Page 61 of Hot for the Dragon

"It's yours." Archer said. "The paperwork is already done."

"Archer, I can't possibly-"

"You can and you will." He stepped closer and gazed down at her with those intense dark eyes. "You've given me something far more valuable than a building."

Heat bloomed in her cheeks as his fingers brushed her chin, tilting her face up to his. "You dragged me out of that mansion, showed me there was more to life than brooding in isolation. You changed everything for me, Daphne."

Her heart beat erratically at the fierce protectiveness in his expression. Through the window, she could already envision her dream shop - gleaming glass cases filled with exotic blooms, a greenhouse extension in the back where she could nurture the most delicate specimens.

"Besides," he added with that slight smirk that always made her knees weak, "I need somewhere to display my wood carvings. Can't keep them hidden away forever."

The autumn breeze rustled through her hair as she stood there, overwhelmed by the magnitude of his gift and the depth of emotion in his usually guarded expression. Words failed her as tears pricked at her eyes.

As the reality of the moment hit her, tears started spilling down Daphne's cheeks. Her dream shop - the one she had walked past countless times, imagining what could be - was now hers. All because of this incredible man beside her.

"Archer, I can't believe- This is- You actually-" The words tumbled out between happy sobs. She threw her arms around his solid frame, feeling his muscles tense briefly before relaxing into her. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"If you keep crying, I'm taking it back," he said, though his large hand came up to stroke her hair.

Daphne laughed through her tears, pulling back to wipe her eyes. "No takebacks. You're stuck with me as your business partner now."

Archer then produced an old brass key from his pocket, the metal catching the sunlight. "Want to see inside?"

Her heart leaped as she took the key with trembling fingers. The lock clicked open smoothly, and Daphne stepped into her new shop. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, dancing across the hardwood floors. The space was bigger than she remembered, with high ceilings and exposed brick walls.

"We can put your display cases along here," she said, gesturing excitedly. "And your wood carvings would look amazing on these shelves - imagine how the afternoon light would catch the details." Her mind raced with possibilities as she moved through the space. "Oh! And back here, we could set up a workshop area where customers could watch you work while I arrange their bouquets!"

"Slow down," Archer said, though his dark eyes held amusement. "You haven't even mentioned where you're putting your greenhouse yet."

"The greenhouse!" Daphne spun around, her eyes shining. "It'll be perfect in that back area - we can extend it out into the courtyard. I can grow all sorts of rare flowers, maybe even some magical varieties. Your carvings would look stunning surrounded by living plants."

She practically danced through the space, pointing out where everything would go. Archer followed, occasionally offering suggestions that only made her smile wider. His presence filled the spacious room, commanding and protective, yet somehow perfectly in harmony with her vision of delicate blooms and intricate woodwork.

Daphne soon stood beside Archer at the large storefront window, their reflections merging with the view of Belladonna Boulevard outside. Her heart filled with joy and excitement as she pictured their shared future in this space - her vibrant flowers complementing his detailed woodwork, their talents intertwining just as naturally as their lives had.

"That corner will be absolutely perfect for our seasonal displays," she mused, leaning back against his solid chest. His strong arms encircled her waist, and she felt the rumble of agreement in his chest. "Though knowing you, you'll insist on reorganizing my arrangements to make them perfect."

"Someone has to maintain order around here," he said, his voice carrying that mix of authority and affection that made her knees wobbly. "Your creative chaos needs some boundaries."

Daphne turned in his arms, tilting her face up to meet his intense dark gaze. The last rays of sunlight caught the golden auburn highlights in his hair, and her breath hitched at the naked emotion in his expression. Without hesitation, she rose on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.

Archer responded immediately, one hand cupping her cheek while the other pulled her closer. The kiss deepened, and Daphne melted against him as his tongue sought hers. He kissed like he did everything else - with absolute confidence and unwavering focus, leaving her dizzy and breathless.

When they finally broke their kiss, Daphne's heart raced as she saw the heated look in his eyes. "We should celebrate tonight," she whispered, running her fingers along the solid muscle of his chest. "Back at your place?"

"It’s our place now," he corrected, his voice rough with desire.

29

ARCHER

Archer pulled his black Corvette into the spacious garage, the engine purring to a smooth halt. The air inside the car was electric, charged with the kind of energy that made his skin tingle and his dragon instincts hum. He turned the key, silencing the engine, and glanced over at Daphne. She was practically glowing, her cheeks flushed, her green eyes sparkling with a mix of gratitude and something deeper—something that made his chest tight.

"You’re really something, you know that?" she said, her voice soft but buzzing with excitement. "You just... you made my dream come true. I can’t even process it yet. The shop, the space, theeverything. And you’re going to be a part of it. Your carvings, my flowers—it’s like we’re building something together."

Archer smirked, his usual gruffness softened by the way she looked at him. "Yeah, well, someone had to make sure you didn’t settle for less. You deserve that shop. And more."

She laughed. "Archer Hawke, you’re full of surprises. Who knew the town’s most brooding dragon shifter had such a soft side after all?"

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