Page 74 of Dragon Charmed

Ben’s face heated. Was he normally a blusher? “The feeling is mutual.” And his heart wasn’t immune to the woman in front of him either. “What do you do in your spare time, Tessa Stuart, when you aren’t trying to break a witch’s curse?”

“And being an amateur detective?” She shrugged. “Work keeps me busy. Megan and I used to do a lot of things together before she met your bossy brother.”

Her shrug tried to downplay the words, but he wasn’t going to let it drop. “It’s been an adjustment for you.”

“Somewhat. But that’s more than okay. Megan is so happy, and Bella is a gift. And now that I don’t want to bludgeon Eric, he’s grown on me too.”

“From what I can see, you’ve become part of the clan.” More than he was right now, truth be told.

“I pushed my way in last year when Megan was in danger, and I stayed once she and Eric realized they were meant to be together. I count Sienna as a close friend, and I like Marcus too even though I give him a hard time. And Ian.”

Ben’s dragon rumbled at the last name. “Do you and Ian spend a lot of time together?”

Tessa’s eyes danced. “Why do you ask?”

Why did he ask? “I just wanted to make sure you haven’t been ill.”

“Nothing major. Just got shot with an arrow.”

He faced her. “What?”

She patted him on the chest. “Nothing to worry about, big guy. I’m all better and have a cool scar to brag about.”

All he could concentrate on were the hands on his chest. She started to lift them, and he placed his hands on top to stop her. They stared at each other for a drawn-out moment. How had this woman ended up meaning so much to him in so short a time? He knew it wasn’t a good idea to pursue anything with her now, not when he didn’t know who he was, but those eyes…

He lifted his right hand and placed it on the petal-soft side of her face and took her in. He wasn’t going to back away. She was something real and beautiful to hold on to in his blurry, shifting world.

He bent slowly and her denim eyes darkened. He rested his lips ever so lightly on hers. He hesitated instead of advancing the kiss, and she spoke against his lips, making them tingle.

“Did you forget how to kiss too?” she teased. He could feel her smile against him.

He growled (or was it his dragon?) and deepened the kiss. His tongue begged entry and she opened. And it was like flying again—wings out, wind keeping him afloat. She slotted herself against him as if she was his missing half, and he raised his other hand to her face and held her in his hands.

He didn’t want to stop, especially when she released a tiny growl of her own as he slowed his kisses. So. Damn. Sexy.

He rested his forehead against hers and took a breath before leaning back to look at her. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes a bit unfocused.

“I guess you remember how to kiss,” she said in a raspy voice.

His chest puffed up, or maybe it was his dragon making himself known. “I was inspired.”

“Ditto, dragon boy.”

He chuckled. “God, you are gorgeous.” Her eyes quickly lost their shine. “What did I say wrong?”

“Nothing.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.

And something clicked. “Hell, Tessa. You’re beautiful. You know you are. But that brain, heart, and smart mouth of yours is what makes you a knockout to me. Okay?”

And there was the smile he wanted to see.

“So you like my smart mouth? I think you might regret that later.”

He grinned. “Yes.” He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. “I like this mouth. No regrets.” And then he leaned in again and gave her another not-so-quick kiss.

The back door opened, and someone made a squeaking noise. He broke away reluctantly and turned to see Megan giving them a wide-eyed stare. “Sorry for interrupting. Um, Lily showed us the dragon and um…yeah. I’ll leave you two alone.”

Ben stepped back but still held Tessa’s hand. “That’s okay. I’m actually supposed to be meeting with Sienna and Eric about the business and I’m running late.” He smiled down at Tessa. “Got a bit distracted.”