The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas (An MM Monster Christmas #2)

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

T he scent of spices, baked bread, and cookies filled Avery’s lungs. The warm bakery air encompassed him. Customers’ voices mingled. Avery rubbed his fingers together. He closed his eyes. He could feel the magic in the air, like a light prickling sensation on his skin. He hadn’t noticed it at first. He’d not been paying enough attention.

But after Jack had told him about he and his family being witches, Avery realised he could feel a light buzzing in the air as magic imbued their baking.

How did that work? Avery wanted to know! He wanted to know everything about this lovely little bakery and the witch who served him.

It felt like love and care lingered so thickly in the air that Avery could almost taste it. Just being in the room invigorated and nourished him.

And the decorations! Garlands of greenery had been strung up all around the bakery as well as sparkly baubles and ribbon. And the decked-out Christmas tree took his breath away! The bakery felt like Christmas and joy.

Avery moved towards the counter, standing behind the patrons already in line. Jack served an older siren, smiling at her as he wrapped several loaves in brown paper.

Jack hadn’t noticed Avery yet.

“What did you do that for?” one of the bakers out back snapped.

“Why wouldn’t I do that?” another voice said.

Sibling bickering? Just like in the book!

Avery took a step to the side so he could see around the other customers. The men working out back looked identical. Twin brothers? He saw another baker, carrying a tray. He seemed unbothered by the twins’ bickering.

Avery stared, watching the family working together.

One big happy family.

“Avery?”

Avery turned to face Jack. The man smiled at him. He had a handsome lopsided smile.

The man was handsome in general. Broad shoulders that looked strong stretched his beige tunic. Thick brown hair curled around his ears. Slight stubble covered his jaw. His sleeves had been rolled back, showing off impressive forearms and big hands. Flour and dried dough clung to the apron wrapped around his waist.

A very attractive-looking man indeed. Avery hummed.

“Good day, Jack.” Avery came closer.

“Hello, Avery. A vanilla crescent cookie?”

“Yes, please.” Avery counted out and placed the coins on the counter.

Jack placed the cookie on a plate before him. “That all?” He took the coins.

“Yes.” Avery picked up the cookie. It felt so delicate and soft in his hand. If he tightened his fingers, it would crumble to pieces.

He lifted it and smelled the sugary, buttery, vanilla scent. He took a bite, powdered sugar clinging to his lips as the cookie melted on his tongue. He closed his eyes and moaned as bliss exploded in his mouth. Avery savoured each bite until it disappeared entirely. He licked his lips.

Letting out a happy sigh, he opened his eyes. Jack watched him, wearing a slight smile.

“Thank you, Jack.”

“You’re welcome, Avery.”

Their gazes held. Avery felt a tingle of awareness between them. He didn’t want to look away from those deep-brown eyes. They reminded him of earth and soil, of something solid, strong, and true.

Did Jack feel this too? This connection between them?

Avery hadn’t felt it that first day. He’d thought Jack handsome, of course. But each day, he became more aware of the man who gave him his cookie. He thought more of him, even when Avery wasn’t here.

Did Jack think him handsome? He felt the sudden urge to ask. Perhaps he’d like to see Avery’s den. Perhaps he’d like to see Avery’s books!

The bell tinkled, and the door opened. A bunch of gnome children burst into the bakery, followed by their fathers. The room exploded with the noise of children laughing and yelling. They ran to the glass that shielded the baked goods from their hands and pressed their faces against it. They pointed at the delicacies beyond, proclaiming which ones they wanted.

Avery huffed in amusement. “They are very excited.”

“These kids always are.” Jack chuckled.

Avery watched the children with rapt attention. Avery laughed at their happy smiles and their squeals of delight as their fathers gave their orders to Lacy.

As the children ate, crumbs, jam, and bits of chocolate got on their lips, chins, cheeks, and shirts. They did not chew with their mouths shut.

Very poor table manners. Years ago, Avery would have been scolded by Nanny Bessy for such raucous behaviour. But Avery didn’t care.

One big happy family.

Avery smiled.

“Do you have kids?”

Avery turned towards Jack. Avery’s smile fell. “No. I don’t have any kids.”

“What about siblings?” Jack asked.

His lip twitched. “No. Not much of a family.” He gave a strained laugh.

Jack’s brows furrowed slightly.

“What about you?” Avery rushed out, wanting to get the focus off him. “Do you have kids?”

“No.” Jack shook his head. “But I have lots of siblings. I’m one of the oldest. They’re all grown up now though. And Ordelia, my sister, has a daughter and a stepson. So I’m a proud uncle.”

“One big happy family,” Avery mused.

“Some of the time. There is lots of fighting over whose turn it is to cook or clean. Or who misplaced a favourite wooden spoon.” Jack chuckled, deep and low, which sent a shiver down Avery’s spine. “We all work together and live together. Except Ordelia. She moved out when she got married. We have the bakery down here, and we live upstairs.” He paused. His shoulders straightened, and he met Avery’s gaze. “It’s all pretty simple and basic. But we make do.”

“It sounds wonderful,” Avery gushed.

Jack raised an eyebrow. “Does it?” He paused. “It can be pretty chaotic.”

Avery watched the children with their fathers. They definitely seemed chaotic. So different from the quiet calm of his den. But sometimes, maybe, chaos could be nice. Especially if the alternative was crippling loneliness.

“Jack!” a man called from the back. “Can you come help?”

“Of course, Grady.” Jack started to walk away. He turned back. “See you next time, Avery.”

“Yes. See you next time.”

Jack smiled at him before walking around the back area of the bakery.

That smile did funny things to Avery’s stomach. Avery watched as Jack opened the oven, taking out a tray of pastries. Avery stood at the counter, just basking in the cosy atmosphere of the bakery whilst watching Jack.

“Can I get you anything, Avery?” Lacy asked.

“Ah. No. Thank you. I should get going.” He’d stayed too long. He was being weird just standing here watching Jack. But he liked watching Jack.

“Goodbye,” he said to Lacy.

The bell tinkled as he left. The brisk cold air filled his lungs. Avery tilted his head to the sky. He spotted a gargoyle, perched on the rooftops. Avery paused. He had never seen a gargoyle before. He’d only read about them in his books. He’d thought the ancient race practically extinct. Strange to see one here.

He continued, and a light snow fell. The flakes melted as soon as they touched his skin. He didn’t mind the cold. His dragon blood kept him warm.

But of course, he preferred the heat. Like Carrie, Jack’s familiar, who preferred to be cosied up by an oven. He hadn’t seen Carrie today. She must have been in the back part of the bakery.

Walking along the cobblestone streets, Avery wondered what a person like Jack would think of his home, his den, and all his books. Would he think it cosy? Or would he think it boring and quiet?

A prickle of unease spread along his skin. Because Avery loved his den and his hoard of books. Although, it was too quiet. It would be nice to have someone to share it with, someone like Jack.

Avery flushed at the thought of the handsome man sitting in his armchair, holding one of Avery’s books in his big hands. Pleasure squirmed in his gut as he imagined Jack glancing at Avery as he read one of Avery’s treasured books. Avery could be in his dragon form, curled before the armchair, Jack’s hand resting on his scales. Maybe he’d stroke Avery.

He hummed.

Avery shook his head. But that was silly. Nothing like that would happen. He had no idea how to get someone like Jack to come to his house. Avery lowered his gaze. It would just have to remain another one of Avery’s little sad fantasies.