Amy tittered.
Kristine rolled her eyes. “Don’t encourage her. You know what we are. Right?”
“Yes, Jayce told me. He thought you’d want us to know. Still, your mother doesn’t look a day over thirty,” Rory continued. “Our kind is lucky. I’m about a thousand years old meself.”
Amy smiled. “I’m not far behind you then.”
His brows lifted. “Really? And where might you be from?”
“Originally? Scotland. I was born there. Kristine is much younger, however. She was born in New York.”
“Ah,” he said. “Much younger, then.” Rory continued. “I couldn’t be more excited to meet another dragon clan! Me friend Drake can’t wait to meet you as well.”
“Is he a dragon?” Amy asked.
“I’m supposed to let guests reveal themselves if they choose to—and I should let you know…we have a strict policy not to reveal our paranormal status to humans. But Drake isn’t a guest. He’s a member of the club next door and one of our resident firefighters, like yourself, Kristine.”
“We’ll be excited to meet him too,” Amy said. “Is he single?”
“Ma!”
She giggled. “It never hurts to ask…”
“Alas, he is not,” Rory said. “His wife’s name is Bliss, and the couple couldn’t be more blissful.”
“A pity,” Amy said. “Oh! Not about their happiness. I only wish I could find the same.”
The two New York dragons followed Rory through the beautiful neighborhood called Back Bay. When they arrived at Beacon Street and took a left, Amy asked, “Is this the street you live on?”
Rory gave them a gleaming grin. “It is indeed.”
“It’s gorgeous!” Amy exclaimed.
Kristine had to agree. It seemed as if the Boston paranormals were doing quite well.
Soon they arrived at a magnificent brownstone. It was more of a light gray, but Kristine knew the term actually referred to any building of similar style, the common denominator being a front stoop.
As Rory ascended the stairs, Amy halted, caught her breath, and placed a hand over heart. “I’m gobsmacked. This is one of the most beautiful city homes I’ve ever seen.”
Rory paused and gazed up at his home lovingly. “She is indeed. I won’t pretend to be humble and say, ‘Aw, it’s nothin’,’ because, truly, it’s a privilege to live here. Me sister and I restored the building to its original elegance. It was a labor of love that lasted about a year.”
They no sooner had entered the beautiful home than Kristine’s phone rang.
“Jayce! We’re here!”
“Did Rory show up?”
“He arrived on schedule. We’re at the B and B now.”
Rory smiled at Amy. “Let me give you the tour. Kristine can catch up with us after her phone call.”
Perfect.She wanted a little privacy to talk to her lover.
“I can’t wait to see you!” Jayce said. “I’m getting off a little early. Can I take you out to dinner?”
“I’d like that.” Then she lowered her voice. “Unless you want dessert first.”
“Would I!” He laughed. “I can’t wait.”
Rory and Amy chuckled.Damn. I thought they were preoccupied.
As soon as Kristine and Jayce said their good-byes—or see-you-laters, as it were—she found the others. “I’d like to rest up a bit before Jayce arrives.”
“Of course, luv. I’m sorry for tarryin’. It’s just that we Irish love our stories and long introductions. But let’s get you settled and feelin’ right at home.” He called up the stairs, “Amber?”
Home?Kristine didn’t know where home was anymore. They couldn’t go back to their apartment in New York. They’d have to move, and to be safe they should return only when they were sure the apartment was no longer being watched and they had a new place to go to.
Moving would be a nightmare. Amy had already complained about leaving so many of her special things behind—like her Tony award—even though she knew it was imperative to get out of New York as quickly as possible.
She’d definitely be going back for it, no matter how dangerous the situation was.
