Mr Knight was closer now. He was standing right outside the tent, having moved from his seat. He had put his glass down somewhere. His face was impossible to read, like a blank page, but his eyes were steady and fixed on me.
"She can stay," he said, his voice deep and simple.
I froze completely. I hadn't expected him to say yes. Ever.
"I...no," I said quickly, maybe too quickly. I scrambled to crawl out of the tent opening, feeling suddenly awkward and too big. "That's really not necessary, Mr Knight. I don't want to intrude on your holiday time."
"You're not intruding," Mr Knight replied, his voice calm.
"I have things I need to do at my own apartment," I added, trying to find a good excuse. "And you probably have plans too..."
"Emma."
Just my name.
One single word.
It was a quiet command, and it stopped me in my tracks. I couldn't say another word.
He looked at me then...he really looked into my eyes. He was calm and completely certain of his decision.
