Page 23 of Shifting the Flame

Without waiting for a response, Asher captured Danica's lips in a searing kiss. His hands roamed her curves, savoring the softness of her skin through the fabric of her sundress. Danica responded with equal intensity, her fingers tangling in his hair.

Just as Asher's dragon instincts began to take over, urging him to claim his mate fully, Danica pulled away. Her chest heaved as she caught her breath, her brown eyes wide.

"Asher," she panted, "we really need to stop. The festival starts tomorrow, and you promised we'd focus on the preparations."

A low rumble of frustration escaped Asher's throat. His inner dragon protested, demanding he continue, but the rational part of his brain knew she was right. Still, he couldn't resist one last indulgence.

"Just one more minute," he murmured, dipping his head to trail kisses along her neck. His teeth grazed her sensitive skin, eliciting a soft moan from her that sent a shiver through him.

With herculean effort, Asher finally stepped back, his hands clenched at his sides. "Okay, you're right," he admitted, his voice still rough with need. "Let's head to my office."

As they climbed the stairs to his home office, his mind raced. How was he supposed to focus on festival planning when all he wanted was to lose himself in her completely? The dragon in him bristled at the delay, but he knew his duties to the town came first.

In his spacious office, with its mahogany desk and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, Asher settled into his leather chair. Danica perched on the edge of his desk, her legs crossed at the ankle. The sight of her there again in his personal space sent a thrill through him.

"Alright," Danica said, all business now. "Let's start with the food trucks."

Asher nodded, forcing himself to focus. He pulled out his phone, grateful for the distraction. "I've got connections in New Orleans. We'll get the best trucks here, no matter the cost."

As they made calls and sent emails, Asher kept finding himself constantly drawn to Danica. Every detail about her simply captivated him.

"Great news," Danica exclaimed after hanging up with a DJ. "We've got music for the side stage during the day."

Asher grinned, unable to resist reaching out to touch her face. "You're incredible, you know that?"

A blush crept across Danica's cheeks, and Asher's dragon preened at the effect he had on her. He leaned in, fully intending to steal another kiss, when his stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl.

Danica laughed, the sound light and musical. "I think someone's hungry again. Why don't we take a break for lunch?"

Asher glanced at his watch, surprised to see it was nearly noon. The morning had flown by in a flurry of planning and stolen glances at Danica, whose sundress accentuated the curves he couldn't stop thinking about.

"You're right. I know a great little place in town," he said, straightening the cuffs of his black dress shirt, the top two buttons undone to reveal a glimpse of his tanned skin. "What do you say we grab a bite and then tackle the rest of the last-minute preparations?"

As they stood to leave, Asher marveled again at how naturally Danica fit into his life. His dragon hummed with contentment, knowing they'd found their perfect match. Festival planning or not, he knew one thing for certain—he didn't intend to ever let Danica go.

"Let's take the Porsche," he suggested, jingling his keys. Getting into town would serve two purposes: checking on the setup crew's progress and removing himself from the dangerous privacy of his mansion. Every moment alone with Danica was testing his restraint.

As they stepped outside his front door, Danica paused on the front steps. "Is that my car?" She pointed to her sedan parked in his circular driveway.

"I brought it back here last night when I went to get your suitcase," Asher explained, enjoying the surprise in her eyes. "Figured you'd want your own transportation at some point."

"You didn't have to do that," she said, tilting her head up at him.

"I wanted to." The simple truth resonated in him. He wanted to do everything for her and provide everything she needed. The alpha in him demanded nothing less.

The drive to town was quick, the powerful engine of his red Porsche purring beneath them. He couldn't help noticing how Danica's hair danced in the breeze from the cracked windows, and how she ran her fingers along the leather seat appreciatively.

The Italian restaurant, Bella Notte, sat nestled between a bookstore and a boutique on Main Street. As they entered, the owner, Giuseppe, broke into a wide smile.

"Alpha! And this must be your mate!" The elderly dragon shifter hurried over, clasping Danica's hand warmly. "The whole town is buzzing with the news!"

Asher placed his hand possessively on Danica's back. "News travels fast."

"When the Alpha finds his mate after all these years? Like wildfire!" Giuseppe led them to a secluded corner booth, away from prying eyes but still visible enough to satisfy the curious glances thrown their way.

They slid into the booth, sitting side by side rather than across from each other. Asher savored the feeling of Danica's shoulder brushing against his and the subtle floral scent of her perfume intoxicating him.

After ordering their lunch, Asher found himself opening up during a quiet moment. Their shoulders touched again as she reached for her water glass, and something in him gave way.

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