Page 56 of Alien Burn

“I might like other things too.”

“I hoped you would.”

She looked at his mouth. Realized where she was looking and lifted her eyes quickly enough that he certainly noticed.

His own smile changed, just a little.

The space between them felt smaller.

“You said you had a transport,” she managed.

“I do.” He checked his comm with obvious reluctance. “And now I have a driver wondering whether I've forgotten.”

He stood. Sereya rose with him, smoothing her tunic.

She did not want another abrupt ending with Roemary's voice arriving to fill it.

“Would you tell me what the stars look like?”

He paused.

“When you get there,” she said. “If you have a moment.”

“I could call you.”

“Yes.”

He looked pleased. That was still surprising enough to make her feel a little unsteady.

“I'll send a message first. You can tell me if it's a bad time.”

“All right.”

She put her uninjured hand briefly on his forearm.

She had meant only to say goodbye. His gaze fell to her fingers, and she remembered his warmth beside the pool.

“This one's deliberate,” she said quietly.

He covered her hand with his.

“I was hoping it might be.”

She stayed for one more breath, then let go.

“Go. Before your driver comes looking for you.”

“That would be embarrassing.”

“Especially if he knew the way.”

Dhomhes laughed all the way to the turning.

Sereya watched him take the right path this time.

Her comm chimed as he disappeared.

Roemary wanted to know where she was.