Myka Michaels has been a Healer specializing in obstetrics for years. Her assignment on Dremarai is one she both revels in and dreads. She wants to be the best Healer she can be, but riding a horse-beast from town-to-town isn't really her idea of a fun work environment. Elite D'hai Bosun has been selected as her escort through the countryside, his dragon tattoo proudly proclaiming his ability to summon magic. When Myka begins to feel an attraction to her escort she doesn't know how to tell him, then the custom of Hospitality raises its head. All Myka needs to do is to ask D'hai to fulfill his obligations to her as her host, to give her the Hospitality of his body. Will her Terran prudishness override her urge to ride the dragon accompanying her?

Excerpt:

She returned to the hotel and ordered a fast bath and asked for new clothing. “I am supposed to be having dinner with Elite D’hai. A cold bath will be fine.”

Her words started a wild explosion of activity and the tub made it past her to the bathing room. Servants stood by to help her strip while new clothing was brought in. She peeled out of her robe and the servants tackled her tunic and skirt. Even her socks went flying as water splashed into the tub, she jumped in, scrubbing blood and amniotic fluid off her skin. The flowered soap foamed quickly, making quick work of the stains of her employment.

A quick rinse by turning under the pitcher of water held by another servant sluiced her clean, and towels swarmed her from every angle. The fresh tunic was slid over her shoulders while she stepped into another split skirt. In moments, she was dry, presentable and hungry.

A frantic servant skidded in and said the first sentence that she had yet to hear from one, “He is asking for you. He is growing impatient.”

Myka straightened her shoulders, “Then let’s not keep him waiting.” She followed the woman to the room where Elite D’hai was waiting, and it was a good thing she had. He had risen to his feet and was approaching the door when they slid it open.

“Why are you late?”

She bowed apology as the servant made a break for it. “I had to deliver a baby. A healthy boy.”

“Truly? A healthy birth?”

His tone was hopeful, admiring, she raised her head to peek at his features and was surprised at the delighted smile.

“Yes. A healthy birth, mother and son are doing fine.” She gestured to her new clothing, “I had to change before dinner. Occupational hazard.”

“I guess if I am to be your companion and escort while you are here, I must get used to your odd hours.” He bowed a small apology and gestured for her to be seated. “You must be hungry after your efforts.”

“Yes. Very.” She sat and washed her hands, thinking back to the blue flame that had coated her hands and not burned.

“Who had the baby?” He seemed curious. A servant brought the first course, a noodle with chop sticks for consumption.

“Berengit.”

“Ah, Mashu’s wife. The matchmaker. Did she give you any romantic advice?” He seemed mildly curious.

Myka almost choked on her noodles. “Uh, I don’t know if it was romantic, but she did give me some advice.”

“I can only imagine. Would you care to share her suggestion?”

“I don’t think I am ready to. It was a little more than my prudish senses can cope with.”

He looked disappointed. “A hint?”

“It concerns the realms of hospitality.” She kept her eyes down and slurped her noodles with intense focus.

A tense silence fell between them. The one time during the meal that Myka got up the nerve to look at him, his silver eyes were alive with molten heat.