Page 28 of Hot for the Dragon (Saltwater Grove #3)

28

DAPHNE

D aphne stood confidently beside Archer on the raised platform in City Hall's grand chamber. Her heart swelled with pride as her brother Hugo addressed the gathered crowd. Sunlight streamed in through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the sea of faces - townspeople and dragon shifters alike. Her fingers brushed against Archer's hand, and she felt him tense slightly at the public display.

"Thanks to the combined efforts of Daphne Throne and Archer Hawke, our town stands united and stronger than ever," Hugo announced, his voice carrying through the large chamber.

Daphne watched Archer's jaw clench slightly as the crowd erupted in applause. He maintained his usual stoic expression, but she caught the slight softening around his eyes.

Nina approached them first, her apron shimmering with constellations. "You two were incredible. Though I must say, Archer, seeing you fight for our town instead of against it was quite the change."

"Times change," Archer replied, his deep voice carrying that familiar gruff edge, though Daphne noticed his posture relax slightly at Nina's genuine smile.

Terry stepped forward next, followed by several other dragon shifters who had helped turn the tide against Carmen’s attack. "We wouldn't have had the courage to stand up to her without you both," Terry said with a smile. "Especially you, Daphne. Your words gave us strength."

"The strength was always there within you," Daphne responded. "You just needed to believe in it."

More townspeople approached them, each with their own story of gratitude. Daphne noticed how Archer's responses grew less clipped with each person, though he maintained his intimidating stance. When Mrs. Chen hugged him impulsively, Daphne had to bite back a laugh at his startled expression.

"Thank you for protecting our home," a young girl said, offering Archer a slightly wilted daisy.

Daphne's heart melted as Archer knelt down and accepted the flower with surprising gentleness, even as he kept his expression stern. She caught the flash of emotion in his dark eyes - the same look he'd given her the first time she had praised his woodcarvings.

"You are going soft," she whispered to him between the well-wishers.

"Don't tell anyone," he replied with a smile, as his hand found hers and squeezed gently.

The autumn breeze rustled through the trees lining City Hall's steps as Daphne and Archer emerged into the late afternoon sun. Dried leaves skittered across their path, and Daphne pulled her light jacket closer against the chill.

"We need to make a quick stop before heading back," Archer said, his voice low.

"Oh?" Daphne glanced up at him, noting the determined set of his jaw. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see." His lips quirked in that half-smile that never failed to make her heart skip.

As they approached Belladonna Boulevard, anticipation tingled through her body. The street looked different now - the damage from Carmen's attacks mostly repaired, though some scorch marks still marked a few buildings.

Archer stopped abruptly. "Close your eyes."

"What? Why?"

He gave her that intense stare that made her feel like she was the only person in the world. "Trust me?"

"Always," she replied, closing her eyes. Her other senses heightened immediately - the crisp autumn air, the distant chatter of townspeople, the warmth of Archer's hand as it enveloped hers.

"No peeking," he commanded, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he guided her forward.

"I wouldn't dare," she laughed. "Though I have to say, this mysterious side of you is intriguing."

"Careful," he rumbled near her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "You might make me reconsider this whole 'being nice' thing."

"Please, you love it."

His only response was a low grunt, but she could hear the smile in it. They walked a few more steps, leaves crunching beneath their feet. The familiar scents of Belladonna Boulevard washed over her - fresh bread from the bakery, coffee from Nina’s shop around the corner, and the floral arrangements in flower boxes nearby.

"Just a few more steps," Archer murmured, his hand steady on her lower back as he positioned her. "Stay right there."

He paused, and they stood there for what felt like an eternity.

"Open your eyes," Archer said, his deep voice sending pleasant shivers through her body.

Daphne's eyes fluttered open and her breath caught in her throat. There it stood - the old café on Belladonna Boulevard. The weathered brick facade was bathed in the late afternoon sunlight. But something was different. The windows gleamed, freshly washed, and a prominent "SOLD" sign stood in the front window. Her heart stuttered as she took in the spacious storefront that had haunted her dreams for months.

"I don't understand," she whispered, her fingers trembling as she reached out to touch the cool brick.

