“What is he? Human like them?” I ask. “Or a creature?”
“He’s human, but he thinks he might have a vampire in his ancestry because he loves his steak rare.”
We laugh. “I don’t think that’s a telling trait,” I say. “But if you feel that I should meet him, maybe we can all get drinks at the tavern together so it’s not too awkward.”
“I love this idea.” Tully slides off the counter and goes to the oven. “I think these are burning.”
I hurry over and sniff. “No. They’re ready, though. Good job!”
Tully smiles and does a little spin.
“You’re as proud as Sio,” I say.
“There are worse creatures to be like.” Tully dances as I pull the scones out.
The small, baked triangles shimmer and double, her spell working as reliably as always.
I clasp my hands and gaze adoringly at my scones. “I love magic.” The treats are perfectly baked and smell like a morning in the sun. Divine.
“Can’t we just eat one?” Tully pokes at the one nearest her.
I slap her hand. “No. You’ve had your treat.”
She bumps my hip with hers. “Who is the meanie now?”
After working for a while longer and baking up another two batches, Laini and Tully help me tidy the kitchen. We head toward the front door. The moon is high, and the scent of early blooms whisks through the night breeze.
Laini steps out and smiles at me. “Let’s meet at the Goat and Dragon tomorrow for an early dinner, all right? I don’t know if he can stay all night, but surely he’ll have an hour or two to spare before he has to return to work.”
“What’s his name?” I set my foot against the door to keep it open and wring my sweating hands. I’m already nervous.
“Devin.”
“All right. Sounds good. I’ll see you then,” I say.
They hug me while Spark soars overhead. I watch them walk away, gratitude icing over the broken bits of hope I mistakenly created inside my heart.
They have definitely saved me from heartache. Cyrus isn’t a bad fellow. But he’s not for me. I have to remember that. Even when he seems so content in my kitchen and in my company. It’s temporary. He needs the wide skies and the excitement of travel and the pub’s noisy nights. We are too opposite to work out as a couple. I have always known that fact, but I’d been denying it again. Maybe I’d need a reminder every few years that Cyrus and I are, and will always be, only friends and that is fine.
Laini’s idea of me dating is a good one. That will keep my traitor heart from leaning toward a dragon who could never be happy on the ground with me.
Chapter 7
Cyrus
Well, that was pretty awkward. Laini and Tully cockblocking me wasn’t exactly subtle. They couldn’t get me away from Kaya fast enough. Both females were far too happy to see Halvard come by and save their friend from being seduced by me. I actually don’t blame them. Kaya is too good for me. I’m a scoundrel. I shouldn’t be flirting with her at all. I could seduce her, most likely. But she’s my friend and that’s that. I won’t ruin what we have. She deserves better.
“What is on your mind, Cyrus?” Halvard looks down at me and frowns. “You look miserable.”
“I have to stop flirting with Kaya.”
“Kaya? I thought you two were friends.”
“We are. Of course. That’s just it. I keep teasing her and saying stupid things like I would to other attractive potential partners. Tully and Laini reminded me that she isn’t for me. Not in that way. They’re right. No more flirting.”
Halvard huffs a laugh. “I can’t imagine you’ll have anything to say if you take flirting off the table.”
I punch his arm and pull my hand back with a wince. “Shut it, orc.”
