Page 22 of Naughty Elf: Merry

“What are you thinking?” His arms wrapped around me from behind as I was doing inventory, making sure I had everything I needed. It was hardly the funnest part of my job, but it was a necessary one.

“Hey,” I said, turning around in his arms and kissing him, unable to resist the temptation of his sweet lips. “I’m almost done here. What’s on your list?”

He rattled off the 4,000 bazillion things he’d already accomplished for the day in his quest to get everything ready, and his to-do list was dwindling down to practically nothing.

“You’re amazing.” I kissed him.

“No, this is just what I love.” It was true he loved it, but it was equally true that he excelled at it.

“I only have to pick up the order from the craft store that came in, and then I’m done for the day.” He’d managed to get some items in bulk that we needed for the snow globes.

“I was thinking,” he said hesitantly, “maybe we could go out and grab a bite to eat.”

His wording felt a little off, and I couldn’t quite figure out why. It was almost like he was worried.

“What’s going on?” I cupped his cheek.

“I don’t know how to do this.”

I was pretty sure there was nothing he didn’t know how to do. “Do what?”

“Well, I heard humans like dates, so I thought I would ask you on a date. But it sounded like I was asking you to buy me things, so that didn’t work out.”

Oh, sweet Merry.

“First of all, I’m not human. But I do like dates and would especially love one with you.” I pressed my forehead to his. “And, also, you didn’t sound like you were asking me to buy you things.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really. I think it’s sweet that you want to go on a date. Did you have something in mind?”

He scrunched up his nose in that adorable way he had. “We could go to lunch or… some people talking about Christmas Candy Land.”

I wasn’t sure what he meant, and when I asked him, he pulled out his phone and showed me an event page. A few towns over, one of the community kitchens was hosting a candy-making class for Christmas.

“Looks like tonight is candy canes.”

“I’ve never made candy canes.” Or any other kind of candy. “It sounds fun.”

After picking up the supplies, we grabbed a bite to eat on our way out of town after reserving the last two spots in the class.

It was soooo much fun, but it very much wasnota beginner’s class. Not even close. And it was dangerous in a way I hadn’t expected. I had no idea candy was so complicated and temperature-sensitive. I guess I thought it was just mixed like cookie dough, poured into a mold, and done. But no—there was science involved. And heat.

My dragon loved it and kept reminding me that he could do better. He probably could, but not in a room full of humans.

Maybe next year we can make it with our mate, just us,I promised him.

The idea of a “next year” sounded pretty fabulous. I still didn’t know where we’d be—if Merry would stay here, or if he’d want me to go there. We hadn’t had a serious conversation about it yet. We were just enjoying our new bond. But one thing I knew, was that there would be a next year, and one after that and another after that.

“Your candy cane looks… not candy-cane-shaped,” Merry teased.

I looked at mine. It was definitely not.

“That’s fine.” He shoulder bumped me. “Next year, I’ll do the forming, and you do the heating.”

“Wait, can you…” I trailed off, staring at him.

He looked at me with a grin.