Page 24 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas

At least, that was what the stories said.

Jack had no idea if any of those tales were true. He’d never really considered it before. After all, he’d never had to. He’d never met a dragon!

And now Jack had been kissing one. And thinking of doing far more than just kissing.

He’d thought Avery might be a shifter when they met. Perhaps even a phoenix shifter, and they were rare. But not as rare as a dragon.

Avery didn’t seem intimidating and scary enough to be a dragon. He seemed too kind and cute with his freckles and concerned golden eyes that stared at Jack now. So perhaps most of that stuff about dragons he’d heard were mere myths.

“I thought I mentioned it.” Avery frowned. “I guess I didn’t.”

“It’s fine, Avery. I was just surprised.”

Avery pressed his lips together. “Are you sure?” He placed his hands on Jack’s chest, fingers fiddling with the fabric of Jack’s coat. “It’s been such a perfect evening. I hope I haven’t ruined everything.”

Jack’s throat tightened at the raw vulnerability in Avery’s voice. He leaned forward and captured Avery’s lips in another sweet kiss. “You did not ruin a thing. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you.” Jack pressed a kiss to Avery’s freckled cheek. His lips lingered against the warm skin. “It’s been a perfect night.”

Avery let out a breath. “I thought so too. I’m sad it has to end.” He looked around. “It looks like everyone is packing up their stalls and going home.”

Jack stepped in close, placing his hands on Avery’s waist. “I don’t want it to end either.”

He kissed Avery once more, and Avery opened to him. Jack plunged his tongue into Avery’s mouth. Their tongues entwined. Avery groaned, clutching at Jack’s back.

One of Jack’s hands gripped the base of Avery’s skull as he plundered Avery’s mouth. Jack wanted no clothes between them. He wanted skin against skin. He wanted to taste every inch of Avery.

An idea popped into his head. He broke the kiss.

“This night doesn’t have to end yet,” Jack said.

“No?” Avery panted.

Jack took Avery’s hand, tugging him along. “Not if we don’t want it to.” As he walked, he kept stopping to steal kisses from Avery’s delectable lips.

Avery laughed. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

They wove through the rows of stalls, which had now mostly closed. Finally, Jack stopped.

“This is your family’s stall.” Avery stared at it. “But no one is here.”

“They’ve all gone home for the night. It’s just you and me.” Jack opened the side door and stepped in.

It was dark. The front had been shut up. Jack had to fumble to light a candle.

When he turned around, Avery watched him. Jack could see the desire in his eyes. But Avery bit his plump lower lip, as if worried.

Jack stepped in close. “Are you nervous?” He slid his hands around Avery’s waist, studying Avery.

Avery leaned forward, pressing kisses to Jack’s neck. “It’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone.” Hot breath brushed Jack’s skin, causing goosebumps to break out. “But I want you. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone.”

CHAPTER 14

Jack’s hands settled on Avery’s lower back. “We’ll only do what you want to do. Nothing more.” He gazed into Avery’s eyes. Then Jack kissed him.

Avery groaned, pressing his body against Jack’s. Jack’s tongue plunged into Avery’s mouth. Avery’s hands slid between them. Slowly, Avery undid the buttons of Jack’s coat. Not breaking the kiss, Avery tugged the coat off, dropping it on the floor. Jack pushed Avery back against the stall door.

The kisses grew heated. Their mouths clashed, only pulling apart to gasp for air before capturing the other’s mouth again. They tugged and tore at clothes. Jack yanked Avery’s coat and shirt open. Avery pulled Jack’s tunic over his head.