Page 32 of Hot for the Dragon

But Daphne just smiled. "It must be nice, creating something beautiful with your hands instead of destroying things."

The insight hit uncomfortably close to home. Archer studied her face in the streetlight, searching for any hint of manipulation or judgment. He found none.

"It's... peaceful," he admitted quietly.

They reached her front steps too soon for his liking. Daphne turned to face him, and the warmth in her expression made his chest tight in ways he didn't want to examine yet.

"I'd love to see your workshop sometime," she said. "If you're willing to show me."

The dragon in him preened at the idea of showing off his skills, while his more cautious side warned against letting anyone close. But looking at her hopeful expression, Archer found himself nodding.

"Maybe. Sometime."

Her brilliant smile made something flutter in his stomach. He needed to leave. Now. Before he did something stupid like return that smile or, worse, ask to see her again outside of their mission.

15

DAPHNE

The doorbell chimed through Daphne's cozy cottage, and her heart did an unexpected little flutter. She smoothed down her sweater and took a deep breath, wondering why she felt so jittery about seeing Archer again.

When she opened the door, the autumn breeze carried the aroma of coffee and pastries. Archer stood on her doorstep, looking impossibly put-together in a leather jacket, holding two cups and a paper bag.

"You brought breakfast?" Her surprise came out more pleased than she intended.

"Figured we'd need fuel for strategy." He handed her one of the coffees. "The barista said you like vanilla lattes."

"You asked about my coffee order?" Daphne accepted the cup, trying not to smile too broadly at his thoughtfulness.

"Don't make it weird." He followed her inside, his broad shoulders making her entryway seem smaller. "Where can we talk?"

She led him to her living room, where potted plants lined every windowsill and vines crept decoratively up the walls. "Make yourself comfortable."

Archer perched on her floral sofa like he expected it to bite him. "Your house is very... green."

She settled into her favorite armchair, tucking her legs under her. "So, about yesterday's attack-"

"The town was in complete chaos." He pulled out two chocolate croissants, handing her one. "No organization, no plan."

Daphne broke off a piece of pastry. "We need the townspeople working together, not running scared."

"Exactly." Archer leaned forward, his intensity making her heart race. "If Carmen attacks again-"

"When she attacks again," Daphne corrected.

"When she attacks," he conceded, "we need everyone prepared, coordinated. Not just hiding in shops hoping for the best."

"We could organize defense groups," Daphne suggested, warming to the idea. "Get the witches, shifters, and other supernaturals working together instead of everyone fending for themselves."

"It's not a terrible plan." Coming from Archer, that was practically a ringing endorsement.

She grinned at him over her coffee cup. "Was that painful to admit?"

His mouth twitched. "Excruciating."

Daphne set down her coffee cup and pulled out her phone. Her finger soon hovered over Hugo's contact. She took a steadying breath and hit dial, putting it on speaker.

"Daphne?" Hugo's voice crackled through. "Everything okay?"

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