Page 42 of The Dragon's Mate Proposal

“Are you unhappy?”

The tinge of concern in his voice was beyond endearing. He really was trying to make sure I enjoyed myself.

“Not at all,” I said, casually patting his arm as we surveyed the tables and booths, all packed with dragons. At least, I assumed they were.

Which meant I was the only human in the place. A cool wave swept over me at that. It must’ve shown on my face or something because Cade’s face wrinkled slightly in concern.

“Are you all right?” he asked under his breath.

“Just feeling out of place,” I said, surprising myself at how easily I admitted my fear. “I’m an outsider here.”

“Come,” he said, taking my arm and immediately turning away. “We’ll go elsewhere.”

“No,” I said, patting the hand resting on my forearm. “It’s okay. I have to get used to it at some point, Cade. It’s not like it’s going to change much.”

He didn’t look convinced.

“Besides,” I said. “I love brunch. If you try to take me elsewhere, my stomach will make noises just as loud as yours.”

“I doubt that,” he said, but he did stop tugging me away. “Very well. We’ll stay.”

“Thank you.”

We were seated shortly afterward by a waitress. She gave me a sharp look but didn’t say anything. I was going to ask Cade how she could tell I was human so easily but was cut off as a server passed us carrying two plates piled high with heaps of steaming bacon, eggs cooked to order, bread fresh from the oven, and a small stack of pancakes done to a perfect golden brown.

“Yum,” I said, nearly drooling.

Breakfast was a feast. Cade insisted I order some of everything. When I protested it was too much, he said he would eat my leftovers. Which seemed astonishing on top of his own order. But in the end, our plates were both empty.

“Where do you put it all?” I muttered, shaking my head as we got up and left.

Cade just chuckled, casually taking my arm and putting it into the crook of his elbow. It was so smooth, so natural, that we were out the door and on the street before I even noticed he’d done it. I almost let my arm fall away, but in the end, I decided I didn’t want to be rude.

It was a convenient excuse.

He took us to a bakery next, where we got still-warm chocolate chip cookies the size of my hand given to us. Then we wandered down the street, munching on our dessert and taking in the sights.

“I want one of those,” I said, pointing at a woman in a stunning outfit of cyan and coral pink. The two colors should have clashed. But somehow, they blended perfectly.

“In time,” Cade said. “In time. First, I have to go make some negotiations to sell the gold and stock up on some supplies and things to help outfit the house. Elbow grease will only go so far.”

“All right, lead on,” I said, looking around, wondering which building was the trader.

“I’ll do it myself,” he said, guiding me to a narrow brick building that extended far back from the street.

“What do you expect me to do?” I asked, following him up the steps.

“Get pampered,” he replied, pulling the door open to reveal the salon behind its darkened glass.

“Hello,” a young male dragon said, rising from the desk that greeted us inside the door. “How can I help you today?”

“She needs the works,” Cade said without letting me get a word in. “Massages. Nails. All the nails. Face treatment. Except for hair. We don’t have time for a cut, but a wash and style. Primp. Curl. Whatever words make sense, insert them here.”

The male grinned broadly as a woman with long, straight red hair came around the corner, a gorgeous pair of shiny black heels clicking off the marble patterned tile floor.

“Oh, I think we can handle that,” she said, gesturing for me to come to her.

I glanced at Cade. Would I be okay once they found out I was human?

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