Dragon Meets Girl: Forgotten Dragons Book 2 Read online

  “Janet?”

  She sat up abruptly as the world spun and came to a stop, leaving her in her bed in the middle of her bedroom, panting and holding the covers up to her chest.

  Flushing violently, she looked up to see Xander sitting calmly in her chair by the window, reading one of her books.

  “Having a nice dream?” His full lips were pulled up in a smirk, and she wanted to bury herself under the covers and never come out.

  “Go die,” she muttered, flopping back on her bed and wondering if her foot was well enough for her to take a cold shower.

  She flexed it slightly and realized it must not have been as bad as she thought. Just a little swollen. She’d be up and walking normally in no time.

  And getting this infuriating, sex-dream-causing, super-hot man out of her life.

  He held up the book. “I rolled over on this last night when I was getting out of bed while you were sleeping. I hope you don’t mind me reading it.”

  She saw the title in his hands, and her jaw dropped. “Oh my God, say you didn’t really—”

  “It’s quite good,” he said, flipping a few pages back and smirking up at her. “Does this stuff work in real life?” His vivid eyes locked on hers as if drawn by a tractor beam. “You’re mine. I won’t let anyone have you.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t her fault. Possessive characters were her favorite, and seeing someone with Xander’s face saying lines from her favorite hero…

  She waved a hand, wishing she didn’t blush so much. “Give that back.”

  “Nope,” Xander said, holding it up to his face comically. It looked small in his huge hands. “I’m learning useful stuff here.” He cocked his head to the side as if studying it.

  “Give that back,” she said again, waving her hand more fervently.

  He set it on the arm of the chair, resting his hand on it. “Maybe. If you tell me who you were dreaming about.”

  There was a hard look in his eyes, though he was trying to appear calm and unbothered.

  “Why?” she said, her own lips curving up this time. “You jealous?”

  “Yes,” he said flatly, folding his arms with the book still in his hand.

  “O-oh,” she said, feeling herself stutter as her face reached a new shade of strawberry.

  “I like it when you go red,” he said, cocking his head to the side. “It’s my favorite color.”

  She blinked at him. “Please, just shut up.”

  “Anyway,” he said, looking around the room. “I can’t help but notice you have an awful lot of these things.”

  She winced at the books scattered around her bookshelf. “They’re, uh… a hobby. I review them.”

  It wasn’t a total lie. She did review them. In her head. With her vibrator in hand.

  Xander peered at her. “Hm.”

  “It’s research,” she said, grimly aware of the fact that she was wholly unconvincing.

  Xander perked up at that. He was wearing black lounge pants with a worn blue tee that fit looser than most he wore but still stretched across his massive shoulders. “Research, huh? Want to do research with me?”

  She screwed up her nose and then laughed because she just couldn’t help it. “Nice try, Xan.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Xan. I like it. Xan and Jan. Hey, it rhymes—”

  She put a hand over her face. “Oh God, you just ruined it again.” But deep down, she had to admit she was having fun with him.

  He stood abruptly, tossing the book next to her on the bed. “And on that note, I’m going to make breakfast.”

  She shook her head, trying to scoot to the edge of the bed. “You don’t have to—”

  He put out a hand to stop her and scowled firmly. “You haven’t tasted my pancakes. So yes, I do have to.”

  She really had no answer for that, so she just hid her grin behind her hand as he waved cockily and strode out.

  If he actually made good pancakes, her heart might be in even more trouble than she’d thought.

  Chapter 7

  The pancakes were more delicious than any pancakes made by a giant male model had a right to be.

  When they’d finished, Xander had made sure she was okay, that her ankle was wrapped properly, and headed out, claiming he had a work meeting.

  Now that she thought about it, she had no idea what he did for work.

  Her foot was doing better, and she could even walk around without much trouble as long as she iced and took anti-inflammatories.

  She did some work from home, chatting with her co-workers here and there about what had happened the previous night and how her foot was feeling.

