In the novel, one of her constant complaints is that he doesn't have a tail, so she's denied true dragon/dragon intimacy. She's constantly entwining it with his leg while yelling at him.
It's kind of a constant game between them. She tries to make him confess first (he does, but he DESTROYS her by just not playing the game). I think the first real confession is after pinky's birth. It's one of their touchstone moments. Pattern - I hate you, I hate you, you're awful, you're sick, really? No. Love me? Love you. FUG? FUG!