Page 39 of Dancing with My Elf
“Zoe, I know you don’t take me seriously, and I don’t blame you. But I’m not lying.” I placed my hand on my chest. “This isn’t something I’d fabricate.”
She met my gaze. Staring into her eyes, I couldn’t look away. Her pupils dilated, almost swallowing all the hazel. But then she sighed and parted her lips, drawing my attention to her mouth.
“I—uh—you’re right. I shouldn’t dismiss what you say.” She bit her lower lip.
I reached out and stroked it with my thumb, and she released her hold on it. “So soft,” I murmured.
“Lucas…” My name came out as a breathy whisper from her lips.
Staring at me, her eyes widened. Something was building between us, and she seemed to recognize it as well.
My fingers grazed over her jawline and up over the velvety soft skin on her cheek. My dragon was as mesmerized as I was, fascinated by what was happening.
“Is this okay?” I asked, stroking down over the smooth column of her neck.
She released a weighted breath as if unaware she’d been holding it. “Yes.” Her voice lowered to one husky with need. “I want you to touch me.”
Adrenaline burned through my veins as the urge to kiss her intensified. Every thought slipped away aside from the compulsion to taste her lips. My gaze locked with hers, and her eyes widened with terror as if recognizing something big building between us. Something we both felt but couldn’t understand or explain.
Or I was projecting my thoughts onto her.
I cupped her face in my hands and leaned closer to her. The surrounding world spun out of focus. Her eyelids lowered, and lips parted. My heart pounded, echoing in my ears like a drumbeat.
I closed the space separating us in the front seat of her car, and our lips met. An electrifying buzz singed me. Something about her affected me deep inside, and whatever it was that connected us felt magical.
When I pulled a hairs width away, I remained dazed. I murmured, “Mate.”
Zoe
Although still dazed by our kiss, Lucas’s word processed through the heady lust swarming my brain.
What was wrong with me? This dragon shifter was too damn compelling, he made me act out of the norm. “What did you say?”
“Never mind.” Lucas stared straight ahead.
“No, really. Did you call me your mate?”
“Yes,” he admitted and squared his jaw. “Just forget it. It was just my dragon acting up.”
I studied him. “You sure?”
“Right, he’s just confused.” He turned to me and flashed me his mischievous smile. “Don’t worry, I’m not cut out for that lifestyle.”
“Meaning finding your mate?”
“Right. That’s a mistake. My parents weren’t mates, and with me being only half shifter, it’s even less likely that I’d have one. Forget I ever said it.” He stared ahead once more.
“Of course.” I smoothed my hands on my lap. “We shouldn’t have been doing that anyway while we’re looking for a murder suspect.”
“We just got swept up in the moment.” Lucas ran one hand through his hair.
I raised my chin. “And on a stake out to find a murdering demon, no less.” I hissed, horrified at my actions. “I can’t believe I was that unprofessional.”
“You’re listening to what your body wants,” Lucas replied. “Nothing wrong with that.”
“There is when I’m conducting an investigation, which I can’t do very well with my eyes closed and lips locked.”
“Okay, it wasn’t the best timing.” Lucas adjusted in the passenger seat. “But that’s what happens when we deny what we both want.”
