Hot Piece of Ash (Paranormal Dating Agency Book 28)

by Milly Taiden

  That made her wonder what kind of person he was. That had to be a nickname. He was so gorgeous, he had to have women falling all over him. Maybe he was the type to taste a little of every plate but never finish the dinner. She couldn’t imagine how many women he’d taken to his bed. A different one every night for sure.

  Did she want to be the next dish for him to dip into? No. Yes. Ah, heck. She knew better than to follow her hormones into danger, but her ego had taken a bruising and Smoke was sweet and cute. Would spending a little time with him really be so bad? Not like she was going to sleep with him.

  Chapter Six

  Smoke couldn’t get enough of the intoxicating smell coming from the woman. He wanted to scoop her up and inhale her entire body. Yeah, that was a little weird, but damn, this was a new experience for him.

  She was beautiful. Her scent. The soft look in her eyes. The curves. He wanted to strip her naked then and there and lick her from head to toe. The dragon inside him roared with an awareness Smoke had never felt.

  She is the one. Ours.

  Holy fuck. Their mate. Smoke had finally found their mate. This beautiful, shy creature was theirs. He wanted to hold her, to kiss her, rub his nose on her flesh, and inhale her scent.

  He had a hard time controlling the dragon. He wanted to mate with the curvy female right away. That wouldn’t go over well. Not with a human. He watched her fidget and wanted to reassure her that she was safe with him. But he could tell she was a little out of her element and instead chose to smile at her.

  “I love New York. It’s a great city. Big and busy. A fun place to visit.”

  She snorted. “You’re right. It’s definitely a great place. To visit. But it’s just not the kind of place you want to live in. You spend all your time rushing. Even when you’re supposed to be relaxing it feels like you’re not doing something.”

  She bit her lip, and he sucked in a groan. Then she licked it, and he swallowed a grumble. It was a definite turn on and he couldn’t do anything about it. If he didn’t know better, he’d say she was deliberately teasing him, but she wasn’t. She was so unaware of her beauty and sexuality; it wasn’t typical for most females.

  “I bet the holidays up there are fun, though,” he said.

  She smiled, her eyes twinkling with happiness. “Yes. It’s beautiful. All the stores get dressed up, and the big tree at Rockefeller Plaza looks grandiose. I love grabbing a hot chocolate and watching the people ice skate.”

  “You don’t ice skate?”

  She gave a short giggle. “No. I’d fall and break my face. I tried it once a long time ago. It’s not for me. But it’s fun to watch others doing it. Especially when they’re really good.”

  “Well, you certainly chose a great island to spend your time on.”

  She nodded and glanced out at the water. “This place is majestic. The breeze, the sun and the views. I’m surprised I was able to get this job. I’m sure there were a lot of people looking to work here.”

  He didn’t tell her that people didn’t apply to work at Fire Mountain. They were chosen for their jobs, and nobody ever knew about openings, other than management. They liked it that way because they preferred to promote from within and had a great mentorship program. The fact she’d been hired from outside was interesting enough, but realizing she was his and Ash’s mate, made her even more special.

  “Don’t you have a family you miss being away from?”

  “My mom and dad still live in New York. My brother’s married and has two kids. I don’t see any of them a lot. We’re not one of those close-knit families. They all spend their time doing things away from each other. It’s almost as if they really dislike each other, including me.” He watched as she stopped and picked up a blue seashell, removing the sand from it and bringing it up to her face. It was beautiful.

  “Do you all get together on the holidays or anything?” he queried.

  She shrugged and peeked up at him from under lowered lashes. “Not really.”

  “Do you not like that?”

  “Oh, yeah,” she said softly, glancing away quickly. “Throughout the years I’ve longed for that family who gives you comfort and love. You know, that connection. But that was never for my family.”

  “What about you?”

  He debated how much to tell her about himself. She was a human and probably wasn’t used to dragons. He didn’t want to scare her away. “My parents have passed away. I don’t have any siblings, so it’s just me.”

