She scrambled off the bed, grateful for the distraction even as part of her wanted to throttle the baby for her timing. Her legs felt unsteady, and she was certain her face was bright red.
What just happened?
She’d kissed an alien smuggler. And she’d liked it. A lot.
Ari’s cries intensified, and she scooped her up, grateful for something to focus on other than the way her lips still tingled.
“Hey, sweetheart,” she murmured, bouncing gently. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
Behind her, she heard him moving around the cabin. She didn’t turn to look, too aware of what she might see—and of what might happen if she let herself get distracted again.
Focus. Baby first. Existential crisis about alien makeout sessions later.
Ari quieted as she walked her around the small space, her cries subsiding into soft hiccups. The baby’s large dark eyes fixed on her face with that unnerving infant intensity, like she was trying to memorize every feature.
“You need a change,” she diagnosed, wrinkling her nose. “And probably breakfast.”
“I’ll handle the bottle.” His voice came from behind her, carefully neutral. “You handle the, ah, other situation.”
“Such generosity.”
“I’m nothing if not accommodating.”
She risked a glance at him. He stood at the replicator, his back to her, but she could see the tension in his shoulders. Good. At least she wasn’t the only one affected.
The diaper change was awkward but manageable, thanks to Doren’s makeshift supplies. By the time she’d finished, he had the bottle ready and a bowl of porridge waiting for her.
“Breakfast,” he announced, setting the food on the small table. “Eat while I feed her.”
She blinked. “You’re going to feed her?”
“Unless you have objections?”
“No, I just...” She watched as he settled into a seat, cradling Ari in one arm with surprising confidence. The baby latched onto the bottle immediately, her small hands coming up to grip his fingers. “I didn’t expect you to offer.”
“I’m full of surprises.”
The image was incongruous and oddly touching. This tall, dangerous smuggler holding the tiny silver-skinned infant like it was the most natural thing in the world. Ari’s eyes never left his face.
“She really does like you,” she said softly, sinking down next to him.
“As I said. Excellent taste.”
“And terrible judgment.”
He grinned, but there was something gentler in his expression now. Something that made her chest feel too tight.
She focused on her porridge, trying not to stare at them. The food was warm and filling and surprisingly good but she ate mechanically, her mind still spinning from the kiss.
What does this mean? Does it mean anything? He’s taking us to a space station and then... what? We go our separate ways? He finds some way to send me home?
The thought of home sent a pang through her chest. Her home. Her classroom. Her students, probably wondering where she’d gone. Was Alison looking for her? Had her father tried to call?
“You’re thinking too hard.” His deep voice pulled her from her spiral. “I can practically see the steam coming out of your ears.”
“Sorry. Just... processing.”
“Processing the kiss, or processing the entire situation?”
