols had been invented, he'd fought countless duels, shooting men dead, then riding to his club for breakfast. He could take care of himself. But Kate and the others didn't seem to realize that. Though she had left his side, Kate still watched him as protectively as a mother bird watching her chick make its first shaky flight. He had no doubt that, should she deem him in need, she'd be at his side at once.
Kate happened to glance his way just as he had that thought, so Lucern glared at her for thinking so little of him.
"Kate's a beautiful woman," Jodi Hampton said softly by Luc's ear. "She's also very sweet and giving. Many of her writers would be quite upset if someone were to hurt her. And that includes me."
Lucern turned to the writer in surprise. Jodi had been at his side through breakfast, and she had remained there once they'd reached the hospitality suite. Fifty years old, but with the vitality of a much younger woman, Jodi Hampton was one of Roundhouse Publishing's top authors. She'd built her career the hard way, increasing her readership book by book rather than making a sudden splash, and she'd built it to the point where her last five books had hit the New York Times bestseller list. Perhaps it wasn't surprising then that, as well as being attractive, she was also confident and interesting. Less obvious, but something Lucern had quickly discerned, was that she was also terribly kind—though right now she sounded like a mama bear warning a predator off her baby. Lucern liked that. At last, here was someone who did not see him as helpless, but as a possible danger. If only emotionally.
"I would never hurt Kate," he assured the woman feeling fond of her. He liked intelligent women.
Jodi nodded slowly. "I hope not, Luke Amirault, because I like you."
"My name's really Argeneau. Lucern Argeneau," he told her. "I only write as Luke Amirault."
Jodi nodded again and held out her hand. "And my real name is Teresa Jordan. A pleasure to meet you, Lucern."
"Call me Luc." He shook her hand and felt his lips twitch into something simulating a grin. "I gather you write historical romances, Teresa?"
"Yes. And I have all of your historical texts to help me with the research. You're much younger than I expected. I should have realized, though. Your books aren't like most dusty old histories. You bring other eras to life. Your books make research a pleasure."
Lucern felt his mouth twist again in a pleased grin. It felt odd. He wasn't used to smiling so much. He had only started to do so since the advent of Kate in his life. But he thought he could get used to it.
Aware that the flood of fans in the hospitality suite had died down, Lucern relaxed a little and began to discuss history with his new friend. Soon the whole group of Roundhouse writers had joined in.
"It's grown a bit quiet."
Kate nodded as Chris appeared at her side. It had been a long but productive morning. Kate was pretty sure she had managed to have a word with every single one of her writers in attendance at the conference. She was ready for a break.
"It's lunchtime," she pointed out. "Everyone is probably eating. It will pick up again in a little while."
"Maybe we should collect Luc and go grab some lunch, too," Chris suggested.
"Good idea." Kate turned to find Lucern, and saw him deep in conversation with Jodi.
"He sure is loosening up now that's he's feeling better," Chris whispered as they walked across the room. "He isn't as difficult as Edwin always said. Either that, or you've had a good influence on him."