Page 22 of Dragon Charmed

“Do you remember her name?” Tessa asked.

Alisha closed her eyes. “Evelyn.” She opened her eyes after a moment. “Her last name isn’t coming to me right now.”

Ben wrote the name on his notepad. “Did she tell you where she lived with Evelyn?”

“That I do remember. Mia lived with her in a small town outside of Knoxville. I remember since I grew up not too far from there myself.” Alisha glanced at her watch again. “I’m sorry, but I need to get going.”

They all stood. Tessa reached for Ben’s notepad, and he handed it to her with a question in his eyes. She flipped to a clean page and scribbled her phone number before ripping it out and handing it to Alicia. “If you remember Evelyn’s last name or anything else that could help, please call or text me.”

Alicia took the paper and walked around the desk. “I will. Maybe something will come to me while I proctor the exam. I hope you find her. If you do, tell her we miss her.”

“Thanks for speaking with us,” Ben said. “Is there anyone else here on campus you can think of to speak to?”

“Maybe the dean? But I don’t know if she’s in today. You would have to check with her office.”

After Alisha gave them directions to the dean’s office, they quickly learned she was out. Tessa and Ben walked down the hall and out onto the sidewalk as students hurried into the building, more than likely headed to their exams.

“What do you think?” Tessa asked.

“I think it’s time to eat. Are you up for an early lunch? I passed a spot coming here that I think you’ll like. We can talk through things there.”

“I can always eat.” They headed down the sidewalk, and Tessa let him lead. They both walked in silence, which was fine with Tessa as she thought through what they’d learned today.

Tessa chuckled when Ben pointed to their destination. “The San Antonio Taco Company or SATCO for the locals.”

Ben grinned. And why did that smile kick something awake low in her tummy?

“You were fixated on guacamole earlier. I thought this might help.”

She smiled back. “You thought right.”

They placed their order, his eyes widening as she ordered several items. Then they settled on the deck with their food. She grabbed a chip and scooped up some guacamole, humming slightly as she took a bite.

Ben’s eyebrows rose, and his tummy-tingling grin hit her again. Time to take control of things.

“What? I’m showing my appreciation. Try it before you mock me. Unless you don’t like guacamole?”

He scooped up some on his own chip and took a bite. After swallowing, he nodded. “It’s good.”

“Their queso is awesome too. Try some.”

He followed her instructions and groaned a bit himself.

“Hah! I told you. Now you know why I ordered all of this. I may be willing to share more if you behave.”

He held up his hands. “I’m happy to see a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t shy in asking for it.”

“Good to know. Since I am definitely not shy.”

“I figured that out quickly.” He smirked.

She would have thrown a chip at him, but why waste it? It didn’t take them long to finish their meals. Tessa sat back and almost patted her stomach, but she stopped herself. She didn’t need Ben making a comment about that.

She took a sip of water. He was an interesting specimen to be sure. But she wasn’t in the market for a man. This was about protecting Megan and Arabella.

“So what do you think?” she asked again.

He sat back himself. “I think we don’t have much to go on except Evelyn with no last name. Hard to find anything online without a last name.”