Page 42 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas
“What’s what like?
“Christmas with your family.” Avery’s voice didn’t quite sound natural.
“Um. We eat together. There is usually lots of food.” At least, there was these days. “Lots of gifts. Although nothing fancy.” Self-consciousness reared up inside Jack as he thought of the gifts they gave, often second-hand, handmade, nothing that would fit into Avery’s world.
The self-consciousness rankled. Jack shouldn’t feel ashamed of his family. Not after everything they’d achieved together. Not after all the work they’d done to survive.
“It’s true we don’t have a lot. But what’s important is that we celebrate together. It doesn’t matter if we aren’t eating the best food or giving the most expensive gifts. That’s not what is important.”
Avery stared at Jack. Jack couldn’t read his expression. Was Avery judging him?
“What sort of food?” Avery asked.
Jack took a second, surprised at the question. “Simple fare. Potatoes, beans, some sort of roast bird, fresh bread, meat pies. And of course cake, pudding, and cookies. We all pitch in. And there is plenty of hot chocolate.” They saved so they could splurge for the day.
“It sounds lovely,” Avery said.
Jack blinked at Avery, shocked at the longing in his voice.
More questions filled Jack’s head. Jack opened his mouth. Then he remembered he didn’t have a right to ask.
The sooner he got out of here, the better.
“Sir.”
Avery turned to Daniel. “Dinner ready so soon?”
“Not yet, sir.” Daniel glanced between them. “But Cook wanted me to inform you that the snowstorm won’t be stopping soon.”
“Snowstorm?” Jack repeated.
“She says it will come down heavier shortly,” Daniel said. “She does not believe Master Berry will be able to leave tonight.”
“How does she know?” Jack rose and walked to the window.
“Cook is a winter sprite. She can sense how long a snowstorm will last,” Avery explained. “How long does she think?”
“At least three or four days. Maybe longer.”
“I see,” Avery said. “Please make the arrangements and have the guest room prepared.”
Daniel bowed and left.
Jack stared at the white beyond. “Shit, Avery. I’m so sorry.”
How was he supposed to stay in Avery’s home for three or four days, maybe even longer?
He needed to go home. He didn’t belong here. He couldn’t stay here.
But it looked like he wouldn’t be going anywhere soon. He was snowed in with Avery.
CHAPTER 22
Avery’s dragon wanted to hum with pleasure. He stared at Jack looking out the window. The snow would last for days. Jack would be staying in his home, snowed in with Avery, stuck in his den. It pleased his dragon.
But the other part of Avery’s mind, the rational and non-primal part, told him this wasn’t a wonderful occurrence. After all, Jack didn’t want to be here. He didn’t want to be stuck with Avery. Jack didn’t want Avery.
Still, Avery’s dragon relished Jack’s presence. Avery stared at Jack’s broad back, wrapped in his robe.
