Page 36 of Hot for the Dragon

Daphne elbowed him in the ribs. "You could try being less intimidating."

"I could. But where's the fun in that?"

Detective Morris appeared, looking harried. Archer tossed him the phone and explained the situation in clipped sentences.

"We'll handle it from here," Morris assured them, pocketing the evidence.

"You better," Archer growled.

"What he means is thank you," Daphne interjected smoothly, steering Archer toward the exit. "We appreciate your help."

Outside, the autumn sunlight painted Daphne's skin gold. She smelled like roses and possibility, and Archer found himself wondering when exactly he'd started noticing such things.

"Come on, I'll walk you home." The words came out suddenly. Daphne's bright smile made him glad he'd offered.

"Such a gentleman," she teased, falling into step beside him.

"Don't spread it around. I have a reputation to maintain." He matched her shorter stride, watching how the sunlight played across her dark hair.

"Oh yes, the big bad dragon who terrifies small children and makes police officers nervous." Daphne's green eyes sparkled with mischief. "Speaking of which, that poor desk sergeant looked ready to faint."

"Good. Fear is efficient."

"You're impossible." She laughed, the sound warming something in his chest he thought had gone cold years ago. "So, how's that ship model coming along?"

"The schooner? Nearly done with the hull detail." Pride crept into his voice despite himself. "The tricky part is getting the rigging exactly right."

"I'd love to see it sometime." Daphne's genuine interest made him pause mid-step.

"Want to see it now?" The words tumbled out before he could second-guess them.

"Really?" Her whole face lit up. "I mean, yes, absolutely!"

"My car's just around the corner." He gestured toward where he'd parked his Corvette earlier. The sleek black vehicle sat like a predator among the more mundane town cars.

"Still can't believe you drive this beauty," Daphne said, running her hand along the hood. "A dragon with a sports car. Isn't that a bit redundant?"

"Flying's great, but sometimes you want to feel the road."

He opened the passenger door for her, catching another whiff of her rose perfume as she slipped past him. His dragon stirred, pleased by her proximity in his territory - even if that territory was just his car.

Archer gripped the wheel tighter as the Corvette purred down the winding coastal road toward his mansion. What had possessed him to invite her to his sanctuary? His workshop was private, sacred even. The one place where he could truly be himself without judgment or expectations.

Yet here he was, stealing glances at Daphne as she gazed out the window. The setting sun caught her profile, highlighting the curve of her cheek, the slight upturn of her lips.

"The sunset's gorgeous from up here," she said, breaking into his thoughts.

"Hmm." He forced his attention back to the road. Focus. They had a mission. Carmen to stop. A town to save. He didn't have time for... whatever this was, right?

"You know, for someone who invited me over, you're awfully quiet." Her teasing tone made his dragon stir with interest.

"Just thinking more about the ship model," he lied smoothly. "It's actually not quite ready for viewing."

"I'm sure it's perfect, Mr. Perfectionist."

"Nothing's perfect." But his traitorous eyes drifted to her again.

The road curved sharply, and Daphne slid slightly in her seat, her shoulder brushing his arm. The contact sent a jolt through. He downshifted perhaps more aggressively than necessary.

---