Page 11 of Fired Up Love

They continued the tour, finally reaching what Zina described as the spa’s crown jewel—a specialized steam room with adjustable humidity and temperature zones.

“The system uses both traditional heating and magical temperature regulation,” she explained, moving toward the control panel. “We can create microclimates for different species sharing the space simultaneously.”

“Dragons enjoy considerably higher temperatures than most,” Xai noted, studying the controls with genuine interest.

“Up to three hundred degrees in the dragon zone,” she confirmed with quiet pride. “Though we recommend booking private sessions for full transformations, as the size differential can be... awkward.”

The mental image of his full dragon form attempting to use a standard steam room almost made him smile. The magical calibration impressed him—far more advanced than he expected from a new establishment. For the first time since entering the spa, he found himself fully engaged in the technical aspects of the inspection rather than distracted by his inexplicable attraction to its owner.

“The magic calibration seems advanced for a new establishment,” he observed.

“We consulted with elemental specialists,” she explained, unable to keep a note of pride from her voice. “The enchantments draw minimal power from the ley lines while?—”

A sharp crack interrupted her, followed by an ominous gurgling sound from behind the wall. One of the pipes shuddered violently before erupting, spraying scalding water across the pristine tiles.

“Watch out!” Zina shouted, lunging toward the control panel.

Xai’s first instinct, surprisingly, wasn’t self-preservation but concern for her safety. His eyes flashed gold as his dragon rose close to the surface, ready to shield her with his naturally heat-resistant body. The realization of this protective impulse toward someone he barely knew startled him into stillness. Dragons weren’t known for their selflessness, particularly when it came to beings outside their own kind.

Instead, he watched with newfound respect as she efficiently handled the crisis, dropping to her knees to access a secondary shutoff valve hidden behind a maintenance panel. Her competence under pressure appealed to both his dragon nature which valued strength and his elder position which valued responsibility.

TEN

As the water subsided, Zina stood, pushing damp hair from her forehead. Her slacks were soaked from the knees down, yet her expression showed determination rather than embarrassment.

“I apologize for that,” she said, her voice steady despite the disaster.

“You handled that exceptionally well,” Xai found himself saying, genuine admiration warming his usually formal tone.

Surprise flickered across her features, followed by the hint of a smile that made his chest tighten strangely. “I... thank you. Not exactly how I planned to demonstrate our emergency protocols.”

“Most would have panicked,” he observed. “Your reaction was both efficient and calm.”

“Growing up with a single-minded focus on opening a spa meant learning plumbing basics,” she replied with a light laugh.

“Technical difficulties happen,” Noven offered cheerfully. “Even in establishments that have been around for centuries. Right, Xai?”

“I don’t know,” Xai said. “I might have vaporized the entire pipe system out of sheer annoyance.”

The unexpected humor in his response startled a genuine laugh from Zina, the sound warming something ancient and cold within him. Her eyes, already striking, brightened with amusement, gold flecks becoming more pronounced—a subtle shift that his draconic vision detected instantly.

“I’d prefer you save the vaporization for after the grand opening,” she responded, her tone lightening. “Though I suppose ‘remodeled by dragonfire’ would make an interesting marketing angle.”

For the first time since entering the spa, Xai found his lips curving into a genuine smile. “An unconventional approach to renovation.”

“I’ve never been particularly conventional,” she admitted, matching his smile with one that transformed her face, revealing a hint of the vibrant spirit that lay beneath her professional demeanor.

Something shifted between them in that moment—a spark of connection beyond physical attraction or professional courtesy. Xai found himself wondering what she would be like in a setting where no roles or responsibilities separated them, where they might simply talk as equals.

Noven offered to fetch towels for the cleanup, leaving them momentarily alone amid the puddles and steam.

“This space has significant potential,” Xai said, breaking the silence. “Your mother’s vision was ambitious.”

“But achievable,” Zina responded, her feathers getting a little ruffled.

He couldn’t help but grin at her defensiveness. “I didn’t suggest otherwise.”

He moved toward the door, then paused. “The council will expect a full report. Including how new businesses handle... unexpected challenges.”

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