Page 59 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas
Avery had never looked down on him, his family, his bakery, or his home. It had all been in Jack’s head. His shoulders unwound, as if a weight had fallen from them.
“When you’re finished, do you want to help me bake some vanilla crescent cookies?”
Avery sucked in a breath. “Can I?”
Grady smiled at him. “You’ll have to come by more often, Avery. We can always use hard workers.”
Avery beamed as if Grady had given Avery the greatest gift in the world.
This will work. We can work.
Jack took the bowl from Avery and put it away. “Come on. Let’s bake some cookies.”
CHAPTER 30
“You sure you’ll be fine without me?” Jack asked from the doorway. “It’s Christmas Eve, and Avery isn’t expecting me until later this afternoon.”
“We’ll be fine! Go be with your sexy dragon!” Cas shooed Jack out the door and into the alley.
Jack closed the door. He chuckled and set off.
Since the snowstorm, Avery had been coming by to help in the bakery. He’d even helped serve at the Christmas markets. Avery adored his family. And they adored him.
Carrie also liked Avery a lot. Often, Avery held her in his lap, just stroking her scales. “We reptiles have to stick together,” Avery had said softly to her.
She’d always been rather picky regarding people who weren’t family.
“But you like Avery, don’t you.” Jack looked down at the lump beneath his coat. “And I know you like Avery’s den.” Carrie lay bundled up against his chest. “He bought that nice velvet cushion for you, and you have that perfect place by the fire. He’s ordered some snails for you to eat today.” He stroked his hand over Carrie. “He even said he’d get a special shelf built for you so you can be high up.”
She moved slightly, nestling against Jack’s chest.
In Jack’s other hand, he held several packages tied together with string. Some fresh bread, meat pies, vanilla crescent cookies, and a couple of small presents. Technically, they were doing presents with the family tomorrow after lunch. But he wanted to have a few presents tomorrow morning with just him and Avery.
He’d also brought the book he’d bought for Avery. He couldn’t wait to see Avery’s face when Jack gave him the book. His golden eyes would widen. Maybe he’d stroke the book and hum in the way he did when he was pleased.
Jack smiled, footsteps quickening, eager to be with Avery again. And he’d only left Avery’s apartments that morning. They spent the nights there, as they had much more privacy in Avery’s home compared to Jack’s.
They’d spend tonight at Avery’s. They planned to decorate a Christmas tree Avery had bought yesterday. Cook and Daniel would have the evening and tomorrow off. Avery had been a little concerned about what they’d eat tonight.
Jack had just laughed and said, “We can cook.”
Avery had beamed, loving the idea of getting his hands dirty in the kitchen. Jack had assured Cook he’d be in charge in the kitchen whilst she was away. And then tomorrow they’d go back to the bakery to spend the day with Jack’s family. Jack had never been so excited for Christmas in his life.
Jack could feel Carrie’s amusement.
Jack nodded and smiled at everyone he passed, wishing them all a Merry Christmas. As he approached Avery’s district, he didn’t even feel a little self-conscious. After all, Avery wanted Jack in his den. So that was where Jack belonged.
Jack slowed as he approached the door. He frowned.
A man stood on Avery’s doorstep, a tall man, taller than Jack even, and with broad shoulders. He wore a top hat on hisbrilliant coppery hair that had been tied back. The man lifted his walking stick and rapped sharply on the door.
Jack paused, suddenly uncertain. Avery had never had guests whilst Jack had been there. Even after the snowstorm. After a moment’s hesitation, Jack approached the door too. The man turned towards Jack.
Golden eyes narrowed and pinned Jack in place. His eyes, exactly like Avery’s. In fact, he looked so much like Avery, except taller, broader, and all around far more intimidating.
Avery’s father. This man is Avery’s father.
Jack’s throat tightened as uncertainty coursed through his bones.
