Page 64 of Hot for the Dragon

Daphne hummed as she arranged a bouquet of sunset-hued roses, her fingers dancing through the delicate petals. The afternoon sun streamed through the greenhouse windows, casting a warm glow across her workspace. She can't believe that one year had already passed since Archer had given her this dream shop, and every day still felt magical.

She caught his reflection in the glass as he carried a newly finished chest through the connecting door. His muscles flexed under his shirt, and sawdust dusted his auburn hair. Her heart skipped just like it had that first time he'd defended her against Carmen.

"You're staring again," he said without turning around, a smirk in his voice.

"Can you blame me?" Heat rose to her cheeks. "My boyfriend is quite the sight."

He set down the chest and crossed to her in two long strides, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "Your boyfriend sounds like a lucky man."

"He'd better remember that." She leaned back against his chest.

"Every day." His lips brushed her ear. "Though I still can't quite figure out how a ray of sunshine like you fell for a grumpy dragon."

"You're not that grumpy anymore." She turned in his arms to face him. "Well, maybe in the mornings before coffee."

She stretched up on her tiptoes to kiss him properly. "Now go finish that commission before you distract me any more today."

He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading back to his workshop.

Last year, she never would have imagined this life - their shops seamlessly merged together, just like their lives. He'd given her the confidence to shine, to stand tall in who she was. And she'd shown him that letting people in didn't make him weak.

Together, they were stronger than either could be alone.

Daphne wiped down the last display case, her mind wandering to Archer's mysterious behavior all day. He'd been smirking to himself, shooting her knowing looks that made her stomach flutter with anticipation.

"Leave that," he commanded from behind her, his deep voice brooking no argument. "I've got plans for you tonight."

"Do you now?" She turned to find him freshly changed into a crisp black button-down that highlighted his broad shoulders. "You clean up nice."

"And you're still covered in pollen." His dark eyes gleamed as he pulled her close. "Go change into that green dress I like. I laid it out for you in the back."

"Bossy dragon." But she couldn't hide her smile as she headed to the back room to change.

Twenty minutes later, they walked arm in arm down the cobblestone streets. The setting sun painted the sky in shades of pink and gold, and the evening air carried the sweet scent of blooming moonflowers. Daphne's heart skipped when she recognized their destination - Bella Notte, the same Italian restaurant where they'd had their first unofficial date a year ago.

"You remembered," she whispered, squeezing his arm.

"Of course I did." He guided her inside with a possessive hand on her lower back. "It was the first time I realized I was in trouble with you."

The hostess led them to a secluded corner booth - the same one they'd sat in before. Back then, they'd been discussing strategy against Carmen. Now, Archer pulled her close against his side instead of sitting across from her.

"What made you realize you were in trouble?" Daphne asked, genuinely curious.

"You seemed to genuinely care about me." His fingers traced patterns on her shoulder. "No one had ever done that before. Then you smiled at me like I wasn't some monster to be feared but someone that could be trusted."

"You were never a monster." She leaned into him. "Just a grouchy dragon who needed someone to remind him how to laugh."

The waiter appeared with a bottle of wine - the same vintage they'd shared that first night. Daphne's heart swelled at how much thought Archer had put into recreating that evening, but making it uniquely theirs this time.

Daphne savored the last bite of her tiramisu, the rich coffee flavor melting on her tongue. The candlelight caught the amber flecks in Archer's dark eyes as he watched her with that intensity that made her skin tingle.

"You've got a little..." He reached across the table and brushed his thumb across the corner of her mouth, the gesture possessive yet tender.

"If you wanted to steal a taste, you could have just asked," she teased, though her heart fluttered at his touch.

"I've never been good at asking for things." His voice dropped lower, sending shivers through her. "But I'm learning."

He suddenly stood up, his movements fluid and precise. Rather than coming to her side as she expected to help her get up, he dropped to one knee beside their table. Daphne's breath caught as understanding dawned.

---