How to Date a Dragon

like a pervert! But if that was the only way to find her, he’d keep it up until he reached the last Z or his phone died permanently.

As he was about to check his battery again, the alarm went off and the firehouse sprang to life. The guys put on their gear and used the pole to get to the garage quickly.

“Any luck?” Benjamin asked.

“No, but I’ve just started.” No one had to know he’d made sixty calls already.

Drake was glad for the distraction. He could drive himself a little crazy when he became obsessed with something or, in this case, someone. He really had to learn to let go.

He jumped up into the ladder truck and leaned out the window. Before long, they were rolling out onto the road.

They were heading to Boylston Street. Not far from the area where Bliss had lived before the fire. Maybe she still has friends in the neighborhood and… He shook his head hard, as if to sweep her out of his mind. Knock it off, Cameron. Chances are slim that she’s still nearby. She said she was going to be living with her parents and they could be anywhere.

When they rolled up to the school building, nothing seemed amiss except for the smoke alarm going off inside and dozens of people standing around on the sidewalk.

The chief ordered the public back, clearing the area.

Drake grabbed an ax and led his comrades inside. No smoke on the first floor. They continued up the stairs and did a sweep of the second, then the third. So far, nothing. Must have been a false alarm. It happened, especially in schools. Probably a student didn’t want to take an exam until he or she had more time to study.

Little bastards. Why can’t they give up a night of partying and study like they’re supposed to?

When the building had been thoroughly checked and the alarm turned off, he trudged out onto the sidewalk. Suddenly, in the crowd across the street, he thought he caught a glimpse of her. It couldn’t be. It’s probably just…

A couple with a stroller moved and he got a better look. Holy shit. It is her!

He charged across the street and grabbed the surprised, elusive woman by the arms. “Bliss. That’s your name, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” She was staring at him as if she had just seen a ghost.

“I’ve been…” Whoa. Play it cool, Cameron. “I was hoping to run into you again. Thanks for the creative card. Where are you staying?”

The chief yelled over at him, and Drake held up one hand as if to say, give me a minute.

“With my parents. I’m going crazy there and came back to look at apartments today. Is this neighborhood prone to fires? If so, I’d better look elsewhere.”

“No! I mean, no, it’s plenty safe.”

She smiled and something inside him melted. The chief yelled at him again and started walking over.

“Listen, before I go, can you give me your number? I’d like to ask you out sometime.” He started to back away.

“Sure.” She grinned and rattled off her cell phone number.

The chief yelled out, “Hey, Cameron!”

“Wait! Is Cameron your first or last name?” Bliss asked.

“Last. My first name’s Drake.” He glanced in the chief’s direction. “Uh, I’d better run.”

Benjamin called after the chief. “Give him a minute, boss. That’s the girl he’s been looking for.”

The chief threw his hands in the air. “Seriously? Everything is supposed to stop so Drake can talk to a pretty girl.”

“Better than having him talk to your daughter, chief,” Mike yelled out.

The chief snorted. “As if I’d let that happen.” Then he focused on Drake and said, “Get her number and come on.”

Chapter 3

Drake had called! Bliss was still floating, but butterflies were getting the best of her as she got ready for their date. To avoid subjecting him to the scrutiny of her parents, she’d asked him to pick her up at Claudia’s apartment. Otherwise, her mother would have asked all kinds of embarrassing questions to see if he was good marriage material, and her father would have simply scowled and brooded because no man was good enough for his little girl. Yeah. His twenty-seven-year-old little girl.

“Why am I so nervous?” Bliss asked. “It’s not like this is my first date. Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this right now. The card competition—”

“Can wait for one evening. You need this.”

“I know, but look…” She extended her trembling hand. “I’m practically shaking.”

Claudia stepped back and admired her handiwork. “You’re nervous because you really like this guy. If you didn’t care, you’d be your usual flippant self.”

“You’re probably right.” Bliss glanced down at her outfit again. “Are you sure I look okay?”

“You look beautiful. Come here.” Claudia dragged her over to the closet and opened the door. A full-length mirror hung on the inside.

“Oh,” Bliss murmured. She swiveled from side to side to take in the full effect. The crimson dress hugged her curves and fit perfectly. Claudia had done Bliss’s hair in soft waves. It looked shiny and touchable. Her black pumps accentuated her long legs. “I think you performed a miracle.”

“I had good material to work with.” Claudia smiled and went to hug her.

“No. Don’t touch me. I’m afraid the whole thing will fall apart if I move.”

Claudia laughed. “You have to. Would he be willing to come in here and watch you stand like a statue?”

“I suppose not.”

“Right. Now we just have to find some kind of outerwear for you. It’s spring, but it still gets chilly at night.”

“You mean I have to cover everything up with a jacket or sweater? Wouldn’t that ruin the effect?”

“No. How about a pashmina? You can drape it over your arm or around your neck until you need it. Then it just wraps around your shoulders. They’re thin but deceptively warm.”

“I know what a pashmina is, and that might work. It won’t add bulk. God knows, I don’t need any more meat on my bones.”

“Stop it. You’re fine.” Claudia reached into her closet and withdrew a black cashmere shawl with a subtle silky sheen.

“My mother’s pasta has added at least five pounds to my hips.”

“You’re nuts. You don’t look fat. Here.” Claudia thrust the shawl at her.

“Thanks.” Bliss folded the shawl and draped it over her arm. “Do I need a necklace, or are the earrings enough?”

“You don’t want to look like you knocked yourself out getting ready, even if you did. Besides, if you’re not wearing one, maybe he’ll take the hint and get you one for a gift sometime.”

“You must be dating much more observant guys than I am.”

“No, but I can dream. Hey, I just had an idea for another card you can make,” Claudia said.

“What’s that?”

“Something for first dates.”

Bliss laughed. “I can see it now. It can be a sympathy-type card.”

“I was thinking more of a good-luck card, but whatever. You’re the creative one.”

“You’re pretty creative too. That ad idea you put together for me was awesome. I loved the evil smile on the model’s face.”

“You would. Did it work as the introduction to your portfolio?”