The Dragon's Charge (Tahoe Dragon Mates 4)

However, she felt nothing but smooth, cold sheets. Opening her eyes, she saw the empty space and sighed.

She understood why Brad couldn’t spend the night with her just yet, but she hadn’t expected to feel so disappointed at his absence.

And not just because of his magical tongue, either. She was becoming rather comfortable whenever he was near.

Then she noticed the faint smells of bacon and something she couldn’t define, and her stomach rumbled. Maybe Brad was making her breakfast.

Getting up, she quickly dressed and headed down the stairs, eager to see which version of Brad she’d find this morning. If he retreated again, she might just have to give him a swift kick in the ass and tell him to make up his damn mind.

Entering the kitchen, she forgot about her worry at the sight of Brad’s bare back, deliciously broad and powerful with defined muscles. Ones that were toned from flying and not from hours a day inside a gym.

But it was the bright yellow apron—complete with three rather impressive ruffles—around his waist that made her smile. “I didn’t pin you as a sunny yellow cook who loves flounces.”

Grunting, he turned around and shook his head. “My sister gave it to me as a gift when I moved in here. I never thought I’d use it, but I also couldn’t throw it away because she always checks up on the gifts she gives me. But since I actually wanted to cook, I figured I’d use it. That way the chances of it getting ruined would go up, and then I could throw away the damn thing with good reason.”

She grinned and walked closer toward him, motioning toward the spilled batter on one of the ruffles. “I hope it didn’t all end up on you. I’m starving.”

His pupils flashed a second before he picked up a plate off the counter and handed it to her.

Looking down, she tried to figure out what it was, apart from the bacon on the side. The big blob was most likely some kind of pancake, but it looked sort of like an amoeba illustration from her middle school days.

Brad sighed. “It’s supposed to be a butterfly. I noticed the tattoo on your ankle yesterday and thought

you’d like one.”

The fact he’d noticed such a detail even though she’d been naked was impressive. “I do love butterflies. But, hey, as long as the food tastes okay, that’s all that matters. You did do a taste test, right?”

He snorted. “I’m not trying to poison you, Tasha. Just eat something before my dragon starts getting huffy.”

The thought of his giant red dragon throwing a fit made her laugh. “Okay, okay. There had just better be some coffee, too.”

He poured her a mug as she sat at the raised counter overhang. He handed her some silverware at the same time, and Tasha looked at the oddly shaped pancake covered in little things she couldn’t identify—fruit or maybe chocolate—and quickly cut a piece. Holding up her fork, she said, “Here goes.”

She slid it between her lips and moaned at the springy, slightly sweet taste. The little decorations were blueberries and raisins, apparently, which only made it better.

Brad crossed his arms over his bare chest and raised his brows. “Well? Your moan isn’t quite as loud as last night, but I still think it means it’s good.”

After swallowing her food, she replied, “If your pancake recipe could make me feel as good as an orgasm, then you’d be a millionaire in no time.” She winked. “But no, it’s not quite that good. Still, I’ll have another one for sure.” She motioned to the seat next to her. “Join me, Brad. It’ll be our first real breakfast together.”

And as he served up more food and slid into the chair next to her, the action seemed so simple. But eating breakfast with a man who could tease her, chatting about nothing and everything, was something she’d always wanted.

Maybe she’d stay with Brad for longer than a few weeks.

Of course, she’d need to figure out how to run her business still. Tasha admitted she wasn’t far off from wanting a family of her own, but she also loved the challenges and thrills of being her own boss.

She’d just need to figure out how to do it all.

Brad spent the morning working side by side with Tasha in the living room, each of them focusing on their own respective laptops.

To some, it might seem boring or completely ordinary. But to him, it was exactly what he wanted. Because it meant Tasha wanted to spend time with him outside of the bedroom. Breakfast had been the first step, but each bit of encouragement only made his resolve stronger.

His dragon spoke up. Good. I may be a little better today after last night, but I’m still impatient. I want to claim our mate. So maybe do more than just sit here and stare at a screen.

We both need to do our work, dragon. Besides, would you want a mate that constantly demanded your attention, no matter what needed to be done? This is just more proof that Tasha is good for us.

His beast grunted. At least now you’re the one trying to convince me of her. Just don’t take too long to convince the person that actually matters—Tasha.

I will, after I finish my duties.