Elspeth’s gaze swiveled to the dragon. “And who is this?”
“This is Edgar,” I said. “Our pet dragon.”
“I prefer ‘companion,’” Edgar said, stretching out his tail for Elspeth to shake. She gave him a genuine smile that lit up her entire face.
Her mahogany eyes brightened, and she looked instantly younger, so carefree in this moment.
She swiped her bangs from her forehead. “Can I help you?” she asked, that strained smile once again taking over.
“What?” I snapped.
“You’re staring.”
I looked away, hands curling into fists. Adelaide and Elm were off to the side of the stand, speaking in hushed tones. Elspeth shot them a look, then sidled around the table and right in front of me.
She raised her chin and took a measured breath, her bosom rising and falling. “I want to apologize for how I behaved at the cottage yesterday.”
“Just at the cottage?” I raised a brow.
She clenched her jaw. “And at your tavern.”
“Okay, then,” I said.
“Okay?” she echoed, her eyes flashing in a way that I found intoxicating. I wanted to make them flash like that again. “Do you have anything to say to me?” She crossed her arms.
“Oh, here we go.” Edgar dove behind me, plastering his body to my back, his tail wrapping around my waist.
“I don’t think I’m the one who has anything to apologize for.” I was being an ass. I knew it. I had plenty to apologize for, but for whatever reason, I liked getting under this woman’s skin, liked seeing her fire.
She narrowed her gaze. “Then you can take my apology and stick it straight up your?—”
“What’s going on here?” Adelaide and Elm appeared at our sides.
Elspeth jumped, lunging forward and grabbing my hands. “I was just apologizing to Draven.”
Adelaide’s gaze shifted between the two of us.
Elspeth’s hands were so small in my large ones, her pale skin soft and warm.
“Really?” Adelaide raised a skeptical brow.
“Yes,” Elspeth said, her voice coming out high and squeaky.
What was she up to? Whatever it was, I didn’t trust it.
“That’s odd.” I removed my hands from Elspeth’s and stroked my stubbled jaw. “Because I thought that you were about to tell me you wanted to take your apology and stick it straight up my?—”
“Look at this dress, Draven!” Georgie danced by us, holding up the sparkly pink dress she’d been eyeing. “Isn’t it gorgeous?” She swayed with it pressed against her.
“It is lovely.” Morty walked up behind her. “It’ll look beautiful at the ball.”
This entire ordeal was her fault. If she hadn’t intervened, hadn’t mentioned a stupid ball, hadn’t offered to take Georgie to see the dress, I wouldn’t be standing here, forced into this conversation with Elspeth.
Morty and Georgie went back to the dress stand, and I heard Morty bartering with the seamstress.
“Ball?” Adelaide asked. “What ball?”
“You must come,” Elm said. “Your whole family is invited.” Hegestured to Elspeth and her mother, who was still busy serving customers.