  The hours ticked by, and by the time it was evening, Janet was feeling restless and a bit lonely.

  It was odd for her to feel that way, given that she lived alone. She went out a lot just for company, just to be around people, but she’d never really felt like she needed anyone before.

  Xander’s smiling face popped up in her mind again, and she couldn’t help grinning at the thought of him even as she reminded herself he was just there to escape his brother’s PDA.

  Or complete his conquest of her.

  One or the other.

  She needed to keep her head straight, she told herself as she pushed her laptop away and stretched lazily.

  It was starting to get dark outside, and she wondered where Xander was. How he was doing.

  He’d gotten her number from Kelsie and texted her throughout the day, asking how she was doing and if she needed anything.

  She hadn’t known men could be like this. It was no wonder women were fooled.

  It seemed as if he cared so much about her, when, really, they’d barely met. Still, she had to admit it was addictive, the idea that someone could actually want you like that. Commit completely.

  She’d texted him back that she was working and he should leave her alone, and it now occurred to her that might be why he hadn’t come back yet.

  She pulled out her phone and clicked on his text chain.

  I’m done. If you want to come back.

  She sent the text and got up to see what she had in the fridge that she could heat up for dinner.

  Her phone buzzed, and she braced herself for the cheesiness that would be facing her.

  On my way, princess.

  She groaned because Xander never failed to meet expectations and also because there was a part of her that lit up whenever he spoke or texted or came to mind.

  A part that maybe would have been better if she’d never listened to her mother.

  But then, you can’t really choose what you listen to when you’re a child.

  She limped to the freezer and was rummaging through for microwave meals when a knock on the door startled her.

  She cocked her head, wondering how Xander could have gotten there so quickly. But when she opened the door, she saw Tina, her co-worker, standing outside and holding a plate of cookies.

  Tina was a short, slender blonde with brown eyes and an outgoing nature that endeared her to most people around her.

  Janet wasn’t one of those people, and she frankly had no idea why Tina was on her doorstep.

  Tina batted her eyes up at Janet in that simpering way that worked on most people. “I heard you were hurt. I thought I’d come visit.”

  Janet bit her lower lip, then moved back, allowing Tina inside and hoping she didn’t regret it. “That’s nice of you.”

  Hopefully, Tina would just set down the cookies and go.

  Janet wanted the cookies.

  Tina set the plate on the counter and then took her time appraising the apartment. She was wearing a polka dot dress that flared below a belted waist, and her lips were painted red like a pinup.

  An odd outfit for visiting an invalid.

  “So I heard you had trouble last night,” she said, leaning on the counter as she looked up at Janet.

  Janet wrinkled her nose, shoving her hands in her black pajama pants. She still had her robe on. “Not
hing I couldn’t handle.”

  Tina’s smile widened. “I heard a really hot guy helped you. I heard he was staying here.”

  Ah, so that was the rub.

  Janet shook her head inwardly. “He’s Kelsie’s friend, really. Her boyfriend’s twin.”

  “Twins?” Tina said. “Hot.”

  Janet swallowed as she walked back to the cupboard, her mouth suddenly dry. “Can I get you a drink?”

  “Yes, please,” Tina said. “Water is fine.”

  It was a good thing Janet barely limped with her foot wrapped up.

  As she filled a glass up, another knock sounded on the door.

  “Is that him?” Tina asked. She eagerly went to the door to look through the peephole and let out a little squeal. “Oh my God, hot.”

  “He’s not really…” Janet trailed off, not knowing what she meant to say about Xander.

  He was hot. But that wasn’t the only important thing about him, and—

  Tina yanked the door open, revealing a surprised Xander on the porch with a bag of takeout in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other.

  He stared down at her, as if not knowing what he was looking at, and then smiled a polite smile that looked a bit pained. “Is Janet here?”

