Page 45 of Ale Storm

She resolved to quit telling Jildarin that he didn’t need to worry about her father’s opinion. She would, however, try again to get Father to give his blessing without further manipulation.

“All right, but if your recipe book says you need to keep doing arduous favors for my father, we should consider hiring an assistant chef for you. Someone who can ease the burden of your many preparations and could maybe even take over a meal service now and then. The diner is profitable enough that we could pay someone, and, based on what I’m hearing from random people around the city, you’ve gained enough fame that a capable young chef ought to be honored to work for you.”

Jildarin’s, “Hm,” sounded more neutral than interested. He added, “I like preparing meals.”

“I know. I’m glad you enjoy your work, but everyone needs a break now and then. You work a lot. You’re kind of amazing.” Rylana leaned her head on his shoulder again and linked her arm with his.

Jildarin found her fingers for a clasp while he absorbed her words. “Kind of?”

“I mean you’re extremely amazing.”

“Yes.” He leaned his face close to her head, and did he breathe in her scent?

It was too bad he would need to leave soon to start the dinner service. She was rethinking her decision not to visit the boathouse. Despite its lack of furnishings, it was private. They could have shared a kiss without possible witnesses.

“You said the anniversary of the date of your birth approaches,” Jildarin said. “You will celebrate this? I have read that it is important to humans.”

“Not necessarily. I’m turning thirty-six, not six.”

“You do not require a gift?”

“No, but thank you for asking.”

“Jewelry is a typical gift for human females, is it not? I have not observed you wearing bracelets or ear or neck wear.”

“You already got me a gift, Jildarin. That bedroom set is all I ever dreamed of and more.”

“I purchased that so you would remain in my lair.”

“It worked.”

“It was perhaps more of a bribe than a gift.”

“I love it.”

“There are magical necklaces that offer protection,” Jildarin said. “Given how often you are in danger, that could be a functional as well as aesthetically pleasing choice.”

“Look, if you feel compelled to get me something, I’d really like an assistant chef for the diner.”

“You desire that to ease my burden. That would be a gift for me.”

“You could teach him or her to make me coffee-rubbed bacon.”

His second, “Hm,” was a little more thoughtful.

His consideration—no, all of him—made her ache with longing. She gazed up at his handsome face, his beautiful green eyes, and wondered how the soul of a poet—and a chef—somehow existed within the body of a powerful dragon. How rude of her father to call him savage.

Jildarin returned her gaze, his eyelids drooping, and he lifted a hand to brush her cheek.

Clunks drifted across the lake, the ferry arriving again at this shoreline. Rylana glanced in that direction, reminded unpleasantly of her conversation with Jildarin’s sister. And that she’d had the audacity to tell her to talk Jildarin into mating with female dragons so that they might permit Rylana to live. She didn’t want to share him with some overbearing fanged and scaled bitch. She wanted him to be with someone who made him happy. She wanted him to be with her.

Jildarin traced her jaw with his fingers, turning her chin so that she looked at him again. As if he knew her thoughts—and agreed with them—he kissed her. Delighted, Rylana turned her full attention to him.

He’d grown in confidence and certainty since the last time they kissed—maybe the book had some pointers on that—and tasted her lips without hesitation. She slid her hands up his arms to his shoulders, pulling herself closer to him and returning his kiss with enthusiasm and her growing love. He wrapped his arms around her waist and stroked her through her clothing, strong fingers kneading the tight muscles of her back.

Her body ignited with pleasure as, for the first time, Jildarin explored her contours. She reveled in the sensations his roaming hands stirred, and she kissed him harder, thoughts of the boathouse again coming to mind. Even with the reeds and the rocky terrain behind the dock, hiding them from view of the castle’s windows, it wasn’t entirely private, and she didn’t want any interruptions. Jildarin was finally kissing her and touching her, and she wanted⁠—

He growled against her mouth and lifted her into his lap. Oh, yes. That was what she wanted.