Page 21 of The Dragon's Surprise
As they approached a house with music and laughter drifting from the backyard, Lexi nodded. “Thank you.”
“No problem. And now, I’ll introduce you to my mate’s family and then we can devise how to win at horseshoes. There has to be a way. I just know it.”
They entered the backyard. And as Jenny’s in-laws made her feel welcome, Lexi relaxed a little. The future could wait for an afternoon. She lived in the moment, laughing with Jenny andher mother-in-law, and smiling every time she spotted Ethan playing with his new friends.
Maybe, for once, things would work out without any problems.
Kyle had nearly reached Daniel’s house when music and voices drifted from the backyard, along with the smell of charcoal and cooking meats.
He hesitated, and his dragon spoke up.Don’t run away. This is exactly what you need, what you’ve needed for a long time.
What, to have everyone clam up and wonder what the hell the clan doctor is doing there?
No. Daniel and his family have known us our whole lives. I’ll bet you the next destination of our weekly flight that they welcome us.
I could just let you fly anywhere.
Ah, but I want certain people to watch. Which means getting your act together first. Daniel can help, and you know it.
Fine. Whatever.
His dragon stood tall inside his mind, no doubt preening at being right.
Kyle approached the gate to the backyard, only for it to open, revealing Daniel’s mother, Rosa Maria.
She was on the shorter side for a dragon-shifter, with black hair more gray than not, and dark brown eyes that could simultaneously peer into one’s soul and offer empathy.
Smiling, she said, “Kyle! It’s been too long, my boy. Daniel will be happy to see you.”
He was about to say he doubted it, but held his tongue as Rosa Maria tugged him into the backyard and kept talking. “We’re about to start a game of horseshoes. As I’m sure you remember, it can get pretty competitive. And even though you being here helps the male team, I’m glad you came. We’ve missed you around here.”
He glanced at the dragonwoman, wondering how much his aunt had told her. Rosa Maria snorted. “This isn’t some conspiracy. Yes, Rita told me a little, but you know I don’t lie or offer pretty words, Kyle. And it’s true—we’ve missed seeing you around. You always helped to bring Daniel a little out of his shell when you two were boys. Although I rather think it’ll be the other way around now. Speak of the devil. Here he is to greet you. I’ll leave you boys to it.”
Rosa Maria gave her son a meaningful look and then hurried away. Daniel stood in front of Kyle and arched a dark eyebrow. “What happened?”
He frowned. “What do you mean ‘What happened?’”
“You stopped coming to my family’s get-togethers a decade ago, no matter how many times we invited you. So something must be up.”
Guilt crashed down on Kyle. In his haste to become a more responsible adult, he’d basically abandoned his friend.
His dragon spoke up.Be honest with him.
Kyle cleared his throat. “About that, I’m sorry, Daniel. It’s just…”
After a few seconds, Daniel sighed and slapped his shoulder. “I know. Things went wrong, and you thought shutting everyone out would keep you on the straight and narrow. Am I right?”
“For a male who rarely talks much, you’re chatty today.”
“Am I wrong?”
“No.”
“Well, there you go. So why today? And don’t lie to me, Kyle. That’s one thing I can’t stand.”
He was debating how to answer when laughter caught his attention, and Kyle glanced over Daniel’s shoulder. There, with Jenny and the other females in a huddle, was Lexi.
Unlike with him, when she was sad or angry or pissed off—entirely his fault, of course—she was smiling and so full of light and life he ached to rush over and simply bask in her presence to ease his loneliness.