  Tina nodded, stepping out of the way. “Sure! I’m here taking care of her.”

  Xander walked in to set his bags down on the counter, and his eyes appraised the situation. Janet holding a glass of water. Tina at the door. “I can see that.”

  He set down his things and hurried over to Janet, taking her water and handing it to Tina and then helping Janet over to her seat.

  “I’m fine, Xander. It’s barely hurting.”

  “And it’ll stay that way as long as you stay off it. So get on the couch.”

  “Don’t tell me what to do,” Janet said snippily, but she sat at one of the barstools all the same, watching as Tina eagerly walked back up to Xander.

  Tina reached up to take hold of the much bigger man’s hand. She was bold Janet had to give her that. “Come sit on the couch, tell us more about you.”

  This time, Janet noticed just a hint of irritation in his polite smile as he nodded and followed her to the couch.

  He sat down as far from her as possible, glaring at her as if warning her not to scoot in. His hair was rumpled from his motorcycle helmet, giving him an adorably disheveled look, and he was still wearing his jacket and boots.

  “So… what are you doing here with Janet?” Tina asked, scooting closer.

  Xander gave Janet a pleading look, as if begging her to rescue him, but Janet just smiled.

  She wasn’t any better at dealing with Tina than he probably would be. Besides, wouldn’t he like the attention? Most men did when it came to Tina.

  “I’m just helping out,” Xander said, trying to scoot farther away.

  Tina got even closer, placing a hand on his chest. “That’s so nice of you,” she said, drawing her hand down his abdomen as his shocked eyes followed.

  He gently pushed her back. “Thanks for saying so. I really like Janet a lot, and she’s actually doing me a favor, letting me stay here.”

  Tina wasn’t ready to give up. She moved in again so their thighs were touching. “We appreciate you taking care of our girl.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck nervously as a muscle ticked at his temple. “I mean, someone has to. Seems like she takes care of everyone else.”

  “That’s sooo true,” Tina said in the fakest voice possible. “She’s such a nice woman, never letting anyone do anything for her.”

  “Yeah,” Xander said, but his voice was flat, watching her hand crawl toward his thigh. He picked it up with two fingers and moved it back to her thigh. “So what are you two up to?”

  Janet had to work hard not to laugh. She rested her cheek on her hand and covered her mouth with the other. “Tina just came over to bring me cookies. I think she has to leave.”

  “No!” Tina said. “I can stay!” She reached her hand out again, and this time, it fell on Xander’s knee.

  His mouth twitched, and he looked like he wanted to swat it away like an unwanted bug.

  Janet decided she should probably help him out. “Sorry, Tina. He doesn’t swing that way.”

  Xander looked up at her in confusion. “What?”

  Janet looked at him meaningfully. “He likes guys.”

  Tina jerked back, looking up at him. “What? Are you bi?” She pouted. “Tell me you’re at least bi.”

  Xander looked at Janet, and comprehension dawned on him. He grinned crookedly. “Right. No. Sorry, men only. I really like to pound men’s asses all day and night, and—”

  “Xander!” Janet squeaked, pushing off the chair to limp over to him.

  When he saw her moving, his expression grew less playful and he stood, stalking over to her to pick her up before she could protest.

  He put her on the couch next to Tina, where he’d been sitting, and then moved over to the bar. “Anyway, Tina, you’re welcome to stay. I’m glad you came. We were actually planning to clean out the pantry tonight, and we sure could use an extra pair of hands—”

  Tina stood abruptly, her face flushing, her expression irritated. She flipped her blond hair over her shoulder. “What a waste.” She gave Janet another fake smile. “I misunderstood. I’m actually busy tonight.”

  And then, with a look at her cookies that said she regretted even bringing them, Tina let out a heavy sigh and was gone, slamming the door behind her.

  Xander and Janet stared at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter.

  “That was good,” she said. “A cleaning party. Nothing else would send her running faster.”

