Page 13 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas

Sibling bickering? Just like in the book!

Avery took a step to the side so he could see around the other customers. The men working out back looked identical. Twin brothers? He saw another baker, carrying a tray. He seemed unbothered by the twins’ bickering.

Avery stared, watching the family working together.

One big happy family.

“Avery?”

Avery turned to face Jack. The man smiled at him. He had a handsome lopsided smile.

The man was handsome in general. Broad shoulders that looked strong stretched his beige tunic. Thick brown hair curled around his ears. Slight stubble covered his jaw. His sleeves had been rolled back, showing off impressive forearms and big hands. Flour and dried dough clung to the apron wrapped around his waist.

A very attractive-looking man indeed. Avery hummed.

“Good day, Jack.” Avery came closer.

“Hello, Avery. A vanilla crescent cookie?”

“Yes, please.” Avery counted out and placed the coins on the counter.

Jack placed the cookie on a plate before him. “That all?” He took the coins.

“Yes.” Avery picked up the cookie. It felt so delicate and soft in his hand. If he tightened his fingers, it would crumble to pieces.

He lifted it and smelled the sugary, buttery, vanilla scent. He took a bite, powdered sugar clinging to his lips as the cookie melted on his tongue. He closed his eyes and moaned as bliss exploded in his mouth. Avery savoured each bite until it disappeared entirely. He licked his lips.

Letting out a happy sigh, he opened his eyes. Jack watched him, wearing a slight smile.

“Thank you, Jack.”

“You’re welcome, Avery.”

Their gazes held. Avery felt a tingle of awareness between them. He didn’t want to look away from those deep-brown eyes. They reminded him of earth and soil, of something solid, strong, and true.

Did Jack feel this too? This connection between them?

Avery hadn’t felt it that first day. He’d thought Jack handsome, of course. But each day, he became more aware of the man who gave him his cookie. He thought more of him, even when Avery wasn’t here.

Did Jack think him handsome? He felt the sudden urge to ask. Perhaps he’d like to see Avery’s den. Perhaps he’d like to see Avery’s books!

The bell tinkled, and the door opened. A bunch of gnome children burst into the bakery, followed by their fathers. The room exploded with the noise of children laughing and yelling. They ran to the glass that shielded the baked goods from their hands and pressed their faces against it. They pointed at the delicacies beyond, proclaiming which ones they wanted.

Avery huffed in amusement. “They are very excited.”

“These kids always are.” Jack chuckled.

Avery watched the children with rapt attention. Avery laughed at their happy smiles and their squeals of delight as their fathers gave their orders to Lacy.

As the children ate, crumbs, jam, and bits of chocolate got on their lips, chins, cheeks, and shirts. They did not chew with their mouths shut.

Very poor table manners. Years ago, Avery would have been scolded by Nanny Bessy for such raucous behaviour. But Avery didn’t care.

One big happy family.

Avery smiled.

“Do you have kids?”