Page 55 of Hot for the Dragon

"I live alone. Had to learn." He led her into a stunning kitchen with gleaming granite countertops and professional-grade appliances. "Though I'll admit, having company makes it more appealing."

Daphne's heart fluttered at his words. She watched him move through the kitchen with surprising grace for such a powerful man, his muscles flexing as he reached for ingredients in the upper cabinets.

"Here, make yourself useful." He tossed her an onion with a playful smirk. "Unless you're afraid of getting your hands dirty?"

"Please." Daphne rolled her eyes, trying to ignore how attractive he looked with his sleeves rolled up. "I work with dirt for a living."

They fell into an easy rhythm cooking together. Daphne couldn't help stealing glances at him as he expertly wielded a knife, his strong hands moving with precise control. Every time their arms brushed reaching for something, electricity zinged through her body.

"You're staring," he said without looking up from the pan he was stirring.

Heat rushed to her cheeks. "I'm supervising. Making sure you don't burn anything."

His deep chuckle sent warmth pooling in her stomach. "Is that what you call it?"

"Someone has to keep you in line." The words came out more breathless than she intended.

Archer turned to face her fully, his dark eyes intense. "And you think you're up to that task?"

Daphne's breath caught in her throat at his proximity. "I-I've managed so far, haven't I?"

"That you have." His voice dropped lower, sending shivers down her spine.

The air between them crackled with tension as they ate, their conversation peppered with lingering looks and casual touches that felt anything but casual. Daphne's skin tingled every time Archer's fingers brushed hers reaching for the salt, every time his knee bumped hers under the table.

She knew she should pull back, maintain some professional distance. But the way he looked at her across the table, like she was something precious and dangerous all at once, made her want to throw caution to the wind. She was falling hard for this brooding, complex man, and she had no idea if he felt the same way.

The dishes clinked softly as Daphne helped Archer clear the table. Her stomach was pleasantly full, and a comfortable warmth had settled over her. When Archer gestured toward the living room, she followed. She admired how the firelight from the massive stone fireplace cast dancing shadows across the richly furnished space.

He settled onto the leather couch and patted the spot next to him. Daphne's heart skipped as she sat down, hyper-aware of his solid presence beside her. The fire crackled merrily and its warmth seeped into her bones.

"I need to say something," Archer said, his deep voice rumbling through her. His shoulders were tense.

"That sounds ominous." Daphne tried to keep her tone light despite the nervous flutter in her stomach.

He turned those intense dark eyes on her. "I was wrong about the meeting tonight. About trying to stop you from going."

"Oh." She hadn't expected that.

"The thing is..." He paused for a moment. "The thought of you being in danger makes me crazy. When Ned attacked you..." His jaw clenched. "I've never felt rage like that before."

Daphne's breath caught as he shifted closer, his thigh pressing against hers. Heat that had nothing to do with the fire coursed through her.

"You've become..." He paused again, searching for words. "Important to me. Special. And I'm not good at dealing with that."

Her heart hammered in her chest. She wanted to tell him how she felt too, how he'd worked his way past all her defenses with his gruff kindness and hidden vulnerability. But the words stuck in her throat as he continued.

"I'm protective by nature." His voice dropped lower, more intimate. "But with you, it's different. More intense. I want to keep you safe, but I also want to watch you shine." His fingers brushed her cheek. "Like you did tonight."

The tenderness in his touch contrasted with the raw power she could feel thrumming through him. Daphne leaned into his hand, her skin tingling where he touched her.

Daphne's heart raced as she gathered her courage. Archer's hand still rested warm against her cheek as his dark eyes fixed on her.

"Archer, I..." She placed her hand over his where it cupped her face. "These past weeks working with you, getting to know the real you beneath all those rumors - I've fallen in love with you."

His whole body went still, but his thumb stroked softly across her cheekbone. The gesture gave her strength to continue.

"I know tomorrow isn't guaranteed, with Carmen's attack coming. And I couldn't bear the thought of facing that without telling you how I feel." Her voice trembled but held firm. "You're so much more than what people say about you. You're passionate and protective, and underneath all that gruffness is such kindness."

---