Page 60 of Charming the Dragon
“Maybe start with the clan first, to work out the kinks. Although you’re going to need help—it’ll be a massive undertaking.”
She tilted her head. “Are you offering to be a judge?”
“Probably not. Anyone who doesn’t have burnt or raw food would get full marks from me.”
Laughing, she shook her head. “That’s not exactly how a baking competition works, Nathan.”
“Hence why I could never be a judge. But if you organize it, I’ll ensure the extras don’t go to waste. Dragon-shifters have to eat a lot, after all, to keep up our strength.”
“I’m not even going to discuss how unfair it is that you all look like models and can eat a ton without blinking an eye.”
She turned and riffled through the cupboard.
Frowning at her words, Nathan went up behind her, placed his hands on her hips, and pulled her back against his front. “You’re perfect, Hayley. If you couldn’t tell earlier how much Iwant you, then I’m definitely going to have to try harder next time.”
She turned in his arms until she placed her hands on his chest and met his gaze. Earlier, he’d been so impatient that he hadn’t bothered to remove her glasses, and he wondered what she’d look like without them.
After cupping her cheek, he murmured, “You’re bloody gorgeous, Hayley Beckett. And it’s hard to concentrate around you. Even in the beginning, when I was trying to protect myself and before my dragon suspected you were our true mate, I couldn’t stop looking at you.”
She searched his gaze and finally smiled. “I was the same way, truth be told. I still think there’s some kind of dragon magic at play.”
“If we had magic, we would’ve used it long ago, love. To make things easier for ourselves.”
“I suppose so. Someone could’ve enticed a former king or queen of England and influenced the nation, back when the monarchs ruled the land. But who would’ve been a good target?”
“Maybe not Henry VIII. Too risky.”
“I agree. He probably would’ve chopped the person’s head off. However, I’m sure a dragon-shifter could’ve won over Elizabeth I, though. Or maybe Queen Victoria, before she met her husband. She reportedly liked sex a lot, after all. And dragon-shifters are good at it.”
“Are we, now? You’ve changed your tune.”
She snorted. “A little. But I still might need some convincing later, just to be sure.”
“Minx.” He tickled her side, and she squealed.
Watching her face, her laughter, and her asking for him to stop made him smile. It’d been a long time since he’d had so much fun with another person.
His dragon spoke up.She’s good for you. For us. Don’t fuck it up or let her go.
I’m not planning to, dragon.
When Hayley was out of breath, he stopped and heard the water boiling. After kissing her nose, he went to put the pouches in to warm up.
By the time he finished, Hayley held out a mug for him. Once they both sipped their tea, she spoke. “Were you more relaxed when you were younger?”
“Yes and no. I’m the type of male who has a few close friends and doesn’t like hanging out in large crowds. My cousin and I were like brothers, and got into all kinds of trouble as children.”
“Such as?”
“You want me to confess to a crime? Won’t you just prosecute me later?”
She rolled her eyes. “Of course not. I’m sure too much time has passed anyway, if it’s minor.”
“Ah, but if it’s not, there’s no limitation period for major crimes.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying you’ve committed one?”
Nathan sipped his tea and debated telling Hayley.
