Page 83 of The Mating Claim
Another doubting look. “The Seafood shack on HibiscusIsland.”
Immediately the engine started with a smooth purr, and the car started off. Leaning back, hands behind his head, he cast her a smuglook.
“Self-driving wizard car, complete with the latest wizardtechnology.”
She laughed. “Well, self-driving wizard, if a cop pulls you over, you’d better look like you’re the one behind thewheel.’
Half an hour later, they arrived at the restaurant she’d selected. He secured them a table at the window overlooking the serene vista of the Gulf ofMexico.
Lacey studied the menu the hostess had given them, but Drust looked around with rapt interest. He had never ventured yet inside a Skin restaurant. The cluster of Skins crowding tables and booths and the hustle of wait staff held his interest. Smells of fish and roasting beef filled theair.
Though he did not need to eat food, he found himself hungry. Truly an odd sensation, but he relishedit.
During his tenure in the Shadow Lands, he had grown to forget all mortal pleasures, including eating a heartymeal.
“This place has the best sea scallops on the west coast. Lightly sautéed in butter and always fresh.” Lacey gave a happy sigh. “I love fresh seafood and seldom get to eatit.”
“Why?” He was genuinely curious. “You live in Florida. You’re a dragon and can gofishing.”
She rolled her eyes. “Eating fish as a dragon isn’t the same as tasting it when you’re Skin, wizard. It’s an entirely different experience. Try it and you’ll see what Imean.”
“I have no need offood.”
“Neither do I.” She patted her waistline. “But I do love eating, much as I should refrain from it since I’m already chunkyenough.”
“You are not this chunky. You have a lovely figure,Lacey.”
A carnation pink flush tinted her face. “Uh, thanks. Iguess.”
Drust opened the menu, wanting to experience tasting something good. He recalled the lavish meals at the castle, when they dined on sumptuous venison he and Tristan caught in the King’s forest. “I will try seafood. You order for both ofus.”
She blinked as if surprised. “Allright.”
When their meals arrived,Drust had to admit she was right. The round scallops were buttery and delicate and quite tasty. But he had more enjoyment watching Lacey eat. Closing her eyes she forked another piece into her mouth and slowlychewed.
It was sensual and a delight. Heat filled him as she slowly licked her lips. Oh, he could envision those plump, red lips encasinghis…
Drust took a long swallow of water. She’s your assignment. Remember your code of honor. Never get involved with one of yourcharges.
Then he recalled Tristan’swords.
Perhaps a good balance was called for – this date and relaxing, while still maintaining a respectabledistance.
“Oh wow, this is so good,” she sighed after swallowing. “I could eat ten more ofthese.”
I could watch you eat ten more of them. I could watch you allnight.
“Order more. Have as many as you like,” heurged.
He wanted, for some odd reason, to make her smile and listen to her laugh oncemore.
Her eyes flew open and she gave him a long, thoughtful look. “I suppose it’s different for you wizards. You snap your fingers and have whatever you please. But for me, it’s the savoring of a meal I seldom experience that holds the real enjoyment. If I had all the scallops I ever wanted, they would lose their taste after a while. Too much of a good thing is notgood.”
Lacey set down her fork, and it clattered against the table from her trembling hand. “Even though I’ve never had the chance to experienceit.”
“Too much of some things is not good. But others can beexcellent.”
“Oh. Such as? Name one thing,wizard.”
