Daire would double over laughing at the prospect of Elouan pursuing someone instead of them pursuing him. Was this disappointment what others had felt when he’d rejected them? Well, they’d been after his title and position, not Elouan the man, or dragon.
Elouan wanted Jules, though he couldn’t really say why. Jules wasn’t like the self-assured lovers Elouan picked up and easily discarded, knowing he’d never truly be anything to them, northey to him. Jules didn’t smile and make empty promises. He seemed as genuine a person as Elouan had ever met.
A text arrived from an unknown number the next Monday, as Elouan was settling in for another solitary high-rise meal.
It’s Jules on a borrowed phone. Meet me for lunch at the coffee shop?
Elouan swore he could’ve flown there, even in human form. He returned his sandwiches to his lunchbox and joined his coworkers, trudging toward the elevator, barely containing a grin.
“You’re actually going to join us mere mortals for lunch today?” Leon chided as Elouan took the elevator down to the ground level.
Elouan didn’t correct Leon’s “mere mortals” comment.
“Nope.” He wasn’t ready to tell anyone about his hopes. What if Jules wasn’t there? It wasn’t like Elouan could call him, and he wasn’t on his lofty perch where he could watch for the guy to appear. In hindsight, perhaps his Jules-watching was creepy.
Leon, Earl, and a few other coworkers gathered around a trio of coolers and picnic tables while Elouan wandered off the site and down the sidewalk. He might even take his full lunch hour today.
His heartbeat and footsteps slowed as he reached the coffee shop and peered inside. No Jules. He opened the door and went inside. A guy had to eat. The display case held a few labeled sandwiches: ham and cheese on rye, turkey club, and a notice that read, “Ask about our gluten-free and vegan options.”
The turkey club looked promising until a glance at the pastries put sandwiches from Elouan’s mind. He had a few in his lunchbox, after all. Cinnamon rolls with a ribbon of white frosting, cranberry muffins, apple fritters, blueberry-filled doughnuts, and cheese Danishes made his mouth water.
The scent of coffee hung heavy in the air, with the ubiquitous aroma of pumpkin spice that always settled in this time of year, an artificial construct of fall.
“My favorite is the cheese Danish. Although I like apple fritters too.” The sweet voice from behind made Elouan’s day. His shoulders sagged in relief.
Both options sounded good. Elouan turned, not even fighting a pleased grin. “Jules! You made it.” Several sets of eyes shifted their way. “Am I talking too loud?”
Jules shifted his gaze around the room. “No, I think it’s more that you’re talking to me.” He looked up, all blue eyes framed by nearly transparent lashes, plump lower lip trapped between his teeth. Jules shifted his attention to the floor, an adorable flash of pink racing up his neck to his face. “You’re the hottest guy in here.”
“Hottest…” Whoever had stared turned away whenever Elouan made eye contact. He might understand their fascination with an alpha if they were dragons, but these were humans. No, he’d never lacked sexual partners in this world, but for all appearances, he was with Jules, and those random admirers could be disrespecting his mate.
Elouan took Jules’s hand without thinking. Wait.His mate?
“Wha…” Jules tried to ask.
“I don’t want them to think I’m available.”
“Oh.” Jules deflated.
Why? Oh! Would Jules think him too forward? “I don’t want them thinking you’re available either. I’d have held your hand the other night if I'd thought you’d let me, but under the circumstances….”
The storm clouds passed, the light returning to Jules’s eyes. Elouan couldn’t say if others still gawked, for he was focused solely on the man in front of him.
“What can I get you?” The barista’s impatient voice bordered on rude.
“What? Oh!” Elouan had been so captivated by Jules that he’d forgotten they were in line. “What’ll you have, Jules?”
“I’ll have the cheese Danish and a black coffee.” Jules told the barista.
Sounded good to Elouan. “I’ll have the same.”
Jules lifted a staying hand when Elouan produced his wallet. He murmured, “You don’t have to pay for me.”
Elouan regarded Jules sternly while removing bills from his wallet. “I believe I invited you out. I pay.” Actually, Jules did the inviting with his text, but still. Elouan had left the door open for such a meeting.
Someone farther back in the line must’ve heard, and hollered, “I don’t have the first ounce of pride. I’ll let you pay for mine if you want!” to which those standing around the man chuckled. No, not simply a man. With such acute hearing, he might be more.
Elouan took a whiff, trying to filter out the coffee and pastry scents, finally catching notes of something familiar. A beta dragon. The dragon inclined his head in acknowledgement, then winked.
