Page 19 of Hot for the Dragon

"You say that like it's a bad thing." She surprised herself by winking at him.

Archer's lips twitched, but he quickly returned to scanning the street. Even that brief interaction left her pulse racing slightly. Two days ago, she'd thought he was just another arrogant dragon. Now she found herself drawn to the quiet intensity beneath his gruff exterior, wondering what experiences had shaped him into the man he is now.

Archer's sudden shift in attention caught Daphne off guard. His dark eyes locked onto her eyes, and her heart started beating erratically in her chest.

"Why are you mixed up in all this? It just doesn’t make sense to me." His deep voice carried genuine curiosity beneath its usual gruffness.

Daphne's fingers traced the condensation on her glass. "I told you, I watched my shop burn." The words stuck in her throat. "Everything I worked for, gone in seconds. The roses I'd been growing for Mrs. Henderson's anniversary party. The orchids I'd finally gotten to bloom. The little succulents I'd arranged for the window display."

Her vision blurred as tears welled up. "But that wasn't even the worst part. People were hurt, scared, and all I could do was stand there. My magic only works with plants - I couldn't stop the fires or heal anyone." She wiped at her eyes with her napkin. "I felt so useless."

"And now?" Archer's question was almost gentle.

"Now I'm trying to do something. Anything." She met his gaze. "Even if it means working with a grumpy dragon who probably thinks I'm just getting in his way."

To her surprise, his eyes softened slightly. "You're not entirely in the way."

"High praise coming from you." She managed a small smile.

His expression shifted, something almost tender crossing his features before he caught himself and looked away. But Daphne had seen it - a crack in that carefully maintained wall of indifference.

"Your shop," he said after a moment, still not meeting her eyes. "What was it called?"

"Petal & Vine." She conjured a small violet in her palm, letting it twist and grow between her fingers. "Nothing fancy, but it was mine."

Archer watched the flower dance across her hand, that unexpected softness returning to his face. For someone who'd spent years in isolation, who supposedly cared about nothing and no one, he looked remarkably affected by her story.

Archer cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. "Do you like it? Being a florist?"

His questions caught Daphne by surprise, especially coming from someone who seemed to care so little about others' interests. But his dark eyes held a spark of curiosity, and she felt her enthusiasm bubble up.

"I love it." She straightened, unable to contain her smile. "There's something magical about helping people choose the perfect flowers for their special moments. Wedding bouquets, anniversary arrangements, even simple 'I'm sorry' roses." Her hands moved animatedly as she spoke. "And the greenhouse work is incredible - watching seeds transform into these beautiful blooms..."

Archer's lips quirked up at her excitement, which only encouraged her further.

"Actually, I've been saving up to buy this amazing space on Belladonna Boulevard." Daphne's eyes sparkled as she described her dream. "It used to be a café, but it has these gorgeous windows and so much natural light. I could have a proper greenhouse in the back, maybe even host gardening classes-" She caught herself rambling and felt heat rise to her cheeks. "Sorry, I get carried away sometimes."

"Don't apologize." His voice was surprisingly gentle. "It's... refreshing to see someone passionate about something."

The warmth in his tone made her stomach flutter, but then reality crashed back in. Her shoulders slumped slightly. "Though with the fire damage to my shop, those savings will probably have to go toward repairs instead." She twisted her napkin in her lap, trying to keep her voice light despite the disappointment weighing on her chest. "Back to square one, I guess."

"Insurance won't cover it?"

"Some, but..." She sighed. "Let's just say Carmen's attack wasn't exactly covered under 'acts of God.'"

Archer's jaw tightened, and something fierce flashed in his eyes. "We'll stop her," he said, his voice carrying the kind of authority that came from years of command.

After a few moments, Daphne gathered her courage, warmed by Archer's unexpected interest in her work. "So, what about you? Do you really enjoy the woodworking?"

His shoulders tensed, but he gave a short nod. "It keeps my hands busy."

"What kind of things do you make?" She leaned forward, genuinely curious.

Archer's dark eyes studied her face, searching for any hint of mockery. Finding none, his posture relaxed slightly. "Mostly small pieces. Dragon figures, ship models."

"That must take incredible patience." Her fingers traced the table's edge. "I can barely manage to keep my plants trimmed properly."

A hint of a smile touched his lips. "It's about control. Finding the shape hidden in the wood."

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