Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 93267 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93267 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“Gimme a second, kids!” Gregori called up to them.
“Okay!”
Shifting back to human form, he loped up to where Salem stood on the bottom stone step—right as sand met staircase—then paused there, a smile on his face.
He looked so much better. The change in him in Boston had been so gradual, Salem hadn’t quite realized just how much health and weight he’d lost until looking at Gregori now, who was nearly the picture of health. It made Salem’s heart ache to see him vibrant and healthy again.
“Hi, babe. Pulled your head out of the books for a breather?”
“Well, yes, but I had a serious question I wanted to ask you.”
Salem leaned in to kiss him, soft and slow, tasting Gregori’s delight before drawing back.
“Whatever it is, yes.”
Man was seriously bad about spoiling him.
“At least let me ask first. Go on a date with me?”
“You’re correct,” Gregori mused. “That’s more of a hell yes question.”
Salem had sort of expected this answer, but he was still relieved to hear it. “I’ve got reservations for tomorrow night. Be ready by five.”
Gregori perked up. “Oh really? To what, dinner?”
“That is for me to know”—Salem stole another kiss—“and for you to find out. Five sharp, and dress up a little. I’ve got a full date planned.”
“Ooooh. Yes, sir!”
Smartass. Still, Salem was smiling as he pulled back. The second he did, he saw two rascally blue dragons dive-bombing in their direction.
“Incoming,” he warned.
And then promptly got out of the way.
Gregori turned, lightning quick, switching into dragon form smoothly and this time capturing the kids in his wings. They laughed and wiggled, trying to get free, but he had them closely tucked against his body.
“Dive-bombing?!” Gregori said with mock outrage. “Who taught you to dive-bomb your elders!”
“Daddy,” the twins chorused.
“Now doesn’t that just figure,” Gregori groused.
Salem snapped a few pictures before going hunting for his brother. Right now, he needed more ideas on how to knock Gregori’s socks off. Since he didn’t know the area at all, it was time to pull in someone more “local.” And if Sam couldn’t help him, he knew some dragons who could.
Gregori should have known a date with Salem would be no simple affair. The good doctor fully threw himself into everything he did, so why would Gregori ever think he’d half-ass a date?
Part of him was so elated at Salem having asked him out, he was damn near giddy with it. A surprise date, no less, without any prompting on Gregori’s part. He couldn’t be more elated and stay in his skin. He’d damn near vibrated out of it already a few times. Gregori wasn’t going to let Salem off easy though. After almost two months of brushing him off and ignoring him, Salem needed to put in some serious effort. Prove—even just a little bit—that Gregori wasn’t the only one who wanted to be in this relationship.
Okay. Fine. Salem didn’t need to try too hard. The mage could have taken him to McDonald’s and presented him with the prize for the kid’s meal and Gregori would have been over the moon.
But he did have some pride left. A smidge of ego. It wasn’t a bad thing to want to feel appreciated and desired.
First stop, Rêveries.
He grinned when the car Salem had hired to take them into the city proper pulled up to the tiny restaurant with outdoor seating under red umbrellas. He’d expected Salem to choose a place that specialized in local Brazilian fare, but he’d opted for a suggestion from Dimitri. Dimitri loved this tiny French restaurant because its food was amazing, the scenery was beautiful, and the atmosphere was quiet and intimate.
“I see you had some help,” Gregori murmured as he stepped out of the car.
Salem smirked and immediately threaded their fingers together as he led the way to the front door. “I might have conferred with a few dragons who have lived here for a century or two. I thought they might have some insight into the best places to go in Rio de Janeiro. Better than a guidebook for tourists.”
They were greeted and immediately shown to a table. A server appeared with menus and water. The second he disappeared, the hostess returned with a broad smile and a bouquet of tropical flowers for Gregori.
Gregori’s heart flipped over as the flowers were placed in his hands. A divine fragrance danced past his nose, and he lowered his face to drink in their scent—and just maybe to hide his enormous grin as it slipped out. Salem was trying so very hard to impress him. The man sitting opposite him in a suit and tie, looking good enough to devour, practically bounced in his seat.
“They’re beautiful,” Gregori murmured.
“Not nearly as beautiful as you.”
Gregori choked on air and was forced to set his flowers aside. “Are you going to be feeding me cheesy lines all night?”