“Because you like my natural scent, right?” I offered.
“Yes,” Cobalt said, his deep voice almost a growl. Flurries of feeling swirled in my chest.
I smiled up at him. “That was really nice of you, by the way. The whole gift basket thing. No one’s ever given me one before.” I bit my lip. “Actually, while I’m blabbing about stuff that’s never happened to me, can I confess something else?”
Cobalt nodded. “You can tell me anything, Muzo.”
My heart rate picked up speed. The way he looked at me and said my name and said such nice things unleashed a swarm of butterflies in my chest. Their wings tickled the inside of my ribs, making me feel warm and itchy. The sensation was so powerful I forgot how to talk for a few seconds—and believe me,thatwas a feat.
“So... I’ve never actually been on a date before,” I told him.
The blue depths of Cobalt’s eyes flashed again. He inched closer, his massive presence engulfing mine like a protective bubble.
“What’s wrong with that?” he asked. The question was honest, not defensive.
I shuffled my feet in the sand. “Nothing, technically, I guess? But I’m inexperienced at dating. I have no clue what I’m doing right now.”
The corners of Cobalt’s mouth lifted into a soft smile. “Then we’ll be inexperienced together.”
Was I imagining the hint of relief in his voice? And if not, why would Cobalt care if I’d been on dates before? We weren’t actually dating, so it wasn’t like he could be jealous, right? Maybe it was his competitive dragon’s pride, and he wanted to do a better job than my non-existent exes.
I grinned. “Hey, if it means anything, this is the best date I’ve ever been on.”
Cobalt regarded me for a long beat, like he could’ve looked at me forever. I wasn’t immune to him, either. I was sucked into the depths of his blue eyes, spellbound to the point that I forgot to breathe.
As I sucked in a rush of air, I noted Cobalt’s scent along with it. The thick, spicy musk he exuded was irresistible. A peculiar tingle of warmth shimmied down my spine and pooled between my thighs.
I’d never been on a date. I’d never been in love. I’d never even kissed anyone.
But right now, Ireallywanted to kiss Cobalt.
I always found it weird how they did it in movies—closing your eyes and leaning in and all that. What if the other person didn’t meet you halfway?
Looking at Cobalt, though, I had no doubts. He saved me from drowning, and he promised Poppy he would protect me.
He’d be there.
With my heart racing out of control, I slowly closed my eyes and pushed up on the balls of my feet, stretching as high as I’d go. For me, it was a long way up; for Cobalt, a long way down.
I heard my blood beating in my ears. I had no idea what was about to happen, but I didn’t dare open my eyes.
Then I felt the movement of air ghosting over my face. Following the motion came a whiff of strong alpha—Cobalt’s scent. My heart beat so fast I worried it might explode.
Cobalt was there. He wasrightthere.
He was gonna kiss me.
Suddenly, the tide roared onto the shore. Cold water doused me from the waist down. I yelped in astonishment, leaping up instinctively to avoid the cold.
This caused two things to happen.
One, I accidentally jumped right into Cobalt’s waiting arms.
Two, I accidentally crushed our mouths together.
I mean, yeah, I wastryingto kiss him in the first place, but this was no beautiful movie kiss. This was two faces colliding in an awkward, unsexy way. Teeth and bruised lips were involved. It was a kissing massacre.
“Ack!” I blurted. “I’m sorry, that isn’t what I was trying to do.”
