Mated to the Earth Dragon (Elemental Mates 2)

“That’s very kind of you to offer, but I can’t—” Autumn began, only to have the woman resolutely interrupt her.

“I insist!” she said, shaking her head as she looked Autumn up and down. “You’ll catch your death in this weather.”

It was terribly cold. Autumn could feel her wet hair sticking to her face. Still—she’d traveled so far to admire the geyser...

“Would you mind taking a picture of me first?” she asked the woman, who laughed and called over what had to be one of her granddaughters.

“My Sarah is so much better with these phones,” the woman explained.

Sarah looked like she was about thirteen, with long, blond hair in a ponytail and a parka with glittery zebra print.

“You should be on there to,” the girl said to the stranger, gesturing until he obediently moved closer to Autumn. “Closer! Come on, guys.”

Autumn felt heat rise to her cheeks again. She couldn’t think of anything to say—and to be honest, if she posted a picture of both her savior and the geyser to Facebook, she knew who would be the biggest attraction.

Maybe her asshole of an ex-fiancé would see it, too...

But this was not the time to think of him. Today was for enjoying herself.

And I’m definitely enjoying myself now, she thought as the man moved even closer when the girl gestured again, wrapping his arm around her.

“Okay, any moment now,” the girl said.

Suddenly, the water behind them exploded high up into the sky once more as the geyser erupted again. The girl snapped a picture—and this time, they were far enough that they didn’t get hit by more than a few stray droplets.

Autumn felt so overwhelmed that she could barely focus on the picture when the girl returned her phone to her. His arm had been strong and warm as it wrapped around her, his chest hard with muscle even through the thick layer of her parka.

She blinked, finally taken in the perfect snapshot the girl had taken. There was the geyser, erupting in the distance behind them in a huge fountain of steaming water. And there was Autumn, beaming, with this incredible hunk of an Icelandic hero holding her close.

The picture was perfect, and she felt a sudden sting of longing in her heart.

It was too perfect—and it wasn't real. She didn’t even know his name. This would be no more than an exciting tale she’d tell her friends about as soon as she got back. She’d probably never see him again after this tour.

“I’m Damon, by the way.” He smiled at her again with those warm, brown eyes that made her want to burrow into his arms. “Damon Drago.”

“I’m Autumn,” she said, and then quickly added, “I’m so sorry! I haven’t even said thank you yet! You saved me from that geyser—I’d be completely soaked now without you.”

“I was a second too late,” he said. “I’m sorry. If I’d reacted faster, I might have pulled you away in time.”

“Oh—the pants!” Autumn gave the woman waiting for her a chagrined look. “I’m so sorry for making you wait.”

“I’ve got hot chocolate in the bus as well,” she said, winking. “If you and your date would like to warm up for a few minutes before the tour goes on.”

“Oh, he’s not my—” Autumn began, completely flustered as she gave Damon an embarrassed look.

Now was probably the time that he’d gently excuse himself to leave, because a guy like him would never even think about dating a woman like her.

“That’s right,” he said gallantly. “As dates go, this is a rather poor one. You must let me invite you for dinner this evening to make up for it.”

“Oh,” Autumn said faintly, her heart pounding so fast that for a moment, she was convinced that she was going to faint.

Had she really heard right? Had he said dinner?

“There’s a restaurant by the ocean I’d love to take you to,” he continued. “I love this country, but it hasn’t really shown you its best side today. You must allow me to make up for that.”

“Do you live here?” she asked curiously. He didn’t speak with an accent—but somehow, he seemed to fit this land of primal rock and volcanoes.

Then she realized that she hadn’t answered his question. If it really had been an invitation. If it hadn’t been a joke, meant to mock her...