I could have stayed there all night, flying with Ollie, but I had a long day ahead of me, so at some point in the early morning, I headed back to earth. He followed me willingly, even though I was sure he wanted to stay here.
As I shifted, a strange, tight feeling gripped my heart, and I wondered if something had gone wrong with my shift. But no—it was the realisation of how much Ollie gave, while asking for so little in return. From everyone, but especially from me. And he deserved more.
My fingers fumbled over my buttons as the truth hit me, jolting through me until my breath stuttered. I loved him.
I knew I had to tell him. If this was just a bit of fun for him while he was staying with us, better for us both to know that before I got in any deeper and embarrassed him.
And if it was more than just fun for him… He deserved the old Archer, not this dragon I’d become who was nothing but duty and control. There’d been a time when I wouldn’t have thought of the weakness I was exposing by sharing my feelings. I wouldn’t have been obsessed with all the ways this could come back to bite me and those I was responsible for. Although I needed to protect my family, it couldn’t be at Ollie’s expense. He deserved to know what I felt for him, whether he accepted it or pushed me away.
Once we were both dressed, I pulled him to me with fingers that felt cold and clumsy with nerves. In the darkness, I couldn’t see him well, but I could feel every beat of his heart, every breath he took. He’d become part of me.
“I love you.” I forced the words out, my voice hoarse and strained.
He stood stock still, his heart pounding against mine, and a spike of panic hit me. I loosened my hold so he could easily turn away if that was what he wanted, and I thought it was. I’d fooled myself. Ollie was loving, giving, and full of life. He’d never want to be tied to someone like me.
Then he moved—but not away. He flung himself closer against me, his arms squeezing me tight.
“I love you too,” he whispered.
We held one another, and the stones around us stood silent witness, our love now part of their history.
Chapter Twenty-eight
OLLIE
Archer was off doing his monthly surgery, Mia was at her lessons, Tim had gone back to uni, and I was at a loose end. For the last few weeks, I’d had no problem occupying myself every day while Archer was in his forge, but this felt different. Probably because he’d said I couldn’t go with him. I got it, I did. People might be coming to him with sensitive issues and the last thing they’d want would be a strange dragon around, unsettling the atmosphere.
That didn’t stop me feeling like a spare part once he’d gone. Looking for a distraction, I messaged Jack.
My God, you remember I exist? Don’t tell me—Mr Rochester’s busy.
Crap. Had I been that bad at keeping in touch with my supposed best friend?Sorry. Been busy meeting different Talbots. How’s Lisa? Must be getting close now.
That led, as I expected, into a barrage of baby-related information. I didn’t mind—I hadn’t been a great friend these last few weeks so I was happy listening to his worries that they hadn’t flame-proofed everything well enough in case the baby shifted.
I thought dragonets couldn’t breathe fire at that age.
Just because no one has, doesn’t mean they can’t. We need to be prepared.
Young Ollie is lucky to have you as parents.
She’s going to be Sarah, after Lisa’s gran.
Gotta go—someone’s at the door. But have you thought of Sarah Ollie? Could hyphenate it.
Go answer your door, you freak.
It was the first time in the weeks I’d been living here that a visitor had called. I opened the door to find June, wearing a summer dress and hat, neither of which would have looked out of place at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party. “Hi,” I said. “I’m afraid Archer and the others are out.”
“Oh no, it’s you I’ve come to see. It’s a shame that Archer lives out here because it makes it more difficult to drop in on you for tea, but we must make more of an effort. That’s why you’re visiting, after all. I was thinking, perhaps you’d like to come to a supper party next week? Nothing too large, just twelve of us.”
Foodandcompany? “Count us in.”
Her face froze, and I realised my presumption.
“Oh, sorry. I assumed you meant Archer as well.”
“I mean, yes, of course, he’d be welcome, but that place might be more fruitfully filled by someone you haven’t yet spent much time with, don’t you think?”
