Page 10 of Bewitching the Dragon
She’d just graduated from college, had accepted a job as a second-grade teacher at a local school, and was about to break the news to her overprotective aunt that she would be quitting at the clothing store and moving out on her own soon. She had plenty enough on her plate at the moment without mooning over a guy who lived a thousand miles away.
When she returned to the kitchen dressed in a pair of shorts and a peasant-style shirt, Rahu paused in the process of pouring coffee into a mug. “You look pretty,” he commented.
She could feel her cheeks heating. “Um, thanks.”
He offered her the cup.
“Thanks. Again. You don’t want any?”
He shook his head. “My mom used to tell me I have enough energy for ten drag—er, people, and the last thing I need is to add caffeine to that mix.” He shrugged. “So I never developed a taste for the stuff.”
She went to the fridge and added creamer. “Do you want some water or something?”
“No, I’m good.”
Becca sipped her coffee while the ensuing silence dragged into awkward territory. Finally, Rahu said, “What are your plans for today?”
Oh God, was he about to ask her out? She didn’t want him to, because she didn’t want to be tempted to say yes. She didn’t want to get to know him better. She didn’t want to know if he was worthy of a second date. Or even a first.
Focus on your plans, Becca. Move out, start your career. Once settled, then you can focus on dating. Preferably someone who doesn’t live on the other side of the country.
“Work,” she blurted. “I have to work. All day. No time for anything else.”
“Good,” he said, nodding as if he approved of her day’s activities. “Well, I guess I’ll get going.”
“Okay,” she said, probably too quickly, but her skin had become itchy and her palms were sweaty, like she was having an allergic reaction. But to what? Him? His presence?
Okay, that was ridiculous. She hurried across the kitchen, and as she walked past him, she turned to her left, assuming he’d leave through the front door. He must have expected to go through the courtyard because he headed to the right as well and bumped into her arm.
That sizzle of electricity she’d felt each time they came into physical contact last night was back.
“Do you feel that?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“I’ve never felt that way with anyone else before,” she said, and then she winced. “Totally didn’t mean that the way it sounds.”
His grin was cheeky. “Oh yeah? How do you think it sounds?”
“Like I’m hitting on you.”
“Too bad that’s not how you meant it.”
She cleared her throat and nodded at the front door. “Do you want to go out that way?”
He shrugged and followed her through the living room. She opened the door and caught his scowl as his gaze landed on the two gargoyles flanking the front steps.
“They’re kind of ugly, aren’t they?” she asked.
“Annoying too.”
She canted her head. “Why do you say that? Because they’re hard to mow around?”
He gave her a blank look and then shook his head. “Something like that.”
She waved at the nearest one. “And they don’t even do their job. They certainly don’t keep the birds from eating Aunt Pacey’s tomatoes.”
One side of his mouth lifted while his eyes danced with laughter. She had the most ridiculous urge to move closer, craving the sizzle between them.