  Her brows lifted. “You don’t seem lacking in friends, though.”

  Their gazes met, and she grinned when he frowned. “What do you mean?”

  Just then, another person ran past them and waved hello.

  “That,” she mumbled hastily. “Everyone knows you.”

  He gave a slight smile. Everyone did know him and Ash. That didn’t seem odd to him. But they were a bit sequestered on an island away from the normal population. “I guess it comes with the territory. Soon, everyone here will know you too, I’m sure.”

  She sighed. “Yeah. It’s part of my job to be known though.” They stopped, and she glanced out at the water. A couple of tourists were out on jet skis. “How do you like working here?” she asked.

  “It’s great. I love the tropical climate.”

  “This view is unbelievable, isn’t it?”

  He glanced at her. “Absolutely beautiful,” he said.

  “I need to ride one of those,” she said eagerly, watching the jet skis doing circles and going from side to side. “They look fun.”

  “You’ve never ridden?” He couldn’t believe she had never tried before. Handling one was second nature for him.

  “No, but I plan to do every single activity and tour offered to the guests.”

  He laughed. “That’s the spirit. You’re going to love the helicopter ride up to the volcano.”

  She turned to him, and her gaze caressed his nakedness and a deep blush came alive on her cheeks. His shorts did nothing to cover the majority of what was on display. His good running shorts were all dirty, and he was putting off doing laundry as long as he could. Thus digging to the back of the drawer to find the only option.

  “I saw a photo of a couple by a blue hole. Is that far?”

  “It’s on the other side of the island, but we have a tour that takes guests there. Do you want to do that?” He’d take her there on a private tour and show her more than the water. Fuck, was he terrible or what? Already planning out how to get her naked.

  She nodded. “I’ll have to schedule that one too. I want to experience everything you have to do on the island. What better way to promote everything than by using my own experiences, right?”

  Experience everything? Oh, yeah. He could show her a lot. “Right. Are you free for dinner?”

  She blinked, saying nothing. The first rejection he ever got would be from his mate. The gods must hate him. “Um, what?”

  His smile widened. “I asked if you’re free for dinner. I’d love to take you out.” Goddess, he would swear to never look at another woman again. Never even talk to a female unless it was for work. He would never try to seduce anyone ever again if she just said yes.

  “Like to eat?”

  Shit. She was trying to come up with an excuse.

  “Yes,” he replied.

  “I’m actually meeting someone,” she started. His chest hurt with the rebuff, anger growing quickly. Mine.

  Valentina quickly added, “A co-worker. Nice lady.”

  Lady? His anger deflated like a beer belly after a burp. He felt stupid for being so emotional over her. But he couldn’t control himself like he normally would. His instincts took over.

  “I would like to take you on a date. See more of the island. Do something fun.”

  “Um. Okay. Sure. That sounds nice.”

  Her cell phone rang. She pulled it from the pocket in her tight-fitting shorts. They looked lovely on her. The lightweight shorts showed him what belonged to him and he would, hopeful
ly, get soon.

  “That’s my signal to remind me to get ready for dinner. I have to go.” She turned and headed back over her footprints in the sand. She smiled up at him but didn’t say anything. What was going through her head? Good thing she didn’t know what was going through his.

  He followed her toward the bungalow behind the office building. Isadora had said she was saving it for the PR guy. Well, not a male but a female. She was their new employee! Holy shit, she was the new public relations person. Suddenly he felt like promoting the shit out of the island.

  She hadn’t looked at him or said anything during their time returning. That bothered him. He wanted her to be comfortable around him.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  She glanced up, her eyes cloudy with confusion . “Yes, why?”

  He shrugged. “You have been quiet for a while.”

  Walking around the bungalow to the back entrance where he saw a pair of sandals, they stopped, and she shifted from foot to foot. Nervous. She was anxious with him? That couldn’t be good. Not the way to start a relationship.

  “Thank you for the walk,” she stammered, glancing up at him. “Are you sure you still want to have dinner?”