"It's yours." Archer said. "The paperwork is already done."

"Archer, I can't possibly-"

"You can and you will." He stepped closer and gazed down at her with those intense dark eyes. "You've given me something far more valuable than a building."

Heat bloomed in her cheeks as his fingers brushed her chin, tilting her face up to his. "You dragged me out of that mansion, showed me there was more to life than brooding in isolation. You changed everything for me, Daphne."

Her heart beat erratically at the fierce protectiveness in his expression. Through the window, she could already envision her dream shop - gleaming glass cases filled with exotic blooms, a greenhouse extension in the back where she could nurture the most delicate specimens.

"Besides," he added with that slight smirk that always made her knees weak, "I need somewhere to display my wood carvings. Can't keep them hidden away forever."

The autumn breeze rustled through her hair as she stood there, overwhelmed by the magnitude of his gift and the depth of emotion in his usually guarded expression. Words failed her as tears pricked at her eyes.

As the reality of the moment hit her, tears started spilling down Daphne's cheeks. Her dream shop - the one she had walked past countless times, imagining what could be - was now hers. All because of this incredible man beside her.

"Archer, I can't believe- This is- You actually-" The words tumbled out between happy sobs. She threw her arms around his solid frame, feeling his muscles tense briefly before relaxing into her. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"If you keep crying, I'm taking it back," he said, though his large hand came up to stroke her hair.

Daphne laughed through her tears, pulling back to wipe her eyes. "No takebacks. You're stuck with me as your business partner now."

Archer then produced an old brass key from his pocket, the metal catching the sunlight. "Want to see inside?"

Her heart leaped as she took the key with trembling fingers. The lock clicked open smoothly, and Daphne stepped into her new shop. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, dancing across the hardwood floors. The space was bigger than she remembered, with high ceilings and exposed brick walls.

"We can put your display cases along here," she said, gesturing excitedly. "And your wood carvings would look amazing on these shelves - imagine how the afternoon light would catch the details." Her mind raced with possibilities as she moved through the space. "Oh! And back here, we could set up a workshop area where customers could watch you work while I arrange their bouquets!"

"Slow down," Archer said, though his dark eyes held amusement. "You haven't even mentioned where you're putting your greenhouse yet."

"The greenhouse!" Daphne spun around, her eyes shining. "It'll be perfect in that back area - we can extend it out into the courtyard. I can grow all sorts of rare flowers, maybe even some magical varieties. Your carvings would look stunning surrounded by living plants."

She practically danced through the space, pointing out where everything would go. Archer followed, occasionally offering suggestions that only made her smile wider. His presence filled the spacious room, commanding and protective, yet somehow perfectly in harmony with her vision of delicate blooms and intricate woodwork.

Daphne soon stood beside Archer at the large storefront window, their reflections merging with the view of Belladonna Boulevard outside. Her heart filled with joy and excitement as she pictured their shared future in this space - her vibrant flowers complementing his detailed woodwork, their talents intertwining just as naturally as their lives had.

"That corner will be absolutely perfect for our seasonal displays," she mused, leaning back against his solid chest. His strong arms encircled her waist, and she felt the rumble of agreement in his chest. "Though knowing you, you'll insist on reorganizing my arrangements to make them perfect."

"Someone has to maintain order around here," he said, his voice carrying that mix of authority and affection that made her knees wobbly. "Your creative chaos needs some boundaries."

Daphne turned in his arms, tilting her face up to meet his intense dark gaze. The last rays of sunlight caught the golden auburn highlights in his hair, and her breath hitched at the naked emotion in his expression. Without hesitation, she rose on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.

Archer responded immediately, one hand cupping her cheek while the other pulled her closer. The kiss deepened, and Daphne melted against him as his tongue sought hers. He kissed like he did everything else - with absolute confidence and unwavering focus, leaving her dizzy and breathless.

When they finally broke their kiss, Daphne's heart raced as she saw the heated look in his eyes. "We should celebrate tonight," she whispered, running her fingers along the solid muscle of his chest. "Back at your place?"

"It’s our place now," he corrected, his voice rough with desire.