Page 24 of Curvy Girl and the Single Dad Dragon
When we finally part, her cheeks are flushed, her pupils dilated. I can hear the rapid beating of her heart, smell the subtle changes in her scent that indicate attraction, desire.
"You don't taste bad at all," she whispers, a smile playing at her lips. "Quite the opposite."
"Good to know," I murmur, still close enough to feel her breath against my skin.
"Do dragons always worry about how they taste?" she asks, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
"Only the ones who kiss humans," I reply, matching her playful tone. "It's not a common occurrence."
"Funny.”
Her smile widens, transforming her entire face. It's contagious, that smile, drawing an answering one from me before I can think better of it.
"But I should probably get back to the guest house," she says after a moment, though she makes no move to leave. "It's late, and tomorrow is another day of dragon-sitting."
"Probably wise," I agree, equally reluctant to end this moment.
"Damon," she starts, voice trembling. "What does this mean? For us, for my position here?"
Leave it to Luna to address the practical concerns head-on. It's one of the qualities I find most compelling about her: how rational she is, her directness, her clarity of thought.
"It means whatever we want it to mean," I tell her honestly. "Your job remains secure regardless. Ember adores you, and you're excellent with her. That stands separate from... whatever this is between us."
"And what is this between us?" she asks, her gaze steady on mine. "Because I need to be clear. I don't do casual very well. And with Ember involved, complications could be..."
"Complicated," I finish for her. "I understand. This isn't casual for me either, Luna. I wouldn't have kissed you if it were. Dragons don't take such actions lightly, especially not with humans we've invited into our lives, our homes."
She nods, seeming satisfied with my answer. "Then we proceed slowly? See where this leads while maintaining professional boundaries when it comes to Ember?"
"Exactly." I reach out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, allowing my fingers to linger against her skin. "No pressure, no expectations. Just... exploration."
"I like the sound of that," she says, leaning slightly into my touch. "Exploration."
I should let her go now, walk her back to the guest house like a gentleman. But having tasted her once, I find myself craving one more kiss. Just one more.
As if reading my thoughts, Luna leans forward, pressing her lips to mine once more. Her hand slides up to my shoulder, then to the nape of my neck, fingers threading through my hair. This time, I can't entirely prevent a wisp of smoke from escaping my nostrils when we part. Luna notices, her eyes widening slightly before a delighted smile curves her lips.
"Was that because of me?" she asks, sounding more pleased than alarmed.
"Dragon physiology," I explain, slightly embarrassed. "You know strong emotions can trigger our fire. Usually, I have better control."
Her smile turns decidedly mischievous. "So, I affect your control? Good to know."
"You have no idea," I murmur, resisting the urge to pull her closer. If I don't end this now, I might not be able to stop at justkissing, and we both need time to consider what we're beginning here.
With reluctance, I stand, offering her my hand. "I'll walk you to the guest house."
She takes my hand, allowing me to help her up. "Such a gentleman. Is that a dragon trait or just you?"
"Just me," I reply with a small smile. "Though dragons do tend toward old-fashioned courtesy. Comes with the age, I suppose."
The night air is cool and fresh, the stars bright overhead in the clear sky. Luna's hand remains in mine, her fingers intertwined with my larger ones as if they belong there.
Chapter 9 - Luna
I can't believe I'm holding hands with a dragon. A six-hundred-and-thirty-something-year-old dragon who just kissed me senseless on his couch after showing me literal magic fire in the palm of his hand.
What the hell am I doing?