  He frowned and then smiled at her, lowering his head until their faces were mere inches from each other. He breathed her in. There was definite insecurity in her, but he sensed her desire for him. That drove him to speak. “I would never back out of our date, beautiful, Valentina.” He cupped her cheek, and she sucked in a breath, exciting him beyond what his shorts could conceal. He knew he was taking liberties by touching her. Again. On purpose, this time. But he was excited she didn’t pull away. Instead, she seemed to almost lean into his touch.

  Then he caressed his thumb over her jaw and chin. He couldn’t stop touching her. Her skin was so soft, so warm. He wanted more. “You’ll have fun,” he glanced at her mouth, licked his lips, and then zeroed in on her eyes again.” I can show you some of the best places. I need to leave the island for a bit. I have some research to do. But I promise I’ll be back tomorrow.” He paused, thinking of the timetable. When could he be back so he could meet up with her? “How about I pick you up at four tomorrow afternoon?”

  “Okay,” she said softly, her voice husky and her arousal all but surrounding him. He stepped back and took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips. He breathed deeply again. Could he eat her now?

  “Welcome to Costa Bonita, Valentina.”

  Chapter Seven

  Valentina leaned against the back door to her bungalow watching a Greek god stride away in a teeny tiny pair of shorts. And damn, if the rearview wasn’t just as fine as the front.

  Holy hotness. What just happened? It seemed unbelievable that Smoke wanted to go out with her. Her. Oh God. He had asked her out to eat. And she’d stuttered like an idiot. She knew she’d sounded stupid, but she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been on a date. And honestly, having been divorced for three years and not having any romantic interactions in almost two, she wasn’t sure if he was coming on to her or just being friendly. But he didn’t seem to care.

  She frowned. When did she begin putting herself down? When Victor and every man in her past had consistently put her down due to her shyness and weight.

  While she showered for her dinner with Isadora, she thought of how unsure she was of herself due to her body image. Had she always been that way? No. Shy? Yes. Insecure? No.

  She had always thought of herself as a strong woman, but was she really? Glancing at the clothes in her closet, she shook her head. Her entire life, she’d had to be independent and have her own back. But somewhere along the way, she’d lost her belief in…her.

  The thoughts were still nagging at her when there was a knock at her door. She slipped on a pair of dressy sandals and grabbed a clutch and a shawl. Most restaurants had air conditioning blowing hard enough to make her uncomfortably cold. She definitely wanted to enjoy her dinner, not shake like a leaf.

  “Valentina,” Isadora rushed in the moment she opened the door and hugged her. “It’s so wonderful to finally meet you in person.”

  Valentina hugged her back and smiled. Being hugged was a little strange. Having had no one to actually show her affection, she realized she liked being hugged by the older woman. It was nice and warm, and made her feel special. Her family weren’t just uninterested in spending time together, they also didn’t hug, kiss or say anything remotely nice to each other.

  “I’m so happy to meet you too,” Valentina told her and pulled back, hoping Isadora wasn’t weirded out by her hugging her too long.

  Isadora squeezed her hands and then walked inside with Valentina. “Do you like the bungalow? If not, we can move you to something bigger. Or if you prefer the mountains, you can have something higher up.”

  She shook her head and laughed. “Isadora, stop. This place is perfect. It’s huge, and I love it. I didn’t even think I’d get my own place. I thought I’d be rooming with someone or getting a studio apartment or something.”

  Isadora’s eyes widened. “Never. You came from far away to make this place your home and to work. You deserve a great view.”

  “It’s absolutely great and you’re too generous.”

  “All right. If you’re ready, let’s go.” Isadora walked out, and Valentina followed behind her, closing the door. “The restaurant isn’t far from here.”

  They got into Isadora’s Range Rover and headed out. In what felt like the blink of an eye, they were in a lot at the back of a building.

