Page 22 of I Fell for an Alien Popstar

I did not get it together.

I sat there for what must have been twenty minutes, cycling through emotions like channels. I was in shock, giddy, terrified, horny, nauseous, and then back to shocked again.

Did I mention horny?

I thought about messaging my mum and then instantly imagined her going into cardiac arrest.

So I did nothing. I curled my knees up, pressed my forehead to them, and breathed.

A soft chime startled me so badly that I almost fell off the couch.

“Vada?” Zhari’s voice came through the panel, muffled but unmistakable. “It’s me.”

My knees went wobbly with nerves as I pushed myself up. I still couldn’t believe I was having a sleepover with Zhari Lumis. I walked across the room and reached for the door, but it chimed and slid open before I could touch it.

“Oh,” I said, startled.

She stepped inside barefoot, her hair slicked back in a loose braid. She’d changed into loose pants and a soft top that exposed one shoulder.

In her hands, she balanced two steaming cups and two bottles tucked under her arm.

“Nebs and Starlust,” she declared, holding them up like offerings. “Sleepover essentials.”

“Mmm, Nebs. I had some before the show at a little hole-in-the-wall place, and they were so good.”

“Yes, they are my favorite. They’re like your ramen on Earth,” she said, grinning. “Even though I have never been to Earth, there are plenty of vendors who sell Earth food on Vela. It is nothing compared to ours.”

“Totally,” I said. “My friend Pia’re said the same thing earlier, and I agree. Nebs are way better. I didn’t realize you could get so many toppings.”

“Oh, yeah. There are tons. One of my favorites is spicy J’ynthe. It’s a type of sea creature.” She licked her lips and smiled. "I've also decided to call you my little noodle. I feel it is very fitting, Nebs are my favorite and now you are," she beamed.

"Oh, okay that's fine," I said.

She walked over to the coffee table and set everything down. Then she paused and looked around, following my gaze to the bed. Her shoulders dipped.

“I should say,” she began carefully, “there is only one bed. It is… a standard suite.”

My stomach performed a small, terrified cartwheel.

“I noticed.”

Her gaze slid to the bed, then back to me. “I will not pretend I am upset,” she said, her lips curving. “I have spent an unreasonable amount of time imagining what it would be like to sleep beside my fated mate. Now the universe has delivered one very large bed and you… in pajamas.”

My pulse tripped over itself.

“Right. Well. I’m fine with it if you are. It looks comfy.”

She watched me for a moment, as if she were memorizing every flicker of my expression. Then her smile went a little sharper, a little wicked.

“I am very excited to be this close to you,” she said softly. “But I can behave.” Her eyes dipped to my mouth and back. “We can share the bed, and I will keep my hands and aura where you want them.”

“For now,” I whispered. “I appreciate you being patient.”

Her dual-pulse brightened slightly on her neck.

“When you decide you want more,” she said, her voice dropping to a delicious purr, “I promise you will not have to ask twice.”

Oh boy.