Why had she needed to talk with David? Had she made a decision about the frenzy? Or had it been to discuss her business? Something completely unrelated?
Even though he hadn’t been mated very long to Tasha, the more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to know about her.
His dragon spoke up. Stop wondering and walk faster. Why you won’t run, I have no idea.
I’m trying to look casual.
His beast snorted. Such a human thing to do.
Brad did pick up his pace a little and, within minutes, was through his front door and calling Tasha’s name.
Her reply came from the kitchen, so he strode inside. Tasha sat with Ashley at the counter overhang, the pair of them sipping tea and eating cookies.
Maybe he should be nonchalant, but fuck that. Brad asked, “What did you need to talk to David about?”
Ashley clicked her tongue. “So demanding.”
He growled, but Tasha answered before he could say anything. “Be nice to Ashley. She had a proposal and we went to see David about it. And before you growl again, calm down and come closer so we don’t have to shout across the kitchen.”
As soon as he stood across from the pair, Tasha continued without being prodded. “If I continue to live here, ADDA won’t allow me to run my bar in Reno.”
A small sense of dread filled his stomach, but Brad managed to keep the feeling hidden deep inside. “So that’s what you went to talk to David about?”
She shrugged one shoulder. “In a way. Ashley had a suggestion, one where if David allowed me to build on a small piece of land, I could make a place for humans and dragon-shifters at the edges of StoneRiver’s lands. And before you ask, he agreed to it. There are some finer details to work out with regards to the alliance with PineRock, but as soon as I can sell my place in Reno, I can start working on my project here.”
He blurted, “So you’re going to stay?”
Tasha smiled, the sight making him relax a little. “That depends. Are you going to say I can’t run a bar, even knowing there could be trouble?”
He stared at his mate, taking in her inquisitive brown eyes and the slight tension in her muscles.
Even if he weren’t trained to read body language, Brad knew his answer would determine everything.
His beast murmured, Then don’t be a dick about it.
He replied to Tasha carefully, needing to be honest without scaring her away. “I can’t say that I won’t ever worry. And I plan to still be a part-time security guard, like before. However, I trust you to be safe about what you do and to listen to what the Protectors and ADDA have to say about safety and precautions. So of course I’m not going to stop you.”
She full-on grinned. “I like that answer.” But then her brows came together a fraction, and she added, “But you better not change your mind down the road, Brad. Because if we have the frenzy and I’m pregnant, I won’t be restricted to the house unless a doctor tells me it’s necessary. I’ll want to keep working on everything. Can you handle that?”
His dragon half didn’t want a pregnant mate anywhere near trouble, even if it was only a small possibility.
And yet, Brad knew he was strong enough to rationalize with his beast and convince him.
His dragon sighed. I’m not that overprotective.
You say that now, but you’ll get worse once she carrie
s our child.
Maybe. But I wouldn’t do anything to drive her away. That much I can promise.
Tasha’s voice prevented him from replying. “So? What does Mr. Dragon have to say about it all?”
Not caring that Ashley was there, he moved to the other side of the counter to Tasha’s free side and gently cupped her cheek. “He’s willing to work on it. But I promise you that I’ll make sure he accepts it.”
She laid a hand on his chest, and he instantly placed his free hand over hers, not wanting her to move away. He asked, “So? What does this all mean for us?”
Tasha smiled. “I think it means we need to get everything in order so you can finally kiss me on the lips, Mr. Harper.”