Dragon Ugly (Dragon New Year) by Selena Illyria Read Free Book Online Page B

had. She wore second-hand clothes and never had brand name sneakers or labels. Money had always meant security to her.
    It didn’t put her off that Brent worked as a server. Carissa worked three jobs to put herself through college, and saved all her extra money for the shop. As much as she loved shopping, she only spent what she could afford to lose, and splurged when there was a sale. She always made sure her spending wouldn’t interfere with her ability to make her rent or car payments.
    Despite what Jezebel and Anna thought, servers were hardworking people who did a lot more than most saw and put up with things that would have made Jez and Anna quit after an hour on the job. Scentify was their first experience working anywhere. As much as she loved her friends, sometimes their attitudes rubbed her the wrong way.
    “Just because he’s a server shouldn’t put him off limits,” Carissa started. “He works hard, and puts up with a lot of crap.”
    Jez just shrugged. “But is he going anywhere? Does he have ambition?”
    Anna didn’t say anything. She was busy taking apart her onion bloom.
    “I take it you don’t want any kissing tonight?” Carissa teased.
    “I have been dreaming about this damn thing for weeks. I’m going to enjoy every buttery, herbaceous bite.” With that, Anna dived into her plate.
    Jez sighed. “You guys and diets. I’ll never get it.”
    Carissa laughed. “Must be your vampire side coming out.”
    Jez rolled her eyes. “It’s garlic that’s supposed to scare away vampires, not onions. Besides, not all myths are accurate. Otherwise the dragons would be hoarding the jewels and kidnapping virgins—so you’d be fresh out of luck in that department.”
    “How do you know?” Anna demanded. “I could be a virgin.”
    “And I’m Joan of Arc,” Jez shot back.
    “You’re at least old enough to have met her,” Carissa ducked and concentrated on her food. A smile played on her lips. It had been so long since they’d just had fun. Work had taken its toll on them.
    Jez said nothing, which to Cari meant that she was plotting on a way to get her back.
    Brent returned to check in on them and refilled their drinks before checking on his other tables. The brief contact only added fuel to the fire inside of Carissa. Her arousal continued to simmer. She tried to ignore it as she ate and kept a watch out for him. When he came to clear their plates, he took their soup and salad orders. He gave her a wink before going off, making her feel giddy. For once, her cautious nature did not take over and try to analyze what was going on. All was bliss as far as she was concerned. She took her friends’ teasing in stride and settled into her chair to take in the beautiful night around them.
    Brent came back with their second round of food. “Enjoy. You’ll love the Festival berry salad. It’s our most popular.”
    “I’m sure I will love it.” Carissa gave him a nod and was pleased when his smile grew to show off his teeth. Again she glanced down at the front of his pants to see the bulge was still there.
    He caught her staring, and winked again, mischief sparkling in his bluer-than-blue eyes.
    She winked back, without even a blush of embarrassment at how forward she was being.
    He leaned toward her. “I’ll be back.” He turned slowly and she enjoyed the view as he walked away.
    Jez and Anna said nothing for a few seconds before they burst out laughing. “Do you want us to leave or would you just like to take him here and now on the table while we watch?” Anna teased.
    Carissa sighed. “No. A, I’m not an exhibitionist; and B, you still haven’t gotten your dinner yet. But if you start irritating me I may have to throw you both into the lake,” she joked. That set both women off even more.
    “Look at her. She’s afraid that we’ll steal her man,” Anna chuckled.
    Carissa shook her head. “You two don’t even have a chance.” She flicked her hair over her shoulder, which made them