“You must really look forward to going home for just that.”

“If you mean D’Lynsal, I always look forward to going home.” I smiled. “There we’re just a family. We hang out in front of the fireplace and if there is more than one of us we will talk or play board games. It’s a nice break.” I smiled thinking about it. “What’s your home like? I think I remember hearing that it stays pretty warm in Georgia.”

“That depends on what part of Georgia you’re talking about. The northern part of the state has its share of snow and ice, but my home is further south.” His eyes grew distant. “We have a lot of land that was passed down through the family and an old two-story farmhouse. It’s cozy, with creaky wood floors, and a fireplace that my mother insists we use at least once a year. There’s always company popping by for some reason or another and my mom cooks nonstop. There is always something in the oven or simmering on the stove.” He smiled at me. “I miss it, even though I’ve technically been gone for nine years.”

“Home will always be home.” I smiled. “I’m sorry you are so far away though. Will you get to visit sometime soon? Maybe for the holidays?”

“I’m not sure. It depends on how things go here.”

For a minute I thought he meant between us, but quickly realized he meant with the Future Bird Trust. “What do you think so far?”

“I think that when Sam gets back I will beg her for a position where I don’t have to do as many speaking engagements.” He laughed. “Like your brother, I don’t mind the actual speaking part; it’s the mingling and small talk that kills me.”

“The wrong people can drain you dry.” I shook my head. “Like psychic vampires. Just zap all of your energy with a simple hello. It takes a lot of practice to not let it get to you.”

“I’m not sure I want to even learn how to keep them from doing that. I’d rather just avoid it all.” He shrugged. “I guess there’s a reason I get along with animals so much better.”

“That’s not true. I saw how you handled the room the other day.” I pushed his knee. “You were a natural. You might not enjoy it, but you have a knack for teaching people things.”

“I do like to teach, but on a smaller scale. I’m really looking forward to the students that are coming to visit Victory Hall from a nearby school.” He flashed a genuine smile. “They’re young and there will only be around twenty or so total.”

“That sounds like fun.”

“I think so. We’ll be able to spend more time with the animals with the smaller group.” He frowned. “There were so many people at the opening, most of the animals became stressed.”

“Have you had a chance to spend more time with the raptors? Get to know them a little better?” I remembered how upset he had been about Loki.

“I spent most of today with them. Sam had a pretty great routine already set up, but she asked me to tighten everything up.” He shifted in his seat, his excitement palpable. “The owls needed a diet adjustment, but I think that was a staff issue—not something Sam had set up. Some of the birds are spectacular. Most of them will never be reintroduced to the wild, but there are two making great recoveries. You should come out when they’re ready to go.”

“I’d like that.”

The car pulled up to the hotel, but didn’t bother pulling around to the rear entrance. At this point, there was no hiding from the media. They knew we were together and had most likely either followed us, or called ahead to their counterparts.

“Ready to run the gauntlet again?” David asked.

“Yeah, I’m pretty used to it.” I undid my seat belt. “Don’t worry about getting out. I’ll see myself to my room.”

“I was raised in the South, Cathy.” He shook his head with a small smile. “That’s not going to happen.”

“Are you sure?” I frowned. “They can be overwhelming.”

“I’m sure.” His eyes bored into mine and I tried not to hope that this meant I would get a kiss good night.

“Then smile, but don’t answer any questions. Just look friendly, but don’t get sucked in.”

“Got it.” David hopped out of the car and walked around to my door and helped me out.

“Catherine! Princess!”

“David, are you dating the princess?”

“How long have you been seeing each other?”

“Princess, are you seeing the American? Will your family approve?”

David put his hand on the small of my back as we walked through the people and into the hotel lobby. I smiled but kept my head down, unwilling to meet their probing eyes. It was a real shame that I couldn’t go on a date without them all jumping to conclusions.

“They are really persistent,” David muttered once we were out of earshot.

“You have no idea. Will your family approve of an American?” I snorted. “They sure do have selective memory, don’t they?” My brother had just married a woman born and raised in America.

“Is that an issue?” David frowned as we waited for the elevator. “Will they disapprove of you dating a commoner?”

The way he said the words, like it was such a foreign concept, touched my funny bone, and I laughed. “Will my family care if I date a commoner? No, but I wouldn’t care if they did.” I shrugged when he looked at me sharply. “I do a lot of things for my family, but who I want to spend my time with is none of their business.” Well, as long as it wasn’t a terrorist. Or the Gene Simmons look-alike stripper.