Page 36 of There's Something About Dragons
I end the call furious with myself. Why did I need to hold the threats in my own hands to fully understand the danger she’s been in? Why didn’t I just take her word for it? I mean, Ibelievedher. But I didn’t feel the true depth of her fear until now. I’m a fucking idiot for letting her walk alone, especially without Radar!
She deserves better from her mate. I’m going to give her better.
I snap into action. Throwing on yesterday’s clothes and twisting my hair up off my ears, I let the dog out of his crate and do my best to clean up the house from our activities.
Humming cheesy pop songs about love, I make the bed and throw last night’s dirty sheets in the laundry. I feed Radar his breakfast while I make coffee and unload the dishwasher. I locate a travel mug and take him out for a long trot around the park while I caffeinate. I’m so hopped up on my alokoi’s scent, it’s like the blue sky and the birdsong is just for me.
“Beautiful morning to stretch our legs, isn’t it, little guy?” I ask Radar when he stops to pee on a tree.
“Ugh! What the fuck, dude?”
Oops. Not a tree. On closer look, it’s Gabe. All six-foot-six hairy inches of him.
“What are you doing here?!”
He rolls his eyes, puffing away his forelock. “What do you think? Saving you from yourself, as usual. I came out on the first flight I could get. I’m worried about you.”
Aw. He really cares. My full heart overflows, and I throw my arms around Gabe. “Thanks, man. Seems like I don’t need saving this time, though. I told you, this is the real deal.”
“Okay, bud.” He pats my back, indicating it’s time to let go. I give him one last bear hug and release him, grinning.
“You remember Radar?”
“How could I forget?” Gabe wrinkles his nose at the wet streak in his fur that begins mid-calf, where the evidence of Radar’s potty break is still trickling down his leg.
“Not my fault you’re so good at camouflage,” I joke, and he gives a grudging laugh. “I’m watching him for Cari while she’s at work. We had an amazing date,” I add as we fall into step, headed in the direction of the hotel. “I need to update my spreadsheet.”
Need to record everything I know about her now. The way she likes to be touched. The way she sounds. The way shetastes.
Gabe makes a noncommittal noise, dragging his small, wheeled carryon behind us. “Fine. Hey, is it okay if I crash with you? All the hotels are full because of some event.”
“Oh, sure. There’s a big charity thing tonight. I’m going with Cari, actually. Want to help me find something to wear? I need a tux.”
Gabe snorts. “Since when are you a tux guy? All you own are jeans and khakis.”
“Since my mate invited me to a black-tie event. Anyway, I also have cargo pants—”
“Those are khakis with extra pockets,” Gabe interrupts.
“And a pair of corduroys.”
“Jeans with different fabric.”
“Jeans with different fabric are different kinds of pants,” I shoot back, feeling a little defensive of my basic style. Nothing wrong with my jeans and T-shirts! I want to look nice for Cari tonight, though. I nudge him with my elbow. “I just need to find some ‘jeans’ with fancy fabric that fit and have a tail hole.”
“They’re not going to let you in the tux shop with that dog,” Gabe warns, ever the pessimist.
“Perfect,” I say. “You can stand outside and hold the leash.”
Chapter 16
Cari
I’m buzzing all through the workday, despite the late start that throws my schedule into chaos. My heart is buzzing, my mind is buzzing, and most of all, my thoroughly satisfied pussy is buzzing.
Six orgasms in one session?!At that rate, we’re going to make up for fifteen years apart pretty quickly. Maybe I can convince him to stay an extra week after his conference is over. He seems just as into this as I am. I wouldn’t be surprised if we can keep it going long distance.
Unless he finds his mate, that poky little voice reminds me.