  “This is parking for employees only since resort guests have to leave their vehicles at the parking center at the front of the resort. Guest transport is available to bring them here, but they can’t drive their personal vehicles inside the resort. It would be crazy if we let them all drive over here. Not to mention the resort includes unlimited spirits so that would mean too many guests under the influence of alcohol driving and that’s a very big hell no.”

  They went around to the front and into the restaurant. The hostess, whose name tag read Wendy, smiled at them.

  “Hi, Isadora,” Wendy greeted, “it’s good to see you.”

  “Hi, Wendy. I want you to meet Valentina. She’s our new Vice President of Public Relations. I knew this was a great place to kick off her joining our team.”

  Wendy shook Valentina’s hand and nodded excitedly. “Yes, it is! Welcome aboard, Valentina. I know for a fact you’re going to love the resorts, the island, and the people.” She motioned to her right. “If you ladies will follow me, I have your table ready.”

  They followed Wendy to a table facing the water where they could see the sun setting.

  “This is perfect,” Isadora told Wendy. “Thank you.”

  “Anything for you, Isa. Valentina, if you need anything, please let me know. I’m always happy to help.”

  “Thank you.”

  They sat, and she was mesmerized by the beautiful view of the setting sun.

  “Lovely, isn’t it?” Isadora asked with a smile.

  “It’s amazing. Thank you for choosing this spot. It’s surreal.” She moved her hands to allow the server to fill her glass with water. “I can’t believe I’m actually here, and this is going to be my new job.”

  “Believe it. I’ve spoken to your former employers. We’re lucky to have you.” Isadora squeezed her hand and smiled wide. “Now, tell me how a beautiful girl like you isn’t married?”

  Valentina scrunched her face and let her shoulders drop. “I think it has to do with me being shy and extra curvy.”

  Isadora frowned. “I don’t understand. Since when is that a bad thing?”

  “Every man I’ve ever been in a relationship with, including my ex-husband, has always made me feel like they’re doing me a favor by being with me.” She shrugged. “My family is very distant and cold, so I‘ve never had any positive reinforcement in my life. I kind of built some drive into myself. But I’ve always been a bit insecure and extremely shy. It’s hard for me
to flirt, and I don’t feel comfortable with sexy clothing. I’m happiest just working or reading a good book. So, the men I’ve had in my life have always let me know I’m boring,” she cleared her throat. “Well, fat and boring.”

  Isadora gaped at her. “You’re kidding! Tell me you’re kidding.”

  “No. It’s okay. I’m not saying that for you to feel bad. It’s just what happened. I’m happy with how I look. I mean, I know I’m not everyone’s idea of perfect, but I try to move around and be healthy. I’m just a big girl. There are worse things than being big.” She truly believed that. It’s why she didn’t understand why men were so hung up a woman having to look a certain way.

  “There are so many worse things than being a big girl. Many. There are millions of things worse than being curvaceous. But you are beautiful. I mean. You’ve got curves in all the right places, girl!”

  She laughed and shook her head. “You’re the first person to ever say that.”

  “Well, it’s true. You are. I’m sure you’ll find a cute guy or two during your time here.”

  “It’s okay. I’m not here to find a man. I’m excited to learn about the resorts and see how I can best advertise them. Though it seems like they’re doing amazing all on their own.”

  The waiter handed them menus and took their drink orders. She glanced at the different seafood dishes, and her mouth watered.

  “See something you like?”

  “This all sounds delicious. Not a single dish doesn’t look appetizing.”

  “I won’t lie to you. It is. All of it. Whatever you decide on, save room for dessert. They make the best caramel soufflé.”

  “Wow.” Her stomach growled, and she blushed. “I think I want to try that.”

  They laughed. “Now, what are you going to order? I’m thinking about the salmon.”

  She decided on the grilled seafood plate with scallops, tiger shrimp, and a piece of Mahi-Mahi, all wild-caught. She got up to go to the ladies’ room. Once she figured out where she was going, she glanced over her shoulder at Isadora and waved. Then she proceeded to walk right into someone.