Page 113 of Heroic Hearts
But Asil’s scorched and naked body was going to need disguising every bit as much as the dead creature he carried away with him. He began the look-away magic—it was a little reluctant to come to his call until Alan joined in the casting. The submissive wolf had a fine touch with magic. Maybe it was because his wife was a witch.
Outside, the rain soothed Asil’s burns as it washed away soot and the last vestige of Ivory Jim’s magic. Alan accompanied Asil to his car and opened the hatch for him.
Body safely stored, Asil faced Ruby, who had trailed out after them. The rain fell slower against her than it should have, clinging to her cheeks and neck in heavy droplets as if it loved the touch of her skin, too.
“I owe you dinner,” she said, her voice ragged. “Not tonight. I couldn’t... not tonight.”
He smiled, took her hand in one of his, and kissed it. “Not tonight,” he agreed. “But if you are willing, I would love a second date.”
Ours, said his wolf fiercely.
Patience, he counseled.
She stepped closer to him and leaned forward and kissed him. An exact match to the kiss he’d given her—except for the cool rush of her power flowing over him like a waterfall in the rain, mending the few burns which were not mended already.
On the porch he heard Peg giggle. “Naked. He’s naked out there and she’s kissing him.”
He did not mind being naked. He liked clothing, but he was beautiful when he was naked as well, especially since the blisters were no longer distorting his features.
Ruby pulled back, raised her chin, and said, “What are you doing on Saturday?”
