of Alric’s voice. It was the only way Cameron could explain losing hours of the day with this man. The Holzar-Schlemmer-Alm was the perfect hole-in-the-wall pub that wasn’t too crowded with people seeking a break from the throng and noise. They’d shared platters of food Cameron couldn’t even repeat the name of, but it didn’t matter. The spices and flavors dancing across his tongue were astounding.
Refueled, they headed back into the festival, wandering among the stalls and stopping to see performances here and there. Alric was his own personal tour guide, translator, and historian. He murmured endless secrets and little-known facts in his ear.
Shouting and laughter broke above the general noise of the festival. Cameron looked up in time to see a large, blond man jogging directly toward him while he was talking to someone over his shoulder. There wasn’t enough time to react or even move. Cameron just tensed, waiting for all three-hundred-plus pounds to plow right into him.
But instead of a crushing weight, a strong arm snaked around his waist and spun him out of the way. He blinked and found himself cuddled against Alric’s chest while the older man placed his body between Cameron and the would-be linebacker. Alric absorbed most of the hit, and Cameron hated to admit that he sighed like a Disney princess. It wasn’t just that Alric was sexy as hell, but he was also protective and smelled amazing. Cuddled against Alric for that brief moment, Cameron inhaled deeply, images of wonderfully warm, sunbaked stones and bread fresh out of the oven dancing through his head.
Alric glared over his shoulder at their near assailant before barking something at the man in angry German. Cameron’s grasp of the language didn’t extend much beyond asking directions, asking for the bathroom, and ordering food, but he didn’t need to be fluent to guess at what Alric was saying. The man paled and uttered a quick apology before hurrying away.
Those blue eyes turned their laser-like focus entirely on him. His face was a mask of intense concern that caused Cameron’s heart to stutter in his chest. “Are you alright?”
Cameron hummed softly, still enjoying the feel of Alric holding him close. “You smell like bread,” he murmured before his brain finally caught up with his tongue. Cameron blinked, replaying the moment in his head. Yep, he sounded like a freaking idiot, but he wasn’t going to complain because it brought the most wonderful surprised smile to Alric’s lips.
“I think you may be hungry again,” Alric teased.
To Cameron’s disappointment, Alric straightened, releasing him so that Cameron could step free of him. The moment Cameron was away from the strength and power of Alric’s frame, he felt decidedly cooler. Granted, summer weather in the Alps wasn’t exactly warm to begin with. Cameron had felt barely warm most of the day. It wasn’t that which made him feel bereft. It was something else. Alric’s release of him left a sort of echo…a disconnect. Certainly not as safe. Something in his animal brain demanded he move back into Alric’s arms.
But that was just silly. Alric was a stranger. A handsome, protective stranger, but still a stranger. Maybe he did need to eat.
“Would you have dinner with me? I know a place the locals enjoy. Another hole-in-the-wall that would get us away from most of these crowds,” Alric offered.
“Are you sure? I feel like I’ve monopolized your entire day.” Cameron wavered. He was torn over the words even as they left his mouth. He’d been enjoying his day with Alric and didn’t want to see him go just yet, but maybe it was for the best. He wasn’t thinking clearly at all where the man was concerned. Some distance would help him remember why he’d come to Europe in the first place.
“I’ve enjoyed showing you my home. It’s reminded me why I love it and have lived here so long. Please, a quiet dinner will help to refresh us both.”
Okay, so maybe somewhere a little quiet away from the noises and crowds did sound like a slice of heaven. He didn’t mind people, but a day spent in the middle of many thousands of them was starting to wear on him.
“That’d be great.”
Alric reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He hit a number and lifted it to his ear. The conversation was quick but sounded polite in comparison to telling the other man off. Cameron just wanted to watch him, admiring his confidence and the sense of authority rolling off