Page 21 of The Dragon’s Temporary Manny

They were back in one bed, and I kissed all three. There was no reason for me to go back downstairs, but the stairs creaked and I was reminded of my unanswered question. I descended the stairs slowly, also standing on the one that made a noise. My boss was aware of that particular step, so why did he…? Unless he did it on purpose.

Now that I’d discovered the dragons, there was still one subject we hadn’t discussed. His mouth on mine, us naked in his bed, us making love and then not talking about it.

As I approached the kitchen, there was a hint of smoke in the air, along with that frosty washed-earth aroma. The kitchen door was open, and my first thought was that my boss had gone to the workshop.

“I’m out here.”

I stepped onto the terrace and found him sitting on a wicker chair with a teapot and two mugs beside him on a small table. He beckoned me closer and poured me a cup of tea.

“River.”

“Yes.”

“I haven’t been honest with you.”

I’d expected him to talk about us having sex and kinda thought maybe us being alone out here was perhaps a prelude to more sex.

“Okay.” I had no idea where this was leading.

“We had sex.”

I sighed. “As I mentioned earlier, I know. I participated.” I paused because he was supposed to be taking the lead, but I plowed on. “And it was amazing.”

His lips curled into a smile. “Yeah, it was.”

I blurted out, “And I’d like to do it again.” I locked my eyes on his, almost daring him to respond.

“Me too.”

But I shouldn’t have been steering this conversation. He had a confession that I needed to hear. “Okay, over to you.”

“Right.” He swirled his tea, stared at it, and took a sip.

I silently counted to ten and he still hadn’t spoken. But I refused to lead him.

“Here’s the thing.”

My mind came up with what I thought he might say. He had three impressionable daughters, he had his hands full being a father, or he needed to keep things casual. And all of that was fine, I told myself.

“You and me.” He put the mug on the table.

“Mmmm.”

“Ummm…”

“Just say it, boss. What could be more of a thunderbolt than telling me you’re a dragon?”

“Please don’t call me boss. You’re so much more than an employee.”

I eyed the front gate and was reminded of driving through it on my first day. It was the same one I’d leave from when my three-month contract ended. That thought used to reassure me, but now it did nothing.

I turned to face him. “What should I call you?”

“Well, you don’t know all the facts but… mate.”

Putting a hand to my brow, I tested if I had a fever. Nope. I checked my pulse but it was within the normal range. Mate? I trawled through what I knew about dragon shifters which was nothing, but oh gods, many species mated, some for a season and others for life.

“Mate?” I squeaked. “Is that like marrying for dragon shifters?”