Chapter Twelve

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Bianca spent the day running scenarios in her head of how the coming evening would go. She couldn’t wait to see his weapons collection. She’d always been fascinated by guns, swords and all things weaponry.

One of her favorites was the crossbow. Her father didn’t believe in raising girls and boys much different. Kids were kids and he made sure her home education included things traditionally taught to boys. She learned how to shoot any kind of gun and fight in many styles. She could fish, hunt, shoot and track as well as any boy back home in Arkansas. Her sisters had participated in the woodcraft lessons until their teens, but Bianca was her father’s daughter and the only one who still appreciated that early education. He’d even taken her Bauxite mining, although that was more mechanized these days.

Bianca had developed a love of all things weapons on her own. Maybe that’s why she’d never found any boy back home worthy of her attention. She knew she could best them at the things she loved best, and so did they, to their chagrin. But a dragon shifter was a whole other category of awesome. A dragon would not be intimidated by her ability to hunt, fight or track.

Warrick was interested in her as a person. Who she was. What she liked. He listened to her when she talked. And he was not the least threatened by her knowledge or understanding of weapons. He was going to show her his medieval weapons collection tonight.

She couldn’t wait.

She also knew she had to come clean about the matchmaking thing. It was only fair. But maybe she’d wait until after dinner. She would save sharing the secret fear she had until forced to divulge it.

It wasn’t until they were clearing up the dishes from dinner that Bianca screwed up the courage to tell Warrick about the matchmaking contract.

His house was an eclectic mix of modern and retro—modern, in that the rooms were large and airy, with high ceilings and a design that took “open concept” to a new level; retro, if one could call an authentic-looking replica medieval chamber to house his weapons collection retro. The evidence of his woodworking skills was everywhere, from beautiful cabinetry to intricately carved rafter beams, stair rails and bannisters.

He was also an amazing cook. She wouldn’t starve with Warrick—if she could hold on to him. Bianca set their plates on the kitchen counter while he poured them more wine.

“I need to talk to you about something,” Bianca said, trying to keep the nervousness out of her tone.

Warrick frowned. “Sounds serious.”

“It is.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “You aren’t about to break my heart, are you?”

Bianca thought a moment. “Well, I hope not.”

“Now you’re scaring me.”

“Oh, I am not. Listen. This is hard for me, okay?”

“Okay. I’m sorry. But take care with my heart.”

“I’ll try.” She opened her mouth, closed it and cleared her throat three times. “Do you know about the business Bubba runs?” she finally blurted.

“Yes.” He laughed. “I picked you up there, remember? Psychic readings by secret aliens. If you’re worried I’ll tattle, I promise I won’t. Is this where I need to swear a blood oath or something?”

“No. I do not need a blood oath. That’s not his only business. Do you know about his other business? The one for paranormal folks in town?”

“No. What is it?”

Bianca carefully thought about changing her mind, but pulled up her big-girl panties and announced, “He also runs a matchmaking service.” She watched as Warrick’s eyes went as wide as saucers. Oh no. Was her amazing newfound romance over before it had a chance?

“What are you telling me?” Warrick asked. The wild look in his eyes hadn’t lessened yet.

“I think you know.”

“Tell me anyway.”

“We were set up using Bubba’s Matchmaking Service.”

Warrick stared at her without speaking for a very long time. She watched him carefully, waiting for a response, then waiting for him to morph into a furious dragon and flame her into cinders for being involved unknowingly in a marriage setup.

“So…the reason you came to my shop—”

“Was to pick up the box for my boss, Bubba. That’s the truth.”

“But not the whole truth, I’m guessing. What was the other reason?” His tone seemed a little surly, but she could hardly blame him.

“I didn’t have another reason.”

“But when you got there you…kissed me.”

“I remember.” Bianca teared up. He was about to break her heart, not the other way around. She just knew it.

Warrick’s eyes narrowed. “You must have known.”

“No. I didn’t know.”

Warrick took a step away from her. Bianca took two long steps forward, closing the sudden distance between them, wanting to ensure he understood the truth. “I promise, Warrick. I did not know. I didn’t find out until today. Bubba told me when I went into work after our lunch at Mummy’s Diner.”

“Is that the truth? Really?”

“Yes. And I told him you would be mad. I told him you wouldn’t believe me when I told you the truth. I told him that I wouldn’t believe it.” More tears welled in her eyes. She dropped her head, staring at her shoes. This was going exactly as she’d expected. And she didn’t like it one single bit. She did not want this to ruin them. She angrily swiped away her stupid tears with the backs of her hands.

It was worth making a final appeal. He was worth it. When she lifted her gaze, Warrick’s anger looked like it had lowered quite a few notches. “And what did Bubba say?”

Bianca crossed her arms, uncertain but hopeful. “He insisted that if you didn’t believe me, he would tell you the truth. He said you would believe him.”

Warrick didn’t say anything, but didn’t look angry anymore.

“I promise, Warrick. I didn’t know we were meant to be matched together until earlier today.”

He considered her answer and nodded. “I believe you, Bianca. While I also know that Bubba doesn’t lie, the truth is, I would have believed you, too.” His warm, wonderful smile was a welcome greeting.

Bianca felt like the Earth had been lifted from her weary shoulders. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. “Good. Whew! I’m so relieved.”

“Why is that?” Warrick wrapped her in his arms and squeezed. Just like he did right before he kissed her.

She lifted up onto her toes. “Because not only did I not want to break your heart, I wanted mine to remain intact.”

Their mouths were a whisper away. “What are you saying?”

“I am falling for you more and more each day, Warrick. I didn’t want anything to get ruined between us because of how we met.”

Warrick was quiet for a long time, as if needing to mull things over. “I would tell you that we could forget everything and start over, but I don’t want to give up the memory of all those amazing kisses.”

And then he kissed her like he accepted her apology, like he wasn’t mad at her, like he loved her.

“Thank you, Warrick, for believing me. I don’t want to give up our kissing memories either. Does this count as our first fight?”

He shrugged. “Maybe. Why?”

“Just going on the record that while I enjoy all manner of fighting styles, arguing is not something I enjoy. I’d be fine if our arguments never got worse than what just happened.”

“Noted. Again, we are so very much alike.”

He kissed her again, but only briefly before putting his hands on her shoulders and easing her away. “Now I have a question for you.”

“Okay.”

“How do you feel about my supernatural half?”

“Dragon shifter? I think it’s awesome that you are half-dragon.” But I don’t need to see it and I really hope you don’t expect me to ride on your back.

“Is that it?”

“What else are you looking for?”

Warrick tilted his head to one side as if surprised. “Most people—or rather, every other date I’ve ever had—have wanted to see my dragon form by now.”

“Oh?” Bianca shrugged even as unreasonable fear rose inside her. She quashed it down and gave him a loving smile. “Well, I figure you’ll show me when you’re ready.”

I am not afraid of Warrick being a huge fire-breathing dragon.

I am not afraid of Warrick being a huge fire-breathing dragon.

I am not afraid…