  “I could tell she was awful the minute I walked in and saw you getting her water. The nerve.”

  He put his hands on his hips, and when she looked up at his handsome face, for once, she didn’t just see the player. The hottest guy in the club.

  She just saw… her friend. Maybe her first guy friend.

  He looked over at her, and she noticed his cheeks were still flushed from the ride. “How was your day?” He walked over to his bag and started pulling out takeout containers.

  “You didn’t need to do that,” she said.

  He shrugged, grabbing utensils and bringing over a plate with Chinese food on it.

  After a hard day of work, sitting on a soft couch with Chinese food was perfect. When he brought her a glass of wine as well, it was heaven.

  She eyed him suspiciously. “What are you up to?”

  “Nothing,” he said. “I just thought it was a long day and you might like something you didn’t have to work on. Plus, since neither of us is going clubbing, I thought we could just cut loose here.”

  “Not too loose,” she said, thinking about that morning. About her dream. About the teasing.

  About him saying he would help her “research” the things in her books.

  “We could just watch a movie,” he said, coming back to the couch with his own dinner and a much larger glass of wine. Then again, he was a big person. As he sat, the couch bounced slightly under his immense weight.

  So much muscle.

  She gulped, taking a bite of her food. “Mm, that’s amazing. Thank you.” It was getting easier to trust him. Easier to be grateful. “I can’t believe you turned down Tina.”

  He looked at her sidelong, vivid blue eyes shining. “I didn’t have to, thanks to you.” His lips crooked up at one corner. “Though, you got a little creative there.”

  “You played along with it,” she said, and then they both chuckled again.

  “Honestly,” she said when she’d had just enough wine to let her inhibitions down slightly, “Tina’s relentless. Totally the manhunter. She always gets her guy.”

  Xander shrugged. “Not this guy.” He stabbed a piece of beef and chewed it as he leaned back on the couch, hands behind his head.

  “Why is that?” Janet asked. “I wouldn’t have minded.”

  H
is expression hardened slightly. “Really? You wouldn’t mind at all?”

  She shook her head. “You’re just a friend. Just here helping me.”

  He let out a sigh. “I guess that means you haven’t been thinking about taking me up on my offer to do some of your book stuff with you?”

  Her cheeks went red faster than she could grab her wine glass and take a sip to hide it. “No.” Liar.

  She’d been thinking of him on and off all day. Wondering if it would really hurt to just try things. Just casually. To make love to something other than her sex toys.

  He snorted. “Well, let me know if you change your mind.” He went back to eating his dinner, and silence fell between them.

  “Xander?” Janet asked.

  “Yes?”

  “If you’re such a player, why did you turn Tina down?”

  “One, I’m not a player,” he said tersely. “Two, I’m into someone else.” He gave her a meaningful look that made heat shoot down to her toes.

  He couldn’t mean…

  His blue eyes narrowed. “Why do you think I’m a player? Have I done something to offend you?”

  Janet smiled ruefully. “Aside from chasing me from club to club? No. But I mean, it’s what everyone says about you.”

  “Right, because they’re the experts,” Xander said sarcastically. “Who are you going to believe? Me or them?”

  “Well, would a player really admit to it?”

  “I suppose not.”

  “There you have it. Besides, when it’s the bartender—”

  Xander let out a groan as he clapped a hand over his face. “Please don’t tell me Ash talked to you.”

  “Yes, why? You upset I know that you broke her heart?”

  “I didn’t break anything but her libido,” he said bitterly. “She tried to pin me against my truck.”

  She laughed, trying to process exactly what he meant. “Like any woman is big enough to do that.”

  “I didn’t say she succeeded. I said she tried,” Xander said, running his hand through his hair, looking slightly stressed as he shrugged out of his jacket. “I don’t like hurting feelings.”

  Realization dawned on her. “Oh. You rejected her, and she’s telling everyone you broke her heart. I’m so sorry, Xander.”