Page 82 of Stone Temptation

“You’re adorable,” he said.

“Don’t say that.”

“Only saying what I see. But don’t worry. I’m on the same wavelength. This is nothing more than a gargoyle-human marking. And a possible new friendship.”

What about the not-set-in-stone thing? “O-Okay.”

“Line drawn. Done. All good?”

I scratched my cheek, finally meeting his amber orbs again. “All good.”

And it was. Never mind kisses and tears and the rest of it. We’d been put together because I was in real danger. This wasn’t some frivolous crap, but a grim reality I should be taking seriously.

Time to get with the program.

Time to shake off this wobble. Repair the steel walls, refocus on Finn. Stay alive. Deflect sexy distractions.

Never give up.

“Want some tea and breakfast?” Asher asked.

“Please.”

“I make a mean eggy bread.”

A surprising revelation. “I haven’t had that in years.”

“Prepared to be amazed.”

“Can’t wait.”

While he made breakfast, I explored his room properly. Smiled at the plethora of lavender-scented candles in various sizes, the crystals dotted about the space. Lots of rose quartz, as well as some clear stones that appeared to be his preferred crystals.

His bookshelf was packed with books on crystal healing and meditation techniques, along with some gargoyle history books. There were also self-help books, cookbooks, and a couple adventure novels.

Asher whistled as the frying pan sizzled, putting me at ease. I relaxed into a false sense of calm with each passing second. This room was a sanctuary, Asher its fearless sunshine leader working to ease the tension.

Why not linger in a short-lived bubble like this?

“Have a seat at the table,” Asher called.

I parked my backside on a chair at the dining table.

Asher strode from the kitchen bearing a tray laden with a teapot, two cups, and a pile of eggy bread. He placed it before me, hurrying back to the kitchen, returning with milk, sugar, cutlery, two plates, and some sauces.

“This smells so good,” I said.

“Cheers very much.” He worked the teapot as if we were at high tea, making mine perfectly. “Get that plate loaded.”

I took two slices of the perfect eggy bread. “My mum used to make this when I was a kid.”

“Hope I can live up to her standard.” He placed my tea beside my plate. “Enjoy.”

I went in, taking the first delicious bite. Wow. What a perfect texture, the egg seasoned to perfection, the flavors next level.

“So good,” I said, taking a sip of tea before bite number two.

“I’m glad. Not a condiment man?”